My boyfriend swears by Arcteryx, but I wasn't sold on this jacket (maybe b/c I am not used to spending so much money for a coat). The jacket seemed to be well made, and was comfortable, but it wasn't very warm and the neck was a little big, allowing wind to get stuck inside the jacket.

Seems like a good jacket, but it wasn't perfect in my eyes, so I returned it.

I added this shell to my growing arsenal of jackets. I've been bike commuting all summer and needed something that would allow me to continue as the days grew colder in Salt Lake. This jacket is very comfortable and the back is long enough that it doesn't ride up and keeps my lower back warm. Which I find to be an important characteristic for skiing as well.

I tried out a number of other bike specific (waterproof) jackets, and found them to be fairly uncomfortable and lacking in breath-ability. Not so for the Venta- it is surprisingly warm considering how light it is (the windstopper material works admirably), and comfortable even with a few layers underneath. The pit zips are more than adequate to vent off excess warmth and moisture when I really get cranking.

I've survived a couple of pretty heavy (for SLC at least) rides in the rain - my commute takes about 30 minutes - and the jacket has held up beautifully. I've not noticed it beginning to wet through at all. I was genuinely impressed with its performance (though, admittedly my expectations for softshell water resistance are pretty low).

I've also worn the Venta climbing, and it provides a welcome cozy belay even on brisk Fall days. It has nice details like fuzzy lined pockets (on the outer jacket side but not the inner side - likely for added warmth without sacrificing weight), velcro cuffs, two hood pull adjustments, fuzzy lining at the neck zipper (mandatory in my opinion), and bi directional pit zips (awesome for convenient mid ride venting!).

I just bought this jacket and it is wonderful! I love the fit and quality is above all else.

I did find out through an Arcteryx rep (I work in an outdoor shop) that the only reason they went to China is because they could not find enough seamstresses in Canada. I was also told with the tariffs and all on importing, plus the cost of setting up a factory there exactly like the one in Canada, it works out to about the same cost on their end, therefor, no cheaper on our end. Only about half of their products go through China (according to what I was told).

Another excellent jacket by Arcteryx. The Venta fits the female form very well unlike some other manufacturers who started making women's jacket like the men's with wide shoulders and narrow hips. Arcteryx still keeps the hour glass shape in their women's jackets. I tried my Venta out in 30 degree weather for about half an hour with 2 light layers underneath and it performed well as a wind blocker. If out longer on a day hike I would have worn more though like a fleece jacket and a mid-layer sweater. Although seamed taped I would still recommend a more waterproof jacket like the Scorpion. For performance and fit I give 5 stars but I marked 4 because, like the other reviewer I an tired of seeing 'made in china' on everything without getting the 'made in china' price. Nevertheless I find Arcteryx's jackets to be the best for female fit and I have tried MH, TNF, Marmot, and Columbia and most went back.

The jacket was for my wife and is very sweet. However, when the jacket arrived I noticed that it was made in China and Canada. I was disapointed to see that and I have already taken it up with Arcteryx. I would rate it as 5 stars but the China thing really bothers me.