Arc'teryx Sigma LT Jacket - Men's - 2007 BCS

This is basically just a Windstopper shell with no insulation or lining. Always in search of the perfect soft shell, I started with TNF Apex Bionic, and it was too thick; like a wetsuit. Picked up a BC Shift; perfect! Tried this Arc Sigma LT, just out of curiosity and the Shift is still the best! I was disappointed that the Sigma is made in China. Shift is made in Canada.

This is a very thin jacket; thinner than my other softshells. Really, it feels like one of my older windbreakers (before the softshell revolution); but, obviously, breathes much better. It does well in wind, and I recently stayed very dry during a rainstorm. There are Velcro tabs to adjust the cuffs. The gusseted underarms allow good range of motion. There is a waist drawstring (accessible from the pockets). The "numerous" pockets are actually two hand pockets and one smaller (cell phone-size) internal chest pocket. This is a great jacket for wind or occasional showers during aerobic activities, but isn't really designed to provide serious warmth.

Great jacket, very light and soft jacket. Repels water and block the wind. You can wear it when the temperature is from 15 to 23 C with a T-shirt beneath it when not active.

Although it may be not as soft as Venta AR and but it is softer than Gamma MX. All of them are very soft though. The velcro cuff of Simga LT to me is better than the elastic cuff in Venta AR.

It is softer and lighter than the Sigma SV/AR and Simga AR. However, it tends to have creases after packing (same happens to Gamma MX). In contrast, Sigma AR does not have creases after packing. In terms of ventilation, it as good as or sligtly better than Gamma MX; whereas, Gamma MX breathes slightly better than Gamma SV/AR and sigma AR.

I wore this the other day in a light rain for about 3.5 hours and stayed totally dry. This is not a rain jacket, but I was very impressed by its water repellence. It also kept me warm during light activity with just a merino t-shirt and fleece hat. This jacket is very well built, like all Arc'teryx products. I recommend as a light weight softshell.

I've had this jacket for about 6 months now, and it's proven to be a great buy. I've used it down to -2 or -3 C with a thin wool undershirt and felt warm. That's pretty impressive considering how light this jacket is - and how it compresses to the size of a t-shirt! It fits snugly so there's no flapping or billowing when you're doing something hardcore like helmet sports, and everything is adjustable so there's no chance of the wind getting in anywhere.

Please bear in mind though, this is not a waterproof jacket (although I used it in a solid downpour and it stayed dry), nor is it a jacket for really cold conditions when used by itself. It is a jacket for energetic activities. It's really tough, it's really windproof and it looks good also.

A great buy.