Polartec Alpha

[Huntingpreacher]

These are $89 after discount. I'm trying a few different Polartec Alpha pieces. It was hard to find info on this one, but I picked one up just to try. It has a liner on the inside which seems like it might hinder breathability a bit. But overall, it's a really well built jacket.

https://www.mountainsteals.com/product/scott-usa-men-s-explorair-ascent-polar-hoody_10546011

 

[USMC2378]

These are $89 after discount. I'm trying a few different Polartec Alpha pieces. It was hard to find info on this one, but I picked one up just to try. It has a liner on the inside which seems like it might hinder breathability a bit. But overall, it's a really well built jacket.

https://www.mountainsteals.com/product/scott-usa-men-s-explorair-ascent-polar-hoody_10546011

Thank you!

 

[Team4LongGun]

OP-is this actually Polartech Alpha? The link says “recycled polyester” and makes no mention of it.

 

[bayoublaster7527]

Does this one have polartec alpha? There wasn’t much info in the description.

 

[woods89]

Agreed with the others, technical specs are a little light in the description.

For what it's worth, the fabric in the liner can make or break this insulation. The pieces with Alpha Direct and no liner avoid these issues. I don't know what liner fabric they use, but if it's not breathable enough it will affect the usability of the garment.

 

[AttackMode]

At the bottom of the garment it has Polartec Alpha embroidery

 

[Team4LongGun]

At the bottom of the garment it has Polartec Alpha embroidery
View attachment 486200

Good catch-but without it actually saying it in the description or name, I'm gonna pass.

 

[Huntingpreacher]

Hi All! Sorry for the slow reply. I called and talked to a guy at Scott. He confirmed that the jacket has Polartec Alpha (100) in the front, hood, and sleeves. In actually holding and feeling the jacket, all the insulated areas feel identical.
The liner is very thin and presumably breathable, but that is my main concern.
A large on my scales weighs just a hair over 14 oz so I think it will make a great piece for backpacking as the back is just a grid mesh.
Here's more info from Scott website.
It definitely has Polartec Alpha insulation.

https://www.scott-sports.com/us/en/product/scott-explorair-ascent-polar-men-s-hoody

 

[woods89]

Hi All! Sorry for the slow reply. I called and talked to a guy at Scott. He confirmed that the jacket has Polartec Alpha (100) in the front, hood, and sleeves. In actually holding and feeling the jacket, all the insulated areas feel identical.
The liner is very thin and presumably breathable, but that is my main concern.
A large on my scales weighs just a hair over 14 oz so I think it will make a great piece for backpacking as the back is just a grid mesh.
Here's more info from Scott website.
It definitely has Polartec Alpha insulation.

https://www.scott-sports.com/us/en/product/scott-explorair-ascent-polar-men-s-hoody

That is cool that the back is just mesh. That concept needs to be expanded in the backpack hunting clothes world, as usually when active we are wearing backpacks.

Here's what I did a year or so ago with a fleece. It worked well, but then I got a Alpha Direct jacket and haven't used it much since.

 

[bayoublaster7527]

Hi All! Sorry for the slow reply. I called and talked to a guy at Scott. He confirmed that the jacket has Polartec Alpha (100) in the front, hood, and sleeves. In actually holding and feeling the jacket, all the insulated areas feel identical.
The liner is very thin and presumably breathable, but that is my main concern.
A large on my scales weighs just a hair over 14 oz so I think it will make a great piece for backpacking as the back is just a grid mesh.
Here's more info from Scott website.
It definitely has Polartec Alpha insulation.

https://www.scott-sports.com/us/en/product/scott-explorair-ascent-polar-men-s-hoody

Great! Thanks for the follow up. I ordered one, should be a good multi role piece. I’m gonna try it out on some backcountry ski trips.

 

[Huntingpreacher]

Great! Thanks for the follow up. I ordered one, should be a good multi role piece. I’m gonna try it out on some backcountry ski trips.

That was my thought as well. It has a wind blocking outer so it should be really versatile and excel for backpacking and skiing.

 

[Huntingpreacher]

That is cool that the back is just mesh. That concept needs to be expanded in the backpack hunting clothes world, as usually when active we are wearing backpacks.

Here's what I did a year or so ago with a fleece. It worked well, but then I got a Alpha Direct jacket and haven't used it much since.View attachment 486301

This is a great idea!

 

[Huntingpreacher]

Product update. I've used this for a couple trail runs in windy/cold weather.
Overall I like it. I tested it against a Sitka Kelvin Active jacket.
Breathability - 7
Wind resistance - 10 (Except for the grid fleece back)
Warmth for Weight - 6
Quickness drying - 9 (Dried quicker than the Kelvin Active)
Moisture wicking - 4 (I'm not a fan of the liner.)
Value - 9 (For $89 it's a good buy.)
I don't think I'd pick this over a Sitka Kelvin or Ambient for a mid layer.
The best use for this jacket, imo, would be as an outer layer paired with a long sleeve base layer. It wouldn't be ideal paired with a shell.