Is it possible to have a sweater that's "too warm?" I don't think so, but the moment I put on my 190 gm Alpha Direct Rip-Back Hoodie there was warmth, warmth, warmth! Light, fuzzy, cuddly... and so wonderfully warm! Sleeve lengths were perfect for me (get the thumbholes), the neck opening was perfect, and the hood cradles your head in sweet, sweet fuzzy insulation. If you really "run cold" the 190 weight should banish any chill.
This is my second Rip-Back (the other is a lighter weight), and I can't wait to use this heavier one around camp (it's probably too warm to use while hiking in anything but the coldest weather, honestly... but we'll see!).
A note about Jason--he's great at communicating, responsive, wonderful with answering questions, and I have no qualms about the quality of work he does. These garments should be considered "technical" and demand some good attention to detail so they don't fray, come undone in the field--and I think he's putting effort into making sure his garments are "quality" products. Thanks to him for great warm gear!
Naked alpha by cottage industries can take a lot of turns, this fit and finish of this piece is excellent. Built with the features I was looking for on long ascents with a heavy pack. Other Alpha pieces I own, with a face fabric, are too loud for bowhunting! This will hoodie will always be on my back in the woods.
Well worth the wait! This is my new favorite hoodie! Super soft and sizing was perfect. Such an amazing piece of gear... You can really tell this was made by someone who actually cares about quality over quantity ! Loved being able to customize & make my hoodie even more unique! Cant thank you enough, cheers from SoCal
Custom sizing. Love it!!
Thanks so much! I'm really glad the custom sizing worked out — always happy to get the fit just right for you.
— Justin
I had one of Justin's hoodies for hiking the Appalachian Trail and it was perfect! Kept me warm when I needed it, but allowed some airflow for those days that tended to be a bit warmer, or struggling up the side of a mountain. I had someone comment on my hoodie almost every single day! They were impressed with the colours, the workmanship and material! Just waiting for them to become available again to order another one - mine is still in good shape - but I want another colour!
Thanks so much for the awesome review! It means a lot knowing the hoodie held up for you on the Appalachian Trail — that’s exactly the kind of use it’s built for. I’m really glad to hear it balanced warmth and breathability on those climbs. And that daily trail admiration? That’s a huge compliment!
— Justin
So I've had 3 of these now, 2 of which I still own and one was expropriated by a family member. First, Justin does custom sizing. Second, the little hood flap is actually a significant boost in warmth when it's cold out and pretty sure he'll do one sans flap if you ask.
Now, on to the stuff that matters: if you actually hike and bring UL gear with you then your day will go something like this: hike until around dinner, get into camp and ask yourself "why the **** do I have 5 layers on but no pockets" about 10 times an hour until the sun goes down and then when you put your down piece on you will wonder "how is it that the one garment I have that has pockets actually has the shittiest pockets ever made that make me constantly wonder if I've lost my weed vape to the forest in an LNT tragedy?"
Luckily this hoodie solves both problems by giving you pockets designed by someone who actually hikes that actually do what they are supposed to. I routinely use this thing like a real kangaroo, and by that I mean all my babies go into this thing: my vape, my fishing reel, my soft flask. If it can fit in this pocket I put it in there and walk around camp thumbing my nose at the poor pocketloss souls and the poor souls who put their headlamp in their pocket thinking that it would be there in an hour when they needed it. And of course, I go to bed with a smile on my face listening to the soft thuds of my hiking partners' items falling out of their pockets as they set up their sleep system. I'm writing this review for you because you're already on the site and it's too late to stop you but if anyone asks me where I got it I tell them I got them at a consignment store from a guy who was into the teletubby look and went with a Senchi.
Bonus points that this thing, like other AD items, has an unbeatable warmth to weight ratio with a trivial increase in weight for more features than you find on stuff like a Senchi. I'm as weight conscious as the next guy and routinely leave the trailhead with a BW of ~8lb but I never leave without this thing, literally ever. It goes on every trip I go on. The only thing that changes is that when it's high season I take my secret 60gsm that I had Justin custom make for me and all other times I bring the 90. Any good layering system should have an AD piece in it and if you're reading this review then you're in luck because I'm better at the internet than you and I'm here to tell you to stop looking. You will not find anything meaningfully lighter or better and with more options to customize and a nicer dude making it. Just buy it and go back to doom scrolling ClimateTok like the rest of us.
This might be the best review I’ve ever read. I’m dying over here. The pocket rant is absolute gold, and I’m so glad the hoodie is doing exactly what it’s supposed to—keeping you warm, storing all your camp essentials, and helping you flex on your pocketless hiking partners. And major respect for rocking both the 60gsm and 90gsm depending on the season. Thanks for taking the time to write this—it seriously made my day. Happy trails (and no LNT tragedies)! – Justin
A well made Alpha Direct piece that does what it promises to do. Worth the investment!
Glad to hear you're happy with it! Alpha Direct really is something special, and I’m happy it’s working well for you. Thanks for your support! – Justin
Thanks to beyond the Trailhead Gear, I now have an incredibly lightweight and warm hoodie for all my outdoor adventures. The quality is amazing, I can’t recommend this small cottage company more!
Thank you so much! I'm really glad you're loving the hoodie and that it's keeping you warm on your adventures. I appreciate your support and kind words about my work—it truly means a lot! – Justin
Very well made and fits my long arms.
The elastic isn't super heavy which is good for this lightweight shirt, though it is still heavier than the (very light) fleece fabric.
Thank you for your review! Glad to hear the fit works well for you and that you appreciate the balance of lightweight fabric and elastic. I hope you enjoy many adventures in it! - Justin BTT
Super well made! I like the snap closure hood, it works great on cooler days. Just took it on a week long hiking trip and it worked great as an active layer and kept me warm at night. The fit is good too
Thank you for the great review! We’re so glad to hear the hoodie performed well on your hiking trip and that you’re enjoying the snap closure hood. It’s awesome to know it worked as both an active layer and for warmth at night. We appreciate your support—happy trails! – The BTT Team
