Staying warm and dry when winter Bikepacking

As I peruse through some of the online forums I see some common questions about what to wear for winter cycling and specificially what to where for winter Bikepacking.  While everyone's internal heater is different, I think there are a couple of rules that apply across the board:

• Layering is the way to go, just like any other cold weather aerobic activity
• For deep cold, use of Vapor Barrier Layers for your feet and hands is critical
• When you start your activity, you must be cold.  If you are warm, as your body begins to work, you are going to be HOT and this is not good.
• I believe for your core, a system of light weight base layer with a heavier weight layer on top of that and outer shell are the best ways to approach keeping you warm and dry.  The base wicks moisture away, and a good shell with venting options allows you to regulate the temperatures and moisture buildup.  See my winter gear sheet for what works for me, but one word: Wool!!
  
• Whatever clothing you wear on your core, you must be able to vent excess heat
• A base layer of wool and windproof nordic pants works great.  Craft makes very good nordic pants that work well on a bike.
• You must be willing to slow down a bit when the heat is building, sweat is your enemy.
• It is important to stay hydrated.
• Keeping your head warm is critical and the use of a buff around your neck is not to be underestimated.  There is a tremendous amount of heat loss that takes place at your neck, and the use of a buff can help either keep this in or let it out which helps to regulate your overall sense of warmth.
  
• Your shoes must be sized large enough to allow your layers (sock liner, VBL, insulating sock) to not cause any form of constriction. It is actually constriction on your foot in a tight fitting shoe that keeps warm blood from circulating to your toes and warming them up.  You must get your boots big enough to allow your feet some room.
• The types of shoes to ride in is a complete post in and of itself.  I for one like going clipless and staying attached to my bike.  Others like platforms and use winter boots or some combination of LW hikers and Overboots.  Look for a separate post on this item.
• For hands, I use a combination of VBL gloves and Pogies to keep my hands warm and dry.  I carry 3 pairs of gloves so that they can be rotated from wet to dry.  There is nothing worse than putting on a pair of gloves that are still wet from sweat.

All of this is based on my experience and my continued evolution in winter bikepacking.  Your mileage may vary so feel free to chime in with what works for you.