Arc’teryx Alpha AR £520
Arc’teryx’s Alpha series is all about high performance and low weight, and top-of-therange Gore-Tex Pro fabric is used throughout – Most Rugged and Most Breathable. Gore-Tex Pro Most Rugged features a slightly thicker membrane and a tougher backer. This is placed at the upper arms, shoulders and hood for better long-term durability in high stress areas.
The jacket boasts two-way pit zips and two well-placed chest pockets, plus a useful zipped inner security pocket. The cut leaves plenty of room for layering, with long arms for full wrist coverage. This ensures good freedom of movement with minimal hem lift, even at stretch.
It is impressively lightweight for such a tough winter jacket. The brand’s trademark build quality is evident in details such as the precision seam taping, which surpasses other brands. High-quality components include integrated Cohaesive cord locks, a RECCO avalanche safety reflector and highly water-resistant zips.
Few brands match Arc’teryx for such high levels of weather protection at such low weight.
IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY
The pockets aren’t big enough to carry bulky winter gloves. The hood works better with a helmet than without one, as the brim isn’t as stiff or as mouldable as a wired peak. And it costs a lot.
■ MEN’S SIZES XS-XXL
■ WOMEN’S SIZES XS-XXL
■ WEIGHT 430g (men’s M)
■ FABRIC 40D Gore-Tex Pro Most Rugged (main body, 100% nylon face fabric) with 80D Gore-Tex Pro Most Rugged reinforcements (100% nylon face fabric)
Verdict
The lightest jacket here yet one of the toughest too, this shell delivers the top-quality performance and build quality Arc’teryx is known for.