I'm trying to understand the warmth difference between a Polartec Alpha hoody and a Patagonia R1 hoody. Presumably one has to wear a windshirt in breezy conditions for both, so what is the justification for Alpha. It appears R1 is somewhat lighter than let's say the Westcomb Tango, and they are both relatively compressible. Does the Alpha hoody provide significantly more warmth than the R1 and thus can satisfy both demands of an active mid-layer and also an in camp sedentary insulation piece. If the latter, then I can see using the alpha in both applications and not taking my usual R1 and Rab Zenon combo (fall/winter). That would save 10 oz. and some room in the pack. Am I interpreting the Alpha niche correctly?
