Alpha Direct insulation works by trapping a layer of warm air close to your body. Wind destroys that layer in seconds. This 2.9 oz shell stops that from happening — and at that weight, there’s no reason to leave home without it.
What it does
The Windproof Shell wraps your Alpha Direct Quilt Liner in a breathable Argon 67 shell that blocks wind and sheds light moisture without trapping heat. The result: the shell locks in the microclimate your Alpha Direct liner creates, and you sleep warmer than the temperature rating would suggest. It’s also a capable standalone layer on mild nights when you want weather protection without full insulation.
The sewn-in circular foot box — same 15" diameter as your liner — keeps everything aligned and gives you easy access for ventilation without letting cold air creep in from the bottom.
How to use it
- Over your Alpha Direct liner: Extends effective warmth by several degrees — turns your summer quilt into a legitimate shoulder-season system
- As a standalone shell: Use it on warm nights when you want wind protection without the weight of a full insulated layer
- For mixed-forecast trips: One shell, packed in seconds, changes what your sleep system can handle
Which liner should I pair this with?
The Windproof Shell fits all three Jacks R Better Alpha Direct liners — same 72" × 55" dimensions, same 15" foot box. The right pairing depends on your conditions:
- Trail 90 or Alpha Direct 90 + Shell: Your go-to warm-weather setup. The liner handles nights down to ~60°F on its own — add the shell when wind or light rain is in the forecast and you’ll stay comfortable well below that without carrying a heavier bag
- Alpha Direct 120 + Shell: A capable shoulder-season system. The 120 already pushes standalone comfort to ~50°F — wrap it in the shell and you’ve got a legitimate 3-season setup at a fraction of the weight of a traditional sleeping bag
Not sure which liner to start with? The Alpha Direct Quilt Liner page breaks down all three options side by side.
Prefer the liner-and-shell idea sewn into a single quilt? The Wind Gap Alpha sews Alpha Direct and an Ion 1.1 windproof shell into one piece — a windproof liner, 50°F top quilt, or hammock underquilt, with no separate shell to line up.
Specs
- Material: Argon 67 (windproof, breathable, water-resistant)
- Dimensions: 72" long × 55" wide
- Foot box: 15" circular, sewn-in
- Weight: 2.9 oz
- Available in: Black, Dark Olive, Moroccan Blue
- Made in Pennsylvania 🇺🇸
Designed specifically for the Jacks R Better Alpha Direct Quilt Liner/Summer Blanket. Dimensions match — it fits the way it should.
Shipping Charges are calculated at checkout.
Within United States:
Packages are shipped via:
- UPS
- FedEx
- USPS for PO Boxes
Outside the United States:
Shipping charges DO NOT INCLUDE any duties, taxes, and/or import fees imposed by your country's custom and/or clearance offices.
We offer the following services to most areas:
- DHL Express
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your hours of operation? Customer Service is open 9am to 3pm EST Monday thru Friday (we are closed all major holidays)
Do you have a retail store? No, we are online only.
What time zone is your sales and promotions based on?
Eastern Standard Time.
Do you offer Rain Checks or Extend Promotional Prices?
No, sale prices are only available during the promotional period.
How do I cancel an order?
To cancel an order please call Customer Service at 317.791.8777 Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm (Eastern Standard Time). Once an order has been processed for shipment (meaning a label has been created), it cannot be canceled. Sending an email will not guarantee it will be canceled prior to shipping.
Can I add to an order?
If your order has not started to be processed through our shipping department, you can modify the order. However, you must call Customer Service at 317.791.8777 to make modifications. Once an order has started processing through the warehouse, it cannot be modified, only canceled.
What cards do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay.
Do you accept check or money orders?
Yes, we do. Make checks out to The Pathfinder School, and mail to:
Self Reliance Outfitters
6050 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203.
If we do not receive your payment within 14 business days, your order will be canceled.
Are orders shipped insured?
Yes, all orders where product total equals $25 or more are shipped insured. For more information about the insurance and claim process, please click here.
How long does it take for an order to ship from the warehouse?
Orders typically take 2 to 5 business days to process through our shipping department. During the holidays or during high-volume order influxes, it may take up to 7 business days. UPS 2-DAY orders will be processed the next business day.
How long will it take for my package to arrive?
Once it leaves our warehouse, it will depend on the shipping option you choose.
What shipping options do you offer domestically?
Flat Rate
UPS Ground
UPS 2-Day
What international shipping options do you have?
DHL
To learn how to sign up, earn points, and redeem points, please click here.
Can I send it back for an exchange?
No, but you can send it back for a store gift to use towards your next purchase. Include a copy of your receipt or email confirmation and indicate what you wish to get as a store gift card. Return shipping is at your expense.
Send to:
Self Reliance Outfitters
6050 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Attn: New Return
How will my refund be processed?
Domestic customers: Refunds (including canceled orders) will be processed by the original payment method or issued a store gift card if requested.
International customers: Refunds (including canceled orders) will be processed by the original payment method or issued a store gift card if requested.
Refunds on returned merchandise will be processed within 7 business days upon receipt of the returned merchandise.
Can I return an unwanted item?
You may return any unused item (in its original packaging) within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Drop ship items are not returnable. Return shipping is at your expense.
Send to:
Self Reliance Outfitters
6050 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Attn: New Return
What is the warranty on your products?
Most products (except PKS Knives & DIY Blanks) carry a 1-year warranty. View the Pathfinder Promise for our Pathfinder Stainless Steel gear - click here.
Does your PKS DIY Blanks have a lifetime warranty?
No, since they are a DIY item and an unfinished knife, blanks come with a 6-month warranty.
What is the warranty on PKS Knives?
All PKS knives (except DIY blanks) come with a lifetime workmanship warranty.
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