Arc'teryx Epsilon AR Softshell Jacket - Men's

OK, just so everyone knows I have a Denali, and a MH WindStopper, and Patagonia RetroX. I wasn't looking for warmth, or wind-stoppage. But, what I needed was LIGHT-WEIGHT flexible, and presentable for commuting to work (on bike). On hot days, I can put in pack. It needed to be long (it is longer in back). Needed protection from water (if I am on Ferry), or light rain. Some warmth in the fog. This Jacket WAS PERFECT. I would recommend for anyone as a jacket for the specific usage I voiced. It was my first Artyrx, and I like it a LOT!!! Great summer jacket. In winter, the Denali will come out, and the Retro. On the ridge, the MH. But, around the city, on bike, car, or hiking this is one awesome jacket.

I was really excited to get this jacket and thought it would be a great addition. I like the styling, fit, and feel of the jacket. As stated in other reviews it has a very athletic cut. The main thing I did not like however was when I got out into the wind. This jacket does not seem to cut the wind very well and on a chilly day this is not what you want to grab out of your closet unless you plan on layering under a windproof shell. This is the first Arcteryx product that I have been disappointed in and would not recommend. I have one of the NorthFace Apex Bionic jackets and feel like it delivers better performance at a lower cost. One last complaint is that there are no velcro cuff closures on the sleeves. Maybe I am being too hard on this jacket, but after falling in love with the arcteryx hardshells I expected this jacket to do more than just look nice.

I had high hopes, but seeing this in person was a turnoff. The outer material texture was a turnoff (hard to describe it). It wears a bit small, and it conforms like a bodyfit item. If anything, this jacket seems more like an insulating or base-layer. I can't see myself ever wearing it in a social setting. Sometimes the aesthetics make a big difference... It just wasn't for me. Get a good look at yourself in the mirror before ripping the tags off--not everything that rolls out of the china arc'teryx assembly line is a winner. I'd go with a Beta or Alpha model any day...

As one of the more affordable jackets in the Arc'teryx line-up, I wasn't quite sure what to expect with the Epsilon AR. However, after giving it a few trial runs I can assure you I'm not disappointed! First off, the jacket looks stylish. Not only do I wear it for outdoor activities like climbing and trail running, but I love wearing it as a casual piece around town as well. The cut is great. At 6'2", 185 lbs (athletic build), I have found the Large has a slim, active fit. The sleeves are plenty long, but be warned, the bottom hem rises up in the front and barely covers my belt buckle (presumably to stay out of the way of a climbing harness). This is the only gripe I have with the jacket. Overall I do wish it had a bit more length in the front, but I've gotten used to this - just be prepare to have longer shirts hang out the front. The jacket drops down in the back - great for keeping you covered when ripping up the trails on your mountain bike or just when bending over. The material of the jacket is thin and lightweight. If this was the first technical jacket I had ever purchased, I might think the material seemed cheap, but I assure you it is not. The high-tech materials used in this jacket are water resistant, yet highly breathable and are not hard and crinkly like a hardshell rain jacket. While it is surprisingly warm for its weight, I would not recommend this jacket for cold temps. Also, if you wish to layer heavier fleeces under the jacket, I would size up, as the Large I have only allows for a light long-sleeved shirt underneath. The jacket is neither windproof nor waterproof, but it has kept me dry in a light rain and seems to break the wind fairly well while cycling. I have yet to test it in a downpour. Overall, if you're looking for a sweet and stylish Arc'teryx softshell and don't want to shell out $$$ for a high-end model, I highly recommend the Epsilon AR. It's still not cheap, but it lives up to the Arc'teryx name in both quality and performance. If you can find it on sale, it makes the deal even sweeter.

I bought this jacket a couple of years ago, It was my first Arcteryx jacket. When it showed up I felt like I was tricked into buying a 5$ zip up t shirt from Walmart. Boy was I wrong. It seems so thin and light to give you any kind of protection, but somehow it does. Arcteryx has made some of the most incredible gear on the planet, and in the spring and fall this tiny thin little jacket is all you need. In the winter it is the perfect mid layer for that not so warm water proof shell. I have never been cold in this jacket, and what's amazing is that it also never seems to overheat. Whatever that expensive material Arcteryx uses to build its gear is made of... it works. And it works well.