Dress in layers is obviously a valid mantra for anyone who wants to enjoy themselves outdoors, but, honestly, packing said layers can be a pain. In my 4+ years as a travel editor, I’ve gotten a lot wiser about packing light and curating a satisfying travel wardrobe — and I’ve also gotten more passionate about investing in sustainable products and helping others do the same. So when I had an opportunity to gift my father-in-law, a keen traveler whose adventures regularly include
- an annual 7-day fishing trip in Colorado
- a few weeks in Florida
- trips to the UK (to see Van Morrison live in concert, of course)
- lots of time outside at his second home, a lakehouse in the Ozarks
a made-in-Seattle jacket that might stand up to his love of Eddie Bauer, I was excited.
Here are five reasons my father-in-law, husband (who borrowed the jacket for a recent getaway), and I can all get behind the so-called “best soft-shell jacket you’ve never heard of”: Beyond Clothing’s Stretch Alpha L5.
1. It’s Super Lightweight
When this jacket arrived, I had a bit of a “Wait a second…” moment as I initially handled it. It’s very lightweight and the combination Tweave® Durastretch® Nylon and Polartec® Power Grid® Fleece fabric has a unique feel. The pictures online had me thinking it might be a good alternative to the classic and more-structured North Face Apex Chromium (a family favorite), but suddenly I was second-guessing myself.
The proof is in the pudding, and after my father-in-law and husband wore the jacket, it was good news all around: Yes, it’s super lightweight (i.e., good for travel), and it also stands up to the demands of spending time outside.
2. It’s Ultra Packable
Let’s not confuse lightweight with packable. Everyone’s handled a piece of outerwear that’s light and puffy and just won’t stay folded or stop springing from its designated packing spot.
The Stretch Alpha L5 is the opposite of that. There’s no down-fill fluffiness. It folds flat and stays put, even with the hood.
3. It’s Cozy
When I initially handled the Stretch Alpha L5, I felt iffy about whether it would be warm enough to be worth packing or wearing. A misty-day hike along Getaway St. Francois’s nature trail put that concern to rest. My husband stayed comfortably warm without overheating, and, as promised, the moisture beaded up on the jacket’s shell, no soaking in.
4. It Looks Good On
The Stretch Alpha L5 isn’t a structured shell jacket (a la the North Face Apex Chromium) or a traditional fleece. It wears more like a zip-up hoodie, meaning it doesn’t look particularly special when it’s folded up or on a hook or hanger.
Once it’s on, though, it hits in the right places and definitely looks high-end. My father-in-law noted that he likes the nylon fabric, especially because it’s not shiny, and the unique Ranger Green color option.
Pro Tip: If in doubt, size up. My father-in-law shared that he normally wears a Large or X-Large in shirts, jackets, and coats. He told me, “This Large fits pretty nice. A little tight in the shoulders but seems cozy. My arms are short and the arms of the jacket are pretty good for me. They may be a little short for guys taller than me. Length is in the middle of my butt, which I like. When I zip it up, it’s a bit snug, but my gut is a little bigger than it should be!”
5. It’s Well Made, And Made In The U.S.A.
I’m a huge fan of investing in made-in-the-States clothing, which is the #1 reason gifting the Stretch Alpha L5 was a no-brainer. U.S.-made clothing seems harder and harder to come by — especially closet staples that are as well-made and reasonably priced as Beyond Clothing’s lineup.
The Stretch Alpha L5, specifically, has
- nice, straight seams with no odd or bunched sewn areas
- lined and zippered side and breast pockets (my father-in-law noted that the side pockets are positioned right and kept his hands warm, and my husband prefers zippered pockets for keeping his cell phone, wallet, and keys secure, so these were a win)
- quality zippers and pulls
- elasticized piping on the sleeves and hem that ensure the jacket fits close and keeps the wind out
Note that the hood, which has a looser fit, is not detachable and does not have a drawstring. My father-in-law suggested that this could be an issue in windy conditions, when you might want to wear a hat, too.
Tips For Ordering From Beyond Clothing
The Stretch Alpha L5 isn’t your only option — Beyond Clothing offers an extensive lineup of essentials for both men and women. I recommend you
- shop their Made in the USA collection (like many brands, Beyond advertises Global Responsibility Initiatives, but not all its clothing is made in the States)
- check their outlet for the best deals
- use Capital One Shopping to try discount codes at checkout (at the time of writing, 10 codes were available, and I was eligible to save 15 percent on a single-item purchase)
