Gore ALP-X 2.0 Jacket

If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain, and you want to keep the cranks turning during the deluge, a top notch jacket is an essential piece of kit. When I say top notch I’m talking performance not price. There are many ways to skin this particular cat. If you want to save some dollars but still stay dry you’ll be looking at a jacket without many features and venting that is likely sub-par. If you nail it and wear the right layers this can work; if not you’ll be wetter inside than out. When you start to pour sweat your resistance to cold sucks so if the temp drops, you get a flat or decide to stop for some other reason, prepare to become one cold mofo.

Why do you want me to bend over like this? The removable hood is a little on the small side but I made it work over my helmet on a couple of rides. It’s not ideal but I prefer to leave the hood at home anyway. Gore stretch inserts could come in handy for some but for me the fit was generous enough that they weren’t necessary.

Gore’s ALP-X 2.0 Gore-Tex jacket (the ALP-X also comes in a version made with Gore Windstopper) sits somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. It has some features mated to good breathability and excellent water-proofing – but at a price. It won’t put you in debtor’s prison like the $450 Arc’Teryx Alpha FL Pete just reviewed but at $250 you can spend less and still get something waterproof.

The stowable tail hangs down well below your ass when you are in riding position. If you have a long road ride to get to the dirt this would come in handy but I never use it on the trail.

The Alpha FL uses Gore-Tex Pro while this garment uses Gore-Tex Active which is Gore says is a step down in terms of durability but also in terms of the ability to retain a high level of breathability when there are several work rest cycles. In terms of venting, Active is better suited to a continuous high output activity; like mountain biking.

The back pocket doubles as a vent – assuming you don’t wear a pack. It also allows becomes a stow sac for your jacket to help it pack down into a small package.

As Jon Harris mentioned in his recent review of Gore’s Fusion-X 2.0, Gore stuff lasts. I’m still wearing a Gore jacket similar to the ALP-X that is at least five years old and it still keeps the weather out perfectly.

Despite being categorized as slim, the fit is generous. I’m wearing a medium and I’m 6′ and 170lbs. Arm length is more than adequate in riding position.

Thus far the two-way waterproof zipper has been a bit of a disappointment. Getting zipped is a bit of a struggle every time I put the jacket on. I eventually learned to get everything lined up and then I need to grab the lower zip before I pull the top zip. If I grab the male side of the other side of the jacket it’s very difficult to get the zipper to move. Part of this issue relates to the fact that the zipper is reversed compared to most men’s garments with the male end on the left. Waterproof zippers improve over time but so far this has been a hassle.

Performance has been great. Despite the lack of venting I’ve been comfortable on warm and wet days. I’m careful about layering but I ride hot and wear a pack so this result is impressive. In terms of waterproofing the ALP-X has lived up to my expectations of Gore gear – I’ve stayed bone dry under the jacket even on long wet rides when everything else has leaked.

Features: a waterproof zipper, friction strips on the shoulders to keep your pack in place and a Napoleon pocket which is perfect for your phone but not much else.

There’s no question that $275 is a lot of dough to fork out for a jacket, but you better have your black Friday ears on to find something with Gore Active for less. A look at jackets available with this second from the top tier product on the Gore-Tex web site shows nothing below $249 and everything priced below this jacket is also a Gore product. I’ve also seen this jacket online for below $200 recently so talk to the google.