Arc'teryx Theta AR Jacket - Men's - 2010 BCS

nevermind, I checked the arcteryx website and it does have one internal pocket

ProShell uses a woven backer to protect the Gore membrane from the inside, while Performance shell uses a knit backer or a urethane coating; in the case of 2L there is a hung liner to protect the membrane which adds a bunch of weight and bulk to the jacket.
The woven backer is more breathable, a bit lighter and much more durable than the backer on performance shell.The 3L construction means the face fabric, Gore membrane and backer are laminated into one piece of fabric instead of having a separate liner material inside the coat.

No, I'd stick with the Large.

The previous Theta AR before the 2010 redesign were much baggier. The ones that Backcountry has on sale are the current version. They are by no means tight- they have room for layering. They new fit is much better.

If you're referring to sale prices, that would be for 2010 Theta AR model. None of these would be considered tight fit. They all have room for layers underneath. The 2011 version has a bit softer feeling face fabric, that is still bomber, a Vislon watertight front zip, and a layer-ready fit that is not too baggy without layers.

The new Beta FL and AlphaFL have a longish cut (but not as roomy) and is supposed to breathe better than proshell. Otherwise you may want to look for something without a laminate coating (perhaps just a windshell)

This jacket can definitely be a great rain jacket (it has essentially no insulation whatsoever). The Theta SL doesn't breath as nicely as true 3 layer gore tex (it's "PacLite") and isn't nearly as durable. If you leave an SL at the bottom of your pack folded the same way long enough it will wear through just from wiggling around.

However, I have this jacket and an Alpha LT which is considerable thinner and weighs ~120 grams less. My Alpha LT serves as my rain jacket and a lighter more packable alternative. My Theta is a tougher ski jacket. The only thing about the Alpha LT is that is doesn't have a collar like the Theta and is a bit shorter. Both options are very light though. I just live in New Mexico where I pull a rain jacket out of my packet one every 2 years.

That being said, you can't go wrong either way ... except with the SL ... GoreTex PacLite is meh IMO.

Oh, hey ... Dean Whitehead agrees ... Alpha LT all the way.

If you're a climber the Alpha LT kicks ass with its little removable foam inserts that keep it from pulling through your harness.

Johnny, same as Dean, I wear it all the time with wind pants and jeans. It is very long though so I tighten the hem cinch cord so it doesn't hang so low.

Hey! Yeah, I use this jacket as an all around-er... It is a heavier denier face material so it will be warmer... Also remember that the Theta line is the longest of them, meaning it will probably cover your butt... The best all around, in my opinion, is the Alpha LT... I also use the Alpha SL pull over a lot...

The theta AR has more room than the SL. I can definitely fit more layers under my AR.

The Theta AR is longer in length than the SL. AR is thigh length, while SL is hip length.

Dan, I have a weightlifters build and do not have any problems with this jacket. I am 5'9" and 195-200 and I bought the XL to give me some room in the back area and also allows me to layer.

Thanks. I just bought it. It's a pre-owned, hardly every worn and I have 7 days to try it and see if it's the right fit, if not full refund -- very nice seller. Hopefully it fits.

If you can get away with a 34" sleeve length at your height, with no heavy base layers to speak of, whoever told you to go for the medium was exactly right. "considerable discount"?...pull the trigger because it sounds like you're all set. Enjoy!

No- The hood is fixed and does not roll up in the collar like some other models. It has a 3 way adjustment on the hood which can be cinched pretty good.

I would try the Large first. I think the sleeves on the Medium would be too short if he has really long arms being 6'4".

It has a draw cord at the hem as well as an inner cinch at the waist. Its a versatile 4 season shell. It also has plenty of length in the front and a drop back hem so it provides plenty of coverage. If a powder skirt is necessary look at the sabre SV or Stingray models as they are snowsport specific shells.

The Medium will fit if you like your jackets snug but I would opt for the Large because I like a little room for layering if necessary. It is a fine jacket and you will be very happy with it.

I'd say go for the Large. I'm 6'1" and 185, and I actually wear an XL and it doesn't look overly big. If a large was available when I bought, it would have fit the best for me. I wear L in my Arc' base & mid layers (i have 1 of each), and I couldn't fit into a medium if I wanted to. BTW, I have a 34" arm length and have no issue.

I had the same decision to make a few months ago. I unfortunately can't tell you the differences, or similarities of the two. I can tell you that the AR rocks. I really like the lightweight fabric. It is nice and thin, without feeling flimsy.

I have noticed the hood design is different. I like that the hood on the AR is attached around the collar. The collar is separate to the hood, not part of it, as it is on the SV. It may only be a small thing, but as I rarely use the hood, I like the way it sits on the AR. Not sure I'd be as happy with the one on the SV.

I bought it mostly for skiing. It passed with flying colours being worn everyday for 5 weeks in Europe. The real test is likely to come this southern winter. Slush and rain falls more than snow down here in Aus.

Sorry I can't give you the info you are after, but I don't think you'll be disappointed if you get this (or the SV for that matter).

Steve, you should use the "Live Chat" function or call 1-800-409-4502 and talk to a BC rep. They rarely answer questions on here.

I disagree somewhat on the hem drew cords being a suitable replacement for a powder skirt. As a snowboarder, it's the one thing I wish this jacket had. Granted, the layers you choose underneath could protect you, but if you're not wearing long base layers that can tuck/snap into pants, that wipeout can definitely feel a bit colder w/the Theta AR

I am fairly certain the wind flap is simply the piece that goes behind and down the length of the zipper (usually a piece about 1/2 inch wide) to make sure no wind gets by the zipper.

While the theta ar doesn't have a powder skirt, it does have both waist and hem draw cords which make an effective double barrier against the snow.

Also, the sidewinder ar has a powder skirt, and marmot makes a couple of pro-shell jkts w a powder skirt too (less that $600)

Steve, it doesn't work that way at BC. Use the "Chat Now" function and they can answer your inventory questions.

Ricky
I would have recomended the Alpha LT pants (previous versions without the bibs). Not sure if you can still find them around. They pack down to virtually nothing, and are bombproof. I use them for skiing and for camping and love them. The beta AR are a good choice, very similar but are a bit lore burly with an extra feature or 2 and a little less "packable". You can also look at some paclite pants (although i still find water eventually gets through the paclite fabric in the rain ). Try some other brands like Outdoor research or Marmot- they may have some great pants at a better price point (my apologies to the "bird Co.").
Good luck!

What would you recommend for Rain Pans that are packable

I am a big Arc'Teryx fan so i am a bit biased. For your needs you should stick with the Ascent series of Arc'Teryx jackets (very minimalistic-athletic fitting jackets). I would recomend the Theta AR as you have listed, The Theta SV or Beta AR. They are all made with Pro shell fabrics, the main differences will be the cut and slightly different face fabrics. If you like longer cut jackets go with the Theta line. The Beta is a little shorter in the front and rear (pocket configuration is the same as the Theta line). The Theta AR will use 2 types of pro shell fabric- A heavier denier on the high wear areas and a lighter one on the torso and other areas. Both will hold up to tons of abuse. The theta AR uses the higher Denier fabric all over the jacket and has a slightly different hood configuration. I own both and dont notice much of a difference between the 2 (AR is a bit lighter). You can also look at the Alpha SV, but I do find the pockets to be a bit of a pain for storing essentials during trips. Let me know if you have any more specific details you may want to know.

Either really, I have done a lot of research on Arc'teryx coats and feel good about the Decision. But I just don't know enough about other brands. I know I want three layer Gore-tex and a coat that I can use in the winter as well as in the summer as an outer layer. I'm in the Adventure Education field and I need something that works and is going to last.

Ricky,
do you want to compare to other brands or different jackets made by arc'teryx?

Med may work well for warm snow sports with minimal layers, but I would say large. I base this on my brother who is the exact same dimensions and has some trouble moving around in my med if he is wearing more than a long sleeve and the wrist cuffs are tight. I am 5 9 180 and the med is perfect for layering and freedom of movement

Medium, for sure.

I have tried the new version, and it has a better fit, especially in the chest area. Still room to layer. The older version still looked a bit big even with a couple layers underneath.

For an Arc'teryx ski shell, I'd go for the Theta SV or AR, or the Beta AR. The Theta SV uses the burliest fabrics, a storm hood and really tall front pockets that fit skins easily. The Theta AR and Beta AR are basically the same jacket, with the Theta AR (and Theta SV) being longer in the bottom hem-full butt coverage- and the Beta AR more of a hip length jacket.
The Alpha SV is designed as a climbing jacket; still works for skiing, but the Theta SV is better as a ski coat, in my view.
in case you don't know SV-severe, AR-all 'round.

some folks thought the torso volume was big on the old Theta AR, this one has been trimmed down slightly. The new fabric is softer to the touch, but equally as durable. It is still the longest jacket Arc'teryx makes-full bum coverage.

Hey, that's a great question and I'm glad you asked! "Newly redesigned, lightweight and versatile GORE-TEX® jacket, features a tall collar with a Drop Hood™." Arc'teryx is awwweeesoooooooommmee!

The Gore-Tex 3L Pro shell is wind and waterproof as Ian posted. This is the best nasty weather shell that I have owned. With the right layer you are good for about any condition.

It sure is. By definition all Gore-Tex products are wind- and water-proof.