Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Alpha SL Pant

I had a long, detailed review that was rejected without explanation (nor a copy of what I submitted) so I dropped my rating a star and I will keep this one short. I am 5'2" and weigh 175# and am probably close to a fireplug in build with no potbelly (Eddie Bauer jackets seem to be cut for people with potbellies). I was surprised that the Large, Short actually fit me with shoes on without being too tight in the legs. I like the reinforcement material (N150p-X Paclite?) but not so much the lighter material. I wish a Beta or an AR was available for me to look at because the thicker material on the Alpha SL seems to be acceptably quiet and not shiny when I walk around. I didn't really notice the noise until I was in a quieter area but it bugged me. I like how the overall design doesn't scream "I just came off the mountain". I'm used to pockets, what can I say. It's a pain to unhook the metal hook, unzip the waterproof zipper and reach into my pants pocket, then have to use my left hand to pull the right zipper all the way up (I am stocky) but I like the full length zipper so I don't have to worry about muddy boots. The company seems to emphasize that this rain shell is for "emergency" use but it seems durable enough for regular, light use. It's still warm here but I think I should've gotten one of the more heavier weight versions if they are warmer. The first day I wore a loose pair of thermal wicking tights underneath (in 50-60F weather) and I felt a bit of coolness behind my knees. The second day I wore a tighter pair of thermal wicking tights and didn't notice any moisture so the Alpha SL must be getting rid of the sweat once I chose the correct base layer.

There are many things I love about these pants-- lightweight, functional, trim yet mobile, and so on. But there is one detriment that ruins them-- the zippers on the sides will drive into your hips during any actual climbing/belaying. I think I have permanent zipper indentations in my hip bones after some hanging belays while climbing in the Icefields Parkway (I was in the 395a, though any harness would overlay the hip zippers and crush them into your sides). Also the fabric is so thin that any proximity to crampons easily slices. I ended up getting the Beta AR pants and they are much better for climbing-- better fabric, better protection, more durable, and the front zipper make them much better climbing pants. In my opinion, since the Alpha series is intended for climbing, the Alpha SL should be renamed the Beta SL, and the Beta AR should be renamed Alpha AR. I will still use the Alpha SL for alpine hiking rather than climbing. As for fit, I generally wear size 30" waist 32" length pants (my waist measures about 31"), and the size small fits great with a little room to spare (probably up to a size 32" waist would fit well).

There are many things I love about these pants-- lightweight, functional, trim yet mobile, and so on. But there is one detriment that ruins them-- the zippers on the sides will drive into your hips during any actual climbing/belaying. I think I have permanent zipper indentations in my hip bones after some hanging belays while climbing in the Icefields Parkway (I was in the 395a, though any harness would overlay the hip zippers and crush them into your sides). Also the fabric is so thin that any proximity to crampons easily slices. I ended up getting the Beta AR pants and they are much better for climbing-- better fabric, better protection, more durable, and the front zipper make them much better climbing pants. In my opinion, since the Alpha series is intended for climbing, the Alpha SL should be renamed the Beta SL, and the Beta AR should be renamed Alpha AR. I will still use the Alpha SL for alpine hiking rather than climbing. As for fit, I generally wear size 30" waist 32" length pants (my waist measures about 31"), and the size small fits great with a little room to spare (probably up to a size 32" waist would fit well).

Le zip est trs difficile ouvrir ou fermer sur le bas du pantalon malheureusment, mieux vaut ne pas avoir les doigts froids.