If you're looking for a minimalist, very light rain jacket that will keep you extremely dry, then look no further. With the entire body made of Gore-Tex Paclite & the only frills being pitzips (waterproof zippers, so no flaps to add weight), and 2 hand pockets (also waterproof zippers), this jacket is incredibly light. However, unlike other lightweight jackets I've had in the past, this one really stands up to normal wear without realling showing it and without sacrificing useful features. For instance, the pockets aren't lined with cheap mesh, but instead are simply an additional layer of Gore-Tex Paclite layered over the body, allowing me to leave the pockets open without getting cold (although there is the downside that they can't be used for venting). This also means that if I do accidentally leave the pockets open in a rainstorm, that I still stay completely dry. The only downside I found was that when wearing the hood without a helmet, the hood requires a lot of cinching down, which creates very long lengths of cord on the back of the hood (where the hood volume is adjusted), which can flop around and hit you in the head in heavy winds. Also, it should be noted that the zippers are a little stiff when first used, but gradually become easier to use with use.

This jacket goes with me everywhere. On 40 mile mountain bike rides, skiing in the backcountry, hiking and fits into a small pack of fanny pack and I know it would save my life. incredible how light and perfect this garment is. Can almost not feet it when it is on as it weighs nothing. I would recommend it to anyone. Arcteryx is simply THE BEST

Seemingly impenetrable to rain, I wouldn't test it too much to abrasion though. If you're going to get Pac-lite, or just can't afford Pro, Arcteryx is the only brand to trust I think. Medium fits with loads of movement but snug enough to still be comfortable at speed on the planks (I'm 5'11" 160lbs). Why alpha you say? Its a bit longer and has a bigger hood for helmets. Otherwise identical to Beta.

I love this jacket. It's probably the most diverse item in my closet. I currently use it for skiing in every condition imaginable and I can't to use it for backpacking this summer in the MUGGY and RAINY Smoky Mountains. It breathes well but it is completely impenetrable.

Light and waterproof! Use it for hiking, trail running, etc. Very satisfied.

Light and waterproof! Use it for hiking, trail running, etc. Very satisfied.

This is one bomb ass jacket. Light and strong, entirely wind, water, and weather resistant. Hand pockets are perfect when you are backpacking or wearing a harness. When layered, awesome for temperatures down to freezing or solo when you are encountering some rain or on a breezy day. It is also way more durable than people give it credit for, I have snagged brush and taken some whippers into sharp walls and its held up perfect. Looks fly as hell too.

Picked up this jacket in November while in Spain for big wall and some skiing and has surpassed all my expectations. The shell is completely wind and water proof, and when properly layered can take you to single digits. High pockets are perfect while wearing a harness and hood is plenty big for any style of helmet. Two of my favorite features are the high neck hood which protects you against the wind, and the lightweight velcro wrist adjustment. Consistent with other reviews, fit is athletic. The seams are bomb and jacket is so light and packable, I couldnt imagine going ANYWHERE without it.

Packs easy and keeps the rain, sleet or snow out. I use it for hiking, trail running, etc. Good athletic fit. Generous hood that adjusts well. Have not had it long enough to know about durability. Very well pleased.

I do not think one could ask for a better jacket. I do a lot of trail running in the cold rain and such. So it is imperative that I have a waterproof jacket of some sort to adequately shelter me and enjoy my run. Sure, I could have settled for a mediocre jacket, but I am glad I spent alittle extra. Sometimes you pay for what you get and with Arcteryx that is exactly the case. This is one great jacket. It is a sleek and minimalist kind of jacket. It is probably the most practical of all the Goretex jackets out there. The weight is unreal. The zippers are smooth. The pitzips are great. The pockets are perfectly positioned. When I go on a long cold and wet run, I place my hands in the pockets and they shield them just fine. Plus the pockets are are Goretex so no wetness is getting inside the jacket. The jacket is feather-light, but once you get over the idea that it is so light you realize that it is actually a very durable jacket. The jacket certainly does not have excessive bells and whistles, but that is the great part about it. Minimalist does not mean bad in this case, instead, it means great. This jacket has everything that I need and performs great.

This Jacket is Top of the Line ... light weight .. great to carry around and water proof.. i cant say enough good things about it ... it was on sale too maked down from 299 to 260 .. so what a deal ! Plain and Simple you need a nice light rain coat .. look no further

For the price, this is the best shell Arc'Teryx makes. Super durable and lightweight Gore-tex Paclite feels really nice next to skin. Closer fit than the Beta or Theta jackets.

I bought this to replace a TNF waterproof jacket. The exact name escapes me right now. Anyway, this jacket has a much better fit. It is tighter around the body, but that is preferable. The major differences include the waterproof zippers, the lack of exterior draft flaps for the core vents to reduce weight and make more effective, the higher hand pockets to facilitate use while wearing a pack, the use of actual Gore-Tex material, and the fully adjustable hood. This jacket is far superior. It is super light and does not let anything through. I don't think it would breathe too well in a hot and humid climate, but in Northern Utah this jacket works perfectly.

Nice touring jacket, only thing missing is a powder skirt.
As always Arcteryx makes great stuff, maybe over priced but the quality is there.
If a powder skirt is a must, consider Cloudveil Koven plus.

If you want an ultra light, high tech, top quality minimalist shell, this is it. mine has one pocket, and it is enough to stash your ID and keys, the rest is only what you need. This years has two pockets, a nice add i thought. I have taken it through West coast downpours and skied Colorado Backcountry in it. Gore-Tex Paclite shaves weight and keeps you nice and dry. and the styling is typical Arc'teryx, subtle but kick @$$. I have it in grey, and my bro has the Wasabi, I like his better.

This is a great jacket its very light, and comfortable. I'm 6'3", 180lbs and a medium fits great with enough room to wear a thick fleece under it. This is prob one of the best arc'teryx jackets for the money. The pac-lite is only a little bit thinner than the pro-shells, and will hold up just as well. I would def recommend this jacket to anyone, the only problem i have with it is the lack of pockets, but the two side pockets are well placed and will hold just about anything.

This is an excellent jacket!!! It surpassed my expectations, but that's no surprise for this companies attention to detail and quality. It keeps you very dry and works great as a hard shell (I'm using it with a fleece for skiing). Please NOTE the big hood, I was taken by surprise how large it was, it's made to be helmet compatible. Although there are multiple draw cords to fix this. Although, this would not defer me from purchasing it. I enjoy the pocket placement. I enjoy the fit, it's a very good, athletic fit. I would defiantly recommend this to everyone!!!

I think they must have read my review of the last version of this jacket they put out. It now has two waterproof hand pockets on it. This is very packable, and light and has pit zips for venting. Will keep you dry in a downpour. You will need to layer if you are looking for warmth, this is only Gore-Tex Paclite.

This jacket is sweet. My friend took it fly fishing and fell in the water. He had his his cell phone and camera in the pockets! Both stayed dry not an ounce of water gets through the seems. Keeps you dry no matter what the weather.

I am super hard on my equipment and in the few months I have had my Alpha SL I have not been impressed. I am actually on my second jacket in three months, my first one I had a full seem tear out but my second one has been better.

Pros: Lightweight, athletic fit, high collar

Cons: Poor construction, price

It use to be that you got what you paid for with Arc'teryx but since selling out to Columbia a few years back their quality has suffered while their price has continued to go up. Don't waste your money buying the Arc'teryx name when all you're getting is Columbia quality.

Recommendation: Buy the OR Zealot or a Marmot. Better quality and you will pay about half the price.

arc'teryx lovingly replaced my old '06ish Alpha SL after it started ripping on the front zipper due to bad design. they sent me this one ('08 model) in return.
1. ok it's made it china now... therefore arcteryx should decrease their list price by half.

2. wore this from paradise to base camp at mt. Rainier and after a few thousand feet the jacket, inside and out, was dripping wet and basically ruined my life. There was no heavy rain, at all, only cloud mist.

3. all zippers are hard to operate, besides for the zipper pull strap snapping on the first or second day or wearing, just try to close one of the pit zips when youre juggling other gear. they require 3 hands. i do not have 3 hands.

4. this jacket is great for about 15-20 minutes of light rain. then prepare to get wet.