Arc'teryx Kappa SV Hooded Jacket - Women's - 2008 BCS

Love it: I've had this jacket about a year. It's not as warm as a puffy, but it's not as puffy as a puffy either. In fact it's a really nice, flattering shape, I wear this around town as well as belaying. It's good by itself to around freezing then you'll need to start layering over or under it. The fabric is crazy tough, i beat the hell out of it in gale force winds in j-tree and it shrugged off the wind and all the prickly desert plants too - it looks as good as new, no tugs or tears in the fabric even after a couple of encounters with spikey stuff. Shakes off snow, it's been in the rain plenty and no problems there either. It's light, puffy but not too bulky, you can layer over and under it, and I roll it up and use it as a pillow when i'm camping too.

Wish it was better: The hood is super adjustable, there's, like, three drawcords in there? But it's kinda a slightly weird peanut shape. The outer pockets are gigantic - fantastic - but there's no zipper internal pockets, there's pouch pockets on the inside but nothing to stow stuff securely. If it had internal zipper pockets I'd marry this thing.

Nice warm jacket you can still move in. It really is true that wind doesnt come through the seams. The pockets are great--not skimpy like they are in most women's jackets. The hood isnt skimpy either--its just warm and adjustable.

The back length on my medium is almost 27 inches.

The worst thing I can say about the jacket is the hood can be crunchy-sounding.

Once again, I love Arc'teryx. Kappa SV is a great insulating coat with a tougher exterior than your traditional winter puffy coats. Insulted hood makes for warm ears and happy heart on a long, cold walk. I chose not to spend the extra cash for a goretex waterproof exterior, this seems burly enough for any snowstorm (but I haven't tested it out in a downpour).
Front hand pockets are deep and lined to keep fingers toasty. Sealed seams eliminate blow-through. It's fitted enough to wear under by Alpha SV goretex shell for crazy artic conditions, but you can still layer underneath.

I am always cold and when I first saw the jacket I wasnt convinced of its warmth until it was -5 out and I was toasty warm! This jacket rocks especially since my dog loves the cold..the only cold parts of my body were the parts not covered by the jacket. I love it! and the hood is perfect and actually stays on in the wind unlike some other jackets I have. I am actually happy to go outside in the cold now because I know I will be warm and not have to wear some big bulky coat that makes me look like a snowman. Thanks BackCountry for selling awesome jackets!

For reference, I'm 5'5" and 120lb and ordered the small. The design is flattering to my figure yet allows me to move without any tension or discomfort in the arms/shoulders and doesn't pull the waist up, unlike many other "tailored" jackets. With the small I am able to comfortably layer a long sleeve light sweater under it. I've read a few comments about the length and have to disagree. The length is perfect on me, ending around my butt line. Perhaps if you are extremely long waisted there may be some issues.

So far I've worn this jacket in 20 degree temps with high winds and it's holding strong. The hood provides amazing warmth and is probably my favorite feature. I also like the soft lining in the pockets.

This is by far one of the best jackets I have purchased. If you're willing to spend the money, I'd definitely recommend this purchase.

I'm a very active outdoor person who is also always COLD... until now. This jacket is amazing. Its lightweight, soft, and completely wind-proof. The hood has lots of places to adjust it so it can fit perfectly. In the rain, it beads up and dries quickly. Best of all, I'm comfortable and warm even when the temperature is near zero. Great price. Very happy and outdoors a lot more!
Portland Oregon

This is a phenomenal jacket. I live in Grand Forks, ND and needed a jacket to get me through the -10 with 20 mph wind and this does it. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer. I freeze where it ends! The hood is especially wonderful in the wind here.