No worries about looking like your wearing floppy 'boarder gear. A medium will give you room to layer if it's bitter cold, but not be too baggy when you're just wearing a baselayer on mild days.

at just over 5'10" and 170lbs i can layer a fleece and softshell under a medium. go for the small- plenty of coverage in the front and the sleeves should work well for you. You should also check out the womens large in the Sceptre (female version of the sentry) as well. It should fit your slim build better than a mens medium.

The Arc'teryx Sentry is one of the looser cut jackets in their range. From your description, I'd say a m's medium would work well for you. If you have the chance to try on a women's coat, you may be surprised at the sleeve length on the Women's jackets. If you like an insulated coat, the Fission SV is another good option, and has slightly longer sleeves than the Sentry.

I think this is cut maybe just a little more snug than most Arcteryx ski jackets. I have this jacket in a medium, which I wear for all Arcteryx jackets, and even though I am on the larger size of the medium range, I can definitely layer within this jacket if necessary. As a point of reference, I had considered getting an insulated shell with more insulation, but one of the things I liked about this jacket is that, if necessary, I can still fit a Patagonia down sweater on as a mid-layer if necessary. It starts getting a little snug at that point, but it is definitely doable. I'd say give it a try and if the sizing ends up not working for you, take advantage of backcountry.com's excellent return policy. I compared several insulated ski jackets earlier this season, and this one was hands-down my favorite from a fit/feel perspective. Once I've got some more time in it, I'll post up a review.

The Sentry is the only one of the three that I have looked at, but I would definitely recommend it. The collar on the jacket is very high - it comes up almost to my mouth. This will be a pro for some since it provides lots of coverage, and a con for others who might not like the actual appearance. The Sentry jacket is surprisingly non-bulky, and it feels like a blanket when you wear it. The cut of this jacket is pretty relaxed - it leaves plenty of room to layer underneath it if necessary.

I'm sold on this jacket because of the flexibility that the Sentry offers: for warmer conditions (that warrant an insulated jacket), wear a baselayer. For colder conditions, there is plenty of room for a heavy sweater or a fleece jacket or a down/synthetic sweater. And the pit-zips always afford the ability to vent off extra heat.

In terms of warmth between the jackets that you are considering, the Orage uses a warmer insulation than this jacket (135 g/m as opposed to 100 g/m) while the North Face Jacket uses the same weight insulation. I'd at least recommend taking advantage of backcountry.com's excellent return policy and look at the jacket's side-by-side.

A couple details to consider. The Sentry uses Arc'teryx lamination to install the insulation. This does away with cold spots, helps the loft to last longer, and keeps the michelin man look away. Also, attention to detail, i.e. no exposed stitching, waterproof cuffs, and really durable face fabric that isn't boardy, make for a jacket that will last; and perform better on a daily basis. Design, materials, and construction are what make Arc'teryx distinctive from others.

I agree with Kevin and Kurt, Arc'teryx is simply the BEST. I am fighting the urge to purchase the Sentry, as I have five others--from the Scorpion down to the Epsilon. I love each one for different reasons, and I will not waste my time dealing with another company. Life is short; I don't have time to experiment. So don't waste your time trying to buy another brand, just break down and buy the best; it's worth every penny!

ditto. I was hesitant to drop 450.00 for the Kappa Hoody but this thing rules! I've done plenty of personal testing and it's unbelievable.

I would also like to reiterate that Arcteryx is in a league of its own. No one compares to them in anyway. Its unreal. There are many good reasons their products cost so much.

your nuts if you pay 600 try mountain hard wear line better any day and a little less bling far more testing done .

I don't own this particular jacket but I will tell you that ArcTeryx is expensive for a reason, it's the best gear out there, bar none.

Well, it depends on what you are doing. No waterproof fabric will breath enough to let all the moisture out when you are slogging up hill, but for most situations, Gore Tex works well.

The Arc'teryx Sentry does use 100gm, and the Sceptre (women's version), 133gm.

From what I can see, it looks like these three jackets stack up like this on the warmth scale- Koven, Sentry, then Hoback. The Arc'teryx Sentry has a couple details to consider. Highest quality face fabric and Gore Pro-Shell (this will keep the jacket performing longer than any other waterproof/breathable membrane)Primaloft is 130gm, whereas the Hoback is 100gm. I found the Sentry to be a great warmth level for a wide variety of conditions; I've skied in 700 fill down jackets, and I'm always too hot, unless I'm standing around, not skiing (which is why I wear slightly less insulated jackets now; not too much standing around) If you want the absolute highest level of protection and warmth, check the Arc'teryx Fission SV.

I second BASEjumper's answer - made in China. The one that I saw certainly met my expectations though.

its made in CHINA

Canada

Yes it is.

The Arc'teryx Sentry is the most similar to the old Patriot. The Sentry uses a bit less insulation (130 gm compared to 200gm in Patriot) Also, has an even better face fabric, and uses Gore-Tex Pro Shell, so better breathablilty, durability, and drape. Additional, Arc'teryx added the roll-away hood, a better powder skirt, and pit-zips.