where I live there are major temp fluctuations from day to day even the same day but all cold. the warmest it gets in winter is 35 but down to -40 or even colder with windchill I need layering to handle these serious temps would this handle the subzero temps with a hooded transistion mountain hardware softshell, and an expedition wight base layer?

I was in Wisconsin two weeks ago, when temps were in the minus 25*F to the +15*F range, calm to light winds. Did non-strenuous day hikes. Wore thermal shirt under this MontBell jacket, Thermal pants under insulated snow pants, GorTex* boots, beanie and Thinsulite* gloves. Other than any exposed skin (my cheeks) I did not get cold! The jacket zips right up to under your chin. On the warmer days (15*F) I was even unzipping the jacket to cool down a little (avoid sweat-soaking). I'm 6'00" tall and weigh 215 lb. (I'm not small!) The XL jacket fit me like it was tailored and I do not mind that it is not a long cut waist. Very comfortable material, two internal chest pockets along with the two external hand pockets. I was initially worried about the sewn-through quilting causing cold spots, but never noticed any. The outer material is very light and seems like it could tear if snagged, but that's the only reason I can see for wearing a soft shell over it, besides rain. And the jacket compresses down to Nalgene* bottle size. Fleece is dead! I'll never backpack with it again, due to it's weight, marginal warmth, and non-compressibility.