Zero G Gear Alpha Direct Fuzzy Pants Review
Overview
We absolutely love the Zero G Gear Alpha Direct Fuzzy Pants. Weighing just 95g, they combine the cosy comfort of pyjamas with the technical functionality of a good base or mid layer. We like to joke that they feel like a luxury item because of how comfortable they are to wear!
However, as with any specialised gear, there are some slight drawbacks to be aware of. The pants are not the most durable and may not withstand prolonged heavy or rugged use. As we typically use them coupled with an outer wind/rain layer, we haven’t had these issues and it easily makes these pants a favourite when ski touring and hiking.
Testing
Both of us have used the Zero G Gear Alpha Direct Fuzzy Pants for a total of 3700km of hiking, on the Te Araroa FKT and the AAWT. We have also worn them for around a month of ski touring.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Highly breathable
- Dries very quickly
- Great active layer
- Very comfortable to wear
- Perfect for sleeping– feels just like pyjamas!
- Pairs well with 100g rain pants for a 200g leg ‘system’
- Can be worn next to skin– excellent base layer for ski touring
- Very warm when combined with rain pants
- Custom sizing available
Cons
- Lacks durability on its own – needs a shell layer
- Shorter lifespan compared to more durable fleece options
- Less warmth-to-weight ratio compared to down or synthetic insulation like Climashield Apex
- Inconvenient to put on/remove with shoes
- Alpha Direct can disperse microplastics into the environment
Discussion
The benefits of the Zero G Gear Alpha Direct Fuzzy Pants
There is a lot to like about the Zero G Gear Alpha Direct Fuzzy Pants. One of the biggest benefits is their lightweight design, weighing just 95g. They pair well with 100g rain pants to create a practical ~200g leg ‘system’, which could be a great setup for anyone looking to minimise pack weight without compromising on leg warmth.
These pants are also exceptionally comfortable, so much so that we’ve spent two weeks ski touring in them without taking them off. Since they can be worn next to your skin as a base layer, they work well for skiing or similar activities. Adding to the comfort is their high breathability, as the pants keep you dry during high-output activities. At the same time, the loose fit and soft fabric provides a cosy, pyjama-like feel, which could make them good sleeping clothes as well.
The pants are made with Polartec Alpha Direct fabric, essentially “fluff” sewn together without a face fabric. This makes them an excellent active layer, where you modulate your temperature by adding/removing a second wind/rain layer. This combination kept us warm on the Te Araroa FKT where we regularly encountered temperatures ranging from 0 to 5°C in driving rain. It also helps that the pants dry very quickly.
Areas for improvement
One glaring drawback of the Alpha Direct Fuzzy Pants is their durability. We find that their lifespan is noticeably shorter compared to other fleece pants. Whilst the Alpha Direct fabric provides excellent comfort and breathability, it may not withstand intense use. This is why we think they are best suited for well-established tracks and not for off-track use unless paired with a protective shell layer.
Another reason to pair the pants with a reliable shell layer is to improve their warmth-to-weight ratio. Compared to synthetic insulation like Climashield Apex or down, the Alpha Direct fabric is less efficient at retaining warmth on its own. This is particularly evident in high winds when the air cuts right through the fabric.
Lastly, another downside of these Alpha Direct pants is that they don’t fit easily around your shoes. For us, this has meant that we struggle to take them off without also removing our shoes. This limitation, though inconvenient, is unlikely to be a major issue unless you are pressed for time. A more significant concern for us, however, is that the Alpha Direct fabric can shed microplastics into the environment. To minimise this impact, we recommend pre-washing the pants before taking them outdoors.
Conclusion
The Zero G Gear Alpha Direct Fuzzy Pants are an excellent choice for hiking and ski touring. Whilst they do have some minor drawbacks, these can be effectively managed with pre-planning. Concerns about the durability and warmth-to-weight ratio can easily be addressed by pairing the pants with a good outer shell. Similarly, their environmental impact can be minimised with a simple pre-washing. Overall, these pants are a true favourite of ours and earn a place in our pack on all backcountry ski trips and most hiking trips.
