Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket - Women's

I really like this jacket. I wear mine all the time for mountaineering, rock/ice climbing, and backcountry touring. I brought it to Aconcagua and it did a great job repelling snow and high winds. I saw other reviewers saying this jacket wasn't waterproof in thunderstorms - that's something I don't have experience with as I typically use it in wintry conditions, so I can't comment on that.

I originally debated between buying the SL (Pac Lite) or the SV (Pro Shell) because I was not sure if the SL would be sufficiently durable for my needs. I am pretty tough on my gear and the SL has held up fantastically over the last 1.5 years of regular use. However, I have accepted the fact that eventually, I'm going to take a harsh fall or stab an ice tool into it, and it will be time for some repairs. C'est la vie.

Finally, I really like the minimalist design of this jacket. It has all the features I need and none that I don't, which saves me weight I don't have to hump up a mountain. I especially like the integrated hood which is great for layering and the higher pockets which are accessible when wearing a climbing harness or backpack (over the hipbelt).

I must say, I gave this rain jacket the ultimate test straight from the get-go. I took it on a month long trip to Venezuela were it encountered tropical thunderstorms and a drenching boat ride to Angel Falls. I was underwhelmed with the jackets ability to repel water in these conditions (it only could take a medium amount of water). It might be better for light rain and city livin'. I wouldn't recommend this coat for hardcore outdoor activities. I ended up returning it and got a beefier jacket instead.

I do love this jacket - perfect fit for me-- BUT-
I bought it in September and to day (28th of december) it ripped under the arm, the same happed to a friend of mine who has the excat same jacket! Luckily i can return it and get my money back - it just sucks that i have to go through the work of dooing it!

I do love this jacket - perfect fit for me-- BUT-
I bought it in September and to day (28th of december) it ripped under the arm, the same happed to a friend of mine who has the excat same jacket! Luckily i can return it and get my money back - it just sucks that i have to go through the work of dooing it!

I can't really say anything about use in the field. I got a large that should have fit per the sizing chart, and I should have had a bit of room to spare for under layers. It was tight across the back of the shoulders. Would not be comfortable for ski or snowshoe activities.

I hate to gush, but this is my second of the same jacket - in a different color! It is so light, good looking, and most important of all, has kept me warm and dry in the worst of storms at high elevation in Colorado. I work in the field and this is one of the best finds ever - go Arc Teryx!
A grateful Botanist who firmly believes the saying - "there's no bad weather, only bad gear" - or something like that! April 29, 2010

The bottom line: Another trustworthy, well-built, and, of course, water-resistant shell from Arc'teryx, the obvious choice if you are seeking a featherweight PacLite shell, nice styling features for the female form

The story: I purchased this shell a few months ago based on the durability and superiority of my Arc'teryx jacket and bibs that I have skied in for more than five seasons at Alta. I treat my Arc'teryx well, and it treats me even better. I started my search for a PacLite shell as I assembled my gear inventory for an 1,000-mile-long thru-hike across the Alps from Italy to Monaco this summer. "Light" is the buzzword, and Arc'teryx is my brand of choice, so purchasing this particular shell was a no-brainer. In addition to its featherweight specs, sealed zippers, and "high" pockets for easy access when wearing a pack with a belt, this shell features a longer, hip-length cut for taller ladies. I was organizing my pack for a jaunt up Little Superior a few weeks ago, and decided to cut as much unnecessary weight as usual. (My body was already protesting the slog up to Cardiff and beyond after ample physical activity during the previous few days, and I figured that a lighter-than-usual pack would certainly help my cause.) As I was running out the door, I threw the PacLite into my backpack…and was so glad to have it atop Little Superior when my beads of sweat started to dry. The jacket served me quite well on the ski descent, and I should note that the hood can be tightened for use during hiking, etc. or loosened for compatibility with a ski helmet. I have worn the jacket on multiple adventures in Little Cottonwood Canyon snow and rain since, and I am confident that this jacket will serve me quite well in the Alps.

Best all-around jacket. I use it for hiking/backpacking, snowsports (skiing, snowshoe excursions), running & biking. Works Amazingly in the wind - I absolutely love the taped seams (especially when on the bike). The velcro around the wrists works wonderfully - I never have to be concerned with my gloves sneeking out. I love the higher neck that really helps out in the cold winds. I have worn this jacket in the Palouse of Washington and Idaho (WIND) and currently up in Alaska (WIND, COLD, and WET). Great length in the arms (a little longer than most jackets) and covers the waistline.

I have the Alpha SL, Alpha LT, and Beta SL. They all fit true to size. I recommend the Alpha SL and LT for active pursuits and the Beta SL as an around town/casual shell/jacket. The Alpha SL is superlight. The PacLite fabric is nice, although the LT has an even better feel (Pro-Shell). I definitely recommend the Alpha SL, expecially if you're on a budget. But take a look at the Alpha LT if you want the next step up.

This jacket is grand. I had originally bought the women's stoic event shell, but it didnt fit properly...so i decided to get this jacket while it was on sale. It fits perfectly. I am 5'4" and 120 and got the small and i can still fit a jacket underneath for layering. If you want to use this jacket for skiing or such, I would recommend sizing up because a thicker jacket underneath might be a little cramped. I love the sprig color (bright green...you cant miss me). Oh and the waterproof is awesome. I havent had any problems with condensation on the inside of the jacket.

well my marriage was not really in jeopardy but wife digs it. I kinda hesitated on the paclite vs a goretex pro......but honestly, she has skied in it, wore it in the rain.......of course and it is always comfortable for her.

I bought this jacket in green and it is a gorgeous lime color...the zipper and material aren't really so different in color like the photo shows. I am a size small and bought a medium so I could wear it over a couple underlayers/polarfleece and it fits perfectly. I love the placement of the pockets and the ventilation zippers. I often wear it cross country skiing over a fleece or as a stand-alone jacket on warmer Minnesota winter days. I can tell it's going to be a great rain jacket too...100% waterproof! EXCELLENT quality for the price!

Love the jacket. It was a gift, and a great one. I love the different colors they come in, I got the pink/magenta one. Great for light to medium rain, would get a different one for heavier rain. But it's perfect for me and where I live.

This jacket is dope. It's super light and thin but really windproof. Perfect for warmer spring days when you don't want something heavy but it's windy on top of the mountain. The thin fleece lining inside the collar is great for protecting your face against wind.

I love this coat. Its everything it said it would be. My favorite features are the high pockets (I can put my hands in them while I have my pack on) and the giant hood (it covers my whole head and protects my face even with a hat on under it). It is comfortable too! If you are thinking about it....get it!