Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Alpha Parka

The second one I've owned (the first was on Rainier or Denali almost every weekend, plus endless use as an incident commander for FEMA). Went through probably three dozen washes, endless snowstorms turned into rain storms, a couple fuel spills that caught it on fire (the last one did the first one in) and many many spills of 2-cylinder fuel mix, mustard, antibiotic ointments, bourbon, and marine diesel. It warmed at the end as much as at the beginning, but I finally couldn't get the diesel smell out and the last flame-out with fuel was no longer repairable. So as you can imagine, this has seen many uses beyond belay, though it's also been on belay hundreds of times. Overall, can't complain about a single thing. The zip is two-way, which is great not only for harness (I was 78 feet up on a sailboat off Iceland while wearing it and really needed that feature -- note to Arcteryx: marine sheave grease does not wash out of the cover fabric but doesn't get past it) plus it makes it much easier to regulate temperature (since it's a pretty intense insulator). And it makes it easier to pee. The inside pockets are invaluable and huge. Like huuuggge. Monstrous. And the hand warmer pockets hold almost anything (carried six Garmin GPS units in them on one occasion and a dozen bags of freeze-dried dinner on another). I could use a couple smaller pockets on the outside when simply standing belay, because a place to stash an energy bar or a thin skull cap would be great. The cuffs are great for almost everything. The neck design and the hood are simply perfect. This is billed as a belay jacket but that scarcely describes it. It keeps you warm at -26 F at a campsite. I wore it many times working an incident command post in the winter when I simply had to sit and not freeze. I've cooked for 325 avalanche rescue workers and hiked my four Akita avalanche rescue dogs across a glacier while wearing it. And I've slept in it countless times. When power went out and I was almost frozen, I slept in it -- and that was in Dallas, TX. Fit is quite relaxed around the torso without the arms becoming phenomenally long. It doesn't lift at all when you are working with your arms overhead. The fabric is supremely tough and I had to burn it (literally) to put a hole through it. I never ever tore the exterior. I wore it once in a rescue helo in very rough weather and threw up into the interior of it, but it cleaned up fine. It has seen use in every cold and high altitude and adverse situation I've had to work and never failed me. I'd recommend the black over the red. The red tends to show body oil after a while and collects grime that doesn't clean off quite as well. But that's a nit and for the uses I put it to, I needed the red. Now I have a new one. I also have a slightly used Alpha parka with just a small burn hole across the chest if anyone is interested. And slight smell of vomit and diesel fuel inside. Works great.

Just bought the jacket im 6 feet tall 190 and size medium fits me perfect. Really happy with the fit and quality would a 100% recommend

Bought this on ReGear nearly half off like new. Amazingly warm, especially in the core and upper core. Very comfortable as well. It's big but not too big, I didn't size up, but it fits over my Beta AR/Gamma LT + Midlayer I'd be wearing at a belay (Proton LT or a Patagonia R1 Air type fleece. The Hadron fabric feels a bit tougher than standard nylon, will be interesting to see how it wears.

I use the Alpha parka for long days ice climbing and as someone who struggles to stay warm in severe temps, this is essential kit for me. Being able to comfortably stand around in freezing, windy conditions for an hour+ and still be warm is amazing. Hood is roomy to accommodate a helmet and big internal pockets allow me to keep my climbing gloves warming against my body while I belay. Dual-direction front zip allows me to adjust to keep my belay loop free without losing warmth. One thing to keep in mind is that this is not a jacket that packs down much. It comes with a stuff-sack but because of the fill, it's not going to get very small. Keep in mind as you are planning out your pack space. For warmth and durability in extreme conditions, this is a truly outstanding jacket.

This is an awesome jacket. Runs a touch big, but that's great since it's intended to go over your layers. It's like wearing a sleeping bag. It's just awesome for warmth, and looks very nice as well

So much technology into that jacket! I've used it during the past 2 winter mainly as a belay jacket when going ice climbing. Of course it works super well. Haven't used it in wet conditions tho. Haven't climbed in it, but it seams it could take some abuse. It's crazy how small this jacket packs.

I've had the old firebee for ages, abmnd loved it too bits. This takes everything I lived about that jacket, removed the things I didn't like and upgraded with a couple of new features. Makes long belays on ice actually nice, and not just manageable. I sized up, and can easily fit it over an Alpha SV, nuclei and baselayer.

This coat is so warm. So glad I had it on a recent trip to Japan where it is cold! Would definitely recommend!

I've owned similar jackets from well-know competitors, and this jacket beats them all by far. The warmth and comfort from such a light jacket is extraordinary.

Had to give this a few months before reviewing. So far this Chicago winter has gotten down to -33 degrees with wind chill and even after a few hours outside in that this jacket refuses to let cold inside. I have since tested it in heavy rain; nothing got through. I'm pretty sure this thing could stop bullets in Chicago too but I'm not going to test that one out, however, I am going to try it on Denali soon and will update the review after.

Purchased for my X-Mas present! Awesome that not available in black. Life in Alaska demands warm outer wear and this is by far the most comfortable, warm and well made Parka in my arsenal of winter gear. It was 4 degrees this morning and I was able to embrace the day!!

Big and warm. Great for anything where you are spending extended period without moving much. In my case doing weather observations and snow pit work. Worn it the last two days in -30 C temps and its been fantastic. The included stuff jacket is a little frustrating to use at first but after a few tries it gets easier. Possible product revision would be to make the stuff sack a little narrower and longer (like the old Nuclei AR). This would make it a little easier to stuff and might fit in narrower ski packs a little easier. You can still squeeze the jacket down smaller after its in the stuff sack. It has a serious amount of loft. It feels like a M size Arcteryx jacket and easily fits over my usual layers and patrol shell.

It's been two years that I have been looking for the right jacket and this is it without a doubt. I originally purchased the little brother to this jacket and was disappointed with the warmth factor -20 plus. However the Alpha park does its job. I was concerned about the puffiness however it's not bad at all. The flip side is you don't have to layer at all which in comparison it all equals out in the end when compared to other jackets for warmth. The jacket feels great, looks great and easy to maneuver in and very comfortable. I am using this jacket for cold days in the city, a lot of walking and hiking. I have looked at Canada Goose Jackets for the warmth and simplicity factor and to compare the two i must say this jacket checks all of the boxes. Canada goose jacket is way to bulky. I also want to thank the Arcteryx team at the downtown Calgary location on 17th for their help with providing me details around their product, and what to expect.

This jacket is super lightweight and warm. I'm usually a size large for Arc'teryx jackets but I had to size down for this jacket.

Definitely one of the best belay jackets I've ever owned! Outcompeted my other Canada goose or moncler jackets immediately, loved the warmth and puffiness!

I bought this jacket a month ago. I have used it for early back-country ice climbs and back-country skiing in temperatures down to zero with high winds. The jacket appears remarkably wind proof & water resistant. Its durability is yet to be determined. Because of the fabrics used by Arc'teryx to make the jacket, I suspect the durability may be superior to most other high-end expedition down jackets. It is awkward and time consuming for me to stuff away the jacket into the stuff sack attached to the jacket by Arc'teryx- especially when trying to pack it away in cold, windy conditions. I now use a non-Arc'teryx stuff sack. The body (chest and abdomen) seem possibly over-generous in size on me compared to shoulders and arms. I rarely try to climb wearing the jacket but when I lift my arms high to use my ice axes, the body of the jackets lifts as well. Perhaps the sleeve length could be a tad longer and the the construction of the shoulders modified slightly to prevent the jacket from lifting as much with arms raised for climbing. It is somewhat larger in size when fully stuffed compared to several other high-end expedition down jackets that are likely made with less a robust outer shell than the Alpha Alpha parka. Although the down fill power used on the current model is great, I wonder if it would be feasible to use 1000 fill down to give the jacket more loft at the same weight. I am eager to try the jacket on Canadian ice climbs this winter and on Denali in the spring to truly test its mettle.

Location: re Bjrnen, Sweden Starting altitude: 730 meters Finish altitude: 725 meters Weather: Snowing Temperature: -1,5 celcius Wind: 3 meter/second The expedition started already at the apartment we are renting while visiting re. To get both a one and a three year old clothes on has it challenges. After that successfully had been accomplished we drove to the real starting point, the parking lot outside Bjrnen skidcenter. From the parking spot we could see our goal. The activity center a few meters down. Weather reports had told us to expect snow fall so therefor I was wearing a 260 merino base layer. Additional I was wearing Arcteryx Axino knickers and Tierra Ace pants. On my top half a lamb wool sweater, Atom LT and Alpha SV would protect me. A Arcteryx Chuncky Knit hat was trusted to protected my bald head. After getting the stroller out of the car the one year old had wandered of the trail and needed to be rescued. After that incident we could start out decent. The activity center was approximately 5 meter below the parking lot and 50 meters away. I was confident the Alpha SV would protect me. The terrain was a bit slippery as expected since this was the season second day of snowfall. After around 5 minutes we had arrived to our destination and everyone was still alive. The kids started to play around and explore the surroundings. After approximately 20 minutes low activity from my side I was feeling a bit cold. Thankfully in the stroller the Alpha Parka was waiting for me. Putting it on I could feel the warmth returning and I no longer was afraid for my life. The arms are puffy but I can report that Hestra Hunters Gauntlet fits like a glove both over your hand and the puffy arms. With the new found comfort I could continue rescuing the one year old who kept falling all over the place and could not get back on her feet by herself. The only downside I can see with the Alpha Parka is that it can be a bit warm during medium to high intensity activities. It was near that I overheated while chasing the three year old around the bike track. For size I choose XL. Being 192 cm and weighing in at 95 kg, not 95 athletic kilograms but more dad body kilograms. For Arcteryx hard shells and Atom I use Large and for soft shell like Gamma it's XL. With all aspects in mind I'm giving the Alpha Parka a 5/5 for expeditions as harsh as this one.

If you are heading somewhere super cold. Maybe Alaska, or maybe cheering on an outdoor hockey game, this jacket will keep you warm. Like super warm.

I've used this jacket as my cold weather outside layer here in Northern Norway above the Arctic circle. We get really low temperatures during the winter. The Alpha parka is a very warm down jacket for either trail snowmobiling, as a warming layer in between your turn in the ice climbing wall or as the warming jacket when sitting outside in the cold weather enjoying the northern light. I definitely recommend this jacket. It packs pretty small thanks to the compression bag, and the length of the jacket provides warmth for your seat.

Having purchased many, various Arc'teryx products over the years as a ski patroller and ski instructor, my Alpha Parka is simply the best.

It was hard for me to swap out my old trusty expedition parka for this new parka on Logan this year - it's hard to trust new things! Well I was rewarded for taking the plunge. At 3/4 the weight of my old expedition parka, the Alpha Parka is easily warmer, more comfortable, and more protective around the face. The outer finish fully repels water which is critical at high altitudes when cooking etc can expose to moisture. It is unbelievably warm and well-fitted, with particular excellent attention to the neck and hood. I'm a convert!

As a wheelchair user I exclusively use my arms to get around. When I'm done with the cardiovascular portion of my adventure and throw a big lofty layer like this on its important that I can still move efficiently. I am 6'4" The fit is long and slender and the body of the jacket stays put when you raise your arms up, Im able to set up camp and manurer inside a tent without it feeling cumbersome or having the jacket ride up on my waist. To that point it's the length of the Alpha parka that I like most. In the seated position its long enough to sort of sit on the back of it allowing it to overlap your pants and keeping your lower back protected and warm.

As a wheelchair user I exclusively use my arms to get around. When I'm done with the cardiovascular portion of my adventure and throw a big lofty layer like this on its important that I can still move efficiently. I am 6'4" The fit is long and slender and the body of the jacket stays put when you raise your arms up, Im able to set up camp and manurer inside a tent without it feeling cumbersome or having the jacket ride up on my waist. To that point it's the length of the Alpha parka that I like most. In the seated position its long enough to sort of sit on the back of it allowing it to overlap your pants and keeping your lower back protected and warm.

I used this jacket for ice climbing throughout this past winter and it honestly doesn't even feel like you are outside when you put it on. It has amazing loft, lightweight, durable exterior, stuffer pockets, two way main zipper, and waterproof zippers. Great for belaying. The only point of improvement would be the packability. For me, it doesn't pack quite small enough to be used for multipitches, so I used it primarily for ice cragging. Packability is a small price to pay for a portable furnace. True to size for outerwear and you will still have room for other layers underneath.

Arc'teryx is still capable of designing highly technical gear to perfection. Used this jacket alpine climbing in 5 deg F conditions. Slept in it with my bag to weather low temps. Its an incredible belay jacket but also climbs very well with the slimmer fit. I purchased a separate compressible stuff sack to pack it down as small as possible. My favorite feature is the draft collar which locks in the warmth around your neck. I cant think of a better belay jacket on the market. The construction is as good as it gets - will last for many years. This is THE belay jacket to get.