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Description

Minimalist protection for light-and-fast mountain enthusiasts.

The Arc’teryx Men’s Alpha SL Pullover epitomizes the light-and-fast ethic. This 11-ounce shell features Gore-Tex Paclite shell fabric for waterproof breathable protection on lightweight backpack trips and alpine rock climbs. The jacket's underarm vent zips let you dump heat when you need to, and one vent zip extends all the way down to the hem for easy-on and -off even when you're wearing a helmet. Fully watertight zippers eliminate leaking. The adjustable storm hood fits over your climbing helmet, and the jacket stows in the front kangaroo pocket when the weather clears.

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Arc'teryx Alpha SL Pullover - Men's

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Here's what others have to say...

Trying to decide between a Medium or Small....

nicp539308

Member since 
Posted on

Trying to decide between a Medium or Small. Will be using it mainly for cycling and hiking. At the very most will probably have on a tee and lightweight mid layer underneath. I'm 5'9", 155lbs - athletic build. 38"chest and wear a 29" in pants.

Angus Bohanon

Member since 
Best Answer Responded on

I'd definitely go with a Medium. I'm almost exactly the same size as you and I wear a Medium in Arc'teryx. It's a pretty athletic fit, but certainly leaves enough room for a 100- or 200- weight fleece underneath.

PAUL UDOVIC

Member since 
Responded on

You could probably get away with the small if you like the length. The Alpha SL fits pretty wide in the chest and if you have a very thin mid layer it would work. It will be a trim fit but it really depends on how you like your stuff to fit. You could always order a medium and a small from backcountry and try both on. Return the one you dont want (backcountry has the best return policy in the business).

5 5

Mark Shugg

Member since 

I love this jacket so much I bought a second one. I'd been searching for the right jacket for a long time. Onre that performs as well as it looks and I have found it in this one. I needed a jacket that performs well in hot and wet conditions and in cold and wet as well. This jacket meets my requirements perfectly.
The first one was great but a fraction small for me and other than that, I can't fault it. I'm 6' and 185lb and the medium was a little tight. I've since ordered the XL as I want extra room to wear warm bulky gear underneath the jacket. The full zip down one side is brilliant for getting the jacket over bulky warm clothing and then zips up nice and neat
We have had a really wet summer down here and this jacket has kept me very dry and never let me down in some extremely heavy rain.
The hood design is fantastic and there are a number of adjustments that can be made to get the fit just right. I've never had a jacket with a hood that fits so well. Even in heavy rain it never leaked and I could maintain visibility and full movement.
The jacket also performs well in hot, wet conditions. The zipper vents under the arms allows for plenty of ventilation and the jacket breathes well when zipped up.
The Kangaroo pouch is great too and access is very easy. I like to keep snacks in there and it does the job and I barely notice anything is in there.
If you're undecided, just buy it, you won't regret it.

5 5

Mark E P Woods

Member since 

This lives in my pack, first thing in every time. Day hike, camping with the family, or Phish concert in Colorado, I know if a sudden storm comes up I am covered.

5 5

mcdbrendan1433757

Member since 

... this shell comes with me nearly every single day. The weather shifts fast here and the Alpha is so packable, it's stupid not to bring it along. I've never owned a garment that fits so perfectly - I'm 5'7", 135 lbs, climbing build, and the small looks like it was made for my body. I can wear it with low-loft down layer underneath with no issues at all, and the spacious hood accommodates every helmet I own, even my bulky ski brain-bucket. The DWR wears a bit after a few years of almost daily use, but while the beads don't fall off like they used to, I have never gotten wet wearing this piece. Beyond that, I constantly get compliments on the jacket, which is hard to believe given everyone in Boulder is a gear-snob like myself. I can't think of a single bad thing about this shell.

4 5

myton

Member since 

Nice jacket, fairly light, simple, clean lines. Not sure it's worth the price tag in all honesty. Got it on sale and I'm happy, but it's not all that special. That said, no regrets. Be prepared for: oversized hood (great over a helmet, ok without when cinched down), baggy fit (nice in winter), long sleeves and hem (love), asymmetric pit zips, arc'teryx logo (it's what you're here for).

Im 6'4, 215lbs athletic build. The Alpha...

stop446773

Member since 
Posted on

Im 6'4, 215lbs athletic build. The Alpha SL full zip fits very short in a L, but is way too baggy in an XL. Anyone know if the pullover is any different? Should I go with a L or XL?
Thanks

myton

Member since 
Responded on

Hmm. I'm 6'2" 170lb with the large pullover. My house mate has the medium full zip. Based on those I'd guess the pullover and the full zip fit pretty similar for a given size. The pullover is pretty baggy through the chest, and fits pretty long. I could easily have gone medium and given up some layering room without worrying much about length. All that to say, go with what you'd choose in the full zip.

I'm 5 8 ', 160, should I go with the medium...

Tomasz Bolruczyk

Member since 
Posted on

I'm 5 8 ', 160, should I go with the medium or small, I'm planning on using it for my 64 miler race in January, I'll definitely have a layer or two underneath.

jusp360333

Member since 
Responded on

I'm 5 11' and I have a medium and layer an ibex indie wool hoodie underneath, and a down hoodie under that while in camp no problem.

mcdbrendan1433757

Member since 
Responded on

Not sure if you're still in the market or not, but I agree with jusp (above). The medium should be a perfect fit, even with a few layers underneath.

5 5

jusp360333

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Pull it over your head, zip it up and go. Is it raining? Pull the hood over your head and use the cinches, the visor is absolutely perfect. Hot? Pull the 8 inch pit zips all the way open. The GTX Paclite even feels good next to skin, add that to the pit zips and a breeze and you've got a good temp regulator system.

I've taken it through 50 yards of thorns (nasty Devils Thorn), sat on it, dried the inside over a fire (had ice form overnight in it, oops), and guess what? Not a scratch on it..bombproof.

I'm 5 11', 160 lbs, have ape-like arms, I got a medium and routinely layer a puffy underneath no problem.

This things a workhorse. Buy it. It's that simple.

Alpha SL-Bombproof and simple
Adam

Member since 
Responded on

I would assume drying it over a fire would kill the breathability of the gore-tex.. I was under the impression that smoke really did a number on the porous material. Someone care to chime in?

jusp360333

Member since 
Responded on

Like oils and dirt, smoke could possibly clog the pores in the membrane but, on a practical level I really haven't noticed a different when working up a sweat. The arm-length pit zips help.

While the science is true, it always plays out differently in the field, depending on each persons body type (sweats alot, no sweat, etc).

vickybabytoy

Member since 
Responded on

Hello I want to buy an Arc'teryx Alpha SL Pullover,but it looks very thin ,I am worried that he is not strong enough, branches or stones torn? I want to know the fabric wearable?If this dress will often wear or frequent washing?to do so will lose its function? I want to buy a very suitable for long time wearing and can maintain its functions in SL?Sorry for my bad english?

mcdbrendan1433757

Member since 
Responded on

@vickybabytoy it is certainly a thinner GORE-TEX than the pro-shell fabrics, but I've pushed mine through miles of thick willow bushes and worn it up a number of rock climbs, and have never worried about tears in the fabric. I don't think you'll need to wash it often since you can very easily rinse it off and hang it. In short, yes it's thin, but I've put it through its paces and never had an issue! Plus if something does happen, Backcountry will refund you no questions asked.

5 5

TJ

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've used it several times

perfect for layering

4 5

T-Man

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've used it several times

I bought this to be my go to hard shell and I'm not disappointed. Very light weight, great fit, ample venting, and pack ability. With the hood was not so big but I was designed for helmet use, and you can get it tight enough on the head to not be a bother to much when not wearing one. overall if you don't need hand pockets and you like simple effective designs then this coat may be for you.

i want to buy this. im 5'11 and around 165...

mare

Member since 
Posted on

i want to buy this. im 5'11 and around 165 pounds. i plan to layer a bit under it with maybe a sweat and a long sleeve flannel. which size should i get?

Chase Skidmore

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

Go with a Medium if you want an athletic fit. Go with a Large if you want a more baggy fit.

Hey I was just wondering if this jacket...

Daniel

Member since 
Posted on

Hey I was just wondering if this jacket would be suited to the city environment and at uni? I have a TNF venture jacket and it's peeling like crazy and is no longer waterproof after 6 months

Dave Marcus

Member since 
Best Answer Responded on

Arc'teryx's SL jackets are made from Gore Paclite. It's a lightweight material that sacrifices durability for weight savings. If you plan on wearing this around campus, look at the Pro Shell (AR or LT) models or Hybrid models. They'll take a bit more abuse than a pure Paclite jacket.

4 5

John T Young

Member since 

The Alpha SL is a minimalist Paclite rain / wind jacket in a great cut with nice features. I love the one sided zipper. The front pocket takes some getting used to, but once you easily reach in there and pull out your cell phone/Cliff bar/GPS while wearing a pack I think you'll appreciate it.
The colors are unique as well. Keep in mind that this is a Paclite jacket. It will take a beating but it is still a light weight garment. And it's crinkly.
I have used it as a wind breaker while rock climbing and have yet to permanently scuff it, but I've been semi careful. Wearing a 20 lbs pack for 3 or 4 miles at a time has done nothing to it at all.

5 5

jeremy92

Member since 

The construction of this jacket seems to be bomber, as i would expect from arcteryx. So far i haven't got the chance to use it in a downpour, but in a wet snow, it sheds water just as it should.Good for climbing allowing a great range of motion. Also, its nice to have the chest pocket with the harness on (much easier to get to than the conventional side pockets) and Its very easy to get on and off with use of the side zipper. I'm 6'2" 160lb and the medium fits me perfect, its long enough and and isnt too wide. I've gotten tons of complements when wearing around town and i would totally recommend this jacket to anyone.

I have both an Alpha SL Pullover and Jacket....

rob4480984

Member since 
Posted on

I have both an Alpha SL Pullover and Jacket. Looking for a fleece layer for those cold skiing days. Any suggestions? BTW current fleece is appoaching 30 yrs of service.

Dave Marcus

Member since 
Responded on

Take a look at Polartec's Thermal Pro fabric. Arcteryx uses it in some of its fleeces like the Apache and Covert Series. It's a heavier-weight fleece that will keep you toasty on those frigid ski days.

Does it have a lining?

Azhar Qadri

Member since 
Posted on

Does it have a lining?

Dean Whitehead

Member since 
Best Answer Responded on

Hey there, no this is of the 3/2.5 layer genre... and being
Gore-tex PacLlite, it has a smooth inside face...

5 5

danmarch23

Member since 

This is a great shell. I have worn it over the past three years for biking, hiking, spring skiing and for around town on rainy days and it has kept me dry and exceeded my expectations. My shell is a medium and it fits me well, but is a bit long. I am 5' 7" 162lb (atletic build). If I have a re-do, might go with a small.

5 5

Rustin Winger

Member since 

I've been constantly looking for a trim fitting PacLite jacket. While I will never find one that fits to my extreme athletic fit liking, this one is just close enough.

6'0", 155 lbs. Medium is perfect. Not awkward by itself and fits perfectly with a 100wt fleece underneath.

Side zip is not completely necessary but it IS useful. Try pulling this thing over a heavier weight fleece and then complain about it!

The hood is large (smaller than the Storm hood on the SV) but it has 3 cinches that trim it down very nicely.

4 5

Ted Brogan

Member since 

Simple, light, always in my pack - BC skiing, hiking, rainy bike commute - this jacket has me covered. I only need the side zip when trying to put this on over insulating layers. The collar and hood offer plenty of protection. I'm 6'0 180 lbs and the medium fits me perfectly.

My one gripe has to do with the big pocket. I love the size, placement, and accessibility it offers to stuff. But why, oh why, did they not tape the bottom seam? Let's say you put a phone in there. What happens is the weight of the phone pulls he inside of the pocket down a bit so the seam isn't actually the lowest part. When water covers the seam, this causes it to enter the pocket through the seam. One more piece of tape and I would easily give this 5 stars.

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