Like a second skin!


Definitely a great jacket from a great brand. I think this jacket has a very functional and cool design with lots of pockets and other great features. It feels like a second skin, allows a great range of motion and provides good protection for many weather conditions such as light rain and wind. Arcteryx customer service is great too.


The hoody is large enough to cover a climbing helmet. An elastic cord allows to adjust the hoody to your head when you are not wearing a helmet. When the hoody is folded inward, the collar is somewhat large. My girlfriend (yes, she borrows my jacket because its so cool) considers this uncomfortable when her hair is bound together. However, an elastic band allows to adjust the collar too.


I found the seams somewhat delicate. Pulling hard the elastic material may overstretch the threads such that the seams break. Maybe I had bad luck with the first jacket. However, I got a replacement from Arcteryx which does not have this issue. I think if you are aware of this and handle the jacket somewhat carefully you will not have a problem. The fabric itself is quite abrasion resistant.


Whether the jacket is worth the money depends on you. If you don't want to compromise this is your jacket. If your budget is constraint, a somewhat simpler jacket may make you happy too. Personally, I made the experience that good outdoor equipment is worth the money.