Beyond Clothing has a very interesting 4-way stretch insulated softshell jacket called the Stretch Alpha Sweater (or, Alpha Stretch Sweater), and its as good an example of an insulated softshell that DefenseReview (DR) has seen. We actually got to see and handle it at Special Operations Industy Conference (SOFIC) 2017, and came away both intrigued and impressed, especially since we really liked the jacket’s visual design aesthetic, its Manatee Grey (or Gray) color scheme, and its use of premium performance materials like Tweave 4-way stretch fabric, and lightweight Polartech Alpha and possibly also Polartec Power Dry insulation–we’re not quite sure. The product web page says Polartec Alpha, but company rep Rick Elder also mentioned Polartec Power Dry in our video below.
Regardless, this jacket is all premium, and looks like a real luxury in cold environments, especially when you’re engaged in serious activity.
The Beyond Stretch Alpha Sweater currently comes in Grey, Navy and Ranger Green color schemes, and is currently priced at $325.00 USD. Not inexpensive, but also not crazy expensive. This jacket looks and sounds like it’s expensive to make, and appears to DR be a good value for the money.
Defense Review would obviously like to get our hands on one of these for ourselves at some point, as it’s really warm and comfy, not to mention good looking and utilitarian.
Anyway, here are the more detailed particulars on the Stretch Alpha Sweater from the Beyond Clothing page on it:
“A5 – STRETCH ALPHA SWEATER
The perfect garment for active use in cold, wet environments. The Stretch Alpha Sweater combines the warmth and moisture transport of an insulating layer with the durability and mobility of a softshell. The jacket is built out of three layers; starting with a grid fleece that pulls moisture away from the body towards a layer of Polartec® Alpha® Insulation. The Alpha® Insulation traps and retains body heat while continuing to transport moisture to the outer shell where moisture spreads and evaporates. The final layer is a flexible 4-way stretch woven fabric that is highly durable and protects you from the wind and rain. Wear the Stretch Alpha Sweater if you need to stay warm, dry, and protected while on the move.
Details:
Insulated hood
Front zip
Internal left chest pocket
Hand pockets
Materials:
Polartec® Alpha® Insulation – 60g
Polartec® Power Grid® Fleece
Tweave® Durastretch® Nylon with DWR
Benefits:
Breathable
Highly Durable
Water-Resistant
Wind-Resistant
Stretch Construction
Weight: 21.9 oz.
Beyond Clothing Stretch Alpha Sweater 4-Way-Stretch Insulated Softshell Combat/Tactical Jacket with Tweave and Polartec Technology! (Video!)
by David Crane
About David Crane
David Crane started publishing online in 2001. Since that time, governments, military organizations, Special Operators (i.e. professional trigger pullers), agencies, and civilian tactical shooters the world over have come to depend on Defense Review as the authoritative source of news and information on "the latest and greatest" in the field of military defense and tactical technology and hardware, including tactical firearms, ammunition, equipment, gear, and training.