Earth Sea Sky Alpha Hoodie

Most people I know use a variety of base layers (wool or synthetic) then a fleecy mid layer and down or synthetic puffy to complete their layering.

The Alpha hoodie is a garment that crosses the barrier between a ‘mid layer’ and a true ‘insulation’ layer. At first this may seem as a half way to no-where solution. But in reality, it is the most versatile garmentI have used, and when it comes to saving weigh and space in your pack, versatility is the name of the game.

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What is Alpha?

Alpha insulation is an open weave synthetic insulation developed by Polartec. Like most good things it was developed for military applications where they wanted a highly breathable, lightweight warm layer for start stop activities. The idea behind this fabric is that it keeps you warm when stationary yet can still breathe and dump moisture and heat when you are active.

ESS have paired this insulation with a windproof nylon outer fabric to create a lightweight insulation layer that is hugely versatile.

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The main thing that causes people to get cold in NZ is moisture, and usually when its cold its also wet. Mist, wet snow, rain, wet scrub and sweat all are challenges to keeping dry and warm. Having a layering system that dries fast is the key to staying comfortable on multiple days in tough weather.
This is where the Alpha hoodie excels.
My first impression of this hoodie was that it seemed too thing to be warm, and felt like a waste of space. But on a recommendation of another guide, I bought the bullet and purchased one. That was 3 winters ago and I have used this top on every single hunt over that time.

Since I got this top it has replaced any down/insulation layer I have and I have only worn a ‘puffy’ jacket for a couple of days over the last few winters. Now, this top is never going to be as warm as a true insulation layer, but it is not intended to be. What is does is cross the barrier between a mid-layer and insulation.

Your insulation layer is great for when you’re glassing or sitting around camp, but as soon as start moving you have to de layer, or run the risk of becoming a sweaty mess. This constant changing of layers can get rather annoying, especially in inclement weather conditions.

The Alpha hoodie allows you much more freedom with your layering and during the winter months I find with a good base layer underneath I can keep this top on for most activities bar the steepest climbs. But it is warm enough that you don’t catch a chill when you stop.

The most impressive part of this fabric is its ability to dry and pull moisture away from you. I have had this top completely soaked (through laziness of not putting a jacket) yet it will dry it self very quickly, even underneath a rain jacket. When wearing this under another jacket you will often find the surface of the Alpha hoodie is damp. At first, I thought my rain coat was leaking, but it was actually the Alpha hoodie pulling all the sweat and moisture from my base layer out to the surface. You can physically see this top pulling the moisture away from your body which is very impressive.

For me this top has replaced all other insulation I was using, in winter is my go-to ‘mid layer’ and in warmer months my ‘insulation’layers. Its ability to perform across a wide range of environments makes it farbetter value than a puffy jacket in my experience.

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Fit and weight

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I went for a XL in this top which firs about right for me (178cm/5’10” and90kg/200lbs). The cut is good, with a long-scooped back to keep the drafts outwhen sitting. There is a small zippered chest pocket and two zippered hand warmerpockets. A full-length zip makes venting easy and layering a breeze.
The hood is very snug fitting and works great to keep out wind.

My XL weighs 540grams, website list a large at 440grams.Which sits this around the same weight as light puffy or fleece layer.

There are draw cords to cinch around the waist, and this is the only feature I don’t particularly like, as these can be annoying under a heavy pack. But the are easily removed if you don’t like them.

Price and comparison

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At $599 NZD this top is not cheap, but I think it is a good value buy. Mainly because is so versatile and will be used so much. There are a number of similar layers on the market, and I have listed below the ones I havepersonally seen and think are comparable.

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Kuiu Kenai                  448 grams                $509 plus shipping

Sitka Ambient 100     370 grams                $550

Arcteryx Atom            370 grams                $530

FL Uncompahgre        560 grams               $429

ESS Alpha Hoodie       436 grams                 $599

The ESS Alpha is slightly more expensive, but it is made in NZ and use USA made Alpha fabric.

Durability

With a lighter weight layer this is always a concern, and I am a hard user of gear. My first impressions were that this top would not last a season. But 3 seasons later it has held up very well. There is the odd small hole from Matagouri and Spainards and I have been impressed by how well this top wears.

The Alpha Hoodie from Earth Sea Sky has been a real gamechanger for me, it has allowed me to drop out some fleece mid layers and all but replace any true insulation layer. If you are sick of either being hot and sweaty or too cold, this is a garment that will make your laying and ability to keep moving through temperature changes that much better.

Check it out here- https://earthseasky.co.nz/product/alpha-mens-hoodie/

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