New Hikerkind Polartec Alpha Direct Layer Is Designed for Women Adventurers

Alpha 101

Polartec first introduced Alpha active insulation in 2012 for the U.S. Special Operations Forces, but its lighter, more breathable successor, Alpha Direct, launched around 2017 and quickly became a favorite among ultralight hikers and mountain athletes. British climbing brand Rab launched one of the first jackets built from the material, followed by a flood of others.

Senchi, Gnuhr, Pa'lante, Peak Performance, SATISFY, Norrøna, 66°North, Sunlove—the list of ultralight and fashion-functional outdoor brands using Alpha has become long. But these companies almost universally use it in a single layer, to create either a pullover or zip-up, and as much as we love these layers, they're mostly indecipherable from one another except for labeling and subtle notes. Hikerkind's is the most novel use of the soft stuff we've seen yet.

A Women-Specific UL Fleece

Instead of designing another single-layer Alpha hoodie, Hikerkind took a more considered approach. Women generally generate less heat than men and often feel cold more quickly once we stop moving. “Our result is a piece of gear that feels more aligned with how women actually hike, camp, and spend time outdoors,” Hikerkind co-founder Chelsea Rizzo told me, “not just during peak exertion, but throughout an entire multi-day trek.”

“Most Alpha Direct garments are designed around a ‘never stop moving’ perspective, where maximum output and minimum weight are the primary goals,” Rizzo said. “But through personal experience and conversations with our community, we knew women wanted a little more warmth during the moments between movement.”

First Impressions

Upon first try on, the fleece was a bit of a squeeze to pull over my head, but once on, it felt comfortably roomy through the arms and body. The hood, however, fits snugly, like most tech fleeces do (to fit under a helmet, beanie, or another layer). That signature extra fabric panel on the front initially seemed unusual to me, even unnecessary, until I learned its warming intent. I’ll be thankful for it on alpine hikes and during shoulder season, but the 90-degree heat we're experiencing in the Pacific Northwest means I haven’t had a chance to test it properly yet. I can’t wait to take it to higher elevations this summer, and I’ll report back when I do.

In the meantime, it's refreshing to see Hikerkind put a fresh spin on a fabric that, until now, has inspired remarkably similar designs from even the most interesting brands.

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