I'm overall happy with this jacket. I haven't used it in the rain yet, but given the Paclite Gore-Tex fabric I'm sure it will be waterproof, the sealed seams are gorgeous. I've got the medium size in Everglade, and am pleased with the look, and fit, I'm 6'2", 175lb, and it has an athletic fit, and fit well over a wool base-layer, and light down jacket on a dawn ascent of Mt Whitney in August. The hood is sized for a helmet, and without it is pretty huge on me.

$250…Ouch, but I was dry and comfortable on a soggy March weekend trip in Pennsylvania’s Hickory Creek Wilderness. The garment is worth twice that if you are wet and cold, right? But it may be important to note that everyone else on the trip with $100 rain shells was equally as comfortable. The garment is well made with meticulous seam seals. I am confused about the one full length pit zip and the one normal pit zip. It prevents poncho use and really serves no purpose because the size large (which I normally wear) has a very generous fit and is not hard to pull over at all (I am 6’2”, 205lbs). It is very lightweight, although it seems to be durable; I would probably even ski in it. All in all, I am happy with it and it will accompany me on many trips into the back country.

Having now worn this for awhile ... there are simple things that could make it better and the price is a little high. 1) The complete zip on the side ... not necessary, the pit zip would be fine. 2) Hand pockets would help when you are chilling. But I know this was a simple jacket ... and simple is best.

After wearing the Alpha SL pullover for a bit, that is one word that comes to mind. This jacket has multiple personalities. It is a top shelf rain shell. Layer some insulation underneath and you have a hyper light alpine shell. Last but not least, it is a stylie city piece with it's generous front pocket to stow your wallet, phone, and other necessities. I love the hood volume, high collar, and huge side zip that both vents, and aids entry and exit of the jacket. Is this an expensive jacket? Yes, but keeping in the Arcteryx tradition the Alpha SL pullover is fashioned from GoreTex Paclite. Peep other jackets of this build, and I am pretty sure this is the price range you will be looking at. Sizing for this item holds true to Arcteryx's fit, which runs a bit more tailored, so keep that in mind. The Sahel color is a killer matte, storm trooper white, it is so hot it will burn your eyeballs out and leave your crew asking where you got that! All in all an outstanding piece of gear.

This was a pretty good piece, but I'm not convinced that it's worth the money. Yes it's totally waterproof, and it's lightweight, but I would much prefer the jacket to fold tightly into it's own pocket, which this cannot do. You can stuff it into the kangaroo pouch, but that doesn't compress it all the way, it's still double the size it needs to be, and the zipper is only a single sided zip. The full length elbow to hem side zip is a nice idea, but they only put that on one side of the jacket. I think they should have put the full length zip all the way down to the hem on both sides of the jacket.

I ended up giving this one to my dad to wear around town. I've just ordered the alpha sl jacket instead.