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
@@MarkPharaoh I've had one of those Rab Alpha Direct pieces myself since several years, my point was not about the construction but about how it's worn.
@@MarkPharaoh There's nothing wrong with offering alpha in naked layers, since they're meant to be used as a midlayer or baselayer in a modular system; just don't use them as your outermost layer. Put on a windshirt, softshell, or rain jacket over it.
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.
+1 @cameronfedde1545. I reckon the Nitro hoody is the best piece Macpac have produced in several years (and they do have some pretty good stuff at a reasonable price if you look - props to the alpine series and prothermals) and I love mine. Under AU$100 if you time your purchase to sales. @ChaseMountains is absolutely correct, the user needs to be careful as it is a delicate piece and probably not for those who are full-body-contact style travellers pushing through the scrub, but I have found it to be more robust than expected at first glance. It is lighter than a thermal layer and as warm as a light insulated jacket provided you keep the breeze out. The breeze does readily blow through - by design - so I wear it under a rain jacket or wind breaker in preference to a light puffy which avoids that clammy feeling that can occur wearing nylon layers when you start to do some work. It breaths increadibly fast. When it is washed (washing machine is fine) it dries in a matter of minutes and holds very little water in its structure - so stays lightweight when wet. I think this fabric is proper innovation and look forward to similar tech in the future.
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.
Seconded! Got mine in an end of season sale & I love it. Really warm and light without being stupidly delicate. Probably not as breathable as some options but there's always a trade-off, and I've not had any issues with it :)
It's more durable, but that still isn't saying much. I've had 3 and they've all had significant loss in loft. I'm okay with buying a new one every year, but some people may not be.
If you are running in intermediate to fairly cold temperatures, owning an Alpha direct, MH airmesh, or Scandanavian mesh layer could be a significant quality of life improvement. However, it is important to understand the limitations of anything you use. I do not trust airmesh in wet cold weather because it is hydrophilic and tends to wet out in a dangerous way. I think the resilience of Alpha 60 is questionable. I think scandanavian mesh layers are too embarrassing to use properly in civilization.
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
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.
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.
The low tech equivalent of this hoodie is scandanavian mesh or a string vest. It's more resilient and environmentally friendly and layers with other things better in exchange for being less weight efficient and less standalone and ugly.
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.
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
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)
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.
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.
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.
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? 🤷🏻♀️
Think I barked at you in a comment a while ago, sorry. Good info as always. I wear Alpha Direct in coastal Alaska because it dries very fast even in a humid environment.
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)
Macpac Nitro makes an equivalent. Look at how the Special Forces use it. It comes with a layer over the top. Rab and Macpac make something similar but they use the wrong outer layer. A super light softshell outer is the answer.
I could not get on with this fabric. It’s either too hot or too cold, meaning it has a very narrow thermal window of comfort. I much prefer classic gridded fleece like the Patagonia R1, as I find it’s suitable for a far wider range of activities and climates. It also blocks wind a little bit. Being made for soldiers is a weak selling point, given they too shed or put on specific layers as the situation demands, just like hikers. If I could only choose one layer of this category, alpha direct would be right at the bottom together with cotton. I also felt like it shedded more material from washing, compared to what’s normal. Is it cosy and fluffy like a puppy? Yes.
Hmmm I usually use merino wool hoodies for my hikes here in Scotland and to sleep but its hard to find anything here in UK. Nothing on ebay or fb market, Rab or Montane does not use alpha direct much at all also. Kinda sucks. Importing is like extra 20% more in price. Also non of cottage companies make hoodies with neck zipper etc...I hate it too tight around my neck and like to open when warm...
Have you seen the OMM core range? What do you think about that? It seems somewhat similar to the alpha direct clothing. Personally, looking after my Merino tops or leather boots are already beyond my ability to consistently take care of.
I love my wool , but i tear it up within a year or two. Im considering the alpaca 80/20 hoodie in hopes itll be a little stronger. I really like my allbirds run shorts and wish they would make a mid layer out of the recycled nylon wool blend.
Can it be that you just need to find a better brand for the wool? I work as a guide, and use my gear a lot. Some of the woollen base layers that I have has kept me worm for 4 years now.
@@Richrr119 I've currently tried minus33 , woolly , meriwool, rei brand , and smart wool. I hand wash and hang dry when I wash. it might also be just 180gsm isn't thick enough.
Macpac nitro in Australia except they stuck this stupid pocket on the left breast that I'll never actually use for anything and the only reason they did it, i reckon, is so they could put their logo on the thing.
I see that Dynafit is making a hoodie that has alpha direct inner and a softshell-like outer, trading some breathability for durability, I'd assume. It's also more expensive than gpacks...
Hi Chase! thanks for the video! Quick question: Between the gpacks and the farpoint, which one is warmer? Which would you suggest for thru-hikes? I am a little worried that the 90gsm is too light, which is great for weight, but maybe it doesn't keep warm enough. What do you think? Thanks again!
Interesting, definitely not for me, I’m always roughing it and dislike fast wearing/consumable clothing, I use a generic wicking sun hoodie and Patagonia Synchilla pullover as my go to
Your absolutely correct, the Alpha Direct material is great for morning chill mornings and beginning your hike, even camp site chill evenings. With that said as you mentioned be careful on trail, the wrong branch can give you a alpha bite. All said and done great piece of kit to add to a UL kit well worth the wt/to comfort ratio. Have a great week everyone 🤙🏽
It’s a plastic. Specifically micro plastic. It’s not something we should use out in the wild. Micro plastics are bad until proven otherwise. The real question is why would you buy this stuff instead of wool, as in Woolly brand products. A head to head with wool would a good review. I’m not saying the stuff does not have a place. I’m saying what this guys says well, but more directly: there may be certain extreme situations where this the right choice. But I’ve wearing all sorts of wool in all sorts of temperatures and has completely eliminated all my cotton fabric stuff. I use a few synthetics, e.g. panes, shorts, shirts, and all my moto stuff. Even here though I have several wool items. Modern wool garments are very underrated. We all know about the socks, but it is versatile and very tough. Unlike any syntactic I’ve tried, wool wears well withou much care and no stink at all. To prove it for yourself buy a wool undershirt and wear it all day every day for a week. Then use a hand was setting on your washing machine (or even delicate) then use the dryer. You’ll see that modern wool works well and is not expensive - at least compared to most hi tech synthetic stuff.
You are able to wear BD hoodies i ruin instantly in couple of days in the wild, and you still ruin alpha direct. I think that's definetely not for me, ill stick to my collection of power grid garments.
I used mine on a thru-hike (Te Araroa), wearing it most evenings and mornings until it got warm. It would be many days between showers, and mine didn't seem to get any funk.
Thanks to G Packs you can get a 10% discount of their products with code “chase10”
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
you’re expecting way too much consideration from a TH-cam clickbaiter.
I guess all the cottage companies, Norrona, Rab, etc don’t know what they’re doing since they all offer naked AD garments.
@@MarkPharaoh I've had one of those Rab Alpha Direct pieces myself since several years, my point was not about the construction but about how it's worn.
UL Thru-hikers are usually retarded or clickbaiters so no need to worry
@@MarkPharaoh There's nothing wrong with offering alpha in naked layers, since they're meant to be used as a midlayer or baselayer in a modular system; just don't use them as your outermost layer. Put on a windshirt, softshell, or rain jacket over it.
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.
How is the fit on the women's version?
+1 @cameronfedde1545. I reckon the Nitro hoody is the best piece Macpac have produced in several years (and they do have some pretty good stuff at a reasonable price if you look - props to the alpine series and prothermals) and I love mine. Under AU$100 if you time your purchase to sales. @ChaseMountains is absolutely correct, the user needs to be careful as it is a delicate piece and probably not for those who are full-body-contact style travellers pushing through the scrub, but I have found it to be more robust than expected at first glance. It is lighter than a thermal layer and as warm as a light insulated jacket provided you keep the breeze out. The breeze does readily blow through - by design - so I wear it under a rain jacket or wind breaker in preference to a light puffy which avoids that clammy feeling that can occur wearing nylon layers when you start to do some work. It breaths increadibly fast. When it is washed (washing machine is fine) it dries in a matter of minutes and holds very little water in its structure - so stays lightweight when wet. I think this fabric is proper innovation and look forward to similar tech in the future.
@@peytonwrynn2387 it's an athletic fit, but I just sized up until it fit me well. Doesn't seem to be contoured in any particular way though.
Discontinued?
@@leonperrin4839 Nope still there. I am from NZ and bought one a couple of months ago!
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.
Seconded! Got mine in an end of season sale & I love it. Really warm and light without being stupidly delicate. Probably not as breathable as some options but there's always a trade-off, and I've not had any issues with it :)
It's more durable, but that still isn't saying much. I've had 3 and they've all had significant loss in loft. I'm okay with buying a new one every year, but some people may not be.
If you are running in intermediate to fairly cold temperatures, owning an Alpha direct, MH airmesh, or Scandanavian mesh layer could be a significant quality of life improvement. However, it is important to understand the limitations of anything you use.
I do not trust airmesh in wet cold weather because it is hydrophilic and tends to wet out in a dangerous way.
I think the resilience of Alpha 60 is questionable.
I think scandanavian mesh layers are too embarrassing to use properly in civilization.
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
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.
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.
The low tech equivalent of this hoodie is scandanavian mesh or a string vest. It's more resilient and environmentally friendly and layers with other things better in exchange for being less weight efficient and less standalone and ugly.
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.
Very nice,
Alpha 60 or 90 hoodie?
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
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)
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.
Pataguchi 😂
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.
Fot, the volume is lower than other channels, a bit too low for my headphones maxed out. Not a biggy.
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.
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? 🤷🏻♀️
Hey Chase, Macpac in Aus/NZ do one called the Nitro Hoodie and the do one with a pertex shell called the Pisa Jacket.
Sweeet
Shoulder season under a rain shell. One of my favorite pieces of hiking gear.
i live in my Macpac nitro paired with a windbreaker or raincoat. Its also the warmest and most breathable "baselayer" ive ever used
i literally never leave the house in winter without this at least in my bag
Think I barked at you in a comment a while ago, sorry. Good info as always. I wear Alpha Direct in coastal Alaska because it dries very fast even in a humid environment.
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)
Thanks for the video, what size of Farpointe do you wear and what are your measurements?
Do they smell after you use them, as they're synthetic? So not good for multi-day use?
I haven't washed mine for 1 year and it does not smell. It's a Rab Flash Jacket.
Macpac Nitro makes an equivalent. Look at how the Special Forces use it. It comes with a layer over the top. Rab and Macpac make something similar but they use the wrong outer layer. A super light softshell outer is the answer.
In Australia we already have polartec alpha I has Macpac brand almost 3 years now
I could not get on with this fabric. It’s either too hot or too cold, meaning it has a very narrow thermal window of comfort. I much prefer classic gridded fleece like the Patagonia R1, as I find it’s suitable for a far wider range of activities and climates. It also blocks wind a little bit. Being made for soldiers is a weak selling point, given they too shed or put on specific layers as the situation demands, just like hikers. If I could only choose one layer of this category, alpha direct would be right at the bottom together with cotton. I also felt like it shedded more material from washing, compared to what’s normal. Is it cosy and fluffy like a puppy? Yes.
Oh yeah it’s cosy and fluffy alright
for those snags, use a tiny crochet hook to pull thread inside
Thank youuuui
Hmmm I usually use merino wool hoodies for my hikes here in Scotland and to sleep but its hard to find anything here in UK. Nothing on ebay or fb market, Rab or Montane does not use alpha direct much at all also. Kinda sucks. Importing is like extra 20% more in price.
Also non of cottage companies make hoodies with neck zipper etc...I hate it too tight around my neck and like to open when warm...
Have you seen the OMM core range? What do you think about that? It seems somewhat similar to the alpha direct clothing. Personally, looking after my Merino tops or leather boots are already beyond my ability to consistently take care of.
I love my wool , but i tear it up within a year or two. Im considering the alpaca 80/20 hoodie in hopes itll be a little stronger. I really like my allbirds run shorts and wish they would make a mid layer out of the recycled nylon wool blend.
Can it be that you just need to find a better brand for the wool? I work as a guide, and use my gear a lot. Some of the woollen base layers that I have has kept me worm for 4 years now.
@@Richrr119 I've currently tried minus33 , woolly , meriwool, rei brand , and smart wool. I hand wash and hang dry when I wash. it might also be just 180gsm isn't thick enough.
As someone who runs hot, I love Alpha Direct! Air moves right through these suckers.
Macpac nitro in Australia except they stuck this stupid pocket on the left breast that I'll never actually use for anything and the only reason they did it, i reckon, is so they could put their logo on the thing.
I see that Dynafit is making a hoodie that has alpha direct inner and a softshell-like outer, trading some breathability for durability, I'd assume. It's also more expensive than gpacks...
Interesting concept… I wonder how it goes?
Aren't you worried about microplastics since the textile seems to hook onto anything?
If you're in Australia or New Zealand Macpac has a version called the Nitro
Hi Chase! thanks for the video!
Quick question: Between the gpacks and the farpoint, which one is warmer? Which would you suggest for thru-hikes?
I am a little worried that the 90gsm is too light, which is great for weight, but maybe it doesn't keep warm enough.
What do you think?
Thanks again!
The brand is irrelevant. The material is what matters. The GPacks is 180 gsm so it’s basically twice as warm
hi! Gpacks is 120gsm 😊
@@ChaseMountains I see, thanks a lot!
Have just finished the HRP. Used it everyday as a midlayer or baselayer. You wont find a more versatile product.
Yeah I feel like this fabric is basically perfect for the high Pyrenees in summer
Interesting, definitely not for me, I’m always roughing it and dislike fast wearing/consumable clothing, I use a generic wicking sun hoodie and Patagonia Synchilla pullover as my go to
Regarding loose threads, I always burn them with a lighter.
Aussie that didn't think to mention that mac pac stocks this? Disappointing. Spent too much time away from the motherland
I just checked MUL, apparently they are no longer in business.
My Alpha Direct from Beyond the Trailhead Gear with an Enlightened Equipment Copperfield windshirt over it is super warm, it’s the bees knees.
This is at least honest in how ridiculously specific and unpractical the pretentious “advanced” garment is🤫
Outdoorline sk also sell it.
If the military uses it it's probably not very good. For instance, I stay away from anything claiming "Military Grade"... :)
Your absolutely correct, the Alpha Direct material is great for morning chill mornings and beginning your hike, even camp site chill evenings. With that said as you mentioned be careful on trail, the wrong branch can give you a alpha bite. All said and done great piece of kit to add to a UL kit well worth the wt/to comfort ratio. Have a great week everyone 🤙🏽
It is a great product if you know how to use it.
thanks to you chase!
Pretty awesome! Now, the promo code does not seem to work. Says it expired "Questo codice promozionale è scaduto.".
Nope. Merino & a shell thx.
It’s a plastic. Specifically micro plastic. It’s not something we should use out in the wild. Micro plastics are bad until proven otherwise. The real question is why would you buy this stuff instead of wool, as in Woolly brand products. A head to head with wool would a good review. I’m not saying the stuff does not have a place. I’m saying what this guys says well, but more directly: there may be certain extreme situations where this the right choice. But I’ve wearing all sorts of wool in all sorts of temperatures and has completely eliminated all my cotton fabric stuff. I use a few synthetics, e.g. panes, shorts, shirts, and all my moto stuff. Even here though I have several wool items. Modern wool garments are very underrated. We all know about the socks, but it is versatile and very tough. Unlike any syntactic I’ve tried, wool wears well withou much care and no stink at all. To prove it for yourself buy a wool undershirt and wear it all day every day for a week. Then use a hand was setting on your washing machine (or even delicate) then use the dryer. You’ll see that modern wool works well and is not expensive - at least compared to most hi tech synthetic stuff.
I'll stick to my Patagonia and Fjällräven outdoor clothes thank you very much.
Cookie monster hoodie
Melanzana makes an awesome version of this, but you can only get it in-person in Leadville, Colorado.
Thats niche
I don't think it's Alpha Direct, it's a heavier micro grid fleece and you need to book an appointment for their factory shop :D
Melanzana does not use any alpha direct, as another commenter has stated.
You are able to wear BD hoodies i ruin instantly in couple of days in the wild, and you still ruin alpha direct.
I think that's definetely not for me, ill stick to my collection of power grid garments.
Looks like a cheap version of weird fish
DOES IT HANDLE ODORS AS WELL AS WOOL (EX. ALPACA)
I doubt it. Perhaps someone else can chime in tho. I haven’t used it for prolonged periods of time
I used mine on a thru-hike (Te Araroa), wearing it most evenings and mornings until it got warm. It would be many days between showers, and mine didn't seem to get any funk.
I very much doubt it John 😂 great material though!