I look forward to every video you release. You get my vote for “best new artist” on RUclips this year!🤣 btw, Taz department of tourism should have paid you royally for that last video!
I got a Patagucci R2 hoody for Christmas last year. I find it "OK" for layering under my eVENT parka if you don't want too much insulation for active days skiing with temps over 25 F. Also, in this use the hood fits under my helmet well. It is adequate worn over a medium base layer for cool (40 F. to 55 F.) days with light breezes.
When moving through scrub I'm always wearing a uncoated nylon shell. Protects the skin and allows much lighter gear underneath. Nitro works great under this. Also great for adding to compulsory gear in races. So light
Hey Mowser, I'm enjoying your videos. I live in the South Island, NZ. I've used the women's macpac alpha nitro for a couple of years. I'm a cold fish and if I'm tramping in open country I find a long sleeved thermal under it works well. I have warmth and breathability. If the wind is cutting I add an old running jacket that's wimdproof and weighs nothing. Alpha dries incredibly fast. I'm a cold fish and it's warmth to weight is amazing. I don't own the Pisa jacket. A lot of my friends do but I find the cut disappointing and I read that the shell fabric isn't so breathable. I agree re alpha's durability. I have a Rab hooded light fleece jacket that's similar to your North Face (but dries quicker). The outer surface copes with scrub and bush bashing, and the hood fits more snuggly than the nitro and has pulley thingies too. Earth Sea Sky is another NZ company but unlike Macpac, ESS makes it's clothes in NZ. That makes it expensive but it's designed for NZ conditions (simiar to Tas) and it lasts for years. Check out their Alpha jacket and read the reviews for the men's jacket. I think ESS sell through a store in Tas (don't know which one). I have a friend with an Alpha and she loves it. I'm highly tempted. Perhaps you can put it on your list of jackets to consider and possibly invest in. Btw, you're the first RUclips vid I've ever comtented on. You have my sub and I try to remember to click like. 😊 Cheers
Thanks for the great info. I'll have to check out ESS! It looks like a really solid product! After an initial trawl I can't find that Tasmanian stockist but I'm definately keen to to give it a try. Thanks for the tip. And thanks for your first youtube comment. What an honour!
I got one of the Macpac pull overs a couple of years ago & have to say I quite like it. But I'm not scrub bashing. If I'm on the tops & it's windy I just pop a shell over.
Yes, I have a few of their other tops too. All pretty good gear. The nature of the alpha direct fabric makes it a bit more susceptible to damage but with a jacket ofer the top it's great!
Liked hearing your take on the differences between these two fabrics, I would agree with your assessments. One quality that both of these fabrics display is smell! At times it’s unbearable. I have to wash either of them if I have worked up a sweat. One top I have enjoyed that doesn’t smell out is Patagonia’s Capilene Air (merino polyester blend) they have had a couple iterations of it, I like both. I’m thinking it isn’t quite as toasty as Alpha, maybe a smidge heavier, but not having the smell permeate everything is quite nice. Also Brynje mesh offers two versions, one having a merino wool blend, it seems blending merino with polyester keeps the smell at bay, although I do notice they don’t wick quite as effectively as the pure polyester, but there are times I would prefer the slight dampness to the strong smell.
Interesting fact about Alpha, why it's more fragile. It's original design wasn't to be as a stand alone garment. It was originally designed for military application with the input of Special Operations Forces that saw action in Afghanistan. It was actually the "puffy" insulation for an active jacket that was originally made by Patagonia and adopted by Special Operations Forces in the 2010s. It's use as standalone was something inovated later. So the differences kinda click. Alpha is 100% polyester, so it won't stretch as well as something that is a nylon blend BUT that is part of the design because the military wanted something that was hydrophobic and quick drying, nylon actually absorbs water. Next why Alpha lets wind in. It wasn't actually designed to be a solo layer, it was basically designed to be synthetic down insulation of a military puffy jacket, so really you should never think of using Alpha alone, except in the best of conditions, it should always be paired with at least a wind shirt.
Great video. Thanks for taking the time putting it together. Lots of feedback on Macpac NZ site about lack of durability, especially sticking coming away at the pocket. I ended up going with a Alpha 120gsm hoodie by Senchi designs, which is a bit thicker. I also received, by mistake, a Farpointe Alpha cruiser 90gsm which I decided to keep, which is very similar to the Macpac alpha. I use the Alpha 120 during colder trips. I bought these from Garage Grown gear in the US. If going through scrub and/or windy conditions, I will put my Montane lite speed jacket on which protects the fleece. The litespeed is also highly breathable which is a plus. The hard thing about Hiking/tramping gear, especially clothing, is that it is so subjective and we can discus what’s best til the cows come home!
Nice vid. The fleece I have and mentioned is the North Face future fleece LIGHT. It has no zips or pockets and is ~5oz. For me, it functions more as a base layer. It looks like a sun hoody made out of lightweight octayarn. I am glad you are happy with your purchase :)
Great comparison Mowser. Have you tried using the Nitro with a wind jacket? I often use it with the now discontinued Macpac Whitcombe. It gives you a really versatile system that can be used over a wider range of temps and wind conditions. Zpacks makes the Ventum and Enlightened Equipment the Copperfield. Both jackets come in around 50-60g. So for under 200g you could get a really compact, light and versatile system. Not suitable for off track but anywhere else it would be fine. Also I sometimes wear the Nitro direct on my skin as a thermal base layer at night. Due to its close fitting nature it works well for this and lighter than any of my merino tops with the added benefit of a hood.
Yep, when combined with a shell or other jacket over the top it's as good as the North Face if not better. About to have a look at the Ventu and the Copperfield. Crazy! Definately like the feel of the alpha direct on the skin and love the hood!
Great video! I've been using a Patagonia R1 Air and what I found is that I actually like the fact that the wind goes through it. When I'm hiking in just a base layer and sweat a bit, I throw on the R1 Air during breaks. It's warm, but at the same time the airiness lets my base layer dry up. I did just order an alpha direct 120 fleece, with the idea of mainly using it at camp. What I'm curious about is potentially putting on both the R1 air and an alpha direct fleece (+ hard shell) in case temperatures go below freezing. I'd use a down puffy, but from experience this is not ideal in wet conditions.
I have a Macpac alpha fleece half zip pullover ‘fleece’ jacket. It is great piece of outdoor clothing as it is very warm for its weight and I believe that the extra warming is in part crested by the air-pockets of the material creating a cell effect. This meshing principle was used by the USA military during the Korean War in the 1950’s and in some 1980’s style undergarment thermals (singlet and t-shirt thermal tops). I wear my as a mid-layer sandwiched between my thermal long sleeve top and either another more robust layer ie. a lighter fleece jacket, down or Primaloft jacket or just with a shell jacket. Mine has reinforced panels in high wear areas. Notwithstanding this reinforcing, due to the mesh construction it is a bit ‘delicate’ so I never wear it as an outer layer. I hope that this helps. MB.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the Macpac alpha fleece! It's always great to hear how others are layering for warmth and comfort in the outdoors. I'm really liking some of the Macpac products and good to see them still making good hiking gear. In the last few months I've also been testing Brynje Mesh thermal layers and I am absolutely loving them. Review on them coming in the future.
Absolute awesome.breakdown thanks mate...I was in Macpac yesterday and I seen the nitro and I tried it on and it felt ok....but I just brought a icebreaker merino hoodie and I would only use the nitro as another layer over the top of a thermal at base camp....I loved how you said if your staying in a hut grab it cause that's me esp what I do and where I go but do I need to wear a.merino hoodie and have the nitro in my pack for wearing it of a night time if I'm not in a hut? Damn I can't decide lol 😂
@@mowsertas really hell yeah can't wait I like north face I have there gloves there so warm, as stated not sure if I should.buy the Macpac nitro to put over my thermal for at base camp....I have a synthetic down jacket from anaconda which was on sale keeps me warm it's 550 which isn't much but it works? So should I buy it to save space or not ? I'm like.wanting it but prob won't change my base camp layers for it esp when it's breezy and goes straight through our bones esp here in Tassie during winter or so
I just use a sunhoodie and a Arcteryx atom SL . Over the Atom SL I either use a Rainjacket or a Puffy Jacket … That’s for my Layers . Atom SL is the best for me 3 season hikes . Very breathable , light insulation , wind cutting….amazing midlayer
@@mowsertas you should invest in one . Its my favorite „jacket“ from Arc’ . It’s magic , the insulation keeps me warm down to 5*c on the move but I use it for Scandinavia from mid spring (still snowy) to early fall , mostly 10-20*C as my active layer hiking and for bike packing (cuts wind so well) packs super small , drys fast . I just have a Light baselayer , the atom sl , Nuclei Jacket for static insulation and a Beta lightweight or AR when it rains . That’s all what I take with me , Polartec Alpha 90gsm hoody and 1 pair of socks and a patagonia Torrentshell joggers in my pack for sleep or as backup .
I feel like Alpha Direct is essentially Polartec in Patagonia R1 flipped inside out. Quick and dirty method of getting “Alpha Direct” is to flip my R1 inside out and wear it. Lol
Was at Macpac in Melbourne and asked about the Alpha fleece and they had a few tucked away in a spot you'd struggle to find so maybe it's the end of them. I've got a Montane sports fleece with 100 weight Polartec and vented panels which is a winner at 250g.
Doesn't make any sense to wear either of these items with a baselayer underneath (unless it's a mesh baselayer perhaps?). You are removing the main advantage of this type of tech in high activity pursuits which is to reduce wet material contact on the skin...
Yes, I've looke at this and it rates pretty well. The research i've looked at still rates the alpha direct slightly better in terms of dry times from memory.
I can't remember the specifics anymore but similar weight alpha was slightly better in most parameters (naturally, durability and cost were not factored in) but it's supposed to be an incredible active layer
Thanks for all your videos. I have one question. How does the Octayarn compare to Macpac's Tui Polartec Microfleece with regards to warmth and wind resistance? Not the current Tui which isn't as good as the older Tui. The Tui has been my go to jacket. I have the Macpac Alpha , but I use it exclusively in my sleep system as it's so warm and light. However cold wind just goes straight through it. Thanks
Alpha Would be great as a sleep system garment. Without testing I am guessing wind resistance between octayarn and microfleece would be fairly similar. When a cold, strong wind comes all of these types of fleece will struggle but putting a shell on top will ensure warmth.
what are your experiences with alpha direct in places with a lot of mosquitoes and midges? Because the material is so ‘open’, I’m worried they’ll crawl inside or something!
Haven't had too much trouble. Lot of mosquitoes on one walk and it wasn't an issue. I think with a tight fitting alpha direct you could get bitten through the fabric but I can't imagine insects been able to physically get through the actual fabric.
I am female, slim build, average but lean arms. I tried the Future Fleece on in the correct size and I found the sleeves to be uncomfortably tight. I wanted to want this product but that tendency of TNF to have a street wear vibe, often results in narrow sleeves and tightness across the shoulders (At least in the womens design). I understand that this needs to be 'snug' to work properly but I was having trouble bending my arms comfortably.
I'm trying out my Macpac Nitro Fleece Pullover at Cradle in July. It's so light. I sweat heaps so hoping it's drying capabilities are as stated. I'll definitely check out the Pisa jacket too. A way bit heavier though.
Hahaha I thought your thumbnail was about Warhammer 40K, the names are very close to those of some characters in their stories… specifically about the 20th Alpha Legion haha omg I’m such a nerd, that also loved hiking.
KiaOra. Awesome informative info. Thankyou. Macpac send the man a Pisa jacket to review please
I agree, a Pisa jacket would be great to review!
I look forward to every video you release. You get my vote for “best new artist” on RUclips this year!🤣 btw, Taz department of tourism should have paid you royally for that last video!
I got a Patagucci R2 hoody for Christmas last year. I find it "OK" for layering under my eVENT parka if you don't want too much insulation for active days skiing with temps over 25 F. Also, in this use the hood fits under my helmet well. It is adequate worn over a medium base layer for cool (40 F. to 55 F.) days with light breezes.
When moving through scrub I'm always wearing a uncoated nylon shell. Protects the skin and allows much lighter gear underneath. Nitro works great under this. Also great for adding to compulsory gear in races. So light
Yes, nice one. I have something similar for racing. Will keep that in mind!
Hey Mowser, I'm enjoying your videos. I live in the South Island, NZ.
I've used the women's macpac alpha nitro for a couple of years. I'm a cold fish and if I'm tramping in open country I find a long sleeved thermal under it works well. I have warmth and breathability. If the wind is cutting I add an old running jacket that's wimdproof and weighs nothing.
Alpha dries incredibly fast. I'm a cold fish and it's warmth to weight is amazing. I don't own the Pisa jacket. A lot of my friends do but I find the cut disappointing and I read that the shell fabric isn't so breathable.
I agree re alpha's durability. I have a Rab hooded light fleece jacket that's similar to your North Face (but dries quicker). The outer surface copes with scrub and bush bashing, and the hood fits more snuggly than the nitro and has pulley thingies too.
Earth Sea Sky is another NZ company but unlike Macpac, ESS makes it's clothes in NZ. That makes it expensive but it's designed for NZ conditions (simiar to Tas) and it lasts for years.
Check out their Alpha jacket and read the reviews for the men's jacket. I think ESS sell through a store in Tas (don't know which one). I have a friend with an Alpha and she loves it. I'm highly tempted.
Perhaps you can put it on your list of jackets to consider and possibly invest in.
Btw, you're the first RUclips vid I've ever comtented on. You have my sub and I try to remember to click like. 😊
Cheers
Thanks for the great info. I'll have to check out ESS! It looks like a really solid product! After an initial trawl I can't find that Tasmanian stockist but I'm definately keen to to give it a try. Thanks for the tip. And thanks for your first youtube comment. What an honour!
I got one of the Macpac pull overs a couple of years ago & have to say I quite like it. But I'm not scrub bashing. If I'm on the tops & it's windy I just pop a shell over.
Yes, I have a few of their other tops too. All pretty good gear. The nature of the alpha direct fabric makes it a bit more susceptible to damage but with a jacket ofer the top it's great!
Liked hearing your take on the differences between these two fabrics, I would agree with your assessments. One quality that both of these fabrics display is smell! At times it’s unbearable. I have to wash either of them if I have worked up a sweat. One top I have enjoyed that doesn’t smell out is Patagonia’s Capilene Air (merino polyester blend) they have had a couple iterations of it, I like both. I’m thinking it isn’t quite as toasty as Alpha, maybe a smidge heavier, but not having the smell permeate everything is quite nice.
Also Brynje mesh offers two versions, one having a merino wool blend, it seems blending merino with polyester keeps the smell at bay, although I do notice they don’t wick quite as effectively as the pure polyester, but there are times I would prefer the slight dampness to the strong smell.
I have the Patagonia thermal weight capilene thermals. Love them. Haven’t found smell to be a problem with mine as yet.
Thanks for this excellent comparison. Subscribed.
Cheers! Glad it was helpful! 😊
Interesting fact about Alpha, why it's more fragile. It's original design wasn't to be as a stand alone garment. It was originally designed for military application with the input of Special Operations Forces that saw action in Afghanistan. It was actually the "puffy" insulation for an active jacket that was originally made by Patagonia and adopted by Special Operations Forces in the 2010s. It's use as standalone was something inovated later.
So the differences kinda click. Alpha is 100% polyester, so it won't stretch as well as something that is a nylon blend BUT that is part of the design because the military wanted something that was hydrophobic and quick drying, nylon actually absorbs water.
Next why Alpha lets wind in. It wasn't actually designed to be a solo layer, it was basically designed to be synthetic down insulation of a military puffy jacket, so really you should never think of using Alpha alone, except in the best of conditions, it should always be paired with at least a wind shirt.
Great video. Thanks for taking the time putting it together. Lots of feedback on Macpac NZ site about lack of durability, especially sticking coming away at the pocket. I ended up going with a Alpha 120gsm hoodie by Senchi designs, which is a bit thicker. I also received, by mistake, a Farpointe Alpha cruiser 90gsm which I decided to keep, which is very similar to the Macpac alpha. I use the Alpha 120 during colder trips. I bought these from Garage Grown gear in the US. If going through scrub and/or windy conditions, I will put my Montane lite speed jacket on which protects the fleece. The litespeed is also highly breathable which is a plus. The hard thing about Hiking/tramping gear, especially clothing, is that it is so subjective and we can discus what’s best til the cows come home!
Great point! Lite speed is meant to be great from what i hear!
Nice vid. The fleece I have and mentioned is the North Face future fleece LIGHT. It has no zips or pockets and is ~5oz. For me, it functions more as a base layer. It looks like a sun hoody made out of lightweight octayarn.
I am glad you are happy with your purchase :)
Very happy! Might have to get another one!
Where did you get the LT? I can't find it here in Aus
@@UzmanN5 Outlet store two years ago in NY
Great comparison Mowser. Have you tried using the Nitro with a wind jacket? I often use it with the now discontinued Macpac Whitcombe. It gives you a really versatile system that can be used over a wider range of temps and wind conditions.
Zpacks makes the Ventum and Enlightened Equipment the Copperfield. Both jackets come in around 50-60g. So for under 200g you could get a really compact, light and versatile system. Not suitable for off track but anywhere else it would be fine.
Also I sometimes wear the Nitro direct on my skin as a thermal base layer at night. Due to its close fitting nature it works well for this and lighter than any of my merino tops with the added benefit of a hood.
Yep, when combined with a shell or other jacket over the top it's as good as the North Face if not better. About to have a look at the Ventu and the Copperfield. Crazy! Definately like the feel of the alpha direct on the skin and love the hood!
Great video! I've been using a Patagonia R1 Air and what I found is that I actually like the fact that the wind goes through it. When I'm hiking in just a base layer and sweat a bit, I throw on the R1 Air during breaks. It's warm, but at the same time the airiness lets my base layer dry up.
I did just order an alpha direct 120 fleece, with the idea of mainly using it at camp. What I'm curious about is potentially putting on both the R1 air and an alpha direct fleece (+ hard shell) in case temperatures go below freezing. I'd use a down puffy, but from experience this is not ideal in wet conditions.
I know what you mean. That cooling effect can be quite nice! I reckon the combo of alpha and R1 would be very warm indeed!
I have a Macpac alpha fleece half zip pullover ‘fleece’ jacket. It is great piece of outdoor clothing as it is very warm for its weight and I believe that the extra warming is in part crested by the air-pockets of the material creating a cell effect. This meshing principle was used by the USA military during the Korean War in the 1950’s and in some 1980’s style undergarment thermals (singlet and t-shirt thermal tops). I wear my as a mid-layer sandwiched between my thermal long sleeve top and either another more robust layer ie. a lighter fleece jacket, down or Primaloft jacket or just with a shell jacket. Mine has reinforced panels in high wear areas. Notwithstanding this reinforcing, due to the mesh construction it is a bit ‘delicate’ so I never wear it as an outer layer. I hope that this helps.
MB.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the Macpac alpha fleece! It's always great to hear how others are layering for warmth and comfort in the outdoors. I'm really liking some of the Macpac products and good to see them still making good hiking gear. In the last few months I've also been testing Brynje Mesh thermal layers and I am absolutely loving them. Review on them coming in the future.
Thanks Mowser. I will look forward to watching the review.
MB.
Absolute awesome.breakdown thanks mate...I was in Macpac yesterday and I seen the nitro and I tried it on and it felt ok....but I just brought a icebreaker merino hoodie and I would only use the nitro as another layer over the top of a thermal at base camp....I loved how you said if your staying in a hut grab it cause that's me esp what I do and where I go but do I need to wear a.merino hoodie and have the nitro in my pack for wearing it of a night time if I'm not in a hut? Damn I can't decide lol 😂
Love the Icebreaker stuff. It's really good. They're starting to do some stuff with North Face which could be interesting.
@@mowsertas really hell yeah can't wait I like north face I have there gloves there so warm, as stated not sure if I should.buy the Macpac nitro to put over my thermal for at base camp....I have a synthetic down jacket from anaconda which was on sale keeps me warm it's 550 which isn't much but it works? So should I buy it to save space or not ? I'm like.wanting it but prob won't change my base camp layers for it esp when it's breezy and goes straight through our bones esp here in Tassie during winter or so
I just use a sunhoodie and a Arcteryx atom SL .
Over the Atom SL I either use a Rainjacket or a Puffy Jacket …
That’s for my Layers .
Atom SL is the best for me 3 season hikes .
Very breathable , light insulation , wind cutting….amazing midlayer
A friend had the atom SL and loooves
It! A great option!
@@mowsertas you should invest in one . Its my favorite „jacket“ from Arc’ .
It’s magic , the insulation keeps me warm down to 5*c on the move but I use it for Scandinavia from mid spring (still snowy) to early fall , mostly 10-20*C as my active layer hiking and for bike packing (cuts wind so well) packs super small , drys fast . I just have a Light baselayer , the atom sl , Nuclei Jacket for static insulation and a Beta lightweight or AR when it rains .
That’s all what I take with me ,
Polartec Alpha 90gsm hoody and 1 pair of socks and a patagonia Torrentshell joggers in my pack for sleep or as backup .
I have had an Atom LT for quite a few years and absolutely love it. Wear it all the time! Also have the Nuclei too!
I feel like Alpha Direct is essentially Polartec in Patagonia R1 flipped inside out. Quick and dirty method of getting “Alpha Direct” is to flip my R1 inside out and wear it. Lol
Interesting observation! They certainly feel and look very similar!
Was at Macpac in Melbourne and asked about the Alpha fleece and they had a few tucked away in a spot you'd struggle to find so maybe it's the end of them. I've got a Montane sports fleece with 100 weight Polartec and vented panels which is a winner at 250g.
I did notice the pullover like mine is heavily reduced in price whereas none of the other alpha garments are. Maybe a new iteration is coming?
What style of Arcteryx jacket is that your wearing in this video? Thanks
It is an Arc'Teryx Atom LT hoody. I think maybe it is just called the Atom Hoody now? I love it. I also have an Atom AR for winter.
Doesn't make any sense to wear either of these items with a baselayer underneath (unless it's a mesh baselayer perhaps?). You are removing the main advantage of this type of tech in high activity pursuits which is to reduce wet material contact on the skin...
I got 2 of the macpac fleece and i love them also have 3 of the pisa jackets from macpac 😊
That’s a lot of fleece! I might have to get a Pisa!
Have you heard of the mountain hardware airmesh? It's also made of teijin octa and was on a really good sale a few months ago
Yes, I've looke at this and it rates pretty well. The research i've looked at still rates the alpha direct slightly better in terms of dry times from memory.
I can't remember the specifics anymore but similar weight alpha was slightly better in most parameters (naturally, durability and cost were not factored in) but it's supposed to be an incredible active layer
Thanks for all your videos. I have one question. How does the Octayarn compare to Macpac's Tui Polartec Microfleece with regards to warmth and wind resistance? Not the current Tui which isn't as good as the older Tui. The Tui has been my go to jacket. I have the Macpac Alpha , but I use it exclusively in my sleep system as it's so warm and light. However cold wind just goes straight through it. Thanks
Alpha Would be great as a sleep system garment. Without testing I am guessing wind resistance between octayarn and microfleece would be fairly similar. When a cold, strong wind comes all of these types of fleece will struggle but putting a shell on top will ensure warmth.
what are your experiences with alpha direct in places with a lot of mosquitoes and midges? Because the material is so ‘open’, I’m worried they’ll crawl inside or something!
Haven't had too much trouble. Lot of mosquitoes on one walk and it wasn't an issue. I think with a tight fitting alpha direct you could get bitten through the fabric but I can't imagine insects been able to physically get through the actual fabric.
I am female, slim build, average but lean arms. I tried the Future Fleece on in the correct size and I found the sleeves to be uncomfortably tight. I wanted to want this product but that tendency of TNF to have a street wear vibe, often results in narrow sleeves and tightness across the shoulders (At least in the womens design). I understand that this needs to be 'snug' to work properly but I was having trouble bending my arms comfortably.
Yep, that sounds a bit too tight. TNF are definately going more street vibe these days that's for sure.
I'm trying out my Macpac Nitro Fleece Pullover at Cradle in July. It's so light. I sweat heaps so hoping it's drying capabilities are as stated. I'll definitely check out the Pisa jacket too. A way bit heavier though.
Enjoy! Should be a great option if you sweat a bit, even under a rain jacket!
Mowser the racing tadpole
Yep!
Not a fleece but check out rab borealis jacket. Very versatile mid\outer layer . Great price and more suitable for off trail stuff ..
Thanks! Will have a look!
Hahaha I thought your thumbnail was about Warhammer 40K, the names are very close to those of some characters in their stories… specifically about the 20th Alpha Legion haha omg I’m such a nerd, that also loved hiking.
That is very funny! 🤣 hope you got something out of it!