There are two kinds of people in the world: those who divide people into two kinds and those who don't. Also, those who wear pants and those who wear bibs. Who wears bibs? Drooling infants, for one. Mountaineers, for... oops, redundant. 'Scuse.
The Arc'Teryx Alpha SV bib is simply the best bib ever. The weatherproof Gore-Tex 3L Pro Shell construction is bomber, breathes like a teenage boy watching Megan Fox, and effortlessly sheds the elements. At a mere 22 ounces it won't weigh you down, and the fit is exquisite: trim, a high cut with a Schoeller vest, inner waist drawcord, removable foam kneepads (so nice when putting a knee down to rest), zippers that don't ride under pack belts/straps, adjustable cuffs with lace hooks, instep patches, easily adjustable shoulder straps, we're talking the whole enchilada. The leg zippers don't fully separate, but that's OK, 'cause you'll be wearing these dawn-to-dusk and probably 24 hours a day on expedition.
The design and placement of everything is perfect. A three-way through the crotch zip allows you to do your duty without excessive exposure (make sure it matches your inner suit if you're wearing one; rainbow zips and through-the-crotch don't play well together). The best part? The pockets. Two small inner pockets and two medium outer pockets all zip up to close, and - hallelujah! - they're Napoleon-style. It's hard to stress how convenient this pocket design is. It doesn't interfere with pack straps, it's easier to reach across than back, and you can sleep with all kinds of crap (not literally crap - that would be gross - but small bits of gear) and not worry about breaking stuff, unless you're a stomach sleeper. They're beautiful, man. Save your pennies.
Comments