I spent 3 days hiking in the Adirondacks this weekend, I actually lost two pounds from sweating!
regarding clothes...hiking is like audio...they have high end clothes!
Merino wool is my favorite....
climbing peaks in the winter may not be for everyone, but I highly recommend climbing a peak in nice weather, even a small one, the pain and sweat and fatigue all disappear when you are on top...
and it is addidictive