BEST Fleece for YOU 👉 ALPHA, Micro or Ribbed FLEECE?

[@laowu830]

This guy is a master at hand gestures

[@SendFoodz]

that's why I'm give him this hand gesture: 👍

[@markcummings6856]

Mature, thorough, concise, informative. I have watched 1,000’s of reviews, hiking videos and I have to say yours are Top Notch. Subscribed. Thanks.

[@roberthammenrudh]

Glad you liked the content and thanks a lot for those words 🙂🙏🏻 and welcome to the channel.

[@photooutdoor2574]

Love my Deltas too, especially for everyday use. But terribly Arcteryx replaced it with a new version, which is a much worse material. My R1 Air doesn’t come close to the performance and it stinks very quickly. The Alpha Pullover I made for myself (115g in Size large) worn under a windbreaker is double if not more warmer than the Delta lt but not the right choice for everyday.

[@jensfmhaagensen]

My go to fleece if I need breath-ability is the Mountain Hardware AirMesh hoody at 160grams for a 2XL, you can often find it discounted at around 600SEK. Not sure how it compares in warmth to the Senchi.

[@roberthammenrudh]

That’s a nice weight for a 2xl 👍🏻 haven’t tried it so can’t compare! Looks a bit thinner but probably it will be ok for 3 seasons and one can always ad a layer for early spring and late fall so 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jensfmhaagensen]

@@roberthammenrudh for me it's perfect for 3 season use but if you're on the colder side then I guess you'd have to layer.

[@wishdarkstalkaz4050]

I swear by my Patagonia R1 Air hoody...but at around 350g, that Senchi Design’s you have makes it look heavy...! 😳

[@roberthammenrudh]

Not all is about weigh, if you have something that works and 350 gr 🤷🏼‍♂️ I would keep it! But if you want to save 100 grams then Alpha is a good choice! But expensive.

[@wishdarkstalkaz4050]

@@roberthammenrudh 100% agree...I'm in no rush to spend more money over 100g saving. Plus in particularly cold weather where the R1 might need some help, I have a heavyweight hooded merino base layer from Devold that adds the extra warmth needed.

[@BigDawgCAM]

Have you tried jackets made of Octa (ex: Mountain Hardwear AirMesh) or Alpaca fibers (ex: Appalachian Gear) yet? I'm really interested to hear your thoughts since they seem to be the "latest and greatest" on the market as of today.

[@roberthammenrudh]

Interesting, but no. The Alpha has performed so good for me this year so haven’t looked any further.

[@Curlew-Corner]

Thanks Robert. Another interesting video.

[@roberthammenrudh]

Glad you liked it 🙂

[@andrewhowie4217]

Picked up a Senchi Design Alpha hoodie a year or so ago. Something like 120 in the body and 90 in arms (or possibly other way around). Good for on the move and dries very quickly, like you said good for the weight and has a place in the layering system. Liking your video editing!

[@roberthammenrudh]

Ah ok. You know if all theirs hoodies are that way? Very limited information in the website! I believe the Lark is only 90… but not sure! And thanks 🙏🏻🙂

[@andrewhowie4217]

@@roberthammenrudh I bought mine from Garage Grown Gear and shipped it to the UK. I think they had a random bunch for sale at the time ranging from Alpha 90s and then a mix of 90 and 120. I think the Lark is 90 as you mentioned. I was looking but wasn't in stock via Senchi site so headed to GGG to see what they had, it was an eclectic mix

[@roberthammenrudh]

@@andrewhowie4217 ah ok, that explains it 😄👍🏻

[@martintvingsholm]

....som altid- relevant og bruger venlig. Tak Robert

[@roberthammenrudh]

Tack själv Martin 🙂🙏🏻

[@chrisstone801]

Great video, thanks for sharing Robert. Also a fan of the Patagonia R1 fleece hoody!

[@roberthammenrudh]

Thanks 🙂👍🏻

[@ericb.4358]

Alpha Direct is pretty amazing for its weight(s).

[@roberthammenrudh]

@@ericb.4358 absolutely agree, bought the pants to last year, warmer than equivalent merino and much lighter. Ugly yes, but love them 🙂

[@pashakimiagar]

great video robert. what is the camo wind jacket you’re wearing over the fleece? thanks!

[@roberthammenrudh]

Hi 👋🏻 and thanks! It’s a jacket I picked up a couple of years ago from Craft. The ADV wind jacket, they don’t make it anymore unfortunately. www.craftsportswear.com/sv/adv-wind-jacket-m-male-p-comet-sencha-1909762-158650

[@gorankantling510]

Bra video 👍🏻.Jag har skaffat The Omm core fleece jacket men inte hunnit testa den ännu.

[@roberthammenrudh]

Tackar 🙏🏻 låter som ett vettigt köp, inte kollat upp dom på nära håll men inte alltför tunga om jag förstår rätt? Har ju OMM halo så deras kvalitet är bra !

[@gorankantling510]

@@roberthammenrudh 195 gram.Ville ha en med lång dragkedja .

[@roberthammenrudh]

@@gorankantling510 bra vikt helt klart 👍🏻 fördel med hel dragkedja men förstås lite extra vikt.

[@gorankantling510]

​@@roberthammenrudhja det blir ju lite extra vikt med dragkedja.Nästa tröja får nog bli den modellen du nu ska testa.

[@DingDong-fq2mo]

Polartec Alpha Direct is the best thing since Mithril (for my purposes, in my neck of the woods, at least).

[@DingDong-fq2mo]

I use the MacPac Nitro - it was the inspiration for the Senchi Designs hoodie. The most useful single piece I've used in years.

[@roberthammenrudh]

@@DingDong-fq2mo I would love me a piece of Mithril but since it’s not happening anytime soon… I will also settle for the Alpha direct 😄👍🏻 nearly bought the Nitro a couple of years ago but since it is made in Australia (I think) the shipping and custom charges was HUGE 😄🤷🏼‍♂️

[@DingDong-fq2mo]

@@roberthammenrudh The Nitro is easy to get and replace here in Australia and New Zealand. Senchi seems to have taken the options several steps further, and if I were in that part of the world I'd try them all. The Nitro is fairly slim fitting, but if you get just the right size it can be very comfortably worn under or over a shirt - both ways are great, depending on temp and wind. I often sleep in it in Spring and Autumn, and regulate heat by simply moving quilt up and down, and Nitro hood on and off. A wonderful, wonderful bit of gear. And since it's not so cold in my part of the world, I'll often pack a slightly larger, inexpensive Decathlon fleece pullover in lieu of a puffy and at same weight or less. A base layer synthetic or wool shirt, Alpha hooded fleece, regular fleece pullover, a rain/wind jacket is very warm, and super comfortable.

[@cheri7828]

What type of baselayer do you recommend under it, synthetic or wool?

[@roberthammenrudh]

It’s a bit of a personal preference but I prefer wool next to my skin, a bit warmer than synthetic and will not loose all its insulating properties if you get wet.

[@ursus15]

hi, what size did you pick and what are your measurement? THX

[@roberthammenrudh]

For the Lark Hoodie Alpha Fleece from Senshi Design I chose the Large. I’m 180 cm long and about 100 cm in the waist and 104 cm over the chest. Fits perfectly. 🙂

[@tomn3505]

Thank you for the video! I would really like to know what is the size of the Lark Hoodie and what is height, weight and chest length. As you say, sizing is important for Polartec Alpha 😉

[@roberthammenrudh]

The size is Large, but out travelling so have to come back to you regarding measurements 🙂 within a day or two, promise 👍🏻

[@tomn3505]

@@roberthammenrudh Thanks a lot!

[@tomn3505]

@@roberthammenrudh So you could take measurements ? 😉

[@roberthammenrudh]

@@tomn3505 hi and haha 😂 sorry!! But better late then never… 😄 Waist width - 53 cm Chest width - 55 cm Arm length from arm pit - 55 cm Shoulder to bottom - 70 cm

[@tomn3505]

@@roberthammenrudh Thank you! This is your measurements or the measurements of the fleece??

[@sharonlivingstone5956]

Hi Robert. I've heard that the Alpha Direct fleece is good to keep you warm but it doesn't warm you up if you put it on when you're cold. Is that something you have noticed?

[@roberthammenrudh]

That is something I don’t understand, why shouldn’t it? Especially if it is used as a mid layer it will for sure warm you up. Same same as any fleece. 🙂

[@nedanother9382]

I have found that even a walk around the house is enough breeze to blow through but it all changes with the lightest wind breaker over it. Its made to dump heat in the day but the wind breaker will stop wind and trap heat but it takes a minute. remember, the coat has zero warmth. You are the only heater - our cloths only trap and preserve that heat. Have a great day

[@johanfogelberg5720]

What about durability? Is the Polartec Alpha material fragile?

[@roberthammenrudh]

I wouldn’t say it’s fragile, but some say they don’t last as long as ribbed or Micro. Maybe because of less stretch 🤷🏼‍♂️ or it being more open/airy design. So far I haven’t noticed any real wear on the fabric… but time will tell.

[@ericguillaume3155]

I've had a Rab Alpha flash fleece (120g) for about 2 years now and it was so comfortable, light and versatile that I wore it 3 or 4 times/week for about 6-7 months straight. I had no problem (well, my wife wasn't too happy about the everyday sports look though...). I do a lot of cycling and hiking and I use it for skiing as well. I either wear it with a light t-shirt underneath when it's not too cold, or with a light rain jacket when it's windy or cold. So from about 5c to about 15-17c. It's has surpassed my my expectation. It is warm, very resistant and not fragile. It dries very quickly (impressive when skiing). I'm not precious about it unlike my Alpaca fancy jumpers. I put it in the washing machine about every 3 weeks. In fact I was so happy after 2 years that I bought another one in a different colour, and because it was on sale. Which takes me to the only negative when not on sale: it's very expensive. But it's worth it. I hope it helps.

[@andrekarlberg1209]

Åter en informativ film, jag använder the OMM Core Hoodie 122 gram, när jag skall vara så lätt packad som möjligt.

[@roberthammenrudh]

Tack 🙂 och ja den är lätt, hört fler som är väldigt nöjda med den Hoodien.

[@YolandaIrisLopez-tn9pe]

Thank sweetie!

[@russellromig8969]

The issue with alpha is the loose knit fabric and backpacking. Alpha does not like being compressed. I would take a 200 weight fleece with shell anyday over alpha. But by itself alpha works without a pack...

[@roberthammenrudh]

Agree but I believe it gains it loft pretty easy, don’t pack it that often and wear it most of the time unless HOT! Didn’t expect to like it but now I will probably also buy the pants as well instead of wool (for sleeping).

[@tubbesebom3902]

1200-1400 aprox, is that included tax if you want to ship one to Sweden? Did you buy it directly from Senchi ? when I try to get answer from the Swedish customers side I don't really get a grip on the fees. I Have purchased Prana pants from the states and in that case I get away with the fees. BTW. Really informative/fun and helpful videos you produces. :)

[@roberthammenrudh]

First of all thanks 🙏🏻 and yea, about 1400-1500 including tax and shipping, bought directly from Senchi. 1164 Sek at first and then added cost in customs . Worth it 🤔 yep 👍🏻 and what any other quality fleece would cost. 🙂

[@tubbesebom3902]

@@roberthammenrudh Now its ordered from Garage grown gear 😄

[@nedanother9382]

goodness - what does that translate to US dollars - seems really high. May I ask, In international commerce what stops someone like me just buying that product putting it in a small package and dropping it in the mail to you. Does every over sees piece of mail get inspected somehow? I guess lucky me I've never received international mail. Such a weird thing how everyone else in the world deals with this yet here in the US we're somehow shielded.

[@roberthammenrudh]

@@nedanother9382 hi, it translates to about 150 dollars, and yea…it’s on ALL international shipments so no way around it…also private ones needs a value and you could need to pay for that as well, I think 🤔 not 100% sure.

[@PierreFarrugia]

Interesting video

[@roberthammenrudh]

🙏🏻

[@Iverath]

I've seen Houdini fleece shirts in stores, but I can't find it in me to spend 2000 SEK on something like that. Also, how sensitive are these shirts to sparks from the fire?

[@roberthammenrudh]

I would say no Fleece is good regarding sparks ⚡️ but sure, the thinner the more sensitive I would say. With the Senchi you can get away with 1200-1400 approximately but still a bit expensive when you can buy a Polartec Micro for a fraction of that 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Lomirffm]

There is fire-proof/-resistant fleece from special factories, as well as fire-resistant merino. It's often used as work-gear. You'll easily find brands.

[@SoppaJoni]

Kuiu peloton 97 fleece. Best.

[@roberthammenrudh]

Need to check than one out 🙂

[@roberthammenrudh]

Ahh… that one 😃 actually one I checked out like a year or two ago… cool design with the camouflage 👍🏻

[@SoppaJoni]

And lightweight and warm as h*ll too. 😅👍🏻

[@RC-qf3mp]

The KUIU Peloton 97 is great for warmer weather and as an active hiking fleece. But it’s stinks so bad and takes too long to dry. So i switched to an alpaca hoodie which has a greater range of thermoregulation, dries faster and is WAY less stinky. The KUIU stinks more after one day than the alpaca does after one month.

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

Layering? 🤔 One word ➡️ ‘Buffalo’ 😉😉

[@roberthammenrudh]

Got to be honest here, don’t understand what you mean? 😄🤷🏼‍♂️ is Buffalo another word for layering?

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

@@roberthammenrudh Do a Google search for Buffalo clothing, made in UK. It defies the logic of the layering system. Also a staple top used by mountain rescue and British Army. Very effective system. Still got mine from Army days, Buffalo special 6 shirt. Designed to even be worn next to skin, and has ample ventilation as required, warm when wet, windproof.

[@DawnPakundo]

@@roberthammenrudh I think he's talking about the buffalo systems where a pile fleece is combined with a wind resistant outer & slightly water resistant to make it like a put it on and forget type of garment. It works but I still prefer old fashioned layering.

[@roberthammenrudh]

@@DawnPakundo thanks for explaining, yeah I prefer layers too 🙂👍🏻

[@RC-qf3mp]

You didn’t consider some factors: 1) thermoregulation when wet, 2) drying time, 3) odor resistance. Adding those factors as essential to a mid-layer (and that’s what we’re talking about - or should be talking about - the best “mid layer” not the best “fleece” per se) is alpaca. Hands down. Try out all the fleeces you show during a cold,rainy and windy week of thru-hiking. Even with the best pit-zipped outer shell rain jacket or poncho, the mid-layer will be soaked through with sweat. That mid-layer needs to keep you warm even when wet, esp when you take off the outer shell and transition to camp for the night. Alpaca and merino wool are the best - but alpaca is more durable and a better mid-layer (though I prefer merino wool as a base, and it’s generally less expensive than alpaca). As for weight - a lightweight alpaca base layer or hoodie can come in at around the lower-weighted fleeces you tested, and a medium-weight alpaca will be around the middle weight fleeces you tested. Not heavy. And for the thermoregulation and warmth-to-weight ratio, you are about the same as the fleeces you tested. I’d say the alpaca is more comfortable at a far wider ranger of temperatures than anything I’ve worn. The closest #2 is the KUIU Peloton 97. Very light and a great hiking fleece (once you’re body is warm) but terrible if you’re at camp and resting. The main problem with the KUIU, however, is that it stinks really bad, very fast, and takes way more time to dry. Which is why i got an alpaca hoodie. I am very insensitive to smell… generally doesn’t bother me. But my KUIU and my old Patagonia fleeces were so stinky that even I found my own smell intolerable while wearing them. Since then, I smell test all my hiking clothing - and merino and alpaca are in a whole other category of odor resistance. Another advantage is that I can often use my alpaca hoodie as part of my sleep system since it dries fast and can be used as a pillow, worn as a layer, or stuffed inside a pillow sack. Try doing that with any other material fleece and you’ll be offended by the stench of the clothing right next to your nose at night. Not so with alpaca, thus making it a higher weight saving material since I can forgo a pillow (I use a pillow stuff sack and insert either the alpaca or my Torrid Apex).

[@roberthammenrudh]

You are absolutely right, one can’t talk about all aspects during a vid and I prefer keeping them simpler and mid lengths but all the factors you mentioned are off course both true and important 👍🏻 maybe for a more in depth review if the Senchi a bit later this year. Thanks 🙏🏻