UKC

Hi, I am looking for a lighter waterproof for steady alpine use (classic summits), I know that they generally stay in the rucksack, has anyone got the arcteryx alpha lightweight and recommend, cheers

I’ve just been in the Patagonia shop in Manc and they had something called the Granite Crest rain jkt discounted to £168 and something similar but in Gortex for £224. I don’t know anything about either of them but they match your description and seem to be remarkably good value for the brand. 

I was quite impressed with https://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/clothing/waterproofs/rab_latok_paclite_plus... it's very light (fine if you're not using it to climb on rock too often) and has a great hood. They are not ridiculously expensive either. 

I won a Montane Torren in a competition on here a few months ago and I really like it. It feels quite a lot softer than goretex and its nice and light. Keeps the rain out too.

Montane minimus is a good lightweight jacket but considering adding an ultra lightweight runners shell as an option when only really taking the waterproofs for a walk, 200g to completely cover you - wont like crampons or granite but nothing really does 

https://www.outdoor-insight.co.uk/gear/montane-unisex-minimus-nano-pull-on-...

What John said. (This written while waiting for a train to connect to a flight to the Alps with running waterproofs in my bag.) 

I climb in one of these, stands up to a fair bit of abuse. I climbed a chimney in it just over a week ago... My water bottle got punctured, but the jacket is fine.

My only criticism is that I don't like the built-in storage pocket, my previous Montane Pertex came with a wee mesh bag that goes on the back of my harness. I need to wear clothes with pockets if I want to take my Nano. Also, a slight pain to pack away in wind.

Overall though, I love mine.

Lighter than what would be a question. I've tried a paclite on mountains and they're fine for getting me back to ground level if I decide to bail off but personally I go with something slightly heavier for the more committing routes. Mountain Equipment Saltoro is on the lighter side of the harder wearing jackets.

Looking at the weather forecast is normally cheaper and what the Europeans tend to do

I've had one of these for a while and it's been great as a waterproof on the bike but also for a fairly soggy fortnight's alpine climbing last couple of weeks. Shed rain and snow really well and light enough to live in a pack. Climbs well too. I'd highly recommend it.

I did look at the Alpha stuff in the Arcteryx shop in Cham but couldn't justify the cost. Everybody else in the valley seems to wear Arcteryx though.

https://www.absolute-snow.co.uk/black-diamond-m-highline-stretch-shell-jack...

BD highline stretch shell, I love mine and a good price too.

Hey,

I've used the Alpha Lightweight. It's a nice jacket, pretty bombproof, but a little over kill for alpine summer. Most of the time this jacket lives in my bag, occasionally coming out on a windy summit or if the weather comes in. 

Typically, for that activity, I use a lighter/much cheaper running jacket in a size up that what I'd usually buy. Something simple with a chest pocket is ideal. 

I've currently got a Patagonia Storm Racer, which works great. 

I used the Alpkit Gravitas a load previously - and it was also ideal.

If you want something climbing focused, but a little heavier. The Patagonia M10 is great, and has an excellent cut. 

Hope this helps.