What is the Alpha FL?
If you are looking for a comfortable, well-fitting, ridiculously lightweight and durable Gore-Tex Pro jacket then stop, you’ve found it. The Alpha FL Jacket is everything you are looking for and more. The 'FL' stands for Fast and Light, which is exactly what this jacket embodies. A super light face fabric teamed with a breathable Gore-Tex Pro membrane and all of the extra faf stripped away gives you the ideal piece for when you're really exerting yourself in wet, windy conditions. It’s been designed with alpine climbing in mind, but thanks to its hugely versatile design, will also suit days out walking and scrambling all-year-round.
What is the Alpha FL made of?
The Alpha FL is made using two different forms of Gore-Tex Pro; Most Breathable and Most Rugged. Most Breathable is used throughout the main body and arms of the jacket (where you require more breathability), and Most Rugged in the upper back and hood (where you'll encounter constant, heavy rain). Surrounding this fully waterproof and windproof membrane is a tough, abrasion-resistant yet lightweight and supple 40D nylon.
What are the features?
Ultra-thin seam taping increases breathability and decreases pack size, while an external chest pocket and internal security pocket store valuables. These pockets are placed fairly high to avoid getting in the way when wearing a rucksack hipbelt or climbing harness. 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. Also in the hood sits a Recco reflector — this is a small safety device which can be scanned by a rescuer to find your approximate location if the worst should happen.
Lower down, the hem is adjusted via Arc'teryx's Cohaesive adjusters. These are like small buttons which sit within the fabric; simply squeeze them to release or tighten the hem. They can be used with big bulky gloves or mitts easily and can't be caught on tools like traditional long elastic loops. Cleverly, they've been positioned in such a way that they sit underneath a climbing harness, preventing the jacket from lifting up during use.
How does the Alpha FL fit?
The trim fit cut with e3D Patterning provides a full range of movement without the unwanted bulk and excess fabric that comes with inferior alternatives. It's shorter and slimmer than Arc'teryx's Beta range and is designed to be worn with just lightweight layers underneath. For reference, the centre back length is 78cm.
- Gore-Tex Pro Most Breathable & Most Rugged
- 40D nylon outer fabric
- StormHood with Recco reflector
- Helmet-compatible
- Cohaesive adjusters double up as HemLock
- Internal security pocket
- External chest pocket