Opinions of the Arc'Teryx Alpha SL jacket...

[brigden]

I need something wind and waterproof for the Ontario winter. I'm less concerned with warmth as I'm usually only outside for <15 minutes at a time. I want something well-built and very light weight.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

For that price it'd better be really really good. For someone who doesn't hike or put their gear through hell, it may be overkill.

The Marmot Oracle, Patagonia Rainshadow, North Face DIAD, Marmot Precip, and Red Ledge Thunderlight are all really nice rain jackets. I would personally look for one with pit zips and maybe a brim on the hood.

 

[Jawo]

I got the REI One Jacket and loved it...Regularly $200 got it on discounts last year for about $105.

The main feature of this jacket is Gore's PowerShield, which is in most other jackets.

 

[miniMUNCH]

Ebay in the summer...

I got a brand new $450 Arc'Teryx jacket for $100. In my experience, Arc'Teryx jackets are built better than north face, mountain hardwear, Patagonia, or REI equivalents. I don't have much experience with Marmot.

 

[GoSharks]

Originally posted by: miniMUNCH
Ebay in the summer...

I got a brand new $450 Arc'Teryx jacket for $100. In my experience, Arc'Teryx jackets are built better than north face, mountain hardwear, Patagonia, or REI equivalents. I don't have much experience with Marmot.

Sorry to break the news, but that jacket is probably a fake. Especially from Ebay.

Jawo, Gore does not make Powershield, Malden Mills does. Powershield is a softshell fabric, it sounds like you are looking for a hardshell. I second the recommendation for something along the lines of a Marmot Precip. Keep in mind that these [hardshell] jackets are just shells and are not meant to provide any insuation, only protection from the elements. Softshell jackets often provide some insulation value, as the face softshell fabric is often bonded to some kind of fleece, such as the Powershield fabric.

BTW, while Goretex paclite is more breathable than Goretex XCR, it is less durable.