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
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!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review! We’re thrilled to hear how much you love your custom Alpha 120 Crew and that it’s become a daily go-to for you. It’s awesome to know the fit, warmth, and design are hitting the mark, and we’re especially glad the added stretch fabric makes it so comfortable to wear. Your kind words mean a lot, and we truly appreciate your continued support with your second crew and all the hoodies! Thanks for being a part of the BTT family—wishing you and your pups many cozy morning walks ahead! – Justin BTT
Fits my girlfriend well. Quality garment.
Thank you for your feedback! We’re happy to hear the fit and quality worked well for your girlfriend. We appreciate your support and hope she enjoys it on many adventures! – The BTT Team
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!!
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear the Rip-Back 90 Hoodie kept you warm and comfortable on your hike in the Catskills. It’s awesome to know it performed so well in chilly conditions. We appreciate the recommendation and wish you many more great adventures ahead! – The BTT Team
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.
Thank you for the detailed review! We’re so glad to hear the Alpha Direct Rip-Back Hoodie is working perfectly as a mid-layer for you. It’s great to know the fit and design details, like the hood closure and sleeve length, are meeting your needs. We appreciate your patience with the production time—it means a lot that you found it worth the wait. Thanks again for your thoughtful feedback and support! – The BTT Team
Love this hoodie. Looks great, super comfy. Fantastic garmit with outstanding customer service. Thanks BTT!!!
Thank you for the kind words! We’re thrilled you love the Trail Zephyr and had a great experience with us. Enjoy your adventures!