What is the Alpha AR jacket?
The Alpha AR is a highly versatile mountain jacket that has been optimised to offer you great all round protection and durability whilst not hindering your movement when out climbing and scrambling. It gives you all the tech, features and durability you'd expect from Arcteryx with a climbing and alpinism focus. The 'AR' stands for All Round, which is exactly what this jacket embodies. It will keep you dry and protected from the car, up to the top of the steepest climbs and back down again.
What is the Alpha AR made of?
The Alpha AR uses two different weights of Gore-Tex Pro fabric to give you a beautiful balance between breathability and durability, which is exactly what you need during high aerobic, non-stop days in the mountains. 3L 40D is used in the main body and 3L 80D reinforcements are used in the high wear areas. This gives the jacket both exceptional abrasion resistance and a surprisingly supple feel.
What are the features?
8mm micro seam taping increases the overall breathability as the only non-breathable part of a membraned jacket is its seam tape. So it only stands to reason that the less area covered by seam tape the more area of breathable fabric there is to transpire moisture. The Jacket also features two external pockets that sit higher, above the harness line (so your phone isn't constantly jabbing into your hip bone) and one internal security pocket (we recommend that any item sensitive to water ingress should be stored in the internal pocket or in an appropriate drybag when the weather gets really gross). The helmet compatible StormHood means you can fit a climbing helmet underneath when needed, but when the extra volume isn’t needed you have adjustments in all the right places to synch it down to normal head size.
Custom Cohaesive hem adjusters double up as HemLock, preventing the jacket from riding up and slipping out under a harness. The Alpha AR also come with WaterTight pit zips that allow you to dump excess heat when you're working really hard.
How does the Alpha AR fit?
The Regular fit cut with e3D Patterning provides a full range of movement with a slightly roomier fit in the body that Arcteryx's 'trim fit' - this will allow for extra layers in the winter without restricting your range of motion.
Where does the Alpha AR fit in the layering system?
The Alpha AR is primarily designed as an outer shell, more commonly referred to as a hard shell; which means it works well to protect you from strong winds on cold days, right up to torrential downpours.
Summary
The Alpha AR is a beautiful jacket for those who are out climbing, scrambling and walking over demanding terrain, and in potentially tough conditions. If you're looking for a do-it-all jacket for your next mountain adventure, then this is it!
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Lightweight
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Durable
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Regular Fit
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Supple face fabric
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Breathable
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Helmet compatible StormHood
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Strategic 8mm seam taping
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e3D patterning for freedom of movement
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3L 40D Gore-Tex Pro with 3L 80D Gore-tex Pro reinforcements in high wear areas
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Two external chest-height pockets
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One internal chest pocket
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Pitzips
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Drop hem