Used my new Sidewinder AR in the Alps for a week in all conditions, and was perfectly comfortable all the time. Breathes great but seals out water. Large pit vents. The hood will go over a helmet, but it's kind of tight. The "radio pocket" is too small for most radios, but works great for a remote lift ticket.

This is a fantastic jacket, super waterproof and windproof. Its not only functional but stylish as well. I use this jacket for skiing, winter hiking, and backpacking. It's pretty lightweight for such a feature heavy jacket as well.
The stowaway hood is nice, at first I thought the hood in its stowed position might be annoying against my neck, as you can feel it at first. But once it was stowed and I went on with my activities I never even noticed it.
My only small concern is the zipper flap on the inside of the jacket at the top. Its rather large, and while it has a soft fleece feel it is also very stiff. This can sometimes poke out and hit your chin, but its only sometimes and pretty minor. Not a big enough deal to where I would not buy the jacket again, but it is something maybe arc'teryx can revist on the next generation of this jacket. Having the zipper go to the side is super cool though.

This new Sidewinder rules! Totally waterproof, extremely breathable, light, great attention to detail. (Stowable hood is great) Arcteryx is my favorite outdoor brand by far, and the Sidewinder (alongside the Alpha Comp Hoody for really warm touring days) is a winner.

As good as it gets. Can only fault the pocket locations. No nonsense, top of the line jacket, worth the cash if you like to out there a lot. Very roomy, totally weatherproof.

Well I got this jacket about 2 weeks ago and it's probably the best jacket I’ve ever owned. It's a bid pricey at $450 but its worth it has an avalanche distress signal built on the sleeve of the jacket. And the fold-away hood is just fantastic, but it runs a little big, I’m normally arcteryx size xl or l but this medium fits me. But this is a great jacket.

I love this jacket! I have always owned North Face gear and considered it the best. I guess ignorance is bliss. Needless to say I am totally blown away at the comfort and quality of this jacket. Arcteryx doesn't sell you on its logo, because it sells you with its products. I also own the Arcteryx Gamma MX Hoody and the Bora 80 bag, and although the gear might be pricey it is well worth it.

I've been looking for a waterproof shell to replace my battle tested fall '01 North Face Kitchatna and finally found it. The Sidewinder AR has a better fit, better quality, and it's surprisingly lighter. The two cool things about the jacket, it layers well and it has a fool proof stowable hood. Easily the best breathable waterproof shell I ever owned.

Arc'teryx Sidewinder AR Jacket is a great winter ski shell. It is unbelievably windproof and waterproof yet very light. The pockets are well placed and easily accessible and the overall functionability of the jacket is high. My only gripe is the hood, which when worn is good, when folded it makes a large lump on the neck that sometimes can be a nuisince. Overall I love the jacket.

It's not perfect, but if you want a lightweight jacket and want to stay warm & dry, this is it. I rode 4 days straight in it in sunny conditions with wet snow and the jacket never even got damp and I never got wet or cold. Combine it with a dry-fit shirt and you're set.

The only cons to this jacket: there isn't really a good place to put your music and it runs a bit large.

Although the Arc'Teryx Sidewinder AR is pricey, it’s a great jacket. You can see it from the stitching, welling, etc. I've been wearing it in the rain for commuting and skiing.
I like the Statue color but it is hard to keep clean. I already have some markings and not sure how to clean them yet. It has a lot of pockets. It even has an arm pocket for me to put my ski season pass in. Unfortunately, the lift operators have a hard time reading it because it is a smoky lens. Overall it is still a great jacket.

Though pricey, this jacket is terrific for backcountry treks. Light weight and breathable with excellent wind, wet, and cold protection. Thoughtful design features and very sturdy construction. I'd buy it again!

I prefer a more comfortable boarding style coat for everday use. But, I bought this at half price on ebay, figured I'd use it for the nasty stuff. Just returned from a week in UT, where it snowed about 50", and not the fluffy UT stuff, the wet sierra stuff, coupled with some 40 mph winds. This coat and the theta sk pants I purchased couldn't have done a better job at keeping me warm and dry. My new pow outfit!!

Biggest initial concerns? Zipper, hood, & fit. I like to leave the front zipper down a bit. I thought the entire mechanism would get in the way or look funny. It is hard to see until you try it on but it really works nice and the collar says out of the way. I like it better than the straight zip since it is much easier on your chin. I am NOT a hood person but, based upon where this jacket could go with me, I want it just in case. These stow systems can get a bit bulky but, when I carefully stored the hood, it did not get in the way at all. The roomier fit looks really nice with just a base layer on or several for real cold days. Many shells can look like you are wearing a huge trash bag. Not this one!

This shell is Amazing! It repels wind, rain, snow and cold. It is also extremely durable "bomber" yet very light. The "Sidewinder" zipper and stowable hood are excellent features. I am 6ft/205 and the large fits very well. Athletic cut with room to layer. What else can say...it's perfectly constructed with well thought out features and worth every penny!

Over my long skiing/snowboarding career I have used many different clothing systems starting with hand me down wool and windbreakers and finally coming to the Sidewinder and the minuteman. In that time period I was frequently cold and wet for many adventures. I also wore through many cheap outfits. I will never go back. This is by far the highest quality ski jacket that I have ever had the pleasure to use. The attention to detail is methodical, with tuck stitched seams, (so that repeated falls and extended use will never wear down the thread) high thread count, recco reflector, radio pocket which has many uses, and absolutely bulletproof fabric, this jacket might outlast you. It is definitely worth the price, and hey, it's one of the few jackets on the market NOT made in China. It is arguably the best ski jacket ever. Enough of my rant, I should really be paid for this. I just love this jacket and anything else made by Arc'teryx for that matter. A note on the Statue color, although it looks great, even sophisticated, (as far as ski clothing goes) it can really show off dirt and grime due to its lighter color. Definitely an eye turner.

I recently purchased this jacket and just spent five days skiing in it. On and off pist hard charging, -5C to -25C, bluebird to blizzard, this jacket performed excellent in all conditions. I am between Medium and Large but opted for the Medium because I layer up with icebreaker merino which is very thin. Layering is an important consideration with Arc’teryx because generally everything is slim fitting. Collar is a bit stiff with hood stowed, but not too bad. Water proof zippers can be a bit stiff sometimes. Super lightweight and super tough Gore-Tex XCR makes this an excellent jacket for year round high mobility pursuits. I highly recommend this well justified purchase.

First of all I loved the color, the thinness, and warmth. I also bought a down vest for layering although it hasn't been that cold yet. Can't wait to really test it out on the mountains.

Nice jacket! Light + tight, it's bomber.

Got lucky and bought one for 300$. VERY impressed with this jacket-hard to tell from pictures, but it is amazing. The GoreTex ACR is thick, and seams are welded for longevity. Plenty of ventilation options-nice long pitzips, etc. All outside zippers are stormproof.
Have tried all of them-big Marmot fan, but this one rules. Much better than anything out there.
Minor points-sleeves are indeed long, and size is a consideration. I bought a L (I am 5'9" and 185) which fits well with room for layering. Sleeves are long, but the cuffs cinch down with hook and loop closures, so not really an issue. Great for ice-climbing, as the sleeves don't ride up at all-this is key when using ice axes.
I am hooked on their stuff, and am sure this jacket will last.

The other issue that might be of interest is the sizing. First of all, I am 5’ 11” and around a 34 waist. I am usually right in between a medium and large fit. Since I was not sure, I drove an hour away to a store that carries the jacket to try them both on. The medium fits great, but does not allow much room for layering. Since I often board with an 850 count down layer, I opted for the large, which was a perfect choice. If I were a skier, I might have chosen the medium for a less baggy look. People have mentioned the long sleeves, which I have told allow good extension while ice climbing, etc. This should not dissuade you from getting the larger size because when you are layered up and the cuffs are synched, the sleeves do not seem long at all. Anyway, as always a great product from Arc-tery, the only down-side is the expense, so shop around.