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 an incredibly breathable Gore-Tex Pro membrane and all of the extra faf stripped away gives you the ideal piece for when your really exerting yourself in the gnarliest conditions.
What is the Alpha FL made of?
The fully waterproof Gore-Tex Pro has a Durable 40 denier nylon face fabric that has exceptional abrasion resistance and durability for its weight, it has a surprisingly supple feel and is breathable enough to cope with high aerobic, non-stop routes.
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 one external chest pocket that sits 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).
You will notice 2 round foamy bits in the hem, this is the HemLock. The HemLock’s purpose in life is to make sure your Jacket cannot ride up whilst reaching up high during the climb by acting as a barb against your harness. Another simple yet effective solution from Arcteryx, but also they thought that maybe you don’t want them in there all the time, so on this jacket, the Hemlock is removable for greater versatility.
Another brilliant feature of this Jacket is its packability. Coming in at about 315g (depending on the size), this jacket comes with its own stuff sack and clip-in loop for protection whilst in transit and so you can keep it handy on your harness.
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 other brands. 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.
Where does the Alpha FL fit in the layering system?
The Alpha FL 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 is the perfect balance between weight, durability and comfort - if you're looking for a do-it-all jacket for your next mountain adventure then look no further.
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Lightweight
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Durable
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Trim Fit
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Supple face fabric
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Breathable
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Helmet compatible StormHood
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Removable HemLock system
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Strategic 8mm seam taping
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e3D patterning for freedom of movement
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Stuff sack the clip-in loop
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Drop hem