I probably made a mistake in getting this Jacket. It is a great jacket, totally windproof, totally waterproof. It is awesome for resort skiing. That said it isn't as versatile as other jackets (such as the Alpha line from Arc'teryx). The Stingray is heavy, and bulky. I like to be able to stuff my jacket small. The fabric isn't as breathable as other Gore-Tex jackets. If you are looking for a jacket to wear at a ski resort this is for you, it will keep you warm and dry. If you want more versatility, and aren't always at the resort I would recommend looking elsewhere

As good as it gets in shell technology. Super comfortable - never 'crinkly' no matter how cold. The minimal fleece lining makes the interior incredibly comfortable. It could do with some reinforcement or maybe a little different material in key parts though - I wear a small hydration pack and after half a dozen or so uses I've noticed areas around the chest and shoulders that have started to 'fuzz' due to the slight rubbing from the pack straps. I'm admittedly a little disappointed considering how much I shelled out for this thing. Hopefully it doesn't affect the jacket's performance down the road. Otherwise I'm completely happy.

This is the best jacket I have ever owned. It is thin, light but boy does it keep you warm. The Gore-Tex keeps the wind out, as well as the water. It looks good too! Every time I wear it I get compliments and questions, like "where did you get that jacket?".

The Stingray is by far the best of the best all around for winter, fall, and spring alpine and physical activities. I have used the sidewinder, but the neck actually makes it worse and it is hardshell so no real use other than ski/board (as it looks space like worn out to music etc) the gamma softshells are nice but not waterproof. The alpha comp comes close but the Stingray adds wind near proofness, a pit zip system, and a light brushed internal layer. By far this beats the need for hardshells for all but the truest mountaineers. Great for Vermont winter runs, boarding, climbing, and wearing out. One wish is a cinch on hood and neck. Other than this TOPS!

This jacket has a great cut as it fits awesome. When skiing, the jogged elbows and short cut create no tension when your on the mountain just given'er. The powder belt seems to keep most of the snow out, just make sure to tighten them right up for backcountry. I also wear it around town often because of how comfortable it is and because it has a lower collar on it, unlike the Alpha, making it nice not having a collar around your face in the city.

Worth every penny.

Overall, a very good jacket. Well ventilated w/light liner, may be a bit heavy for backcountry purists for whom oz. matter, but I picked it over others because it had the powder skirt and chest pockets for skins. I ski 50/50 inbounds/backcountry. Hood sits well and flat off head, on head it forms a widow's peak & reduces overhead visibility while skinning uphill, hood is not meant to fit over helmet. Zippers work great, open and close easily with mittens on but pitzips extend down under pack shoulder straps. Front zipper is stiff enough that I use my teeth to hold collar in place while unzipping front. When fully zipped and wearing neck gaitor, collar forms a comfortably snug seal around neck. Inside of collar is soft, no need to get Arc'teryx Sidewinder. The Goretex/softshell combo works very well, I only get sweaty under my pack. Skins fit easily into chest pockets, Recco on shoulder would provide for a nice winter funeral instead of one in late spring. Shoulder pocket would be a great place for season passes if it had an internal loop to secure pass to. Overall, I'm very satisfied and would recommend.

I am Jon I live in the Northern part of Canada better known as Alaska, Juneau to be precise. I am 12 years old and I purchased this jacket, now normally adults wouldn't take a pre-teenager's point of view that easily but this jacket has fullfilled best even in climates lower than 0 degrees the jacket continues to be a strong effective barrier in blocking out cold but preserving body heat. I love using this jacket in winter, it is lightweight and I have had some experience with bulky puffy shells and to my view I personally dislike them very much because of the fact that you have less free movement. I highly recommend this jacket if you live in a place where the conditions sometimes get ugly and the weather never cooperates. This jacket is worth every penny in my bank and I really found it worthwhile KEEP IT UP ARC'TERYX!!

The other reviews cover the pros of the stingray pretty well, so I'm just going to lay out a few gripes: -Hood fits perfectly over a climbing helmet, as expected from Arc'teryx. Unfortunately, they overlooked the fact that most ski helmets are significantly larger than climbing helmets, and since this jacket was intended for skiing/boarding, it should have been made a bit larger. -RECCO reflectors are a pretty cool idea, but I wish they made the jacket with it as an option. Only a few ski areas in Colorado are RECCO-equipped, and I would have rather saved some money and not had it installed on the jacket.

This jacket is very nice. I haven't found anything that I don't like about this jacket. Very lightweight, fits very well and is waterproof. Quality is also outstanding, and they are made in Canada, not Indonesia, which is another good thing.

Most everyone that writes reviews act as if their advertising for said company. This feature and that doohiky make this item the bomb! Bottom line is functionality. This jacket is 100% waterproof, windproof, and idiot proof. Pockets hold stuff and keep your stuff dry. Powder skirt is a little wimpy, but then again you can't have everything perfect. I really like this jacket for me. Make up your own mind.