Arc'teryx Alpha SL

This is great, especially for when it's wet. In conclusion, the Arc'teryx Alpha SL Hybrid jacket is the epitome of the phrase you get what you pay for...

The other thing we love about it is that it has two fairly good-sized pockets without having too many zippers that keeps it really lightweight. When y...

The Alpha SL is pretty tight to skin and has a really thin palm for gripping, but otherwise isnt warm or that durable, and has this annoying problem where the fingers always have extra fabric in them. This is subpar by Arc standards.

If it was colder I would add a warmer base layer than the 200 weight merino I was using. I wore my Alpha SL anorak for one approach and got way too hot. So your Beta will be warmer than a soft shell gamma as well. I find wearing a buff around my neck really helps heat from escaping too.

The new Alpha SL anorak will probably be the heir apparent once the M10 craps out. For more broad use, the Beta LT would be a better choice but I already have a Beta AR and really like the ultralight shell option for travel/hiking/bikepacking...etc. Unfortunately, you now have to buy 3 jackets instead of one! They would be the foundation for any conditions while active in the mid 60's to static in the mid-20's if that helps.......

Lots of turnover in the hardshell category overall for Arc over the past few years. Discontinuation of the Alpha FL has left somewhat of a gulf between the Alpha AR and the new Alpha SL Anorak. Maybe will see a full zip Alpha SL at some point, but on paper the 20d fabric is much less durable than the 40d/80d of the AR. The new-spec Beta LT doesn't really fit in between, as with the changes it is nearly as heavy as the Alpha AR, no longer has GoreTex Pro, and doesn't have quite the alpine specificity of the Alpha line anyways.