REVIEW: DNS ALPHA Gore-Tex 3L LE Jacket

Sometimes you need a tough shell. It's not just there to hide the soft sides. It's also meant to prevent them from getting wet. The hardshell is a classic, extremely important piece of equipment, it takes the wearer through any weather and with other layers through every season as well. DNS ALPHA started with their equipment line directly on the skin, now it's out in nature and ready to face the challenges: that's the DNS ALPHA Gore-Tex 3L LE Jacket – and it aims to compete with the best in the LEAF sector.

Even a back can be delightful: the jacket is in action there and it's a light drizzle. No problem, that's why we're here. It could pour and it would be fine as well.

Where do we start? With the most complex part: the DNS ALPHA Gore-Tex 3L LE Jacket. It goes straight to the wearer's neck.

The great piece is big and good: the hood is hidden in the collar. And when you don't need it, it's a very well-shaped collar that closes high and perfectly prevents drafts.

Zipper open, here comes the hoodie.

On the man, on the head, adjusted correctly it fits perfectly and leaves only a small face cutout free.

The concealed adjustment mechanism in the neck ensures the best fit. The hood also moves well when the wearer turns their head and it's not bulky, because DNS ALPHA uses a fine, thin GORE-TEX three-layer laminate. Only the best of the best.

The visor protects the face. And it can be shaped as well.

The mastery of DNS ALPHA is evident at the head. A jacket for the job...

Here is the good piece in frontal view. Solid cut, not too loose, but with some room. This jacket likes it when you work with layers according to the weather. Layers are also the manufacturer's concept.

This is the height of the collar. And also a zip garage at the top. The hoodie zipper is on the side.

The adjustment inside the collar and hood. The cord stoppers are very small. This is comfortable to wear, although sometimes you have to take off your gloves to operate them.

Inside the collar it is very fluffy. This is important for wearing comfort.

Waterproof quality zips prevent the wearer from getting wet through the openings. Also note the rubberized zipper pulls.

The front side with the large zipper presents its water-repellent side towards the rain.

The chest pockets open from top to bottom.

And offer plenty of storage space for the wearer.

Bottom end: the two-way zip can also be opened from the bottom, which is good for accessing equipment in the hip area.

Side view of the DNS ALPHA Gore-Tex 3L LE Jacket, where you can confidently face rainy weather.

On both sleeves there is velcro, each with its own recognisable shape by DNS ALPHA. By the way, it is not intended as a pen compartment.

Behind the velcro on each sleeve, there is a compartment. DNS ALPHA has decided here to open from bottom to top.

In practice, this is very logical because you can fix the sleeve with your hand and then have a good grip. When closing, the wearer simply pulls it down effortlessly.

The width adjustment at the sleeve end is done with a rather narrow strap. Works well.

Like any good jacket, the DNS ALPHA has a built-in air conditioning system. Ideal for regulating when in motion with the rain cover.

Back we already know, but here with a hood on.

The DNS ALPHA hardshell is long and goes down to under the butt. There is an elastic band inside at the bottom so that the user can seal it tightly. Due to the length, the wearer doesn't have to worry about anything riding up.

When folded, the jacket has a pleasantly small pack size. Our sample weighs 500g on the kitchen scale.

The interior looks like a usual hardshell. Silver laminate, perfectly glued.

That's the tag in the back of the jacket. DNS ALPHA works with the best three-layer laminate that is amazingly thin and robust.

This is also ensured by the RipStop material. Water beads off here as well. That's the way it should be.

Even in Flecktarn, the Gore-Tex 3L LE Jacket makes an excellent impression. In this special edition, it is exclusively available at TACWRK.

Here is the tag in the back of the jacket again. DNS ALPHA also uses the same high-quality three-layer laminate for the Flecktarn variant, just in a different color.

CONCLUSION: DNS ALPHA is moving into the premier league of LEAF providers, and with the Gore-Tex 3L LE Jacket, they have presented a great piece of gear where we have previously trusted Arc'teryx LEAF. But DNS shows - development never stops: intelligently designed, implemented with the best materials, perfect craftsmanship. High style factor is great, but not the goal, as form follows functionality. This hardshell hoody is meant to go into action. And it proves itself there. A fantastic jacket for people who value the best quality.

The DNS ALPHA Gore-Tex 3L LE Jacket is said to be available in Olive/Grey/Black. It is already exclusively available at TACWRK in Flecktarn for 599.90 EUR. And HERE is the DNS Alpha brand shop at TACWRK.

TACWRK online

DNS ALPHA online

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