Great but I would change some things...

By sam Ranked #971 - Men's Rain Jackets January 29, 2010

Overall the jacket is great. The fit and finish are very good, the material feels very high quality and it is indeed very light weight. Things which I would change after wearing it for a while are as follows:

- the collar is very tall (and I have a long neck) and generally gets in the way when zipped right up without providing a lot more protection than a shorter more comfortable below the chin collar. I also wish the collar would stand up when the jacket is partially unzipped to provide more protection for the neck (a place of major heat loss). The collar always seems to be zipped right up to my nose or flopping down around my collar bones.
- the hood is unnecessarily large. it kind of feels a bit garbage bagish if you don't make some adjustments. That being said it will fit any head or helmet no matter how big or odd and the adjustments are very effective at creating tight comfortable custom fit.
- the wrists are cut on a slight angle in order to provide protection from the elements when using a walking stick. I have found this cut just promotes rain to fall on to the top of the wrist (where it is shorter) and into the bottom (where it is longer). Its not a huge deal but your wrist will get a little wet.
- the pit zips which dont have mesh on the back side (because its a SL jacket I know) tend to gape. This would allow water in if you were in the rain.

Word of caution: the miro blue collar is absolutely beautiful (pictures don't do the color justice) and I have had lots of compliments on it (and the jacket in general) but it does show dirt and stains. If you are using it the way it is intended (outdoors adventures) it will likely get small smudges and stains. I'd still get the same color though because its awesome.

Things I love:
- the chest zippers which are well designed and spacious enough to fit gloves and a toque. Also very easy to access.

Despite my issues this is a great jacket and I dont think anyone makes a jacket with more attention to detail and quality which is why I went with arcteryx in the first place.

View Details: Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket - Men's

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes