Why Would Anyone Buy an Alpha Direct Hoody?

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Although it seems like I was hard on the fabric, i really think this is unbeatable for certain situations.

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[ChaseMountains]

Thanks to G Packs you can get a 10% discount of their products with code “chase10”

[liv-oivg]

alpha direct isn't meant by polartec to be worn on the outside. it's a midlayer. bit ridiculous the durability people expect from something that's specifically wrapped in a protective shell usually. the high warmth to weight ratio is also sort of pointless if the open weave is exposed to the wind and all the warm air is carried away

[cameronfedde]

For Australia and New Zealand, Macpac (big outdoor store) sells a really nice, cheap Alpha hoody. Lookup the Macpac Nitro Hoody. The women's version doesn't have the chest pocket, so I just got one of those. This + a wind jacket has been my primary layering system for 2.5 years for trail running and back/fastpacking, really incredible fabric.

[higler.]

The Mountain Hardware airmesh seems like the best of both worlds. It is actually durable due to it's mesh outer layer, and still has similar warm/weight ratio of alpha direct. Plus, you can grab them for as low as $30 on sale, always in stock.

[samurai]

Absolutely love my Alpha Direct stuff, I mainly use it for dry sleeping clothes so durability isn't as much of an issue for me. It's surprisingly warm and comfortable for how extremely light it is in your pack. Wind does go right through it though as you said. To give an idea of the weights:

Senchi Designs Alpha 90 Half Zip Crewneck size M: 3.9oz / 110g
MYOG pajama pants size S: 2.6oz / 74g

[amossutube]

I just used my senchi wren hoodie paired with a UL 5-10c quilt as a sleep layer and it was lush! I didn't take a puffy layer, just my alpha layer, my wind shirt and rain jacket and wore these layers round camp and was warm. This is in UK August temps. For winter I'm going to hike with the alpha layer paired with a rain racket or wind shirt and take a puffy jacket. Thanks for all the content. I've been doing the daily routine for a year now and feeling strong

[BurfieldPhoto]

You can get light softshell jackets with an alpha direct liner from most major outdoor brands - they've been around for quite a few years now. A better option for anyone worried about the fragility of the insulation. Garments with only the insulation are a newer thing and seem a bit more niche which is probably why they're harder to find. As others have mentioned the mainstream New Zealand brand Macpac is one of the few mainstream brands that offer an insulation-only garment. They also do a softshell lined version and one with stretch micro-fleece panels.

[ThePapawhisky]

I really like alpha direct. It’s a great active layer, and when paired with a wind shirt it’s great insulation. Very versatile. I hiked the CDT in 2023 with only an Alpha direct hoodie and a montbell wind shirt to keep me warm. Loved it.

[joshc]

I think it is worth mentioning how versatile it is if combined with a windshirt like the Pataguchi Houdini. This combination ends up weighing similar to a windstop fleece but performs better and more versatile.

[childcrone]

I can appreciate the functional value that draws people to this kind of gear, but I have a strong aversion to synthetics and especially micro-fiber.. because of how it will break down and wind up in everything including us.

[Greghikes]

The OMM core hoody I took on last year's pct did the same thing very quickly, plus there's minimal stretch to that alpha fabric. I upgraded to the mountain hardware air mesh hoody. Similar weight, but Vastly superior, the outer knit is protective and stretchy & only 120g. Also while you're there they do the lightest 50+ sun hoody :Crater lake. Mine's 117g for a med. (6'2", 82kg)

[greengraycolor]

Fot, the volume is lower than other channels, a bit too low for my headphones maxed out. Not a biggy.

[rodoutdoors]

I love the Senchi Designs Wren. It was the cheapest Polartec Alpha Direct hoodie I could find at the time. I definitely only use it when backpacking but it has pretty much replaced my down hoodie. Love the washbag that comes with it too. I mostly pair it with my rain jacket.

[zachbarber]

Shoulder season under a rain shell. One of my favorite pieces of hiking gear.

[nopares]

Thanks for the video, what size of Farpointe do you wear and what are your measurements?

[sdemosi]

I have a haglofs jacket with a combination of gore infinium & pertex on the outside and polartec alpha body mapped insulation in the inside. It's the perfect light insulating jacket for hiking and climbing say 3.5 seasons. There are still times I prefer a lightweight down jacket but it has mostly replaced every other insulating layer I own except some some light wicking layers for wear over a base layer. I wear it in Scotland quite a bit and it's great for autumn and early winter munros.

But, you have to be careful to pack it zipped up so none of the polartec is exposed in your bag. It could snag on something and tear, which happened to my wife.
It's a neat insulator and really works but polartec alpha is so fragile by design. The thin connecting fibres to the polartec "pills" trap more air. The downside is obvious fragility.

[tc]

Because the fabric was designed to be a liner, the fuzzy side is actually meant to be against the skin. I wonder if the hoodies would be more durable if they were sewn with the “ugly” side out? 🤷🏻‍♀️

[The_LaZy_HiKeR]

Hey Chase, Macpac in Aus/NZ do one called the Nitro Hoodie and the do one with a pertex shell called the Pisa Jacket.

[tgris]

I recently got one from beyond the trailhead gear co in 120 weight, and worn with a light windbreaker on top it is astonishingly warm. Wouldn’t use it without something on top though

[andycjohnston]

Cottage company in AU Zero G gear also sells Alpha pants! I'm definitely getting some of these to be extra toasty in the AU winter next year. (love my hoodie)