Arc'teryx Katabatic Jacket - Men's - 2004 BCS

I bought this windshirt on a last second impulse buy as I was about to fly to Chile to trek the 'W' in the Torres del Paine. While I didn't get hit with the notoriously windy conditions the region is known for, this jacket provided a layer of warmth and wind protection that is "must have" if you think there's going to be any type of breeze. If you are currently a fleece/hard shell combo person like I was before, this is a critical piece you can pair with the fleece for all but the coldest climates and its a little more manueverable that the hard shell on top. It has excellent water resistance, though if it starts pouring, it will get soaked and take about a day to dry. Very stylish, I think more so than the other windshirts, and you can wear it around town and dont look like your coming right off the trail. Zero complaints on this end, I strongly recommend picking one up.

Like all Arcteryx clothing this jacket is both well designed and well made. It has been perfect for both urban wear and for long walks with the dogs on foggy mornings. This is the fifth Arcteryx jacket that I have purchased and all have been equally great.

I am also a jacket junkie. As this jacket is very similar to the Marmot windshirt (which I also have) it begs comparison. Differences - this jacket is much better cut, has a waist drawcord and the cuffs are velcro - not elastic. Also, the katabatic is much better at resisting the rain than the windshirt. I like them both. The Marmot windshirt is more of a "beater". You can really thrash it and not worry, plus it might be a little warmer as a mid-layer than this one. I wear the Marmot windshirt during rock and mountain climbing, while I wear the katabatic more for hiking and training and in town. It could probably take the same abuse as the Marmot, but I like it too much to mess it up.

I just skied a weekend of Pennsylvania butter cream and this was the perfect jacket. It’s good for 3 seasons, washes up really nicely, and at this price you could afford to change the oil in it.

Well made jacket with a quality feel. Body hugging fit, with well thought out details. Would be perfect for long backcountry touring trips or any heavy aerobic outdoor activity.

Ok, I'll admit it I'm a jacket, shell and fleece junkie. Always looking for that one I don't have that will become the "fav". For cool, windy and damp(or dry) this is the one. Whether hanging at the soccer fields all day or on the golf (yes golf you hard core back country hosers) course, this lightweight, great looking windbreaker on steroids is "IT". Quality construction, great looks, great price. Who could ask for more?

Very nice, light weight, water ristant, and warm.