What do you wear on the trail to keep warm? What about when you’re walking and heating up, only to stop and cool right off! Our jerseys are made with the raglan-style hoodie, and to minimise weight do not contain pockets or zips – they’re a pullover and great as a mid-layer.
Materials Used
Alpha Direct fabric was designed for the USA Special Forces, to allow soldiers to remain cool without overheating while marching long distances while remaining warm when stopped or at rest; it also allowed for better temperature regulation during active combat. It’s best as a mid-layer and dumps heat very quickly when used as an outer layer. For best results on the trail we recommend using a windproof shell over the top (also check out our double layer windproof shells which include an Alpha Direct layer).
Alpha Direct 4028 is a 70GSM fabric, and is the ‘king of ultralight insulation’. We recommend using this for Summer and warmer temperatures – we haven’t yet tested this down to its limits. Weight: 70GSM. Want one? Click here!
Alpha Direct 4004 is a 90GSM fabric, a bit heavier and warmer than 4028, but lighter than 4008. Weight: 90GSM.
Alpha Direct 4008 is a heavier and warmer version of the same fabric, and is better for 3-4 season use. Weight: 135GSM. Want one? Click here!
Weight: will vary depending on the size and material, but as a general guide expect the following, plus or minus depending on your measurements:
- 4028: 100g (S) – 160g (XL)
- 4004: 120g (S) – 200g (XL)
- 4008: 155g (S) – 250g (XL)
Our experience: we have used Alpha Direct in New Zealand for a short time now, and have found it to be an excellent material for two purposes. Firstly when tramping in sheltered areas this keeps us warm without overheating. On a recent midwinter trip in the Kaimanawa Ranges we used a 4008 hoodie – this was a great outer layer in the bush, although you might prefer a 4004 as the 4008 was a little on the warm side. When exposed to wind it dumps heat and requires an outer layer. Secondly, as a ‘hut jersey’ and hut pants these were fantastic! We would sleep in these – combined with our sleeping bags and liners these kept us warm overnight in frosty conditions.
Pricing note: a typical Alpha Direct jersey will require 3 metres of fabric; the cost of shipping this to New Zealand means that unfortunately our prices are a bit higher than they would be for an equivalent product made in the USA.
Note: there is currently an 8-10 week lead time on all made-to-order garments. We’ll stay in touch throughout that time with updates on your order!
Jersey – Alpha Direct 70GSM
Materials Used Alpha Direct fabric was designed for the USA Special Forces, to allow soldiers to remain cool without overheating while marching long distances while remaining warm when stopped or at rest; it also allowed for better temperature regulation during active combat. It’s best as a mid-layer and dumps heat very quickly when used as an… Read…
Jersey – Alpha Direct 90GSM
Materials Used Alpha Direct fabric was designed for the USA Special Forces, to allow soldiers to remain cool without overheating while marching long distances while remaining warm when stopped or at rest; it also allowed for better temperature regulation during active combat. It’s best as a mid-layer and dumps heat very quickly when used as an… Read…
Jersey – Alpha Direct 135GSM
Materials Used Alpha Direct fabric was designed for the USA Special Forces, to allow soldiers to remain cool without overheating while marching long distances while remaining warm when stopped or at rest; it also allowed for better temperature regulation during active combat. It’s best as a mid-layer and dumps heat very quickly when used as an… Read…