[RogerWilco]

Originally Posted by Mass_nerder

Edit*
Not trying to argue, but see article for what I was talking about.
https://www.buildingscience.com/docu...l-in-buildings

I definitely agree with this part of your post:

"although they really need to start building with the insulation on the exterior of the sheathing like commerical projects"

Uninsulated wood studs for plumbing and electrical with all of the insulation on the outside and a dual vapour/air barrier between the insulation and sheathing is pretty much the perfect wall.

But regardless, your vapour barrier in cold climate needs to be on the warm side of the insulation. Your air barrier is best on the warm side of the insulation but can be on the outside. If the air barrier is on the outside it must be vapour permeable. But as stated above, it wood be best to stick it all on the outside and not insulate the studs at all.