Pat. Stretch Element vs. Alpha SL?

[paborden]

I'm looking for a general, tackle-anything hardshell for those days when a soft shell ain't gonna cut it -- i.e. wet, late-season ice and when the mountains really decide to sh*t on me.

 

I'm pretty much deciding between the Pradagonia Stretch Element and the Arc'teryx Alpha SL. I haven't been able to try on the ASL (the SE, on the other hand, fits amazingly well and feels sooo good) but it does weigh about 1/3 less than the SE (12oz vs. 18oz).

 

Any suggestions? Also, on another note, has anyone used Patagonia's new down parka (as you can see, I'm salivating over all manner of gear at the moment)?

[Alex_Mineev]

http://www.mgear.com/pages/product/produ...Breathable+Tops