I have now purchased 5 different Arcteryx items, the Theta AR jacket was the first. I have used it in the Grand Canyon and the North Cascades all in heavy rain. It outperformed my friends jackets, I was dry and comfortable. The quality was the best, I was initially concerned about the price, but it was worth it. I am tall; 6"7" and I got the XL and it is long enough! Highly recommend.

I bought my theta AR when I was working at a climbing shop. To sell these mean shells, we would often tell customers that the price really was a steal when you considered the jacket would probably last 50% longer than those more 'popular' brands. Well, my previous shell was top of the line from one of the 'popular' companies, and it lasted approximately 2 years in my hands. Seams split, zippers failed, and the whole thing just started to look rather junky.
I am proud to say that today marks the third anniversary of my theta landing on my doorstep, and it still looks, performs and impresses like the day I teared it out of the hermetically sealed plastic wrap. The fit is superb, and has been comfortable even though my weight has oscillated by nearly 30 lbs since my date of purchase. I have used this shell mountaineering in Alaska, road biking in Wisconsin, skiing in Colorado and New Hampshire, and climbing in Yosemite, and it has never leaked and never even seemed close to tearing.
I would say, though, that proper maintenance is critical. The DWR (durable water repellent - the stuff that makes water bead-up on the face of the jacket) finish will wear off, especially if you wear the jacket under pack straps. This is easy to fix with any of the DWR sprays available at an outdoors shop. When the DWR wears off, water will soak into the outermost layer of fabric. It will not reach the inside of the jacket, but the Gore-Tex lining will not be able to wick moisture through the shell as efficiently as it does when the DWR is in place. With moderate use, I've had to treat the jacket about every nine months on average.
All in all, this is likely the last waterproof shell you will buy this decade. It is well worth the money in light of its durability and flexibility of application, and comes highly recommended.

It's worth the money! I have never owned a jacket that packs smaller and lighter than this one. It does not have a powder skirt, but since it has two drawcords (one on in the mid-section and one on the bottom) you don't really need one. I am 5'11'' (on a good day) and weigh in at about 160lb; medium is the perfect size for me. This jacket will double as a rain jacket in warmer months. I don't suggest you buy this if you only ski resorts because it has no insulation (you will need at least three layers when it really gets cold). But the second you go backcountry or hiking it is worth its price in gold. No wonder it is the most sold jacket in the hardshell line.
Dan

All in all, a wonderful piece of equipment, depending on your needs, and absolutely made of the first quality in materials and workmanship.

Kudos to Arc'teryx for making the best waterproof/breathable shell in the market! The Theta AR is another witness to the quality and integrity of the Arc'teryx brand. If you know quality outdoor brands, then you know Arc'cteryx. This is by far the best shell ever. Superb fit, comfortable design and tough fabrics. It makes The North Face look like a marketing joke.

I've used the Theta AR Jacket in heavy snow and rain both in resort and backcountry. This jacket is fabulous. The taped seams/zippers are easy to manipulate, even with gloves on. The hood fits well with or without helmet. It breathes well. I have no legitimate complaints.

Rugged, well vented, pockets in the right places - I may never have to buy another shell...

The Mercedes Benz of shells, the Theta AR is put together with the intelligence necessary to make it both bombproof and lightweight. If you can afford it, the best shell in its class.

I just got mine today from BackcountryStore.com. I am compelled to write a few words about this jacket after spending the last 4 hours admiring it. This is a superbly crafted jacket. The fit, the design, the color, the workmanship, and the beauty are all equally amazing. This jacket will bring me joy everytime I use it for a very long time. BackcountryStore from time to time has amazing sales on this jacket along with outstanding customer service. It is worth the wait if one cannot afford or is unwilling to pay full price like I was. The most incredible jacket I have seen.

After dealing with (read: getting soaked) other waterproof, breathable shells, I finally upgraded to the Theta AR. I needed a shell which I could use for both backcountry skiing/ snowshoeing, as well as hiking. I wanted something light w/o a liner that I could easily layer underneath. The Theta AR fit all the criteria and so far has been great. It is extremely light and comfortable. It breathes well and has kept me warm. I have not had a chance to try it out in a downpour yet, but I look forward to it.

After searching for a while, I could not really find a deal on this coat. Pretty much everyone was offering it for retail (about $450). I heard that BackcountryStore sometimes has deals on it, but not when I was looking. BackcountryStore did a great job of getting it to me on time and were extremely helpful. I know the price is steep, but I am hoping to pass this jacket down to my kids someday.

I have to absolutely agree w/ everything Merlin Andrew said. I got mine for 350 (long story) and like it mucho. The 'wow dude' factor has worn off a bit, I hate to admit, but it's still way cool. The zippers do sorta expose their inner ness when flexed, but hey it don't matter none nohow. I too have the medium, and it fits me perfectly-long, great coverage for the buttocks, sleeves are PERFECt length, not too big. (I am 69 inches, 155 lbs.) The waterproof zippers are much easier to get at than the ones buried under flaps. One thing: the hood is great, but ya gotta cinch it down ALL THE WAY to get it to fit yor head, cause it's sized for a helmet. It works, just be aware of this. The fabric seems tough. The Gore-tex XCR is the first fabric I would truly call waterproof/breathable. I skiied hardcore for a couple hours, totally sweaty, and yet the jacket was bonedry on the inside. I think it breathes better than a cotton T-shirt. I really do. Marvelous stuff. Would I buy it again? Yeah, for one reason: because I am tired of seeing it and thinking, some day...

The Theta is a superbly made garment. I ordered the XL; I'm 6'3"/210lb, 45" chest. Wearing just a medium weight sweatshirt, the Theta was way too tight in the armholes and across the chest to allow any flexibility in layering. The 2X wasn't available in my color choice.

This is truly the best jacket I've owned so far. It withstands heavy rain really good, I didn't get wet at all. Been wearing it in -32 F without getting cold, with only a baselayer. Was working heavily then of course.
Only problem I might have with the jacket is it's wide neck area, I would loved it even more if I could "seal" in my face and neck better. But luckily Arc'Teryx made the Alpha SV so I have one more jacket to purchase! ;)

Buy it if you want the best rain-protection and if you want to move in every direction without opening the jacket.
No rain comes in, and the fleece and underwear under the jacket will be dry - it really works.

I had Mountain Hardware Etheral FTX before and the Arc-Teryx is definitely of higher quality.

I purchased this shell primarily for snowboarding and after receiving it am sure it will be well used in cool damp weather year round. What the pictures can't show are the incredible attention to detail and top quality construction that are built into this jacket. Couple those factors with the classic Arcteryx styling and you can't lose. Sizing is perfect, allowing for adequate layering when needed yet not feeling baggy when not, and the just-past-the-hips length is a definite plus. Finally, the design allows for complete freedom of movement in every direction, encouraging whatever kind of radical moves and maneuvers you might consider. Note that this is a technical shell designed to provide an outer layer of comfortable protection, not a "snow jacket". It serves its purpose PERFECTLY, and with appropriate layering will provide better warmth and protection than pretty much any snow jacket out there. Expensive--everything's relative....worth the cost--ABSOLUTELY!

I tried to convince myself that I did not need to spend such a high price for a gore-tex jacket. Once again greed got the better of me (common sense is distinguished at around £250 for a gore-tex jacket).

I was so excited that I was finally getting my hands on some arc'teryx craftwork, as I'd heard so much about this brand I knew little of, and had seen their masterpieces few and far between.

The first thing that struck me was the superb fit of a medium which I was threating about thinking it may be perfect in the body but short in the arms. Its low cut length and well designed moving areas made the movement of the body feel brilliantly free as if the jacket was a second skin.

The jacket also looks stunning with the water tight zippers and stitchless seams. The hood is also an excellent piece of work. With 4 drawcords rather than the usual 3, when adjusted it hugs the user's head and moves with it.

Although near perfection there are minor niggles. The drawcord adjusters are quite fiddley and may be a problem with gloved hands. Also with time and wear the main zip may become less water tight. I also fear that when flexed the zipper exposes the inner teeth and may leak in heavier storms. I think a solution to this may be that arc'teryx should fit two water tight zippers on the main front one instead of just the one. But like I say these are minor niggles. If you've got the money buy one and if you want to spend a hundred pounds or so less and want near enough as good quality buy the Rab Latok jacket. (Not sure it's available in your country)

Conclusion: The little bird fossil wins me every time.

Outstanding jacket. Much better quality than other brands. Light weight, breathable. Waterproof zippers are great. Very expensive but worth it.

The Theta AR is hands down the best and most technical jacket I have ever owned. I bought it before a month ski trip down to Chile and it paid itself off within the first week. From being stuck on the chairlift for 45 minutes in 80 mile winds to skiing an 8 hour day in heavy wet snow, the jacket held its own. All 4 pockets work great if only having to remember what was in which one. The hood is an ingenious design with its 4 adjustments, it even fits a helmet. I especially like the cinch cord on the back which kept the hood turning with your head (i.e. no blind spots). The only draw back apart from the price is the sizing. I tried on both medium and large in the store before I ordered. The medium is a good snug fit for a usual large-wearing person but becomes tight when you try to layer up. I went with the large for more movement but find it just a little baggy. Overall solid jacket which will shield you from the elements.

Opened the package and put it on to take the bike out with our dog for the normal 2 hour walk we do. It rained buckets, but I was not hot with a fleece under it and all the pockets stayed dry inside.

This is the best jacket I have ever bought. Importing it from the USA to Europe however cost me dearly at customs.
Consider having it sent to a friend in the USA and just re-package it ;) and send it overseas to save $100.

In my experience, I have never encountered such superb craftsmanship in the quality of material and attention to detail. It is very expensive but I can honestly say it's worth every penny. If you want a Rolls Royce quality shell, you need this jacket. It won't disappoint you.

I’ve heard so many good reviews and complements for the Arc'teryx brand. I can only say that you will not be disappointed with your choice. I love the fit and comfortable hood of this Theta AR. I’ve been in heavy thunderstorm twice and down ski slope 4 times since I got mine. It's certainly a terrific shell. Though on the expensive side, It's worth the money.

During a Kittefjell, Sweden offpiste session with a temperature of -25C, the Theta AR was great. I been skiing for the last 25 years and the jacket is the best so far. Best jacket I ever used during extreme conditions.

Used pants in a very wet and wild day in Wales in the UK and remained dry and comfortable, an excellent pants