Men's PRO Alpha Layer

Makes Cold Days Enjoyable

The best piece of cold weather kit I didn't know I needed. Intended as a mid-layer, the PRO Alpha helps retain more body heat under your outer shell to keep you warm in colder conditions. It almost works too well (but that's a good thing). The size XS was not available so I purchased a size S. It is slightly large (I'm 5'6", 125 lb. , 35 inch chest), but as a mid-layer the sizing is fine for the intended use.

Nice but niche

Very well made and nice fitting. Not the most versatile piece though. Really best as mid layer in really cold temps. It probably says this in the product description somewhere. For me it will be a mid layer under light shell (like the pro barrier or pro rain jacket) when temps drop below 40F, and is perhaps moist. That said, I usually use the Pro Winter Jacket for those temps. And this piece has a tighter more race fit than anything mentioned above, keeps me just as warm and is more durable. So again, the Alpha layer is nice but really limited.

Great insulation

Polartec alpha direct is the best insulation fabric I've ever used. Even better than wool. It barely get wet with sweat so it's never clammy. I wore it today under a rain shell when temps were in the 30's and a constant drizzle of rain. Warm and dry the whole time.