Can anyone compare and contrast the Alpha LT with the Alpha and Beta FL jackets? Also, how does it breath compared to say, a typical soft shell jacket?

Hi Brad, I just bought the Beta FL jacket. I live in Los Angeles and do a lot of hiking. I just went up to Mt. Baldy and was comfortalbe wearing it at the bottom 80 degrees and at the top 60 and drizzling. It is feather light and nice and cool. It is much more comfortable to wear than the Alpha LT.

I know that the Active Shell fabric of the Alpha and Beta FL jackets won't be as durable as the Pro Shell fabrics, but can anyone speak to the breathability of the Active Shell fabric? How does it breath compared to say, a typical soft shell jacket? Could you potentially eliminate your soft shell (in some situations) to keep an even lighter pack and just wear an Active Shell jacket? Will it breath well enough to replace your soft shell, while also keeping the elements out when needed?

Hey Honey Badger Brad, I have checked the FL jackets, but not used them "out there" yet. My take is that the FL (Fkn Light) jackets are super light, seem to be a bit more breathable (this is so dependent on weather, heat output, etc, I find it had to quantify). I think the ProShell jackets like this Alpha LT will certainly hold up to hard wear better and have a longer use-able life. This is due to the inner layer being woven, as opposed to knit, like in the Active Shell, and having the best face fabric in the Arc lineup for durability vs. weight. I'm keeping my Alpha LT...

The Alpha FL and Beta FL use pro shell fabrics on the hoods/shoulders and parts of the arms. The rest is active shell.

Badger Brad, Thanks for your question. The difference between the Alpha LT versus the new Alpha FL and Beta FL shells that Acteryx will be delivering for the upcoming Fall 2011 season is the build story. The FL's (Fast & Light) will be using the new Gore Tex Active Shell membrane, opposed to Pro Shell in the Alpha LT. The Active Shell is positioned to be Gore's most breathable membrane, ideal for aerobic output. Weight wise you are looking at 10.8 oz in the Alpha FL versus 12.9 oz in the Alpha LT. Fit and feature sets are very comparable in both jackets. I hope this is helpful for you.

Alpha FL and Beta FL are Fall/Winter 2011-2012. I was wondering if anyone has had a chance to check them out yet. This might be a good question for Brandon Carlile.

Do you mean Alpha SL and Beta SL? Because Arc'teryx doesn't make an Alpha FL/Beta FL.