Bushwalk Australia

https://www.macpac.com.au/clearance/men ... RANCE.html
I don't need one but I think I might want one
Is it the lightest midlayer available and how warm is it?
Would it be the best bang for gram on the market at the clearance price?

its polartec "Alpha" fleece
its a very light, lofty low density airy fleece with a high wind permeability
it was originally only made with a woven nylon face fabric for increased wind resistance
really for high exertion when its not very cold.
being low density, when you put a windproof layer over it, you dont get the moisture buildup you get with denser materials or fully quilted garments...

Moondog55 wrote:https://www.macpac.com.au/clearance/mens/macpac-nitro-polartec-alpha-pullover---mens/115606-CLEARANCE.html
I don't need one but I think I might want one
Is it the lightest midlayer available and how warm is it?
Would it be the best bang for gram on the market at the clearance price?

I agree with what Wayno has said.

I’ve been using a couple of Macpac Nitro hoodies for a year now and really like Alpha Direct as a fabric. It's comfy, light and really breathable. It really shine when used in tandem with a shell or windshirt. A couple of times last winter I put the Nitro directly on my skin with my button up shirt over the top. It worked well and wicked the moisture off my skin all day.

It doesn’t work on anything but the most well maintained tracks. It snags very easily and once this starts happening the fabric “shortens” because of the pulls. It also develops a fluffy character when used long term.

I have taken mine into some incredibly thick bush and it all but destroys them. Even on a slightly over grown track I got a hole in one from a stray branch.

Another frustrating thing about Alpha is how it grabs on to Velcro. When reaching inside my pack I’m always getting caught on the Velcro at the roll top and pulling bits of the fleece off.

Scrambling also does a number on the fleece for obvious reasons.

Having said all this I still grab mine when heading out for a less adventurous trips or open terrain.

I really like my shelled Alpha but it isn't a compact garment and it has that full zip which I do not like
I was thinking about it as a warm layer I could stuff into a small package as a replacement for my now defunct 100weight micro fleece jumper [ Snowgum and 20 years old] or my old cashmere sweater and use it as a static layer

i really like my Nitro - like Zapruda I have found it great under a windproof or shell - far more breathable, lighter and less stuffy than a 100wt fleece and dries really quickly - better than my base layer does.

I can't imagine using anything else as an active mid layer for cold and wet weather now that I have tried one. IMHO The hood and pocket aren't particularly useful - a shawl neck would be perfect.

Genius stuff!
But to reiterate what Zapruda said...watch out. Holes and a weird fluffy lump on the back have been dealt with, but on the other hand -holes mend nicely if you get to them quick.
My blue one which has had a bit of use is getting the Grover 'fluffy' look but it hasn't affected the warmth/function.
Not quite as bad as Grover but you get the idea.
Me at a fancy dress in my nitro.
I removed the pocket for the ball.

I have decided not to get it quite yet. I think I will wait until we get another of those "Members get an extra 30% off " sales they have all the time

Lamont wrote:Genius stuff!
But to reiterate what Zapruda said...watch out. Holes and a weird fluffy lump on the back have been dealt with, but on the other hand -holes mend nicely if you get to them quick.
My blue one which has had a bit of use is getting the Grover 'fluffy' look but it hasn't affected the warmth/function.
Not quite as bad as Grover but you get the idea.
Me at a fancy dress in my nitro.
I removed the pocket for the ball.

Grover is the perfect comparison. Haha

I love my Nitro. True you have to baby it but it's super comfy and works really well. My favourite combo is a nitro and EE wind shirt. So comfortable and light.

Got one on good sale recently, really like it. Waiting for this hot WA weather to subside so i can test it out in the wild.

My main reason for wanting a Nitro is that Macpac won't make a pullover version of the Pisa, if I do get one it will be stitched into a shell and I will sell the unworn Pisa I have

@ MD
In the Macpac clearence Section (page 6)there is a jacket called the saros it's a alpha jumper with nylon front on it. I would link it but my phone won't let me.

No hood
I need a hood
I'd DIY using Thermal-Pro but that fabric is simply too warm for here; assuming I get to ski again that is.

Moondog55 wrote:I have decided not to get it quite yet. I think I will wait until we get another of those "Members get an extra 30% off " sales they have all the time

Their 'sales pitches' are as dubious as Fly Mo's.$85 seems as low as it goes with all the Euros and Seppos snapping up the new UL darling. I like the new women's blue colour.

$85- is a pretty good price, but I am trying hard to resist in the short term; just in case.

No worries, if I see a drop below that I'll let you know.

Zapruda wrote: It's comfy, light and really breathable. It really shine when used in tandem with a shell or windshirt. A couple of times last winter I put the Nitro directly on my skin with my button up shirt over the top. It worked well and wicked the moisture off my skin all day.

It also combines really well with this-
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk ... ody-p11661. 125gms in Large. Some nice colours there.
Non affiliated link/referral of course.
Quite a bit warmer with the Pulse on the outside-but can snag/velcronate etc.