Arc'teryx Alpha FL Jacket

Bomber, very lightweight jacket that you can depend on.

I have both the Alpha SV and Alpha FL shells and have used them in various activities for several years. Both are amazingly well made, keep you warm and dry, and give you the confidence that you'll be able to depend on them in the backcountry for many seasons. Pardon my review in terms of talking about both of these models, but to me they are like a set that I choose for different needs.

I am of average height (5'10") and have a muscular build (200#). Both jackets have long sleeves that I have to Velcro short (unless I want the sleeves to extend past my hand for warmth on a cold/wet walk). This is my only "complaint" about the Alpha jackets, and it's just something that I'm used to. We're all built different, and since this isn't a tailored fit, I don't hold the long sleeves against Arc'teryx.

I've been through driving rain, nearly gale-force winds, and -20°F blizzards in both jackets on a regular basis (my Akita gets daily walks no matter what the conditions outside). I've also used both jackets quite a bit for various mountain activities (climbing, hiking, snowshoeing, etc), but honestly the choice of using them to walk the dog every day is as good of a statement to their excellence as anything else. I've also chosen to wear them to various fall football games and other activities. So whether sitting/standing still, or on the move in the mountains I've never been let-down by either jacket.

The Alpha SV is heavy and made with thicker material, so it's like wearing an Alpha FL inside of another Alpha FL. The SV also has chest pockets on both sides, versus the lone pocket on the FL. I tend to choose the SV for bitter cold and heavy rain/wind close to home or the car... and the FL for when weight and compressibility are key. But neither one as ever let me down.

I can't say the same about the various Marmot, North Face, Eddie Bauer, or Mountain Hardwear jackets that I've owned. The Mountain Hardwear is probably the best of the rest, and I do like my MH gear. But when you want the absolute best Arc'teryx is the king in my experience.

Background

I've used this jacket everywhere. It's always with me when I want a lightweight ally against whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at me.