This looks really interesting, and may be the right choice for more active travel (constant hiking) or for spring/fall, but the Mont Bell is about 3.5x warmer per ounce (90gsm Alpha Direct has an R value of .43, Montbell was measured at 1.48), both are around 4.5oz.
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Nick
This isn't necessarily true.
You can get alpha shirts that way less than that. I'm 5'9 150 athletic build and rolled my own 60gsm alpha direct fleece I ordered off eBay and it weighs 2.5 oz last I checked.
You can then pair this with a Copperfield wind shirt and you have an extremely versatile combo for activities or stationary warmth.
I used to use a Houdini for wind / rain but never liked it's pack size (bigger than coke can). The Copperfield packs down WAY smaller and alpha direct is insanely compressible and DOESNT lose loft / effectiveness like packed down will
Everyone always forgets down isn't suited for long term travel due to this and the loft being killed which is how it's warmth works.
Tynan
I was using 90gsm in the R value comparison.
I tried a wind shirt in the past and it wasn't waterproof when I needed it to be, so I'll wear the lightest rain coat.
The montbell loses its loft when packed but within 15-30 minute of wearing is back to normal (and I suspect it's warmer than the alpha even when half-compressed). I usually only pack it tightly when I'm nowhere near cold weather anyway. My bag is empty enough that if I take it off to go inside somewhere I'll just stuff it in.
I agree. The alpha direct fleece fabric is more geared toward active use. I have tried several weights (60/90/120) and they all have pros and cons. They are extremely lightweight and pack down to nothing (at least the lower weights) but they must be paired with a shell if there is any kind of wind. They are also somewhat fragile and prone to snags, even from the friendly fire of your own velcro!