Arc'Teryx Jackets

[bluethunder_pj]

I have been looking at purchasing Arc'Teryx jackets, particularly a hardshell.
I've looked at the Sidewinder AR, Sidewinder SV, and Stingray. I snowboard but plan to do some alpine skiing this season. What are your suggestions/opinions with this brand of jacket?

[njfreeskier]

Those letters at the end mean something. If I remember correctly it goes like this:
SL means super light and is usually Gore-Tex paclite. It is the lightest of all the shells
LT means light, and is usually Gore-Tex pro-shell, but is a stripped down jacket, no bells and whistles, minimal pockets, etc. too reduce weight.
AR means all around, and usually has a little looser fit, so you could be more comfortable and wear it to work or around town.
SV means severe, and is the top of the line. It is the burliest, most weather resistant of all the shells.

Also the names mean something also, I don't remember what though, like the difference between alpha, beta, etc.

SV is the way to go if you don't mind shelling out the dough.

I'd go with sidewinder sv if you need a powder skirt and don't mind the weird zipper, if not the alpha sv is also pretty sick.

Oh yeah, and the stingray is a softshell btw.

[fortysix&2]

I have a Arc'Teryx Sidewinder AR...
It's great in the wind and wet weather as far as outerwear protection. However, the collar is very stiff when the hood is zipped which causes a blind spot on my sides just below my shoulder. Because of this, I seldom wear it when I ride (ie only in really nasty weather).

[FlimFlamvanHam]

Oh yeah, and the stingray is a softshell btw.

Yeah, but it's not really. It has a very, very light almost fleece feel to the layer closest to the skin and the outer shell of the laminate is a bit softer than the outer of the Proshell. It's still 100% 3 layer gore-tex and I don't believe it's any more or less breathable or more or less water proof than proshell.

Personally I like the look and fit of the Stingray. The Sidewinder AR is nice, I just don't use the stow hood feature in the collar (makes the collar too bulky) so would just opt for the SV. The Stingray, since made of Gore's 'softshell' gore-tex will not pack as compactly as their proshell stuff.


my opinion of Arc'teryx is they make exceptionally high quality jackets although it is odd seeing half their stuff with a 'made in China' tag in it and the prices still the same. I also like the fact their stuff is minimalist: a couple pockets, a powder skirt, some pit zips and that's about it which is all most need.

[LightRanger]

bluethunder,

I have a medium Sidewinder AR that I'm willing to sell. Color is like a slate grey. Made in Canada, not China. PM me if interested.

[DyingToLiveToSki]

I have the LT, it fits unreal and is very breathable and very comfortable. Great for touring, I never take it off. I am a bit worried about snagging it on a tree but other than that it is awesome. I'm not going to lie though, Arcteryx makes unreal stuff but I wouldn't pay retail price for it. I would go for the LT if you are planning to do hut trips and the SV for a bomber jacket. The alpha series jackets seem to fit everyone the best, definitely the most styling.

[fernie_pow]

I have had the Sidewinder AR for the last couple of years and kick myself for not getting the SV. The pocket in the collar is much too small for the size of the hood and as such it is always left out. On big pow days snow can get caught up in that pocket (when the hood is out) and sits in the collar right infront of your mouth - this wouldn't be a problem on the SV.

Otherwise one of the best jackets on the market - 100% happy with it, except for that hood.

[Onward]

I've had an alpha sv as my main skiing/hiking/outdoor jacket for four years now and absolutely love it. Fit is tight (aka "athletic") while still leaving full range of motion for the arms, hood is big enough to go over a ski helmet on storm days, while it can be tightened down to fit your head while not wearing a helmet. Every function/feature on the jacket seems well thought out.

I've used it so much that the candy apple red is turning to sunfaded pink, but other than that I see no reason to swap it out. Best jacket I've had (my previous hardshell was from lowe alpine).

[Sparwood Dave]

My wife has the Sidewinder SV - great jacket with one problem. That nifty looking collar doesn't have enough chin clearance when she has the hood over her helmet. Check helmet compatablity before you buy.

[Solesides]

Have always loved short length hard shells like this: http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorge.../ARC0098M.html

It's been the only outer layer I've worn for the past three years..so versatile. Everything you need, nothing you don't. Unless you're into powder skirts...

[Solesides]

Plus, can't go wrong with this Backcountry.com review:

Multi Use Pockets

By: climbhard22307131
July 15, 2008

I love this coat. I was holed up at 14'000 feet on Rainier in a summit bivy. I had to piss so bad with no piss bottle. I used the POCKET OF THIS COAT and it held steady all night long.

[Beyond]

I have a Theta AR, last generation Gore Tex (XCR), works as advertised, great zippers and seals. Truly waterproof in driving rain or sleet, adequate breathing. Cons (besides price): Stiff, noisy fabric when cold, oversize hood projects so far forward and down without a helmet that it can obstruct your vision. Beats other other brands I've owned like Mountain Hardware, NF, and Patagonia, but not the Holy Grail...

[Ted Striker]

Plus, can't go wrong with this Backcountry.com review:

Multi Use Pockets

By: climbhard22307131
July 15, 2008

I love this coat. I was holed up at 14'000 feet on Rainier in a summit bivy. I had to piss so bad with no piss bottle. I used the POCKET OF THIS COAT and it held steady all night long.

Now available on Gear Swap

[stash searcher]

any arcteryx jacket will be awesome. i personally love the stingray. if it were me, i'd choose that one. but look for it somewhere besides full retail. if you're the right size, ebay sometimes has some rep samples for cheaper. i've gotten multiple arcteryx things that way..
i think i have a theta something jacket. i got it because it was cheap. i wear it as often as possible, want another one, and wish i were rich enough to afford the whole line. they just make other shit look weak.
i also finally went arcteryx for snowpants. i'm never looking back.

[Chnaiur]

I can't remember which model I have. It's a semi-long hardshell, and I _LOVE_ it. The fit is unreal: you have full range of motion and hardly notice its there. Its also really waterproof.

The only downside is that collar: when you are fiddling with your pockets or backpack and are looking straight down, the collar can obstruct your field of vision. I guess that's the price you pay for throat wind protection...

Also, my jacket fits over my helmet, and I have a HUGE head with an XXL helmet.

[LC]

Stingray is very nice. As waterproof as anythign out there but the fabric feels good and it's not noisy/rustle-y. Try them on first, XXL fits me (6'4) alright on the arms but short at the front.

The Fury is pretty similar but has a light fleece bonded to it.

[DoWork]

DO IT!

i own the following:
Rho AR
Venta AR
Stingray SV
Stingray pants

I originally had the Venta AR, and it's fuckin bomber but lacks several things for skiing because it's the AR- climbing version, I believe. No pow skirt, no adjustable cuffs and a very athletic cut. No pit zips either. Much warmer than the Stingray, actually. Works as a great everyday jacket and great for light skiing, but eating shit means you'll get a back full of snow, which gets old.

Then I bought the Stingray pants on gear swap for I think $150 and loved the shit out of them. The fit and the material blew me away. Supple and soft yet somehow waterproof and windproof, it defies logic. Talk about half the bulk, twice the performance. I layer so it's perfect for me. Very warm, yet breathable with a perfect fit for me. I fell in love and had to have the jacket to match.

The stingray is the shit, plain and simple. I got mine (orange and red) on gear swap for I think $225, which is almost free. The fit is far more roomy than the Venta AR, it has all the skiing stuff you want (pow skirt, adjustabe cuffs, pit zips, hood etc.) for skiing without having a kajillion mini pockets, laptop storage bin and all that silly crap. Still the buttery-soft softshell material I loved in the pants, too. You want waterproof? I walked for MILES in downpours in the summer with the jacket, and I stayed decently cool, completely dry and cozy. All that and the Venta AR fits PERFECTLY under it as a layer, and then you're 100% stormproof. They really do work absolutely perfectly as a system although I didn't intend it that way but you WILL need to layer with it, there's 0 insulation besides the fuzz on the inside and is a shell only.

That said, I put on an extreme cold compression baselayer, the Rho, the Venta, and the Stingray in that order, and I am untouchable- and never did I pay more than half of retail for any of it. Don't think that just because it's Arc'Teryx you have to spend a fortune. Just pay attention and scoop shit up when the right deal comes along. You'll be glad you did!

[refried]

any arcteryx jacket will be awesome. i personally love the stingray. if it were me, i'd choose that one. but look for it somewhere besides full retail. if you're the right size, ebay sometimes has some rep samples for cheaper. i've gotten multiple arcteryx things that way..
i think i have a theta something jacket. i got it because it was cheap. i wear it as often as possible, want another one, and wish i were rich enough to afford the whole line. they just make other shit look weak.
i also finally went arcteryx for snowpants. i'm never looking back.

I agree, I have several Arcteryx jackets and the only complaint I have with any of them is the collar on the Sidewinder, like fourtysix mentioned it fills with snow and it doesn't fit well when zipped. I also have 2 pair of Minuteman pants (I don't know why, they'll never wear out) and bibs (Theta maybe) and don't think I'll ever wear anything else, It's nice to stay dry.

[zombinate]

while I don't have any first hand accounts of these, I do have a couple buddies who have gone through multiple repairs on their Sidewiders because the zipper keeps separating where it jogs to the side. Anyone else experience this?

[Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer]

Anyone have any thoughts on the Gamma AR softshell?

I have a Cloudveil Rayzar softshell that I love/hate. It has scholler fabric which is awesome in the breathability department, but is definitely not the best in wet snow/rain. Also, it gets cold pretty quickly when you are not moving.

My biggest issue with the Rayzar is the fit - it is pretty long for me a baggy. Definitely not an athletic fit.

I am looking for a good all-around softshell to be worn as a mid-layer for inbounds days, and primary layer when touring. Breathability is important, but not the end of the world. I am in Tahoe and when I do tour, I ultimately end up just skinning in my capaline 3 underlayer with the sleeves rolled up b/c I always get very hot. So the shell will likely be off anyway, unless it is a very cold day.

[hemas]

UCL, I absolutely would love my MX Hody, if the fit would be more like what 'Ryx fitted like pre Solly 'muricanization...

Also, I'd say the MX is better as a mid-layer that also acts as and action layer when hikin' or climbing... Even the MX can be too hot during winter/spring tours. And the heavier AR would be way too much...

[Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer]

hemas - interesting take. I was checking out the specs on the website, and it appeared that the Gamma MX is slightly heavier (by 2 oz or so) than the Gamma AR. Main noticeable difference was the AR was all Powershield, while the MX was listed as a Powershield/Scholler combo.

Do like the high pockets on an AR, as that works a little better for climbing. I guess I will just have to check them both out (although I found a better deal on the ARs).

Really wish I could try on Westcomb softshells near me. I recently purchased the Westcomb Mirage eVent hardshell - far and away the best jacket I have ever seen (and made in Canada to boot!).

[schindlerpiste]

Arcteryx is great, regardless of whether it is made in CA or China. I have 3 Arcteryx goretex shells (Theta SV, Sidewinder AR, something else)
SV is super-bomber; AR is more than adequate. One caveat: goretex does not breath as well as eVent.
I like the Theta SV, because it is uber long. Certainly, no need for a powder skirt (esp. if you wear a bib).

[LightRanger]

UCL,

I'm pretty sure the only schoeller on my MX Hoody is in the sewn-on pockets. And that's not really going to help the breathability. I was wearing it when we toured up Silver in January. Perfect for that. Too hot for warm-weather touring, as hemas noticed. I miss the Made-In-Canada-sizing too, but I think a large Arc softshell would fit you well.. Dri-Clime windshirt should be on your radar as a mid-layer/warm-weather outer. I'll keep brainstorming. Westcomb came to mind as well. BC.com's powershield hoody keeps popping up on SAC, what's the name again? Good reviews.

[Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer]

Thanks. Honestly for most touring in the Sierra, I don't even rock a jacket (just Patagucci Cap 3). When I stop, I throw on the softshell (or down sweater depending on how cold).

Primary purpose would be for (i) a mid-layer under the Westcomb when skiing inbounds, (ii) wearing when stopped on touring, digging pits, setting up camp, etc..., (iii) wearing when actually touring if I am somewhere really cold, (iv) wearing around town, etc...

Really just something made well that will last, fit good and is water resistant and breathable.

Seems like the Gamma AR or Gamma MX probably do the trick (depending on which I can get a better deal on).

Would love to get another Westcomb, but tough to pull a full-price trigger (not to mention, sight unseen with no fitting).