Description of Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket - Women's:
The Women's Alpha Jacket SL by Arc'teryx is one of the lightest jackets to carry the Gore-Tex waterproof guarantee. Feminine in its figure and straightforward by design, the Alpha SL Jacket eliminates bells and whistles to include only what you need for fowl-weather defense. WaterTight zips, a helmet-compatible hood and a laminated hem drawcord secure your comfort while feather-light Gore-Tex Paclite fabric fights off the worst winter storms. Arc'teryx created this 10.8oz shell with lady alpine climbers in mind, but winter backpackers have come to depend on it when they need bomber protection for little weight. *Available for US shipment only.
Bottom Line: The Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket proves you don't need a heavy shell to hold off winter weather.
I must say, I gave this rain jacket the ultimate test straight from the get-go. I took it on a month long trip to Venezuela were it encountered tropical thunderstorms and a drenching boat ride to Angel Falls. I was underwhelmed with the jackets ability to repel water in these conditions (it only could take a medium amount of water). It might be better for light rain and city livin'. I wouldn't recommend this coat for hardcore outdoor activities. I ended up returning it and got a beefier jacket instead.
I bought this jacket in green and it is a gorgeous lime color...the zipper and material aren't really so different in color like the photo shows. I am a size small and bought a medium so I could wear it over a couple underlayers/polarfleece and it fits perfectly. I love the placement of the pockets and the ventilation zippers. I often wear it cross country skiing over a fleece or as a stand-alone jacket on warmer Minnesota winter days. I can tell it's going to be a great rain jacket too...100% waterproof! EXCELLENT quality for the price!
This jacket is grand. I had originally bought the women's stoic event shell, but it didnt fit properly...so i decided to get this jacket while it was on sale. It fits perfectly. I am 5'4" and 120 and got the small and i can still fit a jacket underneath for layering. If you want to use this jacket for skiing or such, I would recommend sizing up because a thicker jacket underneath might be a little cramped. I love the sprig color (bright green...you cant miss me). Oh and the waterproof is awesome. I havent had any problems with condensation on the inside of the jacket.
