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    • Tales from Beyond the Trailhead
      • 07/13/25→Beneath Old Skies
      • 05/01/25→Blood, Sweat, Tears— and Breakthroughs on the Ice Age Trail
      • 11/17/24→Backpacking the Porcupine Mountains: A Journey of Mistakes, Magic, and Masterpieces
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Beyond the Trailhead Gear co
  • All Gear
  • by Designs
    • Rip-Back Hoodies™
    • Alpha Active Crew
    • SwitchBack Trail Mitts™
    • SolVale Sun Hoodie™ - 30+ UPF
    • TrailZephyr Hoodie™
    • BTT Logo Hats
  • by Materials
    • Polartec® Alpha™ Direct
    • Polartec® Delta™
    • Polartec® PowerWool™
    • Polartec® PowerStretch™
  • Clearance
  • Base Camp
    • Hiker Services
      • FAQs
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Order History
      • Beyond and Back Guarantee™
    • Tales from Beyond the Trailhead
      • 07/13/25→Beneath Old Skies
      • 05/01/25→Blood, Sweat, Tears— and Breakthroughs on the Ice Age Trail
      • 11/17/24→Backpacking the Porcupine Mountains: A Journey of Mistakes, Magic, and Masterpieces
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  • Rip-Back Hoodies™
  • Alpha Direct Crews
  • SwitchBack Trail Mitts™
  • SolVale Sun Hoodie - 30+ UPF
  • TrailZephyr Hoodie™
  • BTT Logo Hats
  • Clearance
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Tales from Beyond the Trailhead

  • 07/13/25→Beneath Old Skies
  • 05/01/25→Blood, Sweat, Tears— and Breakthroughs on the Ice Age Trail
  • 11/17/24→Backpacking the Porcupine Mountains: A Journey of Mistakes, Magic, and Masterpieces

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★ Reviews

Let customers speak for us

288 reviews
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95%
(273)
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(11)
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M
Alpha Direct Rip-Back Hoodie™ 90
Mike V.
Warm

The Alpha Hoodie is warmer than my puffy jacket. Can't wait until it is cold enough to wear both at the same time. I think they will pair very well together.

K
Alpha Direct Rip-Back Hoodie™ 90 | Purple
Kelly W.
Alpha Direct 99

First of all, big thanks to Justin for shipping my hoodie in time for my hike! I had ordered just a bit shy of the five week lead time listed and crossed my fingers. A couple of weeks before I was set to leave I sent Justin an email. He was happy to get it out a bit early and it arrived just in time! As for the hoody, it was comfortable, light and looks good. I used it for a mid layer on a nine day hike of the John Muir Trail. I absolutely love the kangaroo pocket to stash my phone or other items when at camp. The snap neck allowed me to get cozy when the temps dropped. Definitely recommend this item.

B
Alpha Direct Rip-Back Hoodie™ 90 | Forest Green
Becky S.
Waiting on cooler days

Gave 4/5 only because I haven’t worn yet as it is the middle of summer. Very well made!! I probably could have gotten a size S but would Rather have it a little too big

G
Alpha Direct Rip-Back Hoodie™ 90 | Moss
Gregory D.
Ripback Hoodie

My prior review was unfortunately garbled (accidentally hit "submit" while I was attempting to edit), but to get right to it, Justin communicated with me directly as i was in need of a hoddie on a relatively short timeline. Justin delivered as promised, and the Ripback Alpha 90 is beautiful -xea what I was hoping for. I haven’t tested it out yet as my hike is still 10 days away, but it fits great, feels great and looks great and i can tell will add a lot of warmth when paired with a windbreaker/light shell. Many thanks Justin.

S
Alpha Direct Rip-Back Hoodie™ 90 | Purple
Sarah D.
Fits great!

Justin was so responsive and helpful when it came to creating a hoodie that fit me perfectly! I'm between sizes for various measurements, so we collaborated using other hoodies I already own and it came out just like I'd hoped!

S
Alpha Direct Rip-Back Hoodie™ 90 | Purple
Scotty M.
handmade for the same price as mass market. Worth the wait.

The directions on how to determine worked well. I am a 5' 6" male and a robust 173 lbs and ordered the size small. It fits exactly how I hoped it would, room for a base layer but not a lot of extra material. Not too long at the waist and the sleeves are just right. The color is great, the quality is high, and the shirt is cozy. We've had a few chilly mornings and some rain so I am getting to try it out, although I am waiting for fall so I can wear it more! I love the look of the collar, it really sets this shirt apart from the rest of them which is a big reason I went with this one. And I got the pocket which I think was a good call. Get the pocket, One of the other reviews convinced me and I wholeheartedly second that. You can feel the airflow without anything under it but with an under layer it stays warm. I am looking forward to trying it over the winter. Also I really like getting something handmade from a small company for about the same price as a mass market, imported item. The timing they give you is pretty accurate so just be patient. I don't think that 2 day shipping has done any favors for society so it is nice to wait sometimes. Definitely happy with the shirt!

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A
Alpha Direct Rip-Back Hoodie™ 90 | Moss
Andrea W.
Versatile piece of gear

I bought this to lighten my pack. It is replacing my mid layer, my neck gaiter, and my sleep shirt. It did great for a backpacking trip in Dolly Sods, WV. Warm enough for sitting at camp and to sleep in but also just right before you’ve warmed up hiking in the morning. I love having the versatility of the neck cover.

A
Alpha Direct SwitchBack Trail Mitts™ | UL Edition
Andrea W.
Perfect for hiking

These mitts are perfect for those chilly mornings backpacking. It was great to be able to stick my fingers out for tasks as needed and then tuck them away when done. I’m not sure how warm these would be in winter but great for shoulder season or cold summer mornings/nights. They weigh a little more than my possum down gloves but are so much more functional.

T
Alpha Direct Rip-Back Hoodie™ 90
Tom H.
Awesome

Already a 2026 Christmas present!

J
Alpha Direct Rip-Back Hoodie™ 90
Jon M.
Great design, cut and construction

This is my 6th Rip-Back Hoodie from BTT. I’ve got different colors and weights, typically without pockets as I want them as light weight as possible for use as mid layer insulation. Justin is great to work with and his construction is top quality. Highly recommended.

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