Macpac Nitro Polartec Alpha Pullover Men's in Black, Polartec Alpha Direct 90 Recycled Polyester/Polyester, Size: XL

NZ's perfect midlayer. An amazing, and pretty unique, bit of kit. Its insulation is surprisingly warm for such a thin and light layer. You wont find a more breathable insulator, or one that deals better with rain, sweat, or snow. But it literally doesn't insulate at all without a shell over it. That sounds like a negative, but it isn't. Wear it next to skin, and it's like a baselayer. Chuck your shell on when you stop, and it's as warm as a synthetic puffer jacket. Mine's done summers & winters in UK & NZ, and arctic mountaineering. Normal fleece has no reason to exist now, Polartec Alpha does.

Alpha Direct is an amazing fabric

This is my first piece of Alpha Direct clothing, so I guess to some degree this review is more about the fabric than the actual item of clothing itself - but let's be honest: if you're buying this, it's because you want Alpha Direct. I can't imagine many people are wearing this thing for the style.Anyway, Alpha Direct is amazing. It's unbelievably light, airy, soft, comfortable. I am wearing it inside just because it feels so good. There's really something to be said by wearing something so light, yet so snuggly like this.I've yet to take this on a decent hike which is what I bought it for, but so far really happy with it - to the point I'm considering buying a second one.It definitely runs small though - I'm usually a size S and after reading reviews here ... MoreThis is my first piece of Alpha Direct clothing, so I guess to some degree this review is more about the fabric than the actual item of clothing itself - but let's be honest: if you're buying this, it's because you want Alpha Direct. I can't imagine many people are wearing this thing for the style.Anyway, Alpha Direct is amazing. It's unbelievably light, airy, soft, comfortable. I am wearing it inside just because it feels so good. There's really something to be said by wearing something so light, yet so snuggly like this.I've yet to take this on a decent hike which is what I bought it for, but so far really happy with it - to the point I'm considering buying a second one.It definitely runs small though - I'm usually a size S and after reading reviews here bought an M, and even that is borderline (though L would definitely be too big for me). Size up for sure.Also shout out to Andreas and his review - it's what made me pull the trigger. Thanks

Amazing purpose built gear

Excellent if you know what you're getting with this. It's a specialist piece of gear rather than something you buy to look like an avid adventurer. If used as intended, as a mid layer if windy and wet, or an outer if still and dry, for activities where you're going in and out of activity, it's incredible how it breaths but retains warmth.Not great if you have animals with white hair though. Otherwise amazing.

Impressive Mid Layer

One of the few actual ultralight Macpac offerings (the other being Nazoumi Rain Pants) this top isn't fantastic midlayer. I place it between a polypropylene or merino t-shirt and a thin polarfleece. It's too easy to snag so needs to be under a shell of some sort, in summer that can be a sun hoody. This really captures heat and even in strong winds it kept me pretty warm, moreso when I put my rain jacket on. Wicks moisture away from key areas and is very light for what it does. I hated the pocket so actually got the women's version which is lighter than the man's but is exactly the same otherwise.

Nitro black in XL and eventually XXL to the UK

Purchased for lightweight long distance hiking as a mid layer. Obviously very lightweight and surprisingly warm when coupled with a thin windproof layer over the top. Very breathable almost a modern string vest material. Super soft so very good to wear even to sleep in.I’ve washed mine by hand and like most lightweight gear it needs looking after to avoid wear and tear.Not impressed with the sizing, a friend purchased an XL in Aus posted it over to me in only to find it was too small - I’m normally a large sometimes an XL. Had to then buy another online in an XXL with the eye watering shipping costs. I can get stuff shipped from China for £5 but I begrudge paying nearly as much for the shipping as the item costs.The XXL fits ok except now the arms are long, I ... MorePurchased for lightweight long distance hiking as a mid layer. Obviously very lightweight and surprisingly warm when coupled with a thin windproof layer over the top. Very breathable almost a modern string vest material. Super soft so very good to wear even to sleep in.I’ve washed mine by hand and like most lightweight gear it needs looking after to avoid wear and tear.Not impressed with the sizing, a friend purchased an XL in Aus posted it over to me in only to find it was too small - I’m normally a large sometimes an XL. Had to then buy another online in an XXL with the eye watering shipping costs. I can get stuff shipped from China for £5 but I begrudge paying nearly as much for the shipping as the item costs.The XXL fits ok except now the arms are long, I think it must be designed for the more athletic person but I’ve seen pictures of you kiwis…For what I purchased it for it ticks every box, Macpac just need to get the sizing sorted for online purchases.

Quite nichey, almost perfect (wrist cuffs too tight??)

Finally got my hands on one of these and it's amazing. Unbeatable warmth to weight - it won't fully replace your puffer jacket but it's a decent warm layer option for summer, especially under a shell jacket. Though it's a delicate, niche bit of kit and not for everybody.Sizing - It definitely runs small. I normally jump between small and medium (172 cm, 70 kg, male), went with medium for the Nitro and I'd say it's perfect for a snug midlayer.I find the chest pocket quite nifty despite the (minor) weight penalty, and I like the blue (though the new colours are cool). It's actually tidy enough that I've worn it to a (dimly lit) pub and not felt toooo out of place.My only gripe is that the wrist cuffs are very tight and not at all stretchy, so I have to be super ... MoreFinally got my hands on one of these and it's amazing. Unbeatable warmth to weight - it won't fully replace your puffer jacket but it's a decent warm layer option for summer, especially under a shell jacket. Though it's a delicate, niche bit of kit and not for everybody.Sizing - It definitely runs small. I normally jump between small and medium (172 cm, 70 kg, male), went with medium for the Nitro and I'd say it's perfect for a snug midlayer.I find the chest pocket quite nifty despite the (minor) weight penalty, and I like the blue (though the new colours are cool). It's actually tidy enough that I've worn it to a (dimly lit) pub and not felt toooo out of place.My only gripe is that the wrist cuffs are very tight and not at all stretchy, so I have to be super careful taking it on/off not to bust the stitching - this seems like a bit of an oversight and I'm surprised nobody else has mentioned it? Still giving it 5 stars for comfort, warmth, weight and value.

So good, I bought another one.

I am wearing a blue one of these tops as I write, having bought a second on the strength of my satisfaction of the black one I first bought. I have been using, fleece, down, pile, base layers etc for many years for walking and backpacking but this is quite different. The fit of the XL was perfect for me (6'1", 34" wait and 43" chest), good length of sleeve and waist. The hood is floppy but works well under a hood and there is no restriction of movement. I have used it indoors as a hoody, as part of a sleep system as a baselayer and under a windproof. It lets lots of air through until you add the windproof layer when it turns into a light down duvet. Clever stuff. it dries in less than an hour and only has two minor weaknesses as far as i can see. The wee pocket is ... MoreI am wearing a blue one of these tops as I write, having bought a second on the strength of my satisfaction of the black one I first bought. I have been using, fleece, down, pile, base layers etc for many years for walking and backpacking but this is quite different. The fit of the XL was perfect for me (6'1", 34" wait and 43" chest), good length of sleeve and waist. The hood is floppy but works well under a hood and there is no restriction of movement. I have used it indoors as a hoody, as part of a sleep system as a baselayer and under a windproof. It lets lots of air through until you add the windproof layer when it turns into a light down duvet. Clever stuff. it dries in less than an hour and only has two minor weaknesses as far as i can see. The wee pocket is useless for anything bigger than a credit card and care must be taken not to snag on bushes.Overall, I am very happy with it, hence buying a second one. I must say that buying the tops online from Scotland directly from Macpac was a breeze and very rapid.

The Nitro is an Awesome Mid Layer

Alpha Direct is a fabric that you really have to try to understand, in the shop it's featherlite and seems impossible that it'll keep you warm, yet crank up the hood on this badboy and you'll be toasty in no time! I've found like others that it's solidly a mid layer garment - if it's windy, then you really need a shell layer to keep the cold out. But recently on a 4 day hike I found that you can wear this as a mid layer while hiking too, and becuase the material is warm and breathes so well it's excellent when you're on the move.I also found that if you want to boost the warmth at night then this hoodie is perfect. The hood moves with you as your turn over, and really REALLY increases your core temperature. (with my down sleeping bag)So good, that I'm now looking ... MoreAlpha Direct is a fabric that you really have to try to understand, in the shop it's featherlite and seems impossible that it'll keep you warm, yet crank up the hood on this badboy and you'll be toasty in no time! I've found like others that it's solidly a mid layer garment - if it's windy, then you really need a shell layer to keep the cold out. But recently on a 4 day hike I found that you can wear this as a mid layer while hiking too, and becuase the material is warm and breathes so well it's excellent when you're on the move.I also found that if you want to boost the warmth at night then this hoodie is perfect. The hood moves with you as your turn over, and really REALLY increases your core temperature. (with my down sleeping bag)So good, that I'm now looking for a pair of Alpha Direct pants to add to my clothing system for camp and sleepwear. I'm completely sold on it.NB: This stuff sux around velcro.... and you have to baby it a bit - it's not for bush bashing! But other than those things this stuff is amazing.

This is not a teddy or just a bit of fluff!

This is my 4th one of these - they are an incredible tech product. Warner then a puffa jacket under my raincoat when cycling and wicks really well. Have converted all my friends. Item was a hit cycling in Europe all the Europeans were sold.Key benefits extremely light, fantastic layer perfect with a merino or solo plus shell in winter. Not this runs very very small I get the largest size the make. My go to

Warmer than it looks.

Doesn't look it but it's pretty warm. Not wind proof. Used it for running, got warm over time, but the material breaths. Wear with a tee underneath for extra warmth.Runs small, go a size up.Would be good if Macpac made a version without the front pocket for a more casual look. Would wear everyday as a lightweight hoodie.