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Armor where you need it.

Arc'Teryx used two different weights of WindStopper during the design and construction of the Men's Venta MX Hooded Softshell Jacket. That means the Venta stands up to wear when you trek, breathes when you skin up in the backcountry, and stretches when you reach for that hold on your alpine route.
  • Lightweight, breathable 520SNP is used on the torso and underarms to aid in temperature regulation
  • Heavier weight stretch WindStopper is used on the shoulders, hood, and back for added protection and unlimited range of motion
  • Underarm zips dump excess heat whether you're hiking, touring, or climbing

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Arc'teryx Venta MX Hooded Softshell Jacket - Men's

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Here's what others have to say...

4 5

Amicus

Member since 
  • Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I have a beloved Cloudveil Koven shell and wanted a soft shell for everyday skiing to preserve the Koven.

I like the jacket very much. It feels bomb proof. My one day in it was Stowe's 2012-13 closing day. 20s in the AM on the scratchy top with hard wind. Mid-40s at the bottom in the PM on wet mashed potatoes and corn. Started with an Arc'teryx Atom LT hoody underneath and over a long sleeve wicking shirt. At mid-day I switched the hoody for a Patagonia Nano Puff vest.

Less windproof than the Koven, but acceptable. Breathability was great as the temperature rose.

As an every day winter jacket, I would prefer my TNF Apex Bionic jacket or the Arc'tyrex Atom LT Hoody. The primary reasons for this is that there are no slash pockets on the shell. I don't find this an issue for skiing because I would always have something underneath. My layers, OR down jacket, Atom Hoody and Nano vest all have slash zippers. The inside slash pockets can be reached via the pit zips for storage access. It does leave a nice clean looking front, but I would add pockets if designers asked me. The other limitation for everyday use is the sleeve. I leave it as loose as the velcro closure permits, because I cannot get my hands through otherwise. Fiddling with the velcro would be a pain just to go outside for wood or similar simple errand.

My ski gloves are guantlets, so I cover the lower sleeve while skiing. I am supposing it would be difficult to get the sleeve over gloves like my XXL Black Diamond Guides.

Fit is a half size small if you don't have a trim waist. I wear XL in TNF, but XXL in Arc'teryx, meaning the XL is tight around the waist and the XXL is loose. I plan to use it skiing and picked XL because it will handle layers. I am 6'2" 265 with a football player's build and about a 38" waist.

4 5

PAUL UDOVIC

Member since 

This is a great fitting softshell made from top notch materials. It has a longer length and is slightly fitted compared to most arcteryx shells. The fabric moves nicely with the body during activities and has a touch of warmth with the fleece lining. Very durable face fabric, completely windproof and waterproof to a certain degree (Not sure how much water the finishing tape can hold out). Well placed pit zips that are easy to open
The cons: PRICEY! yikes $450 for a windstopper shell (A well made shell however). But at this price point I would want a Watertight Vislon front zip.
Lack of pockets. I am not a huge fan of crossover (Napoleon) chest pockets but it could use another pocket on the shoulder and perhaps another inside mesh pocket.
3 1/2 stars Overall due to cost factor and missing features

4 5

Chase Skidmore

Member since 
Groups:
  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

This is a very nice jacket. It was a very pronounced drop back hem. The chest pockets are big but stay out of the way of your harness. Sheds water well with the windstopper fabric and off course it blocks the cold winter breeze. I use this mostly for backcountry snowboarding. The slim cuffs are nice but a little snug when I pull them over my snowboarding gloves for the descent. This fits slimmer than most of my other Arc'teryx pieces and so it might be a good idea to size up if you want to layer underneath. I love the articulated sleeves and huge pit zips. I just wish the main zipper had the same waterproof treatment that the pit zips and pocket zips have.

3 5

Jedidiah

Member since 

I won't go into too much detail because everything I would say has already been covered in depth. Suffice to say it is a very well made garment cut to fit a slim fellow quite comfortably. I am 5'11" 160 lb and the medium was perfect.

Anyway, I give this product 3 stars because for my purposes, the lack of pockets is a total deal breaker. I am not a clever man and didn't realize that jackets were made without side pockets. Also, I guess I didn't look closely enough at the pictures or the description--this is all on me.

However, if you think that you will miss having side pockets on your jacket, don't buy this one, because you will.

I wear a size Medium in pretty much all...

cjsvela

Member since 
Posted on

I wear a size Medium in pretty much all of Arc'Teryx's outerwear/hardshell. Is the sizes of the soft-shells the same or comparable to the hard-shells?

Stephen Sramek

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

Sizing is consistent throughout the line. I'd recommend a size Medium in the Venta MX for you. I wear a size Medium in Arc'teryx soft-shells and hard-shells.

Comparing the venta MX to the Gamma MX for...

JAKE

Member since 
Posted on

Comparing the venta MX to the Gamma MX for New England Ice, skiing, and general use. Not really feeling I need "full" windproof but maybe a good option to have as my current Patagonia Ascentionist breaks the wind nicely. My question is also about pockets. Has anyone missed the std hand pockets on this jacket? I know they are not useful for Ice and skiing, but have you missed them for daily use or just warming hands? i.e., the gamma has 4 exterior pockets. Thanks.....Jake

Stephen Sramek

Member since 
Groups:
Best Answer Responded on

If you all ready have a windproof layer I'd recommend the Gamma MX. I have a Gamma MX that's 7+ years old and is still my go-to softshell.

If windproof'ness is necessary and you're worried about losing hand pockets, check out the Venta SV:
http://www.backcountry.com/arcteryx-venta-sv-softshell-jacket-mens

The Venta SV features two large hand pockets that are lined with a hi-loft fleece on the front of the pocket bag. Great for warming the paws.

4 5

josp381533

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've used it several times

Used it so far skiing in -20 conditions out west. Worked great, stayed warm. I have the brimstone color and I personally love the color.

The only minus is that the sleeves are quite long for me, probably an extra 3" than I need, so the arms bunch up and I need to tighten the wrist straps.

Would the Venta MX work well in an alpine...

dlombard604808

Member since 
Posted on

Would the Venta MX work well in an alpine ski use? I see the recommended use for the Venta SV includes skiing where the MX doesn't. I typically layer based on the conditions and have the Arcteryx Stingray for wet conditions.

Cal-Hiker

Member since 
Responded on

I really dig the Venta MX for skiing - probably my favorite jacket for the use. It's basically waterproof, totally windproof, and layers well (while being warm enough on its own below 30� for me). The bit of stretch is nice, the articulated cut keeps the jacket out of your way, and pitzips help the jacket breathe. At the resort or skinning in the backcountry, this is my shell.

Venta MX vs Gamma MX

I am torn between...

Josh Allred

Member since 
Posted on

Venta MX vs Gamma MX

I am torn between the venta mx vs the gamma mx.

I have tried on the Gamma MX. I am concerned that the Gamma might be a tad short with pulling over the harness. I did like the feel and weight of the Gamma. It seems like a time tested piece.

The Venta looks like a great piece as well. I am wondering how it fits compared to the Gamma. I am also concerned about how well it breathes and how it packs.

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

Stephen Sramek

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

Josh, the Gamma MX was designed for mixed/ice climbing - you should not have any issues with the jacket pulling over the harness. It is a time tested piece and a staple product in the Ascent line. There is a slight difference in length between the Center Back measurements:
Gamma MX: 29 1/4"
Venta MX: 31"
If you're looking for a piece with more foul-weather resistance go with the Venta. It features Gore Windstopper and is fully seam taped. While it doesn't breath quite as well as the Gamma but it does have pit zips. Fit is the same on both pieces (Athletic) and packability is very similar.

What jacket is longer, the Alpha SV or the...

cfuente970522

Member since 
Posted on

What jacket is longer, the Alpha SV or the Venta MX? Just in case I put both together?

Brandon Carlile

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

The Alpha SV will cover a Venta MX; the Alpha has a longer bottom hem.

5 5

Jonathan

Member since 

Okay so I got the chance to try out both the venta mx and the sv. The sv is noticeably heavier than the mx for obvious reasons. The cut of the mx is longer than the sv both front and back. I would say that the mx has a closer/trimmer fit than the sv in all the areas of the body (chest, waist, arms). The arm length of the mx is a tad bit longer. As far as the materials go. The sv incorporates 3 windstopper fabrics and is a more burly jacket than the mx. The mx has a stretchy windstopper material in the articulated areas (shoulders and outsides of arms, and back). The stretchy windstopper material screams quality and is probably why the jacket is $50 dollars more than the sv. The chest pockets and pit zips use water tight zippers which are used with more of arc'teryx' hardshells. These zippers do not glide as easily as the zippers used on the sv, but offer better water protection. My main reasons why I like the mx more is because of the trimmer fit, extra coverage, and the storm hood. The drop hood of the sv works great with a helmet, I just found that the storm hood offers an even better fit with a helmet as well as more face protection. I am tall and lanky (which the venta mx accommodates this body style very nicely) 5'11" and weigh 125 lbs with ~35-36 inch chest and the mx in a small offers room for layering even though it has a trimmer cut than the SV. The MX is a bit more breathable than the SV due to the less heavy materials used, but the sv provides more warmth. The mx is very lightly insulated but has enough to be used as a stand alone piece in fall/spring conditions with a long sleeve base layer. I got the brimstone color, and it is BRIGHT ( I wanna say it is a bit brighter in person than the picture), which is great for being visible on the slopes or anywhere.

Sorry in advance for the multiple questions....

pma5429451

Member since 
Posted on

Sorry in advance for the multiple questions. With my hands by my side, where should the bottom of the jacket hit me? I have found that I tend to find the Arc'teryx stuff feels a bit short for me (Not sure if it really is, or if my understanding of fit is wrong for active gear). I am 5'10.5" and bought a medium. If it helps, I have the Theta AR Jacket in Medium because I found the length to be the best of the other Arc'teryx jackets I tried on.

Also, do you think this would be a good soft shell layer for climbing Mt. Rainier? What other soft shell jackets should I consider?

Brandon Carlile

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

It sounds like the medium is the right size for you. None of the soft shell jackets will be as long as your Theta AR (the longest of the Arc'teryx shells) because you want the shell to cover any under layers. The Venta MX was designed for climbing in cold weather, Alaska specifically, so it should work beautifully on Rainier.

I wonder how this hoody fits, compared to...

zwa4153774

Member since 
Posted on

I wonder how this hoody fits, compared to Gamma MX hoody. Thank you for your time.

Dave Marcus

Member since 
Responded on

Both are cut with Arc'teryx's "Athletic Fit." They will fit about the same.

Is the MX a better jacket than the SV? It...

Tester

Member since 
Posted on

Is the MX a better jacket than the SV? It costs more for some reason.

Dave Marcus

Member since 
Responded on

It's not better, per se. Just different. Here's how:

Arc'Teryx designates jackets designed for more severe weather with SV. The Venta SV is made out of a heavier Windstopper fabric that will keep you cozy in colder weather.

The Venta MX is designed for more mixed conditions and uses the heavier Windstopper on the shoulders, hood, and back for weather protection, but a lighter weight Windstopper (520SNP) for the underarms and torso. 520SNP is a brand new fabric from Gore, which makes it more expensive. And combining two fabric weights is slightly more difficult from a jacket construction perspective.

Plus, it's Arc'Teryx and they pretty much do whatever they want.

Tester

Member since 
Responded on

So since these jackets are not waterproof, they are used as just wind breakers right?

Why is the main zipper on this jacket not...

Hos4165913

Member since 
Posted on

Why is the main zipper on this jacket not welded?

Dean Whitehead

Member since 
Responded on

Hey there, probably because the windstopper isn't "weldable"... my Venta SV doesn't have any welded windstopper seams...

Brandon Carlile

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

Arc'teryx left the watertight zipper off of the Venta jackets since they aren't "waterproof" by Goretex standards. The zipper will still block lots of moisture, especially in the form of snow, and there is a backflap to keep wind from coming through.

Does the Venta MX have taped seams?

rol4932889

Member since 
Posted on

Does the Venta MX have taped seams?

PAUL UDOVIC

Member since 
Responded on

Yes the seams are taped with "arc'teryx finishing tape" its not a gore tape

Joshua Moore

Member since 
Responded on

I do not have an exact answer, but I know the VENTA SV does have taped seams. The MX is new and is more expensive then the SV. Also both are considered windproof, which would also lead me to believe that the MX would have the taped seems as well.

Arcteryx does not say on their site.

Tester

Member since 
Responded on

Hey guys I have a question? Why is it good for the Venta SV/MX to have taped seems when the material is not waterproof? Its still going to get drenched with water correct?

Tester

Member since 
Responded on

What is the difference between gore tape and arcteryxt tape? Im assuming one is water resistant and the other is just to keep extra wind from coming thru?

Paul, I got the Venta SV btw and like it much better than any other soft shell I tried on. Wish it was waterproof though. My gut feeling is even in a rain or a snow I will be fine in it.

Tester

Member since 
Responded on

What is the difference between gore tape and arcteryxt tape? Im assuming one is water resistant and the other is just to keep extra wind from coming thru?

Paul, I got the Venta SV btw and like it much better than any other soft shell I tried on. Wish it was waterproof though. My gut feeling is even in a rain or a snow I will be fine in it.

Tester

Member since 
Responded on

What is the difference between gore tape and arcteryxt tape? Im assuming one is water resistant and the other is just to keep extra wind from coming thru?

Paul, I got the Venta SV btw and like it much better than any other soft shell I tried on. Wish it was waterproof though. My gut feeling is even in a rain or a snow I will be fine in it.

Hi - i am looking for a go-to soft shell...

jor4447263

Member since 
Posted on

Hi - i am looking for a go-to soft shell jacket for on mountain skiing. Is this it? Is the venta really that much more of a better option? I really like the scuba hood, but don't want to end up with a jacket i can't use for everday skiing. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

PAUL UDOVIC

Member since 
Responded on

Its a great all around jacket- The only issue i find is the front zipper is not the watertight vislon. SO it allows more air through it and is not waterproof. For a few extra bucks I would pick up the sabre SV jacket and have a fully waterproof breatheable jacket (along with a powderskirt)

So, I was about to buy a new venta SV due...

utah whatchamacallit

Member since 
Posted on

So, I was about to buy a new venta SV due to the fact that I have trashed my current Venta SV. What is the difference between this and the SV version. The SV, from my experience is pretty bombproof for utah conditions (ice climbing, snowboarding, touring etc). Is this somehow more water resistant/breathable and if the mx is better-how much more so? Thanks in advance.

Dean Whitehead

Member since 
Responded on

Hey Utah! From what I can see, I would still go with the SV over the MX... The SV uses stronger face fabrics (520, 720, 800) vs MX (520 only). Both still have pit zips... the MX pocket positioning is different, the MX fit is athletic instead of "layering" and I believe that the hood is made of the Windstopper instead of the Goretex softshell... The only thing that might make me want the MX is the fact that it has a scuba style hood instead of the drop hood, but that's just my preference. Not sure if they are phasing the SV, anyone comment on that?

jan326607

Member since 
Responded on

Dean: would the MX 520 fabric be stretchier?

Dean Whitehead

Member since 
Responded on

Dean: would the MX 520 fabric be stretchier?

Good question, probably not; windstopper isn't very stretchy by design... so changing the face fabric isn't going to change much...