Arc'teryx Gamma SV Jacket - Women's - 2007 BCS

First, backcountry.com is great for letting me return this. I got an XS for my wife who is 5'2", 105lbs, and a D cup. For 95% of all outerwear, she is a solid XS, but this Arc'teryx piece was too small. The bottom rested above her pelvic bone, so she returned it. The fit was also too small to allow any layering.

Gamma SV women's jacket was the best purchase I've made in outdoor apparel in a long time, hands down! It's surprisingly warm and blocks wind like you wouldn't beileve. I love the tight wrist cuffs, great feature. It also fits like it was made for me. Highly recommended!

The Gamma SV is an ideal jacket for hiking and backpacking. In warmer weather it can be used as an outer layer and in the cold a mid-layer. I also use the jacket on winter ascents as an outer layer; perfect for cold temps. It fits perfectly and is unencumbered by pit zips, which are not necessary. Pockets are high on the jacket for easy access when wearing a pack. It's stretchiness is great for mobility and it's always kept me dry, even in inclement weather. I hike year round in the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire and find this jacket indispensable.

Arc'teryx knows their stuff. The design of this jacket is flawless. I am 5'9" and the all around length is just enough, which is always a #1 concern for me. I have the interesting perspective of losing some weight while owning it. When I first bought it I had just popped out a kid and was about 163 lbs and the M was a snug fit. I was considering sending it back, but it was stretchy enough and I knew I was going to lose weight so I kept it and I was glad I did. I'm 145 now and it's perfect. I have long thin arms and it's nice to not have fabric gaping from your wrists. It is thin but very warm and breaks the wind - so very portable yet functional in many different temps as a layering piece. The fact that it is so stretchy makes it particularly good for climbing (IMHO). It moves with you and does not pull or affect your mobility at all. It also fits like a glove under my Arc'teryx hard shell. If you're shopping for a soft shell...look no further!

an almost perfect jacket. great for hiking, a wonderful mid-layer to go under a shell or parka. the only problem-and this seems to be an Arc'Teryx issue in general-is that for a D-cup the fit is snug and does not permit layering very easily. Going up to a size M is not ideal, as the sleeves end up too big. oh well, too bad arc'teryx doesn't have a Beyond Fleece-type setup for custom jackets. It is a lovely jacket, though.

I love the color and feel, although the fit is a bit weird for me. It is too roomy in the pits/breast area. It gives the front a bit of a square look. It might work well with layers this winter.

This is my 2nd purchase Gamma SV jacket, my first one is in black. The jacket is easy to pack, thin & stylish. I dislike bulk in any form, especially when traveling to various climates. I have taken this jacket to Europe and it's perfect with a cashmere scarf. I wear it to work and to events and get compliments often. This style fits almost like a tailored jacket and truly you can take it from the windy slopes to the Opera.
Chris in Southern California