R1 vs. Alpha Direct 90 hoodies-Warmth for weight?

Alpha Direct is more like a sweater. With a windbreaker, it may be just as warm. Or warmer. I kept my long in the tooth R1 and often wear it over my Alpha hoody.

I have used and R1 for a few years.  I just got back from a trip where we had lots of wind and some snow. I used my new Altha with a very light Katabolic wind shirt. I found that combo to be warmer and more flexible than just the R1, especially with wind.  Without the wind shirt, I would still go with the R1 in a breeze.    When I got the alpha, I thought it was a joke. So light, see thru, and looked incredibly fragile.  It reminded me of my Bynrje mesh, so I tried it.  That combo is now my go to for 25-40F temps.

Do you have the Alpha 60 or the Alpha 90?

Thanks!

I have an AD 60 hoodie, and I would say that under a shell it is about the same as R1.

I have the Alpha 90. For an active layer, Alpha 60 might be better.

I have the 60 hoodie and agree with Paul.

I have an AD 90 hoody.  With shell on, I find it warmer than my old R1.  Without the shell, the R1 is warmer.  So long as I can ventilate, I found AD90 has worked well as active insulation.

Alpha-direct 90 was the real deal when hit with cold all night storms (“wintry spring” conditions on my last weeklong trip)

Lows were in the 40°Fs ..  just wet, but once going into town it got down past freezing but I was fine with a shell.

If dry I can take it down a bit lower but then the wind picks up = the shell becomes important.

Weak point: abrasion especially “velcro”.  Trying to sew a rip that eventually opened.

My experience with AD 90 and Octa (HM Airmesh), in  particular the use of either or the combination of the two under a windshell or puffy, has converted me. I no longer use any of my “traditional” fleece, including Cap4 gridded (my previous favorite), for hiking in favor of this combination.  Twice the performance at 1/2 to 2/3 the weight, plus they pack smaller.  Yes, AD is more fragile, but the Octa is not…IME it is roughly equivalent in durability to 100 wt fleece.

I have both R1, AD60 and AD 90.

As other have mentioned, under a shell or inside a sleeping bag, AD90 will be a little bit warmer than R1.
also, your listed weight is too high: AD 90 hoody in L is less than 5 oz.*

So for me, 90% time, I bring AD if weight matters at all, or breathability.

*https://superiorfleece.com/collections/mens-hoodies/products/mens-brule-hoodie

Thank you guys for this thread and JCH for the link to his article. Wanted to explain to a friend why alpha has such utility and you all did it for me!