Hd8ekownio24ugh5
Thru Hiker
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Polartec Alpha KoolAid Thread
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oreocereus
Thru Hiker
Only been wearing the nitro for a few days. Brief impressions:
- Definitely fragile, not like other fleece at all in this regard.
- Definitely very comfy
- I went size small, which I am in most clothes (occasionally I need to go medium). It fits well, so I’m glad I didn’t heed advice to size up.
- The chest pocket is small. It’s an awkward squeeze to get my phone in, and my phone is small by modern standards. It seems like a weird waste of “weight” for minimal functionality. Would rather a quarter zip, or even chest vent zips.
- very breathable. I’ve been using it with a rain shell, but I think a proper wind shell is almost a requirement to get full versatility out of it. It does cap heat well with the shell. Seems to dry fast from my brief sweating and wearing in drizzle tests.
- hood is questionable in its functionality.
- Cut is quite long on torso and extra long on arms.
- Little ribbon type fabric thumb loops are there to presumably take advantage of the extra long arms. They’re weirdly placed and uncomfortable and don’t really work.
So maybe I’ll do some tailoring.. cut out the pocket, remove the hood and take up the sleeves a touch?
- Definitely fragile, not like other fleece at all in this regard.
- Definitely very comfy
- I went size small, which I am in most clothes (occasionally I need to go medium). It fits well, so I’m glad I didn’t heed advice to size up.
- The chest pocket is small. It’s an awkward squeeze to get my phone in, and my phone is small by modern standards. It seems like a weird waste of “weight” for minimal functionality. Would rather a quarter zip, or even chest vent zips.
- very breathable. I’ve been using it with a rain shell, but I think a proper wind shell is almost a requirement to get full versatility out of it. It does cap heat well with the shell. Seems to dry fast from my brief sweating and wearing in drizzle tests.
- hood is questionable in its functionality.
- Cut is quite long on torso and extra long on arms.
- Little ribbon type fabric thumb loops are there to presumably take advantage of the extra long arms. They’re weirdly placed and uncomfortable and don’t really work.
So maybe I’ll do some tailoring.. cut out the pocket, remove the hood and take up the sleeves a touch?
Hd8ekownio24ugh5
Thru Hiker
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EM-Chiseller
Thru Hiker
Fragile it isn't... I'm hard on my gear... Thumb loops help pull it on under or over another layer...
The hood is a good partial sun block and helps stop sweat running down the neck and eyes for us with the fortunate ability to save grsms on scalp tailoring.
The small pocket will keep a treadlite wallet safe or other needed items (I've no desire to try to carry a phone above my nipple when active)
If you went small... You may have a shorter body and arms than you think... Or I may have longer arms and longer body than I think
I wish mine was slightly longer in the body, but I can't grumble about the arms.
One thing I can be absolutely sure about... For its ridiculous low weight, it punches well above and is definitely not fragile.
The rest... As you will find through experimenting with layers and climates... Should be a delightful journey.
I wouldn't hesitate in buying another if the price with customs etc was cheaper... Even if it is to live in a drawer for another few years. It does more than I expected and is far tougher than I first belived. The one I have will last a few years and I've worn mine up hill, down Dale and as a daily part of layering for work wear.
Have faith grasshopper
Hd8ekownio24ugh5
Thru Hiker
Fragile it isn't... I'm hard on my gear... Thumb loops help pull it on under or over another layer...
The hood is a good partial sun block and helps stop sweat running down the neck and eyes for us with the fortunate ability to save grsms on scalp tailoring.
The small pocket will keep a treadlite wallet safe or other needed items (I've no desire to try to carry a phone above my nipple when active)
If you went small... You may have a shorter body and arms than you think... Or I may have longer arms and longer body than I think
I wish mine was slightly longer in the body, but I can't grumble about the arms.
One thing I can be absolutely sure about... For its ridiculous low weight, it punches well above and is definitely not fragile.
The rest... As you will find through experimenting with layers and climates... Should be a delightful journey.
I wouldn't hesitate in buying another if the price with customs etc was cheaper... Even if it is to live in a drawer for another few years. It does more than I expected and is far tougher than I first belived. The one I have will last a few years and I've worn mine up hill, down Dale and as a daily part of layering for work wear.
Have faith grasshopper
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Hd8ekownio24ugh5
Thru Hiker
Forgot to ask-how's the pushy holding up and how's Mum liking Morocco?
apple28hows
Trekker
I have taken the pocket off my Macpac. It saved 10grams.
I have also added another 4grams turning it into a Melly
.
I have also added another 4grams turning it into a Melly
.Hd8ekownio24ugh5
Thru Hiker
I have taken the pocket off my Macpac. It saved 10grams.
I have also added another 4grams turning it into a Melly
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oreocereus
Thru Hiker
The sleeves seem longer than necessary? Not a problem, really but they do kinda bunch at the bottom.
The hood is kinda comfy and cosy, but I didn’t feel like it really added any real warmth. Fleece beanie was more effective still. Might have to reserve judgement on hood effectiveness until I try it with a wind shell?
Generally not a fan of hoods anyway though, always felt like a buff or a buff and beanie is more versatile and warmer.
good to know! I’ve been treating it like a delicate merino knit thus far.
I guess I can see that being vaguely useful, but it hasn’t been difficult to pull on another layer not using the thumb loops so far
scalp tailoring?
Not a fan of hoods for sun, would rather a hat and or neck cape. Hat deals with my sweat.
Mm, I don’t really like carrying anything on the chest. I did put some wild thyme in it yesterday so maybe some use in it yet..?
my torso is definitely short. I’m about 5’10-5’11, so not especially tall. But have trouble buying
oreocereus
Thru Hiker
I was patching a tube at a café about 250km from final destination. Tear in tire sidewall was pretty concerning. Guy at the café came over to help, within 10mins the village mechanic (and his 4 mates) turned up to see what could be done. Someone returned with a half a football, and proceeded to cut a patch from it. So I cycled the last 250km with a football from a rubbish pile on the side of the road as a tire boot. Was pleased to get to a real bike workshop who let me spend a few hours using a full tool kit and sold me some new cables and brake pads for all of €2.. so it’s all in good order again.
Mums enjoying it, though being trapped in the tourist infrastructure is a surreal experience for me. Did my first “guided trek” over the last few days which went about as expected.. but the views were nice and it’s nice not carrying ones own gear *and* being cooked for.
Hd8ekownio24ugh5
Thru Hiker
Half a footy-that's gold!
Oh well at least some nice time with your Mum-makes up for the formality of the trek.
Go well.
oreocereus
Thru Hiker
The “trek” was still enjoyable just a very different experience to what I’m used to. I haven’t had food poisoning since entering the tourist bubble so that’s a nice upshot?
Hd8ekownio24ugh5
Thru Hiker
And food prepared for you! Nice. Hope you've got a good cook.
WilliamC
Thru Hiker
Has anyone tried Alpha headgear? The Marmot Alpha Direct Beanie is currently a good price on Amazon US.
Edit: Strange - it appears that they'll ship to Turkey but not to the UK.
Edit: Strange - it appears that they'll ship to Turkey but not to the UK.
el manana
Thru Hiker
EM-Chiseller
Thru Hiker
Good jackets, I sold mine as I didn't like the amount of water the cuffs held.
I was tempted to cut the cuff off but decided to sell it and try a different jacket.
I hiked in high tempretures as a solo layer and it helped regulate my body. I used it on multi day hikes and trips. Great bit of kit that is one of the few that I regret selling.
el manana
Thru Hiker
Thanks @Chiseller
EM-Chiseller
Thru Hiker
Worked well in low temps as well whilst active or teamed with a decent baselayer.
el manana
Thru Hiker
Thats what I'm hoping for, combined with another layer for cold weather walking.
Used the Montane Krypton last time and i cant get away with it. Great when its cold on the tops, great hood and fit. But lower down on the slopes when doing the ascent its just way too warm, cant cool down enough, have to keep taking it off.
Used the Montane Krypton last time and i cant get away with it. Great when its cold on the tops, great hood and fit. But lower down on the slopes when doing the ascent its just way too warm, cant cool down enough, have to keep taking it off.
Cali
Backpacker
There's a review on UKH, photo looks to me like it's Alpha Direct (45g). Seems pretty similar to my Marmot Alpha 60, except for price. Both about 275 g. Does not have chest pocket like Marmot, but handwarmer pockets sit higher on Asger.
EM-Chiseller
Thru Hiker
Looks like the hood kills the deal... At least its not another to add to my list of hits & misses
HikerL
Day Walker
Cheers Cali and ChisellerLooks like the hood kills the deal... At least its not another to add to my list of hits & misses
Cali
Backpacker
Looks like the hood kills the deal... At least its not another to add to my list of hits & misses
Yeah, the Marmot hood covers your forehead.
My favorite alpha piece (Strafe Alpha Direct Insulator) is actually unhooded. The Recon Air face fabric is really breathable. The Marmot 60 uses Pertex Quantum Air (20 CFM). I'd guess the Recon Air is likely double that as Strafe is 90g alpha and still breathes a bit better than the Marmot.
In cooler weather I wear with hooded base layers like Peloton 97 or Aerowool Wick Hoody. Downside is hoodless means anything other than light drizzle need to put a WPB over. They're a ski outfit mainly and probably assume it would be used primarily as mid layer. Got it on sale last year for $100.
Guess I drank the alpha Kool Aid, Macpac Nitro on the way.
EM-Chiseller
Thru Hiker
My marmot isotherm ½ zip doesn't have a hoody... But it is my favourite stand alone garment.