share it

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

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Fabric: Paclite
Price Paid: $250

What can I say... this superlight rain shell worked for me flawlessly (or as near-perfect as I could ever imagine), in the wettest of places- the coastal mountains of Alaska, BC, and the Yukon for 3 months in summer.

It's cut high to accommadate a climbing harness, it still rides lower than a hip-belt on a big expedition pack. Completely waterproof/sealed everywhere. Hood is well-designed and very effective like all Arc'teryx stuff (not helmet-compatible, though- no prob for backpacking/paddling).

It's Paclite- so it breathes like Lance Armstrong, but it is thinner- so it can puncture (the sacrifice you make for having an 8-10 oz impervious shell). Still, the one rip occurred on my sleeve, and it was likely from sharp rock I fell on in steep, sketchy terrain. And the tear didn't run- sealed up with a patch and seam seal to this day (a year later) no problem. Could return to Arc'teryx for a cheapo repair (or maybe a replacement) but they rock, and it's a battle scar I'm glad to bear with my favorite rain shell of all time.

Please sign in to comment
Trailspace on Twitter
Add your voice to the world's most comprehensive and useful collection of independent outdoor gear reviews. Review Your Gear