Arc'teryx Stingray Jacket - Men's - 2009 BCS

Get the Stingray! It's possibilies as a backcountry piece as well as an inbounds/resort slayer are actually pretty rare to find in a jacket. Not to mention the fact it has urbaneering on its resume too. Seriously, it's a tech jacket with a good fit available in an awesome array of colors, pull the trigger!

The Gore-Tex softshell material used to make this jacket will be completely waterproof, so you need have no worries about using this jacket in the rain. It's interesting though that you are deciding between this jacket and the OR Mentor, which is a Gore-Tex Pro shell jacket - there are several Arcteryx jackets that are a more direct comparison, like the Sidewinder, Alpha or Theta jackets. The Gore-Tex softshell material has a fleece lining on the inside of the jacket, which is supposed to make them a bit warmer, but it does come at the cost of the jacket being a little heavier and a little bulkier than a gore-tex pro shell equivalent. Just some things to keep in mind when you start talking about using your shell for purposes other than skiing.

The Arc'teryx Stingray has just a very light fleece flannel inside, so it would work great for wearing over a t-shirt in mild weather without being bulky or too warm. The powder skirt is fixed.

I have used a 100 weight, and a 300 weight fleece so far in the jacket and it slid over them smooth as butter.
This past weekend on Mt. Washington, I had a 650 fill down jacket on under the shell and still had plenty of room for movement and climbing

The jackets fit definitely allows room for layering. Also the brushed liner does work fine with fleece or softer under-layers; minimal velcro effect!

I'm 6'6", 230 lbs, with 37" sleeves. The Stingray is plenty long and roomy in XXL for me. Just a great jacket, all around, and willingly accepts punishment.

The Arc'teryx Stingray is cut to accommodate layers, and you should have plenty of room (one consideration, smooth-faced layers work better than traditional fuzzy fleece due to the fleece lining of the coat-check the Atom or Tau)The Gore-Tex Softshell is totally waterproof. It's the membrance sandwiched in the middle, plus the DWR treated face fabric that keep water out.

Hi Doug, The Arc'teryx Stingray has a drop hood, with a collar; it does not stow or remove. It is built with Gore-Tex softshell, which has a light fleece laminated to the inside, which does add a bit of insulation, and also accounts for most of the weight difference. As for which one: if you're primarily using it as ski/board jacket, the Stingray is better, because of features (pow-skirt, etc). The Theta AR is good as a ski coat, but is better for hiking, travel, etc- more versatile, and packable.

it's not really a "long" fitting jacket (compared to some of the other arc'teryx mountaineering jackets). but that's what the powder skirt is for — it will definitely keep the snow out. i just returned my stingray (it was last years model) because the sleeves and waist weren't quite long enough. BUT, i have really long arms, AND i'm a snowboarder, so i prefer both measurements a little longer than normal.

that was my only beef with the stingray. other than that it's a really great jacket. and if you're a skier, it'll be just fine. also, i did just go to REI the other day and try on this years stingray (this one pictured above), and it did seem like maybe it was slightly longer than last years model.

thanks for that...in terms of length, do you find it long enough though to keep the snow out? I know the Theta are longer jackets and I want to make sure it covers enough of the waist area (keeping the cold and elements out...)

I just tried one of these on this weekend. I'm 6' 175lbs (16" neck, 34/35 sleeve) and a medium fit me nicely with just enough room for a layer underneath. Since you've got a few pounds on me I'd recommend a large for you. The jacket hit slightly below the waist and the sleeves were long enough. This is definitely an awesome jacket. The copper looks great in person.

I've been wearing a Medium in the Arc'teryx Stingray, and I'm 5'11, 175. Enough room for a couple layers (as long as they're not floppy fitting) but not too big when I wear just a baselayer. I'd suggest a medium for you as well. In my opinion, the ideal layer for this jacket is the Arc'teryx Tau pullover.

I haven't seen this jacket specifically, but based on other Arcteryx jackets that I have seen, you are going to be a tough fit. I'm 5'10 with and wear 34/35 inch dress shirts and have a 40.5" shirt. Medium Arcteryx ski shells fit me perfectly with room for an insulating layer. Stating the obvious, by chest measurement you want the Large and by arm length, probably no more than the medium. The ski shells do have a more relaxed cut, so a medium might work for you - obviously you are cutting into the room you have for layering though. I owned a size large shell at one time and I personally didn't like how baggy it was - these jackets are way too expensive for them not to fit right.

Something you might consider is looking at the Stinger jacket, which has a very roomy cut. I'm pretty sure a size medium would fit you well. It definitely is different than the Stingray though..

Best advice: take advantage of the awesome return policy that backcountry.com has and get both sizes. $5.99 is a cheap price to pay for returning one (or both if neither work) to get the right size.

It seems like the Softshell shoots for comfort whereas the Pro-shell shoots for extreme weather performance and endurance.

The microfleece lining in the softshell is nice, but is there mainly for comfort, and does not provide substantial insulation (you will still need a fleece or sublayer on cold days).

Unless you are back-country stomping with subzero conditions, I would go with the Softshell. Gore-tex also have a 3rd option too called Paclite, which is probably the most affordable, but the least/lowest adaptable/performance.

Gore-Tex Pro Shell is designed for extreme, long duration exposure, whereas the Softshell includes some insulation so you don't need as many layers. They are both great fabrics. Check out their website for full descriptions:

http://www.gore-tex.com/remote/Satellite/content/fabric-technologies-outerwear