July 17, 2012Arc’teryx Alpha FL jacket: a portrait

The Arc'teryx Alpha FL Jacket is the bee's knees in the world of waterproof-breathable shells due to its use of Gore's new Active Shell. Say hello to your new best friend.

The hood isn't too big or too small. Some (including myself) would say just right on those windy mornings and rainy evenings. And that zip. Oh, that zip.

Have you ever seen a perfect stitch? Now you have thanks to Arc'teryx. Feel free to compare it to every other stitch they produce. Perfection.

That zip I mentioned earlier, it's burly enough for the Bugaboos, but light enough for those ultra-marathoner's who want an ultralight emergency shell. No embroidery here, just a laminate to save weight where weight can be saved.

The Active shell Gore-Tex makes this one of the most waterproof-breathable shells in Arc'teryx's lineup. Welcome it into your home, don't be shy.