Fleece Layers
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Price- ~$120
Weight- ~4.4 oz medium
UPDATE June 2026- We are both using our original Senchi hoodies from 2023 and they are going strong. This is a favorite part of our layering system and included on almost all our long distance hikes or when weight is a top priority.
The new models in 2026 have been renamed, our Lark Hoodies made Alpha Direct 90 are now the A90 model. It also looks like seam stitching has been reinforced and the cut looks looser.
Unfortunately these are stitched in very small batches with high demand so you need to check Senchi's website regularly or get their email updates. (check out Senchi Design's website for product drop dates)
This one is functional and fun! It's fuzzy, it makes you look like a Muppet, and it's warm despite being mostly made out of holes. We added the Alpha DIrect 90 (the mid-weight model with the quarter zip) to our kit for our thru-hike of the Grand Enchantment Trail in 2023 after realizing we needed an extra layer for those below-freezing desert nights and mornings. I personally slept on mine every single night on that hike. Early spring overnight temps in the high deserts of Arizona and New Mexico and surprisingly cold, we woke up to a lot of frozen socks and shoes out there!
Made from Alpha Direct, a new-age fabric synthetic fabric, its ability to retain heat defies its strange look. It isn't a replacement for a down jacket, but it was our only insulating layer for a large part of the Hayduke and it helped us survive an ice cold rain storm that turned into five inches of spring snow on the North Kaibab Plateau in Arizona.
The Good- It is incredibly lightweight and provides excellent warmth-to-weight performance. It dries quickly and packs down very small.
The Bad- It is extremely fragile; do not bushwhack in this, as a single snag on a twig can destroy the fabric. It also has a very athletic, snug fit, so you may want to size up if you prefer a looser feel.
Senchi Designs A90
(feeling good in Arizona on the Grand Enchantment Trail)
Price- ~$220
Weight- ~9.5 oz
This is my standard fleece layer when I want something a little more robust. It features a trim, athletic fit and is highly breathable, which makes it a layer I can keep on even when the aerobic intensity increases. I prefer to keep pushing the pace rather than stop to shed layers, and this fleece manages moisture well enough to let me do that. I use it for skiing, running, training hikes, and as a mainstay in my international adventure kit. After hundreds of days of use, it is still going strong.
The Good- Exceptional durability that has lasted through hundreds of days of hard use. The fabric is highly breathable, making it perfect for high-output activities like trail running and skinning.
The Bad- It is heavier and bulkier than ultralight cottage-industry alternatives, which may be a drawback for dedicated gram-counters. The hem is on the short side and the arm pocket is really only useful for ski lift passes in my opinion.
(Top) seen here on Moose at 11,000 feet in front of Karakol Peak in the Tian Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan and (Bottom) again in northern Japan going out for dinner in Sapporo, just to show it exhibits both fashion and function.
Price- ~$180
Weight- ~12.5 oz
This is Bug’s go-to winter fleece. It is the softest, most comfortable layer she owns, featuring a velour-like interior and amazing four-way stretch. The hood fits perfectly, retaining body heat while remaining gentle on the face, and the athletic fit allows it to layer easily under a down jacket on the coldest days. The slightly longer cut ensures it stays tucked in and doesn't ride up during movement. She’s owned this jacket for about 6 years, and it still looks and feels the same as the day I bought it.
The Good- Unmatched comfort and softness against the skin. The four-way stretch fabric provides excellent freedom of movement, and it has proven to be incredibly long-lasting over six years of heavy use. It's a great winter fleece layer.
The Bad- It is significantly heavier and less packable than lightweight technical fleeces, making it better suited for resort/backcountry skiing, day hikes, or casual use rather than ultralight thru-hiking.
(Seen here on Bugs on Mazama Ridge, Mt. Rainier on a multi-day backcountry ski adventure.)
