Arc'teryx Firebee AR Softshell Jacket - Women's - 2008 BCS

I don't own this jacket but I have tried it on a couple times-- it isn't a 'soft' softshell, it is more of a 'shell' softshell, if that helps. Also the medium seems a little roomier than the two other arcteryx medium jackets that I do own (seeker comp softshell hoody and Gamma AR). I liked it and it looks burly but 1)there was no size small and 2)I was really looking for a jacket softer to the touch- so i got the Gamma AR. Although I like gear as much as the next gal, I couldn't justify buying 2 jackets

I must confess I am an Arc'teryx girl. I know a lot of people complain about the price. Not me. The more gear the better, and the better made, the better. Arc'teryx has improved their women's offerings dramatically over the last few years and actually design them to a women's body - which is great.

So what do I think about this jacket? I love it but it wasn't what I expected. I actually bought it for a jacket to wear while I walk my dog. I live in a northern climate, and it can get quite cold here in the winter. I was expecting a jacket that was toasty warm, and I got more of a warm shell. It is very roomy compared to most Arc'teryx clothes, which in this case works out because I am going to have to wear fleece underneath it for it to be warm enough when I walk the dog. It is very well made (no surprise) and will be great in cold and rainy weather.

If you are looking for something when it is cold and you are going to be generating a lot of heat I think it will be great. For something where you are not moving super aggressively, it won't be enough on its own with just a base layer.

I'm 5'1, 120lbs, and usually wear a small... I found their small however a bit too big, especially the sleeves... It's a significant enough difference that I'm returning it for an XS. Other than that the jacket seems exactly what I was looking for, and backcountry makes returns very easy.