Arc’teryx Squamish vs Arc’teryx Alpha SL fit comparison

I don't have either, but if you call Arc'teryx up, they have exact measurements on all pieces and can give you an idea about how everything would match up. That said, I have an Alpha SV and, while I'm not sure how the SL compares, I will say that my SV is one of the most bulletproof and best designed pieces of gear I own. I was recently forced to essentially forge my own trail for several miles through thick brush and forest during extremely heavy rain on a recent trip (river flooding and couldn't be crossed to return via trail), and not only did my SV keep me bone dry, but after a quick wash, it looks brand new.

I don't think you would be a fan boy if you have two items of a particular brand just because there are other people who are fan boys. Arc is pretty (too?) expensive but the fit, their pattern/cut of the garment is really good I think. So is their warranty.

I got some items on sale and some on exchange and really happy with all of them. In all of them personally I am the same size. So I would say the sizing is quite consistent.

I have the Squamish in M, and the Alpha SL Pullover in M as well.

Only reason to go different is if you're in between sizes and like your windshirt tighter, and your puffy bigger etc.

Hope that helps.

(edit – my Squamish is from this season, my Alpha SL Pullover from last season).

My Arc'teryx collection consist of: a Lorum hoody, an Atom LT, and a Beta FL. All are XXL, and in my experience, Arc'teryx sizing has been fairly consistent. I know it doesn't answer your exact question, but I hope it's of some help.

The Squamish Hoody is in the Athletic fit, and the Alpha SL is in the Trim fit. The Trim fit is slightly narrower across the body, but after checking their suggested measurements on their Athletic and Trim measurement charts, it looks like the jacket should fit you just fine. The restriction in the Trim fitted jacket may be that you can't layer up as much underneath the Alpha SL. While I can fit a light fleece and mid-weight down puffy (Arc Cerium LT) under my Squamish Hoody, I would be limited to one of those insulators in an Alpha SL (I've tried it on myself). That might not even be a hindrance for you, unless you're planning for really harsh conditions.

Thanks everyone for the insight. The Squamish is baggy enough that I can wear a puffy so my assumption is that the Alpha SL would fit. Unfortunately REI only has this jacket in XL right now so of the few companies I do business with, I'd have to pay for shipping to return it if it didn't fit.

Well, the Squamish has only an athletic fit since this season and before the relaxed fit.

My Squamish is from the current line so should be an athletic fit.

Their dimensions for size XXL Athletic Fit:

Chest- 50"
Waist- 43"
Hip- 50"
Sleeve- 37"
http://www.arcteryx.com/sizing-chart.aspx?EN/men-s-athletic-fit-top-sizing-chart

Funny enough, size XXL Trim Fit shows the same dimensions with the following caveat:

"Trim-fitted garments share the motion-friendly traits with our 'Athletic' fit garments, but are patterned with lower volume for reduced bulk. These close-fitting pieces layer well under other garments."
http://www.arcteryx.com/sizing-chart.aspx?EN/men-s-trim-fit-top-sizing-chart

"The restriction in the Trim fitted jacket may be that you can't layer up as much underneath the Alpha SL. While I can fit a light fleece and mid-weight down puffy (Arc Cerium LT) under my Squamish Hoody, I would be limited to one of those insulators in an Alpha SL (I've tried it on myself). That might not even be a hindrance for you, unless you're planning for really harsh conditions."

Thanks this is really helpful. I rarely wear more than a shell in above freezing temperatures and can't remember the last time I wore more than a silk weight baselayer combined with a fleece vest in below freezing temperatures. I have another shell I can use if I really need to wear some bulky items underneath.

I'll take some of the above advice and call them but it sounds like this is going to work for me.

And even if two things theoretically have the same fit, it depends on how they're designed to use: e.g. as one garment is designed to be able to wear only a light layer underneath it and the other is designed for being able to wear several layers beneath it, although they have the same fit in theory, in practice it can differ.

> And even if two things theoretically have the same fit, it depends on how they're designed to use: e.g. as one garment is designed to be able to wear only a light layer underneath it and the other is designed for being able to wear several layers beneath it, although they have the same fit in theory, in practice it can differ.

I have a few pieces of Arcteryx clothing and they essentially fit exactly as advertised. Trim fit, Athletic fit and Expedition fit say exactly how they should size relative to the rest of the lineup.

A word of warning: if they say trim fit, they mean it — I can slip a slim fleece like a Cap4 or R1 underneath but that's as much as fits comfortably.

Thanks Stephen.

I think I'll just postpone this decision until the next time I'm in Seattle. They have a store there and it's probably best just to try it on and see.

i have quite a few pieces of dead bird and the fit can vary a bit depending on the purpose of the piece

i usually wear small or medium … fleeces are almost always small, while softshells are always mediums … base layers can be either depending on the model year

dead bird seemed to have changed their sizing a bit a while back as well …

so in short i would either try it in person or buy it from somewhere with good return policy and free return shipping

;)

I'm neither trim nor athletic but as mentioned in the OP, I own the Squamish and it's a perfect fit for me at XXL. I tried on the Alpha SL at their Seattle store today and fit wise, I couldn't tell the difference between the two. Now that I've worked that out, I just need to figiure out if the Goretex Pro is worth an extra $115 for the Alpha FL or not.

To be continued.