Take note of the letters attached like doctor's credentials after the model name of many outdoor products. Often they do actually mean something. In this case, the SL designation after the Arc'teryx Alpha jacket distinguishes it from its brother/sister LT model. Two letters, same family, but significant differences, starting with the 23grams shed between the LT and SL. And therein lies the clue to the pedigree of this puppy - it's for weight watchers. Lightweight fanatics who like to float through their adventures unencumbered, as much as possible, by gravity and its effects on everything they carry. But still stay dry as a day in the Atacama.

So, if you're not worried about a little fat here and there, the LT is perhaps the preferred choice - it's more hardcore in that it has a Gore-Tex Pro Shell; the SL in its dieting has gone for a Gore-Tex Paclite Shell. The difference? Without going into the boffin science bar saying that it has an unlined membrane - Pro Shell (two or three layer) is for the most extreme of conditions where a little rustling of fabric and a touch more weight is the small price for warmth and extra protection from the elements. Think mountaineering in very high places. Paclite shell is as it says on the tin - light and compact for the packing down, is more fitted and in my opinion more comfortable. Think backcountry hiking and a myriad of other outdoors activities where the 'e' in extreme maintains a lowercase. The downside is that it's not quite as durable at the Pro Shell. But long-lasting in this category is relative  - the SL is still tougher than most jackets going 'round and will see you through years in the plural.

I mainly used the Alpha trekking and, although not specifically designed for it, mountain biking, in a relatively mild winter in Melbourne, Vic, Australia. Primarily the test was for waterproofing and breathability, given the pant factor of the MTB useage.

Result? I remained dust-dry when it rained. The sweat of biking pushed the limits of breathability, especially when it was pouring rain but outside temperature remained mild. Gore-tex relies on the ambient temp outside being colder than that inside. When it's nudging moderate temps, it lessens the wicking prowess of the garment. Back on the trail, and the Alpha was in its element, wicking well enough, although on one hike - again in milder but wet weather, bare arms (I had a tshirt on underneath) overwhelmed the wicking and my forearms became sweat-wet. But used with layering on cooler days and the Goretex Paclite system worked a treat.

I would like to have tested the jacket under ice-cold conditions perhaps using Arc'teryx layering (the Arc'teryx Delta AR Zip, for instance, matched to a mid layer Arc'teryx Strato Jacket maybe) - and into snow conditions, especially snowboarding where the sweat factor again comes into play. In windy conditions, the Alpha is a brick wall - nothing gets through it, lessening any chill factor.

Overall this is a jacket that performs at the higher end of the spectrum, but that's reflected in the price tag. What I loved about it was its overall fitted comfort - a barely there jacket that stows down to a tiny size when not being used. Keeping the weight down is the essentials only design with no bits and bobs distracting from the function, yet still has subtle additions - the felt neck protector and chin guard - touches that make all the difference on long hauls when the littlest rub becomes a major annoyance.

The jacket is cut cut short in the front (a good thing for my riding), which can be a problem for tall and skinnies, and it obviously means the run-off (if not wearing waterproof pants) drenches you higher up.  Wet crotch anyone?

Mountaineers and climbers will like the hood which has been designed to accommodate helmets with a quick-tension fit drawcord and fastener at the rear of the head. There are two long zip chest pockets with plenty of stowage room, placed so they won't interfere with pack straps, pit zips with waterproofing seals, and Velcro straps on the wrists remained snug and secure on test.

The inside is bare bones with micro seam seals using narrow Gore seam tape and a hang loop at the neck.

Summary: I'm a big fan. My wallet's not. But my heart just may conquer the uber-accountant that sweats over our home budget.  (Hi hun...I'll cut back on the Tuesday night reds for a few weeks, promise, if I can have this jacket, a few months if I can have the layering set up!).

RRP: $549
Weight: 342 g / 12.1 oz
Fit: Athletic fit, Hip Length
WEB: www.arcteryx.com 
WEB: www.seatosummit.com

Reviewer: Chris Ord, Deputy Editor, Outer Edge

Comments (2)

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written by ugg store, January 14, 2010

Yeah,It looks pretty cool.
Good sharing!

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written by Can Uck, January 16, 2010

I believe the photo you have is of the LT version.

Otherwise, nice write up. Thanks for the review. Definitely interested in this one.

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