Arcteryx alpha fl review
The Alpha FL is one of the lightest Gore-Tex hardshell jackets on the market. It is slim fitting for a stylish look but still provides plenty of room to layer and features articulated elbows for full range of motion. It is also fairly breathable for such a waterproof shell. The price is fair for the high quality value you get and it is a perfect choice if you are OK with a heavier-duty shell and want solid weather protection from wind and rain.
The FL is the lightweight version of Arcteryx's climbing-oriented Alpha series, which also includes the venerable Alpha SV. The SV is a little more versatile as it offers more storage and better weather protection, but it is designed for alpinists and climbers and has a slightly less minimalistic feature set.
Using the Gore-Tex Pro membrane, the Alpha FL is highly waterproof and windproof, while still being able to breathe enough for mountaineers and climbers who work up a sweat. The membrane is surrounded by tough, abrasion-resistant 40-denier nylon in the main body of the jacket and Gore-Tex in the hood.
The Alpha FL is a great choice for alpinists, climbers, and fast-and-light enthusiasts who want to minimize weight while still having a high-performance hardshell. It's not the best choice for hikers and backpackers, however, as it lacks essential features like side pockets, side compression straps, a padded hip belt, and lumbar support.
