Arc'teryx Sigma AR Jacket - Men's

I have owned this jacket for about a year now, and I completely agree with the other reviews. Other than that you need to prepare to add a little insulation when it gets really cold, the only thing I would like to add is how tough the jacket is. I would consider myself a pretty active person, both in the outdoors and in the city. I ride a long board or a bike on a daily basics and have taken some pretty good spills while wearing this jacket. After some of these spills, I have fully expected to stand up and find a gaping hole in the jacket, from where I just slid across the pavement. Rather, every time, some how, this jacket seems to hold up. The durability of this jacket is unbeatable.

First off, quality or no quality (and Arc'teryx does make top-quality stuff) paying full retail for this jacket would be a bad buy in my opinion. I found it for $170 so figured what the heck. As with most Arc'teryx stuff the characteristic quality (often subtly manifested) is there, but it can't compete with other high-end softshells, most notably Mountain Hardwear Alchemy. Sigma AR fits very close to the body and feels rather insubstantial; flimsy might be too harsh a word, but it doesn't have the beefy, tough feel of the Alchemy. As observed in other reviews the sleeve cuffs are rather wide and no closure straps or other weatherproofing means are available. The pit-zips are very nice, but they do not have internal linings and this can be uncomfortable particularly when you have only a light baselayer underneath. The hem is also on the short side, causing shirttails to stick out and easily riding up over the waist. I'm sure it's very "technical," but for the money you can do better; this just doesn't look or feel like a $300 jacket, Arc'teryx or not.

have used this several times for mountain biking so far and love it. has pit zips, or for less vent the pockets work too. seems pretty versatile by switching up base layers, also has a stylish look

I like Arc'teryx in general, but I always try to stay objective. And again I have to give 5 stars to a perfectly made softshell jacket. Gore Windstopper is not new, but manufactured in such a great way that's not usual. The jacket keeps you warm and can be used as layer under a shell when the weather will become wet. for really cold days you should wear another fleece under the jacket, because it's not that thick. Still, it's great to wear on the windy autumn days just like that.

The Sigma AR jacket is absolutely fantastic. It is lightweight, yet warm and comfortable to wear, and the blue is a great color. I get lots of compliments on the style and color everywhere I go.

I had this jacket for four weeks and just couldn't get used to it. It's stiff and makes noise like a hardshell when you walk. The collar is stiff and uncomfortable as it jabs you under the chin when zipped up. The pitzips are not lined. The pit zips are stiff and cause uncomfortable bulk in the armpits. The cuffs are too large with no way to keep them from riding up the wrist, like when washing your hands. The cuffs leak air. I purchased a Mountain Hardware Synchro jacket to replace the Sigma AR, and I wear it all the time. It's just as warm, has a soft collar, not pit zips, but the tops of the deep pockets can be left open for ventilation. It's plush and sheds water well. I love the Synchro. I'd still buy from this site as they took back the Sigma AR no questions asked with a full refund. They're good folks.

This jacket is well made, but I returned it because the material is not soft. It makes a ruffle noise like the stiff jacket that it is, doesn't lay flat and acts like a har shell with a softer cover. The pit zips cause extra bulk at the armpit because they don't bend well. The neck is waaay too stiff and pokes the under side of my chin. The arms run long for a medium with no way to keep them from riding down on my hands—not good when you want to wash your hands or keep the jacket out of your food or away from something that you are working on that is dirty or oily. It's not a soft jacket. I replaced it with a Mountain Hardware Synchro Jacket that is very soft, much more comfortable in the way that it lies down on my body, has a comfortable neck and even looks better. It doesn't have pit zips, but the tall side pockets can be left open at the top to expose the inside netting of the pocket that exposes the pits to fresh air if I get hot. It also folds easier than the Sigma AR taking less bulk when packing. I grab the Mountain Hardware all the time over the Arcteryx, which I finally returned, because I couldn't get used to it. Get the Synchro. It's much more comfortable and just as warm and costs less.

I purchased the Sigma AR jacket to compare with the Patagonia Core Skin jacket. The Sigma uses Gore-Tex fabrics, while the Core Skin uses Polartec. The main differences are that the Patagonia jacket has more coverage in the back and also fits more closely. It has gusseted sleeves, and is a bit more stretchy than the Arc'teryx jacket, making it easier to add fleece or other thick layers underneath. (You can do the same with the Sigma; it is just a tighter fit.) On the other hand, the Sigma is a true year-round jacket, while the Patagonia Core Skin would be overkill in anything but cold or almost cold conditions. Both jackets breathe well. The Sigma has pit zips, and the Core Skin vents through the hand pockets. In my experience, the Core Skin breaths so well that you don't really need the vents in most circumstances. Bottom line: two great products, with slightly different approaches to cold-weather protection.

I took my Sigma AR Jacket into the Beartooth Wilderness of Montana for a five-day backcountry hike. It rained every day, sometimes several times a day. The Sigma worked flawlessly, repealing water as if off a ducks back. I wore two layers underneath for warmth at night, which worked out great. It also stopped the wind perfectly. I would recommend it to anyone with water and wind conditions. If you are dealing with cold, you will need to layer though. It is a great addition to any backpackers gear stash. Thanks for the great service and price Backcountry. Rick L, Montana

Superb materials, construction and design except for one crucial detail. There is no flap covering the pit zips leaving the stiff zipper to chafe on your skin and stick into your armpits. No other manufacturer does this; for the price this is unacceptable. I returned it and bought Mtn. Hardware Tech.

This is a jacket that you would take on the go, and it is extremely versatile. I used this jacket in China, Australia, and Northern Canada. I used it as a light rain jacket, on windy days, on somewhat cold days, and for protection form the rest of the elements. It is definitely windproof, but I wished it was a bit warmer. Other than that, I recommend this jacket for those who want a light jacket to grab and go and do anything in it weather.

I've worn the Sigma AR everyday since I bought it. It has been incredible, shedding rain, snow, and wind easily. Haven't been able to test it actively (backpacking, cross country skiing, etc.) yet, but I'm looking forward to. Don't expect an overly warm jacket; buy something else if that's what you need. The fit, as Arc'teryx products are designed to be, is snug. If you want to do a lot of layering underneath buy a size larger than normal. Oh, did I mention it looks great as well?

Service was as promised. Thanks to Arcteryx for making such great, if totally pricey gear. I wear it as a mid-layer layer underneath a Gore-Tex XCR shell over a midweight Marmot base layer. One day skiing this spring, it was about 5F with a 15 knot wind, bringing it to below zero with the wind chill. The next day, it started cold and warmed up to the low 40's. I wasn't too cold, or with my pit zips opened up, it wasn't too hot. I could have used it as a cover layer in the afternoon, had I had time to leave my jacket someplace safe. Not to bad for one item, huh? Plus, it fits well and looks great, too.

Hello "Gearheads"! Arc'Teryx does it again... so what else is new eh? The Sigma AR has Gore Windstopper and pit zips. The Sigma will work on the slopes, X-C in the woods, open the zips and your bike ride won't be a sweatfest! I bought the Salsa from backcountry.com, and I've gotten a lot of compliments already. I also own the Gamma MX, but the Sigma AR gets the nod in nasty, windy conditions. I'm looking forward 2 my bike rides when the snow melts! BUY IT!

Nobody was on the golf course - except me in my new jacket - 5 hours of pouring rain - I was perfectly comfortable and dry.

Light, warm, and totally wind-blocking!

My impression is that the Sigma AR is not as warm as descriptions might give impressions of - but that might be due to me misunderstanding these descriptions. Living in the most nothern part in Norway I was in need of a softshell suited for warmth. Still, it is an excellent softshell by any standard, and together with another fleece layering it will also work for temperatures down to -30 C. Particularly, I like the athletic trim and the underarm venting. This makes it a all-purpose shoftshell. For my purpose I would like a solution that could make the collar a bit more snugfit when in cold temperatures. When it comes to stretch-ability the Sigma AR is not as good as the Gamma SV. But these things should not take away the fact that this is a top softshell. There are a lot of excellent functional small-detail solutions. If you don't think price is too relevant I will highly recommend this one!