Gear Reviews

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!

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.

A well made Alpha Direct piece that does what it promises to do. Worth the investment!

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!

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.

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

I received a custom sown Alpha 120 black crew from Justin a few months ago. I just ordered another one in Tundra Green. I am a male at 5'10" with athletic build and the medium size fits perfectly. There is plenty of room to add a thermal base layer and the fit is trim, but not snug. It is so lightweight that you almost forget you are wearing it. I wear the crew every day when I walk the dogs in the morning. At 20-30 degrees, all I need is a base layer and a wind shell to stay warm. In colder weather, I just add a layer. The quality of the crew's design and construction is top quality. The added stretch fabric at the neck and cuffs allows the crew to be easily pulled on and off without squeezing the head. The appearance is very nice and I have received compliments about the cut from friends and family. This crew looks and feels like a sweater, not a sweatshirt. I guess since this is my second one, I obviously like everything about it. Thanks again Justin, another great addition to BTT gear!

Fits my girlfriend well. Quality garment.

Recently wore my rip-back 90 hoodie on a long hike in the Catskills on a chilly December day. Hoodie was very comfortable, very breathable, and VERY warm! Was unbelievably impressed with the performance and how well it kept me warm all morning. Highly recommended!!

This hoodie is just great. Alpha direct 120 fabric is light and packable. The cut was excellent. I'm either a M or L size, depending on the product. I got the large, and it was the right choice. Not too tight, but comfortable with an outer layer over it. The build quality is great. I wasn't sure about the design of the hood closure, but once I put it on, it all made sense. The bottom of the hood is not too tight, but small enough to keep torso heat from escaping around the neck. I have long arms, and the sleeves are sufficiently long. Overall, I couldn't be happier with the product. It took some time to receive after purchase, but it was worth the wait.

Love this hoodie. Looks great, super comfy. Fantastic garmit with outstanding customer service. Thanks BTT!!!

In my opinion, this is a great Hoodie. Lightweight alpha direct material keeps me warm. Wear it over a merino baselayer. Love the royal blue color too!!

Love this hoodie and it's versatility at 90 gsm. Very well made piece. I would buy again.

The Hoodie is a great addition to my backpacking layers. It’s very comfortable and a great fit. Love the drawstring at the base to keep the cold air out.

Great product and looking forward to using it this winter on my backpacking trips.

So happy with my new hoodie and can't wait to take it backpacking. I save 7 ounces over my regular fleece! Clearly quality construction and appropriate sizing. Hopefully I can add to my review after I use it in the field; I may even take it snow camping.

I didn't know anything about Polartec Alpha before I received the hoodie on my birthday, but how I wish I would've found it earlier. The hoodie is so warm and comfortable. The best active insulation I own. The fit is perfect- I am a male at 5'8" with average body size and the small fits as expected, slim fit and snug, but not too tight. With a single base layer underneath and a wind shell over the top, I stay warm in any weather. Although style and color is not as important as warm and functionality, I have had numerous people comment on the look and ask me where I got it. It is really nice looking for performance wear, which I guess is why you can wear it beyond the trailhead. I can't wait until my next birthday...hint...hint

I received a hoodie as a birthday gift. The hoodie was custom fit for me, as I am a bit short in the torso, but wide in the shoulders...thank you Justin...it fits perfect! While I wasn't familiar with the Alpha material, the hoodie is by far the best for keeping me comfortable across a wide range of temperatures. I hike, bike, run, climb, etc. and no matter the activity or outside temp, the hoodie seems just right. I also think it is pretty cool that it is sown right here in Chip Falls, Wisconsin, USA!

The hoodie is my new favorite for hiking/backpacking. Lightweight yet so warm. At 5'4" and 130 lbs, the XS fits amazing. The grey/amber color duo is a great combo. I've had several compliments on looks alone. Great quality product with excellent customer service!

I own other brands of Alpha fleece, but Beyond the Trailhead is by far the best fitting and best quality. I am 5'10" about 170lbs and the medium fits not too slim and not too baggy. The quality is excellent with good stitching throughout. If you're wondering about the fit, Justin has always been available and will help with sizing. He literally cuts and sews in his living room, truly an artisan of the cottage industry. I ordered two more hoodies for my adult sons and he was able to alter the length and sleeves for a perfect fit. He also sewed a custom 120g crew neck for me, which is so warm and comfortable that I think he should tailor it for the masses. Justin provides great customer service!

I just received this hoodie prior to a trip to the Utah National Parks where we did lots of fall hiking. Wore it with a light weight wind shell (tyono 30 denier) and a super lightweight merino t-shirt underneath. The combo worked perfect for the cold morning temperature. when it warmed up I shed the wind shell and just the hoodie allowed me to maintain consistent body temp through sun and shade. My wife had a typical fleece jacket over a t-shirt and she was hot/cold. The features of this hoodie excel above a lot of the other Alpha options on the market. I really like the neck snaps and hood/colar design. Only small gripe, not necessarily a negative is the pics on the web site and color description are a little off than actual- Waikawa Grey and Peach amber match images on website, however upon receiving it, it appears more like slate blue and pink in actuality. I've come to like the colors. My wife refers to it as my grandma sweater.

I didn't see the lead time on the hoodie, my mistake. Contacted Justin and he got me my hoodie in time for my trip, love the product, thanks.

there are other alpha direct hoodies out there, but the little extras that beyond the trailhead has makes it all worthwhile! kangaroo pocket for all my little things, check! built in venting neck gaiter, check! customizable snap colors to match my pack, you betcha! awesome hoodie, performs great, fits me much better than other brands (slim, with long torso and arms). very happy i found this maker, highly recommend!

Love the rip back design and solid construction! Perfect for active warmth

I bought this for an upcoming Nepal trek and so far I’ve been wearing it all waking hours. Very comfortable and well built.