User Review: Arc'teryx Men's Alpha LT Jacket

I've had this jacket for right at two years and I could not be happier with it. The jacket is ridiculously lightweight, yet has proven to be extremely durable. I have two friends that have the paclite version and even though it was much cheaper I really couldn't feel comfortable that it would hold up to abuse. I'm very rough on gear. My philosophy is that if I pay this much for it, it better not break.

I've primarily backpacked in this jacket in all types of conditions. Mine beaded water like a champ when I bought it, but the dwr finish did eventually wear off. It doesn't bead anymore, but is still totally waterproof. The jacket is very breathable and doesn't have that 'crinkly' feeling that I've had with other three layer jackets.

I would trust this jacket to take me anywhere. It will stand up to plenty of abuse.

The hood is absolutely the best, most adjustable hood I've ever seen. The hood also doesn't get in the way when you sit down in a chair, or lay down on the ground with it on.

The only consideration that you might have with this jacket is that it is shorter than other parkas I've owned. I had to change the insulation layer I use with this jacket because my Patagonia down sweater hangs out of the bottom by a couple of inches. This is also a consideration if you're planning on using this jacket as a ski jacket because it doesn't have a snow skirt. It really isn't designed to be a ski jacket anyway though, but I use it with a bib when skiing and it does great.

This is by far the best parka I've ever owned, and I've owned a few.