Description
What's next? A jacket with built-in rocket propulsion?
- Bombproof Gore-Tex three-layer Pro Shell with Tiny Gore taped seams sheds even the heaviest rain and snow, and it still permits exceptional breathability
- This jacket is extra-long, which means it tucks down easily into a harness and also protects your lower back as you ski
- Tall collar and helmet-compatible Drop Hood block the elements
- WaterTight external zippers and Molded Zipper garages maintain the jacket's smooth, waterproof outer
- Zippered underarm vents allow extra heat-dumping on the summit push
- Front pockets are higher on the chest so you can access them easily even when you're wearing a harness
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Share your thoughts
What do you think of the
Arc'teryx Theta AR Jacket - Men's
? Share a...
Grunt Approved!
sobekoftexas
Member since
Extremely reliable and functional,yet lightweight.
Just what you need
PAUL UDOVIC
Member since
Perfect lightweight Pro shell with minimalistic well thought out features.
At 5'10" 165 I was almost in between sizes. The Medium fit well with big layers underneath but was huge when wearing it with just a T shirt. I opted for the small and its a better fit. I typically wear a Medium Gamma MX jacket under it and it fits great, no restrictions in movement and not too bulky.
The jacket is cut nice and long providing ample coverage. 2 large volume pockets on the chest along with an arm pocket for a ski key or coffee money.
1 inside stretch pocket with is large enough to accommodate a wallet or a few snacks.
Hood fits large over a ski helmet and cinches down enough to walk around town without looking goofy.
I absolutely LOVE this shell!
dan todhunter
Member since
I bought this shell with the sole intentention of wearing it, all of the time, for everything. Sometimes I forget to take it off it is so comfortable. I wear it for football games in the fall, skiing all winter with layers underneath depending on the temperature, and I will wear it for spring track meets.
It rolls up well so I can keep it in my backpack that accompanies me everywhere, every day. It is starting to get a little dirty and it drives my wife insane that I won't be without it long enough for her to give it a proper cleaning. Everyone should own one!
Is the current model of this jacket made...
Scott
Member since
Is the current model of this jacket made in Canada?
Wally Phillips
Member since
Hey Scott,
Thanks for the question. Did some checking and the Arc'teryx Theta AR Jacket is not made in Canada, but in China.
Minimalist Jacket
Albert Greiner
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Arcteryx jacket- Ultralight, ultra packable, and pretty bomber exterior on this thing. Love the articulation, high quality construction and tight tolerances on stitching etc. Pretty minimalist, so if you want lots of pockets and/or bells look elsewhere. If you want light, tough, and fast this is it.
Awesome Jacket
tasp348324
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I have had my Theta AR for two winter seasons and absolutely love it. It is bullet proof and wear it almost every day.
It has gone through freezing rain, white out snow storms, and just cold days. It has been outstanding through each occasion.
The fit is a little roomer than usual in Arc'teryx jackets. It is because my layers fit better underneath.
It breathes well and zippers are better than I have seen on many jackets. They kept the water and snow out.
amazing jacket
TheNomad
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
The quality, the fit and the features are outstanding but I'm beyond bummed that its made in China! I like supporting jobs locally which was one of my reasons for choosing arcteryx. So this is the only flaw with this jacket. Some may not understand why its a flaw but outsourcing along with the footprint it takes to travel here isn't anything that is helping the economy or environment.
I am 6'3", 230 and bought the xl in nightshade. Backcountry offered free 2 day shipping which was a bonus. The fit is superb. I was worried as I usually buy jackets in tall but this fits awesome!
Bombproof!
Eric Plath
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I wear this shell just to wear it! Simply because it is just that good. No matter what winter situation you get yourself into this jacket will do its job! Crazy light and fits perfectly. I am 6'2" and 170 lbs and it is great! You only have to wear a nice base layer and a good down jacket as a mid layer and you are ready to go!
iha5579845
Member since
Hi Eric,
Thinking of getting this for a gift - four questions (feel free to answer or not answer some of them depending on your availability).
1. What size did you purchase? My boyfriend is exactly your height and weight.
2. In the size you chose, how roomy is it for other layers? I am looking for something that is versatile depending on how cold it is, but still attractive. He does outdoor work every day in the summer when it is quite humid and hot but would also need the jacket for winter activities.
3. How far below the waist does the jacket fall?
4. In your opinion, if you are trying to choose between the theta and the alpha, if fitting into a climbing harness isn't an issue, then do you think the theta is a better choice? From my research, it seems that way...
Thank you!!
Eric Plath
Member since
This jacket runs a little longer than some of the other gear I have. I have a medium because of the jacket running a little longer. It is roomy enough for a nice arcteryx, or icebreaker baselayer. Another layer to consider would be the patagonia down sweater. Mine falls right at the hip. I have very long legs and a medium sized torso. Go with the Theta
Question flagged as pointless. Click here to view.
Is Hood removable or not?
The spec says...
Kai Wang
Member since
Is Hood removable or not?
The spec says it's removable but some comments say otherwise. Can anyone clarify?
Sam
Member since
The description is wrong. The hood is not removable.
Patrick Kilbourn
Member since
The hood is not removable.
Awesome Jacket
Fin
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
If your looking for a jacket with a slightly longer cut and bomproof protection this is the one, great fit (6'1" 40" chest) size medium is perfect fit,enough room for layering when the digits drop, if you buy this you wont be dissapointed.
Does anyone know the zipper length on the...
spinin 3s
Member since
Does anyone know the zipper length on the xl and xxl? I like my jackets cut longer and I'm liking the price of this. Thanks!
Arthur Debowski
Member since
Right around 33 and 34" respectively.
Theta AR jacket is OUTSTANDING!
dan todhunter
Member since
Got my shell in August and was worried about it being to warm to wear as a summer rain jacket but this is the most comfortable shell I've ever owned! I like my jackets to be 4-season and so far I can't see myself wearing anything else in the winter than my Theta AR and a fleace. I bought a 2X because I'm a big guy and like to layer in the cold months. I'm 5'11 and a barrel chested 255 pounds and could have gone with an XL, but am more than happy with the 2XL. More than enough shoulder room, which was a problem with all TNF shells and some ArcTeryx but not this one. Can reach over head and not have any restrictions.
Best ski coat I have owned
brianski2384735
Member since
Fits well, stays WAY warmer than it should for its weight. Two full seasons, 50+ days, still looks like new except for some dirt.
Killer Jacket
Greg Turner
Member since
This jacket has been amazing ever since I first took it out of the box. It fits very nicely and even accommodates my helmet while snowboarding. As a member of the Gore Mountaintechs, I have had the opportunity to test numerous products with the Gore materials. I must say that the Pro-Shell is the most advanced gear they have in my opinion. It is impenetrable. I highly recommend this jacket to anyone looking for a solid outer layer when on the mountain.
Expensive But Worth It!
Jason Killian
Member since
I've had my Theta AR for about 2 months now. I ordered a large and it fits just about perfect. I'm 5'11", 200lbs, 42 chest, 32 waist. It's been great for the late spring, Pacific Northwest creeping damp. I've been reasonably dry through rain and wet snow, even while hiking with a heavy pack. Certainly no drips through the seams. The tunnel-style neck is nice too. Yep. It's expensive. But it's the best jacket I have in the closet right now.
Full disclosure: I have been participating in Gore's MountainTechs product testing program since 2007. Doesn't change my opinion of it, just means the lawyers want me to say that. :)
Hello, sorry another question on Theta AR...
jts2960628
Member since
Hello, sorry another question on Theta AR or SV jacket as a year all rounder 4 season jacket. Which is better and why? How's the Theta AR or SV for a single go to all year round jacket. Snowboarding, hiking, rain jacket and around town use. Will be paring it with the either Atom LT Hoody or Patagonia hoody down sweater in cold days. Would a lack of powder skirt be a concern for skiing or snowboarding?
Andrew Wike
Member since
I go with the SV on this one. It's durable and it will do anything you ask of it. As far as the powder skirt, I think you have to judge how much time you spend yard sailing on the mountain. The more you wipe out, the more a powder skirt is going to matter. I'm always skiing with a pack, so the waist strap helps keep snow out.
Babak Sakaki
Member since
I had to make a similar choice, and had only tried on the AR. It fit perfectly for a hiking/backpacking jacket. I was torn, but decided to go with the SV, because I wanted to use it skiing.
I've had a few shells tear while tree skiing, so I think going with the SV is a wise choice. Plus, I find that in sideways conditions the Storm Hood on the SV protects my face and cheeks far better than the AR.
That being said, the AR Drop Hood looks better when not in use.
Also, the SV is cut to accommodate layers, whereas the AR is more athletic. If I were to use it as a primarily warmer season shell, I would go with the AR.
The Best Year-Round Shell
cole lehman
Member since
I've worked at Backcountry for years now and this is my first Arc'teryx shell. It lives up to all the hype I've absorbed over those years. I bought it for year-round usefrom snowboarding to backpacking. I decided on the Theta for a few main reasons. 1. Gore-Tex Pro Shell is totally waterproof, extremely breathable, and bombproofwithout being too heavy for backpacking(in my opinion) Paclite was an option I was tossing around, but I wanted something I could abuse a bit more. 2. The length of the jacket. I wanted the extra length for use in Wasatch powder(no powder skirt) and for extra coverage in violent afternoon thunderstorms. 3. I wanted a jacket that would last for around a decade, not just a few seasons. I know plenty of people who've been wearing the same Arc'teryx shell for that long.
I'm 5'11 185lbs and the large fits me perfectly. Sleeves aren't too long and the hood doesn't bother me. I wore it through last winter and it outperformed my expectations. Looking forward to some storms in the Uintas and not worried about staying dry.
Looking for an all around, 4 season shell...
Babak Sakaki
Member since
Looking for an all around, 4 season shell to last me for years. Cannot decide whether the SV or AR is right for me. Any reason NOT to get the SV and get the AR?
Thanks!
Dave Marcus
Member since
If you're looking for a reason to get the AR over the SV, it's lighter and will still keep you dry in all of the same conditions.
The two main differences are the fabric weight and the body length. The SV is all 480N ProShell. The AR has 480N in high-wear areas and 380NR in other areas to save weight. The SV will fully cover your ass where the AR is more half-ass coverage.
Both will last you the rest of your outdoor life.
Mads
Member since
Yup, Dave's got it right. Additionally, the AR has an athletic cut whereas the SV has a more relaxed cut meant to let you fit more layers underneath. The only time I think I'd care about this difference is with activities where I really hate having extra clothing flapping around, like rock climbing. But if it's not a big deal, get the SV so you know you'll be good with more layers.
I already have a Alpha SV in black, was...
roy4434529
Member since
I already have a Alpha SV in black, was thinking of a Theta AR in nightshade. are the colors different enough? Cant tell by pictures if nightshade is a lighter grey?
Dave Marcus
Member since
You can get a better idea of the color in Jwan 10's photo, posted below. It's not black, but it's a pretty dark grey.
View all contributions... Be patient, it might take a while.

Kenny
Member since