Arc'teryx Men's Alpha SL Jacket

Priced: $190.99 - $325.00 Rated:   - 5 stars out of 5 by 36 reviews.
Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket -

"No it's not just a rain jacket, if you hike or spend anytime outdoors when it's raining or even a light snow this jacket is the best barrier against both. There are very few pieces of gear I can say that I've used spring skiing then the next week used hiking on St. John's in the Caribbean. I have had the Alpha SL jacket for two years now and have used it more than any other. It has everything you need - 1) Water proof and windproof as a result of Gore-Tex Paclite, 2) looks badass, 3) great fit, 4) my favorite, pit zips that actually open wide enough to be useful. The pocket placement has also worked really well under my pack. I have used this coat for skiing/snowboarding, hiking, canoeing (4 days of straight rain in Algonquin and never got wet), and everyday use. But seriously, this is by far my favorite Paclite shell and yes you should get one too, then stop in the Rochester store and we can be twins."

The Men's Alpha SL Jacket by Arcteryx, designed for the light and fast fanatic, the Alpha SL Jacket is streamlined to deliver complete weather protection without excess weight and bulk. Appointed with all the essential back country features, this compact and lightweight jacket rides along for take anywhere storm security.

Fit:

  • Athletic fit, hip length
  • Anatomical shaping for fit and comfort

Fabric:

  • Very compact, lightweight Gore-Tex fabric with Paclite product technology
  • GORE-TEX® two-layer construction
  • DWR finish (Durable Water Repellent) helps bead water from fabric surface
  • Laminated drop back hem with adjustable hem drawcord

Lining and Layers:

  • Athletic patterning provides room for three layers while facilitating movement
  • Generous cut for easy layering

Embroidery:

  • Embroidered logo

Ventilation:

  • Breathable
  • Laminated pit zippers allow for faster venting
  • WaterTight pit zippers permit rapid ventilation two hand pockets and one internal pocket

Hood:

  • Helmet-compatible Storm Hood rotates without blocking vision

Weather and Wind:

  • Micro-seam allowance (1.6 mm) reduces bulk and weight
  • Fully seam-sealed for waterproofness
  • Full front zip with wind flap
  • Snow-shedding
  • Tiny GORE® seam tape (13 mm)
  • Windproof

Zippers:

  • Corded zipper-pulls reduce noise and are easy to grab
  • Molded zipper garages

Features:

  • Laminated chin guard
  • No-lift gusseted underarms
  • Laminated high-strength hanger loop
  • Non-chafing label
  • Articulated elbows
  • Laminated die-cut Velcro® cuff adjusters reduce bulk, and won't catch or tear off
  • One-hand adjustable drawcords
  • Adjustable elastic waist drawcord
  • Articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility
  • Compressible and packable
  • Gender specific patterning
Backcountry.com
The Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket allows you to go light in the mountains and on the trail without sacrificing much-needed storm protection.
The Arc'teryx Men's Alpha SL Jacket provides bomber weather protection at a weight low enough to put a smile on the faces of ounce-counting climbers and backpackers. Waterproof breathable Gore-Tex Paclite fabric makes this shell jacket versatile enough to take on a single-push alpine climb, backpacking trip, or even a long-distance ski tour. Arc'teryx made the Alpha SL Jacket with minimalists in mind, adding only essential features like Underarm zips, two hand pockets, and a helmet-compatible hood. *Only Available for US Shipment.

USOutdoor.com
For those gram counting climbers and trekkers who are minimalists that still demand a high level of performance, grab the Arc’teryx Alpha SL Jacket, and get going. This is weather protection in an ultra lightweight package at its finest. Never worry about finding space for this jacket as it is extremely packable and just whip it out whenever the weather turns savage for superior defense. Waterproof fabric all jacked up on Gore-Tex ensures that rain stays on the outside, but the Alpha SL remains highly breathable. As an incredibly versatile piece of outerwear, you can bet that you’ll be covered anywhere from a laid-back day hike, to a demanding multi-day excursion. Even though it won’t feel like much when you put it on, there are still some solid features built in, like pit zips and a pair of hand pockets that crank up the functionality. Flip up the helmet compatible hood and solidify your fortress of weather defense. With a generous cut for layering and an anatomically correct fit, the Arc’teryx Alpha SL Jacket is primed to protect you from any beastly storm that nature can conjure.

Oregon Mountain Community
The Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket is designed for those of us who travel fast and need lightweight, dependable gear. The Alpha SL Jacket is made of durable, yet lightweight 2.5 layer GORE-TEX® with Paclite Technology material for unsurpassed breathability and weight.

Mountain Gear

When you're looking to do some tough climbing in soggy conditions, it's time to beef up your protection from the elements with the Alpha SL Jacket from ARCTERYX. Extremely light and technically advanced, 2-layer GORE-TEX PacLite keeps you dry and comfortable without bogging you down with weight, plus, when you don't need it, pack it down small and take it anywhere you need to.

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Review RatingNumber of Reviews
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Also available for: Women
Center Back Length:30.5 in
Closure:Full Zip
Clothing Fit:Trim Fit
Country of Origin:China
Cuffs:Laminated die-cut Velcro® cuff adjusters reduce bulk, and won't catch or tear off
Fabric Breathability Rating:guaranteed breathable
Fabrics/Materials:340NR GORE-TEX® Paclite® 2L
Fit:Athletic, hip length
Gusseted:No-lift gusseted underarms, Articulated elbows, Gender specific patterning, Articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility
Hem:Drop back hem, Laminated hem, Adjustable hem drawcord
Hood:Helmet compatible Speed Hood
Liner:Laminated chin guard
Liner-Compatible:no
Material:N40r GORE-TEX fabric with Paclite product technology
Material Technology:GORE-TEX
Perfect For:Climbing, Hiking
Pit Zips:Yes
Pockets:Two hand pockets with laminated WaterTight zippers
Powder Skirt:no
Recommended Use:alpine climbing, backpacking, ice climbing
Seam Taped:Yes
Seams:fully taped
Seams Taped:Tiny GORE® seam tape (13 mm)
Style:Jackets
Type:Shell
Type of Waterproofing:GORE-TEX® / DWR finish (Durable Water Repellent)
Ventilation :Breathable
Venting:underarm zips
Warranty:lifetime
Waterproof:yes
Waterproof Rating:guaranteed waterproof
Waterproofing :Yes
Weatherproof Material:GORE-TEX Paclite
Weight:12.1 oz / 342 g
Windproof:Yes
Wrist Gaiters:no
Zipper:WaterTight™ external zippers, Molded zipper garages, Pit zippers for easy venting, Corded zipper-pulls reduce noise and are easy to grab
Compare specifications to related products.

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Arc'teryx Alpha SL Hybrid JacketArc'teryx Alpha SL Hybrid Jacket$236.99 - $349.00
Arc'teryx Alpha SL PulloverArc'teryx Alpha SL Pullover$168.32 - $288.95

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Arc'teryx

Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket Reviews:

Positive Reviews:

This is an excellent product that has yet to fail me.
I'm very hard on my gear and am unwilling to baby anything I own. I have used it hiking, running, snowshoeing, around town, and as my go to jacket when fly fishing--it is during this activity that the Alpha SL gets put to the test, as I'm constantly bushwacking through all kinds of tough undergrowth, branches, prickers, thicket, etc., to get to secluded fishing holes, often when it is pouring since fish tend to be more active then. I have even taken spills on rocks and slid down gravel riverbanks and this jacket just laughs at it all.
I have never had a problem with breathability, or leakage, and the hood is real nice on windy days, once cinched properly.
I get full range of motion which is important for casting properly with a fly rod.
As for fit, I'm 6'1" about 188lbs with very broad shoulders, a 45" chest and a 77" wingspan (the equivalent of a 6'4" person of average proportions) so the XL works perfectly for me with plenty of room for layers without feeling too baggy. The Large fit well around the waist but was tight in the back and upper torso with layers on and the arms were a bit short. If you are of average build and my height with a normal wingspan (take 1.023 times your height in inches to see what the average is for your height) then a Large will probably work fine.
A note about layering: I also have the Atom LT hoody in XL and this shell is a perfect match for this jacket, giving you the perfect kit for 75% of your outdoor activities. The Atom SV will fit underneath, but it is a just little too snug in the shoulders and arms for me given that the Alpha SL is an Althetic cut.
You simply can't go wrong with this piece, it does exactly what its designed to do and is amazingly durable.

Riffle at Backcountry.com on 12/11/2012

Best all around jacket!

I quickly fell in love with every aspect of the design. In terms of waterproof-ness the jacket gets a 100. Water beads right up on the shell, and in heavy downpours it keeps the water out. It is also very breathable and the pit zips help for keeping cool. The hood is on the large side, but the pulls can make it fit nice and snug. There is little room for layering, but enough to make it useful. I had a down jacket layered the other day and it had just enough space. This jacket is very light and compact, it is perfect to pull out of your backpack on the trail. I love the product and hope to but more from Arcteryx in the near future!
DAVID at Moosejaw on 12/30/2012

Minimal and Tailored

This is replacing a very tired Mountain Hardware Epic Parka. The Epic is just a light weight DWR, while the GoreTex Pacllight is far superior. The jacket layers easily and is very minimal, but with the necessary features. Pit zips, taped zippers, hood, draw cords where you need them. The tailored fit gives a great total fit, but my only con is the "No fast on". The Epic i could very easily and quickly toss on, and stuff my arms down the sleeves. The Arc'Terx tailored fit, requires just the slightest bit of time to get your arms down the sleeves. It's not a real con, but it's the only thing I've noticed that isn't perfect. Great jacket otherwise.
FirstNameSmith at Mountain Gear on 11/11/2010

Light but Tough

I have the older version of this jacket and it has been to the summit of Mt. Rainier, Baker, Hood, and St. Helens (the crater rim)with me. It is so light and packable that it also travels with me on almost every hiking and camping trip as well. Even though it feels light, it has proven to be very durable. I only give four stars to my version because I think that I would like the pocket configuration on the new version better. Maybe I will get that one if mine ever wears out!
DDG at Mountain Gear on 11/11/2010

Fall Winter Spring Jacket...

my second Alpha SL. First one is like 6 years old and has been worn at work in Puyallup Wa over dress shirts to Crystal Mtn over a softshell. Have owned alot of different pieces from Arcteryx. The Alpha SL has always been a go to jacket that I can quickly use as a rain or wind block. This new Atlantis color is somewhat toned down from the picture. Happy with the classy and subdued look. Will look good on the mountain. Wife has wore hers extensively too. So many uses.
Crystal Skier at Mountain Gear on 09/09/2008

Laugh at the rain

I spent the better part of four decades backpacking and climbing in the Olympic rain forest and mountains, which if you've been there, you know it is a region that puts any waterproof-breathable fabric to the extreme test. This parka would pass with flying colors, thanks to the G-T and DWR treatment. If I had a single criticism, it would be that this is a noisy fabric. You're not going to sneak up on any wildlife while wearing this parka. The generous hood works best over a helmet.
Skiberry at Mountain Gear on 01/01/2011

Purrrrfect mid weather ski shell

The Arcteryx men's Alpha SL jacket was purrrfect as a shell for skiing at Wildcat mountain (get then purrrfect reference?) which is cross Pinkham Notch from Mt. Washington when the temps were in the high 20s and wind was less than 15 mph. I'm 6'4 and 250 lbs and xxls are a must for me. The only two minor comments is that the hood is huge and an interior or sleeve pocket would have been nice. Be safe.......
Michael at Moosejaw on 02/20/2013

This jacket is lightweight and packable. If you are in the amrket for a lightweight rain jacket that can stand up to snow and a lot of use, this is the piece. The Paclite material is great when variable conditions are present, it's easy to stuff in a pack when not is use. If you plan on wearing a backpack the majority of the time, I would look at the SL Hybrid Jacket as well.

Andrew Swindle at Backcountry.com on 03/18/2013

Best jacket i have ever owned! Hands down

The best of the best. Love this rain jacket. I use it for those rainy days around town and as an emergency rain jacket for backpacking trips. Used it in the White mountains where it rained basically every day, Kept my down jacket I had on under it %100 dry. also a very good wind breaker. The most well made jacket I own. Looking foward to using it on my AT thru hike in 2014
Sean at Moosejaw on 02/01/2013

great light weight hardshell jacket

I use this jacket for everything, from running, hiking, walking to work and traveling. Pretty much anything that could possibly require a hardshell wind/waterproof jacket. It is light weight and packs down small into its own hood. Multiple adjustments points let you get the hood ready for any condition. It also has pit zippers, velcro cuffs and and adjustable waist band. The fit is great, I am 6' around 190lb.
Josh at Moosejaw on 12/26/2012

Negative Reviews:

Good jacket BUT and its a big But,even in light rain the pockets fill with water as I FOUND OUT TO MY COST i.e. a water logged car key.The pockets are water proof as they do hold the water .Its a poor reflection on Arcteryx as their products are expensive.Time to look else where.IT'S NOT WATER PROOF.

barry.mach325822 at Backcountry.com on 10/16/2012

More like an expensive rain slicker

This is a verrrry expensive rain slicker. Besides the name, your probably better off going to an east coast mtn on a rainy day and picking up a few of those free oversized plastic bags with a whole for your head and arms (also great for body sledding)... but other than that it's awesome!
Donald at Moosejaw on 02/02/2013