www.arcteryx.com, one pound, 1.4 ounces
Even when conditions outside turn into a monsoon, it remains a desert-like environment inside the Arc’Teryx Alpha SV hard shell. Not a single drop of soaking rain seeped through the three-layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric when I got caught in the clouds at Green Lake in Oregon’s Three Sisters Wilderness. What started as a windy mist became blowing rain in the open basin where I decided to recharge for the afternoon.

Puddles formed on the worn trail as the water beaded off my Alpha SV. I pulled the helmet-friendly hood up and cinched it down. Even with it secure around my face, I could turn my head without being restricted. I pulled the bottom hem tight to keep in some warmth as the temps sagged down to about 45 degrees. While others hunkered down, I stayed dry and comfortable. I could have enjoyed an afternoon tea, were there willing company.

On the trail with rain spitting, I appreciated that the Alpha SV is pack-compatible. I could access two decent-sized chest pockets where I stashed a snack and later put my smart phone to keep it dry. There are two inner zip pockets for small items and a mysterious shoulder pocket, all of which can be accessed while wearing a pack or harness. My sleeves stayed in place with Velcro cuff closures. When I walked enough to generate some heat, I easily vented it through the pit zips. Arc’teryx keeps it light and sleek.  It doesn’t have much glitter or glam because it just gives you what you need.: a solid, durable shell that will keep you dry.
-Cristina Rose Mastrangelo