The Arcteryx Alpha Jacket is a lightweight and streamlined mountaineer's GORE-TEX Pro hardshell. Designed to enable complete freedom of movement and provide dependable protection from the elements, the Alpha Jacket is designed for climbers pushing it in the harshest conditions. The Alpha Jacket is made from a combinations of super durable 50 denier GORE-TEX Pro on the shoulders and arms, while the body of the jacket is made from lighter, but highly abrasion resistant GORE-TEX with Hadron face fabric to improve breathability.

GORE-TEX is now a totally PFC free waterproof membrane designed by Gore to be more sustainable and cut out harmful long chain 'forever chemicals' found in normal PTFE waterproof membranes. The ePE membrane is a thinner than older GORE-TEX and GORE-TEX PRO, which results in a softer and more supple feel. It doesn't have the same stiff 'cardboardy' feel as older Gore membranes. The biggest performance difference you are most likely to notice is the DWR treatment. Unfortunately flurocarbons are some of the best, most hydrophobic chemicals out there. Getting rid of them does hit performance so you will notice that the nice 'beading' effect disappears quite quickly. Don't worry your GORE-TEX jacket is still waterproof, but to maintain the beading effect you will need to top up the DWR more regularly.

The Alpha Jacket is secured with a tough Watertight Vislon zip, these heavier zips are easier to use especially with gloves on. The helmet compatible StormHood can be drawn in with just one hand, battening the hatches down but if the weather is poor and you're working hard, ventilation can be provided through the underarm pit zips.

Arcteryx Alpha Jacket Features

• 50d 3L GORE-TEX Pro ePE
• Hadron 3L GORE-TEX fabric
• Helmet compatible StormHood
• Watertight Vislon front zip
• 2 WaterTight zipped volume pleated chest pockets
• 1 internal zipped security pocket
• WaterTight pit zips
• RECCO reflector

Fit: Regular. Centre back 78cm (size M).
Weight: 358g