Men's Alpha Aura Jacket

Buy this asap. I think it may be one of the only options in a heavy weight Alpha Direct with full zip and capable of taking light pack carry with the shoulders reinforced. When paired with a light wind shell it is super versatile. Only critique is it should have thumb holes. I cut my own in and sewed them by hand.

I tested this to determine its comfort range by hiking at a 7 MET rate with a Patagonia thermal weight base layer, this active insulation layer, and a 35 CFM Arctery Squamish windshirt. This garment is both attractive and fully featured. The only thing missing are thumb loops to facilitate both layering and keeping your hands warm. I made the simple addition of 1/2” wide elastic tape ~ 4” long on the inside of the sleeves centered at the thumb. When not needed, the elastic loop is not visible and is against the inside of the sleeve.

The Polartec alpha direct is an excellent fabric and this jacket is a quality build especially for the price. This layer plus a shell will be in my backpack for most trips to the mountains .

Great fit and feel. Comfortable active layer for cold temps.

Size descriptions inaccurate. Choose one size larger than chart recommends, unless you want it skin tight. I returned my large for an extra-large and now it fits well. They were great at doing the exchange for the larger size!