Thanks for the replies everyone - info was very helpful. One more question - I knew I shouldn't wear cotton next to my skin but I didn't have the "right stuff" to wear. Now, the question - does this mean I shouldn't wear cotton AT ALL or just next to my skin. Lets say I get some Underarmor or Polartec or some other 1st layer - could I still wear jeans on top of that or should I dump the idea of jeans entirely?

And how are ya Phil? yep it's been awhile. Some people would say I don't need a hat as my head is usually up my ... but that's another issue