The perfect shell.

Criteria:

• Durable: since this is exclusively the outermost layer, it’s important that it be nearly indestructible. Sharp rocks, pokey sticks and branches, etc. should have no effect. No scratching or undoing stitching, no puncturing.
• 100% waterproof and breathable.
• Armpit zips.
• Form-fit, no baggy or extra material that can bunch up.
• Compression capable.
• Gusseted arms (this let’s you raise your arms over your head without the waist raising and exposing).

The choice: Arc Teryx Alpha SV. This is the highest quality and best designed piece of gear I’ve ever seen. Handmade in Canada.

The hood zips up hight, over the nose. With the hood strings pulled, only your eyes are exposed.

The zippers slide under waterproof flaps.

The seam design is what I’ve always wanted. They use straight lines which are great for easy waterproofing (they’re all double taped on the inside) and cut in a way that fits an athletic build perfectly. It’s basically form-fitting with extra room in the right place: shoulders.