This will be my third season using the Theta SVs and I love them. The two things that I think would be the biggest factor in choosing between the two are 1) the Stinger has two thigh pockets that the Theta SV does not have and 2) the Stinger has a more relaxed cut, while the Theta is a trimmer cut. I personally like the clean look of the Theta, although I have never seen the Stinger to really do a comparison. I'm personally not interested in having stuff stashed in thigh pockets on my skiing pants, so that feature of the Stinger doesn't really interest me much. As far as sizing, your waist definitely puts you at a medium. I wear jeans with a 30" length, and I find the regular length Theta pants to be maybe a tad short. I would guess that you'd be happier with the Tall length.

I'm not quite sure that I understand your concern. I've never used the goggles with the GPS feature, but I wear soft contacts and ski with Zeal goggles using the PPX lenses and I love them. I really can't see any reason why contacts would be a problem with these.

It certainly isn't a ski-specific pack, and it isn't advertised as being waterproof. Any of the camelbak's support adding their insulated tube cover to prevent water from freeziing in the tube itself. I don't know if you've researched this, but this pack falls under CamelBak's Hike/Alpine collection, and not their Ski/Board collection. You might want to consider something like the Pit Boss or the Tycoon (their names, not mine...) instead.

The Khuno has a relaxed fit, which is going to be roomier than either the Alpha SV or the Theta SV. Sounds like you definitely want a small instead of a medium.

Actually, I think this bag is identical to the Horse Thief - actually, I should say the Zirkel since it is a 20F bag. From what I can tell, it has the half sleeve design, with insulation on the bottom around the legs. Highlights from the BA website:

- Integrated pad sleeve with unique design keeps you securely attached to the pad from the hips up while allowing freedom of movement for your legs- more like a traditional mummy bag. Never roll off your pad again

- Half pad sleeve with adjustable strap holds ANY 20" wide rectangular or mummy shaped pad

This wouldn't be my first recommendation for a ski jacket only because of how short it is. If you are using bibs underneath, then its probably fine, but I personally would want something longer. This really becomes a factor since at your measurements I'd be inclined to say that you would need a medium since I think you would be swimming through the chest in a large. If you are looking for a versatile gore-tex shell that can go between skiing and other non-snowsport activities, I'd look at one of the Theta jackets which have a longer cut to them. If you are looking for something more snowsports-oriented, the Sidewinder jackets are fantastic.

Jesse - no doubt the Venta AR is a great jacket. However, and opinions do vary on this, generally it is not recommended to wear two windproof layers like gore-tex pro shell and gore-tex windstopper together as part of your layering system. If your intended use is to use this primarily as an outer layer, then the Venta AR is probably the right jacket for you. However, if you anticipate using this frequently as a mid-layer, you might want to consider something more along the lines of the Hyllus jacket, which isn't as windproof but also has a hi-loft fleece lining on the inside. It will be warmer as a mid-layer than then Venta AR and it will breathe better at the cost of not being as windproof. The Hyllus is definitely designed more with layering in mind.

Arc'teryx and CMH worked together to design the Stinger jacket, which is a GoreTex Pro Shell jacket. I can't say for sure though that this is what their guides are using.

I haven't seen this jacket specifically, but I own the Arcteryx Fission LT pants which are a very similar construction to this jacket. The pants weigh a little bit less than this jacket, but they are surprisingly bulky - definitely not something that I would throw in my pack and forget about. I would expect that this jacket is much the same way. The MH Compressor on the other hand packs down dramatically smaller. The tradeoff (there is always one...) is that the Kappa AR is going to be more durable and more weatherproof than the Compressor. It really comes down to what your priority is: packabilty or durability.

I would check your chest and sleeve measurements against the sizing chart. Since this doesn't strike me as a jacket that you would want to layer much clothing underneath, I think you might be better off with a small rather than a medium - you are right on the line between the two sizes. If you like a looser fit, go with the medium, but definitely make sure you check the chest and sleeve sizes.

I have the previous version of this pant (the Fission LT: http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Arcteryx-Fission-LT-Pant-Mens/ARC0833M.html) which has very similar specs. Assuming that these are similar, then my answer is no - they do not pack up very small at all. They are very warm, but pretty bulky too. If you want insulated pants that could serve as an emergency backup, I would consider something more along the lines of the Mountain Hardwear compressor pants or the Montbell Thermawrap pants instead. You won't have the same durable shell fabric, but you'll get a warm pant that you won't begrudge throwing in your pack just in case...

Thermatek is a proprietary synthetic insulation designed by Arcteryx where every strand of insulation is coated with a DWR treatment to make the insulation hydrophobic so that it won't absorb water. I've never used a thermatek jacket, but the concept sounds pretty good.

Here's a helpful review I found on-line that talks about the performance of a Thermatek-insulated jacket: http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web07f/ms-ma-arcteryx-dually-belay

If windproofness is your primary concern, then there is no doubt that the Venta is going to win. Even Polartec's marketing material advertises powershield to block about 90% of the wind, while the Windstopper fabric on the Venta will be windproof. Both the Venta and the Gamma AR are advertised as an athletic fit. I own the Gamma AR (I have never tried on or seen the Venta AR) and I can tell you that the Gamma AR in a size medium fits me perfectly - I'm 5'10" and 170ish pounds.

If you think you can live with something that is less than 100% windproof, I would strongly encourage you to look at the Gamma MX. This jacket is definitely stretchy, has a good DWR treatment, and it has a significantly slimmer fit than the Gamma AR - it is skin tight on me to the point that I have to size up to a Large to wear it comfortably. The Gamma MX is definitely a more technical jacket and will be the best for activities like climbing.

Another jacket that might fit the bill perfectly for you is the Mountain Hardwear Alchemy jacket. Check it out too - windproof, lightly insulated, trim fit and some stretch - it could be a winner for you. Just make sure you read the reviews because it is also a technical jacket that is probably going to be less than ideal for more casual purposes. It sounds like you have a particular use in mind, so you should be able to determine pretty easily which one of these jackets will or will not fit your needs. Good luck!

By the way - like I said, I own the Gamma AR and really like it. I'm just not sure that it is the one that will best meet your needs.

Second on eVent. Look at the Rab Latok, or something from Westcomb. I don't think you can beat the Rab jackets for value though.

The Stingray, as is the case with most of the Arcteryx snowsports jackets, has a relaxed fit cut, while the Alpha series of jackets has a slimmer, more athletic fit cut to them. I wear a medium in either, but there is definitely a little less room in my Alpha, than in my Arcteryx ski jackets (the Sidewinder jackets for example). However, I still have enough room to comfortably wear layers underneath my Alpha LT, which should be very similar to the Alpha SL.

I would think that a size Small would be appropriate for you.

Brandon and Phil - thanks for the feedback. I've never used any of the Power Shield O2 shells, so I was on the fence. I think there's going to be a Hercules in my future. For the record, I like the Gamma MX, but because of it's trimmer fit, I have to size up to a Large, and then it extends below bottom of the Alpha LT shell. I'm assuming with the Hercules that a size medium will play well with a size medium Alpha.

And Phil - you actually got me seriously looking at the Alchemy. It does look like a great jacket, but I just find that I sweat too easily when I'm wearing Windstopper jackets. I agree that it would be an excellent shell, but I don't think it would really be a good option for me personally as a mid-layer.

I second the nomination for the Rab Latok Alpine. This jacket is awesome (especially if you aren't using it with a helmet), but it does have small amounts of fleece insulation in strategic spots which makes it more of a winter-oriented shell. The Rab jacket is made of eVent, weighs less than this and breathes every bit as well. I'd give an eVent jacket the nod over this one for warm weather usage.

Nikwax offers a product for hardshell jackets (eVent is specifically listed) that is designed for just this purpose: Nikwax Wash-In TX Direct Wash In. Backcountry.com stocks it so just search the website.

I'm 5'9 and 165-170 and I can wear a size medium in this as a mid-layer under a hardshell. It's not particularly tight on me, so I think with a belly you should still be able to wear this in a size medium. If you are wearing a size Large shell, then you could probably buy a large in this too, but if you are using a size medium shell, definitely go with a medium for this jacket.

I think you'll want to size up for this, so most likely you will want a medium. I'm near the upper end of the size range for medium in Mountain Hardwear jackets and I definitely had to buy a large to go over my hardshell.

Maybe I'm stuck in the past, but I don't see TNF being on the same level as Arcteryx. I think you could make a strong argument for Mountain Hardwear, and possibly Marmot being close, and either of these are probably a better value. But if you buy the Alpha SV I don't think that you will ever doubt the quality of this jacket or your decision to buy it.

I would think these two jackets would be reasonably comparable. You are looking at windproof jackets with a little bit of insulation. The Marmot jacket certainly has more pockets - its something that many people ding Arcteryx jackets for, so if pockets are important to you then this should be a big pro for the Marmot jacket. I love Arcteryx's stuff, but unless you can find it on sale, it's pretty hard to justify the price difference between the Fury SV and this jacket IMO.

I've always thought that the Bora packs would be most comparable to Gregory's expedition packs - such as the Denali Pro. At least from an intended use point of view this seems like a better comparison than to the Palisade. Otherwise, I'd say it's pretty darn hard to do a direct comparison. Nothing is more important than trying the pack on, getting the pack fit to you correctly and then loading it up with weight. Especially at 70 lb loads, fit is going to be key and different packs will work better for different people.

I don't own this specific jacket, but I am 5'9" and 170 pounds and I wear a medium in the Mountain Hardwear compressor jacket. I'd think that small would be the right size for you.

I think to get the right length in the arms and in the torso that you are going to want a size medium - particularly in the front the jacket is cut on the shorter side so I'd worry that the small would be too short. I will say that you are going to have some extra room in the chest but it will give adequate room for layers, and I don't think that it would be baggy. If it's an option for you, you might be best off ordering both sizes and return the one that is less optimal. If the arm and torso of the small fit you, then I'm guessing at your size/weight that the small would be the better option. Sight unseen though, my vote is for medium. For reference, I'm 5'9" (maybe an extra 1/2" on a good day) and 170 pounds, and I wear a medium.

If breathability is the highest priority for you, I would seriously look at a jacket made with eVent. Westcomb and Rab both make great options. I just haven't found anything that is comparable to eVent and still waterproof. If you can sacrifice absolute waterproofness you might consider a lightweight softshell jacket which will provide even better breathability. The Spectre LT jacket by Westcomb weighs in at 11 oz (per their website) and the Momentum jacket from Rab weighs in at 12 oz.

I hadn't actually thought about it before. According to this website (http://www.run79.co.nz/MerinoTech.aspx) it has an SPF of 25-50+. I don't have anything quantitative to add, but I certainly get tan lines when wearing merino t-shirts so there clearly is some amount of sun-blocking going on.

What Phil said. I've read several reviews where people rave about how warm an Arcteryx shell is, and I just don't get it. They are windproof and waterproof, but most of these are not insulated in any way, shape or form. Plan on a good layering system and this shell will take good care of you.

The only objective way to answer this is to give you the facts. The Marmot CWM uses 44 oz of 800 fill down while the North Face Inferno uses 47 oz of 600 fill down. So the Inferno wins the 'more fill by weight' contest. I can't find the shoulder measurement for the Marmot bag, but the North Face bag is a little bigger in the hips and the foot box so there is a little bit more volume to keep warm in the Inferno which will also contribute to the warmth of the bag.

I think you are going to want this in a medium. My wife wears a similar Cloudveil jacket in a size small and it has enough room for layers - she's 5'5" and 115 pounds. I'd say you'd want a size up, particularly since this is marked as a slim fit.

No - but it is very unobtrusive. I've yet to snap mine closed while I am wearing it and I pretty much have forgotten that the powder skirt even exists.

This is a shell only, and it's more versatile because of it. The best hardshell with a little insulation is probably something along the lines of the Arcteryx Fission SL - it's pricey but it looks like a great jacket. Honestly though, the shell only gets you more flexibility - its plenty easy to add layers as needed (something like the Arcteryx Atom LT would be great if it is that cold), whereas there is no way to remove layers when the insulation is built in. Another jacket that I really like is the 2008 Cloudveil Hoback. This year's jacket uses Gore-Tex Performance for the shell and it is heavier and stiffer. Last year's was a Gore-Tex Pro Shell and I think its a really nice jacket, although it is only waist length and not hip length like this and the Fission SL.

As a general rule I wouldn't recommend windproof layers as a mid-layer, so I don't think this jacket is what you want. Don't get me wrong - this is a great product from Mountain Hardwear - I just wouldn't plan on using it as a mid-layer.

The Hercules, which is made with the Powershield O2 face fabric, is designed primarily as a mid-layer, so I would definitely lean more that way. The Hercules isn't going to be as solid an outer layer though due to it being design for higher breathability it gives up quite a bit of wind-resistance, so keep that in mind if you are looking for versatility. Another option that would be good for a midlayer is the Arcteryx Gamma AR - it is made from Powershield fabric (not the O2), and while it doesn't have the mid-loft fleecy interior that the Hercules has, it is more wind-resistant than the Hercules.

You are basically asking how breathable this jacket is. Based on the Tech Specs, the Membrain shell has the same breathability rating as Gore-Tex which is pretty good. That said and done, I find Gore-Tex is great when used in colder environments, but jackets made of eVent are much better when it is warmer or more humid. If you are looking for a lightweight jacket to bring along in case you get stuck in a rain shower, then this jacket will be fine. If you know you are going to be spending a lot of time in the rain, then I would personally recommend looking for something like this that has pit zips.

It isn't quite the same thing, but you might consider that Mountain Hardware Transition jacket or zip-t. I wear a medium in the Marmot windshirt, and I had to size up for the Mountain Hardwear Transition jacket because it was tight through the chest (and definitely not baggy in the stomache). I don't think the Transition is quite as breathable as the windshirt, but it will be more water resistant.

Quick update: it looks like Mountain Hardwear phased out the zip-t and update the Transition jacket - its now called the Transition Super Power jacket (you would think that MH marketing could come up with a slightly more... compelling... name). It still looks like a trim fit, so I'd recommend taking a look.

It might work for late fall and early spring on a mountain bike, but it could be a tough sell for road riding where windchill is more of an issue. The quantum fabric is more wind-resistant than the regular knits, but it isn't windproof by any means. Personally, I'd recommend a lighter weight shirt like Elise suggested, and pair it up with a lightweight windshirt like a marmot driclime, or something from another manufacturer that is more cycling-specific.

These things are supposed to be downproof, but inevitably some of the down will end up coming out. I don't have this jacket, but I have the Patagonia down sweater which is very similar. I've seen 2 feathers come out in 2 years of use so I have no complaints whatsoever. This is very similar in terms of weight/warmth to the Patagonia down sweater and the Zeus jacket the other person mentioned should be a little bit warmer. Honestly, this is where the backcountry.com return policy excels - if you find it leaking down in an unacceptable fashion, they will take it back at anytime, no questions asked. Good luck!

The Arcteryx Atom LT and the Patagonia Guide jacket are really very different jackets. I have no doubt that for a lightweight synthetic insulated jacket that the Atom LT is relatively durable. But if durability is the main feature you are looking for the uninsulated softshell Guide Jacket is going to win any day. The Atom LT will be warmer and lighter, but the guide jacket will be more durable. It really seems like these jackets have different intended uses - what are you looking for?

This jacket has an interior mesh storage pocket. I'm not sure though if this pocket would be big enough to hold skins.

The Theta AR is made in China.

This jacket is going to serve as a warm mid-layer or a lightweight-style belay style jacket if you are throwing it on as an outer layer during rest breaks. Just looking at how lightweight this jacket is should give you an idea of it's warmth compared to the subzero jacket. You just need to have a good idea of how you will use this jacket to determine if it is going to be warm enough for you and your purposes. Good luck!

If you size this correctly this jacket would be great for skiing underneath a hardshell on cold days. I have a down sweater which is about equivalent to this in warmth and I really like using it in days when it is 20 F or colder. You wouldn't want to wear this against your skin though - plan on having a lightweightt long sleeve t shirt or something along those lines underneath.

Hard to say, but the Sharp Point is a pretty burly softshell. You might do well with lighter powershield jacket (something like an Arcteryx gamma mx or gamma ar, etc...) or I would strongly recommend looking at a Marmot Driclime windjacket (I think the catalyst is the newest version). It won't be as water-resistant as the Sharp Point, but it is windproof, very light and very breathable. You can also look around for lightweight windstopper shells which will be more water resistant, although powershield is generally a good compromise of windproof (blocks ~90%), water-resistant and breathable. Good luck!

No - it is a fixed hood and there is no stow option for it.

Backcountry.com's products are now branded as Stoic and not backcountry.com, so there will not be a new version of the Shift Softshell jacket per se. There's a couple different Stoic Welder softshell jackets with varying amounts of insulation - search for them and you will find the newest offerings. I think the Stoic Welder Lo Softshell is the closest to this and it does not have pit zips.

I am 5'10 and 165 and the medium version of last year's Stinger jacket was plenty big on me. Even with a heavy base layer and a down sweater on there was plenty of room in the jacket. Personally, unless they've changed the cut I'd say go with the medium.

I'm 5'10" and 165 pounds - I had to buy the parka version of this jacket in a large to fit over my baselayer/hardshell combination for a Mt. Rainier climb. I'd guess that you would probably want an XL. I don't believe that there is an option to make a 3-in-1 jacket with the Sub Zero.

I was watching the video for this jacket on the Cloudveil website and when the guy puts the hood up it doesn't look like there is any room for a helmet. Generally Cloudveil specifically says in the description when the hood is helmet-compatible.

Windstopper is generally more breathable than hardshells and less breathable than other non-windproof softshell materials. There is no way I personally could mountain bike in this jacket, but the coldest temps I ride in is not below ten degrees F. Note that I do use a windstopper vest in cold temps. My personal preference is to use a driclime windshirt from Marmot. All that said and done if you are riding in substantially colder temps than I do this jacket could work for you. I'd definitely plan on doing some experimentation. At least with bc.com you can always return the jacket if it doesn't meet your needs.

I would see if the Marmot warranty would cover it. I have a marmot driclime shirt that a mouse ate through and while Marmot didn't warranty it they fixed it for a reasonable price and it looked brand new again. I think
that you will probably have to go through a retailer- I don't believe that you can contact Marmot directly although I could be wrong about that.

The group that I climb with recommends a 10 degree bag, so I doubt unless you know you sleep cold that you need anything rated for weather colder than a 0 degree bag. I would question weather you really need the waterproof construction that the Lithium offers. I have an older Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag with a conduit shell, and I think because of the waterproof membrane the sleeping bag is much bulkier and a little heavier than equally warm sleeping bags with a standard DWR shell. Personally, for my needs (sleeping in a tent) I'll take a lighter sleeping bag that packs up smaller over the waterproof shell - you just need to make sure that you take necessary precautions (I always line the inside of the stuff sack with a trash compactor bag and then unpack and stuff the sleeping bag inside the tent). At the price range of the Lithium, you could also look at the Western Mountaineering Antelope - I have this and it is a great 5 degree sleeping bag and it weighs 5 oz less than the Lithium (which is listed at 2 lbs 12 oz, not 2 lbs 3 oz). If you are looking at Mountain Hardwear, I'd personally look at the Phantom rather than the Banshee. Another really solid option would be a sleeping bag by Montbell - I really like their bags because the have the stretch feature which makes the bag seem less confining. The U.L.SS.Down Hugger #0 bag is about the same weight as the Lithium and has the stretch feature. If you are sold on the more weatherproof shell then the Lithium looks like it would be the way to go.

I'll second Blaine's answer - there is a light fleece lining on the back of this jacket which is great for snow sports but less ideal for warm-weather activities. That said and done the Schoeller c_change material is awesome and does a great job of letting heat out. I used this jacket in the low 60's on a windy day and was very comfortable on a strenuous hike. If you aren't going to be using this jacket for winter purposes, you should also look at jackets from either Westcomb or Rab
made using eVent fabric. The Latok Alpine from Rab could definitely be used in the winter and it doesn't have the fleece liming that is in parts of the koven plus. eVent is definitely more breathable than Gore-Tex, and I'd estate that it is roughly equivalent to c_change.

I'm going to guess that the marmot and mtn hardwear jackets will be warmer but I personally could never ski in them - they are simply too warm for me. The Koven Plus down jacket is probably less warm but has the advantage of being completely waterproof - it is a hardshell with down insulation. I was really impressed with the koven plus down and I would think that it would be plenty warm for most environments as long as you are physically active. Sorry, but I don't know the fill weights of these. Note that the construction of the koven plus down is quite different than the others since it is quilted and not baffled.

My 2008 sidewinder AR has the Recco reflector up high on the side of the right-hand sleeve. I'd be surprised if it has been moved in this year's version of the jacket.

The Stingray pants will definitely have a relaxed fit. Other suggestions would be the Sidewinder sv pants, the Scarab pants or the Stinger bib. I have the Theta SV bibs which I love but they have a trimmer, more climbing-specific fit. The Stingray pant is made from Goretex Softshell and has a light fleece lining on the inside. The Scarab pants are similar but have what I think is better instep protection from ski edges. I own the Scarab pants also and they have a nice relaxed fit. The Sidewinder pants are made of Goretex Pro Shell so they will be lighter, less bulky and not as warm. The Stinger bibs are also made of the Pro Shell material.

If you don't think that the Theta SV has enough pickets then the Sentry will not be the jacket for you. It has one fairly small inside pocket, two external hand pockets and a chest pocket. I love my Sentry jacket and I think it is excellent for resort skiing where I amnit going to be away from civilization for extended times. I'd consider offerings from the North Face or more ski-specific brands like Spyder or Descente if lots of pockets are a must-have for you.

Since you are looking for primarily a skiing jacket, I'd stick with the sidewinder jackets since they have powder skirts. The AV will have more durable materials than the AR and it also has gussetted, no-lift arms which the AR does not have. On the other hand the AR does have the stow hod which I think is a nice feature.

I second the suggestion that you consider an eVent jacket. The only eVent jacket I have experience with is the Rab Latok Alpine, which appears to be durable although I haven't used it extensively yet. However, Westcomb makes some eVent jackets that have gotten good reviews and I understand that they are made using a ripstop fabric which should be very durable. The other option that you might consider is something along the lines of the Cloudveil Koven Plus Jacket which is made with the Schoeller c_change fabric. The Schoeller c_change membrane is really impressive, and I've been using this jacket for skiing without any problems so far this season. The c_change material seems to me to be about as breathable as the eVent fabric, and more breathable than Gore-Tex Pro Shell.

Thanks Jon - I just got a pair of the Hydra gloves to try. Do you know if there would be any value in treating the leather part of the gloves with some waterproofing treatment like what is recommended for Hestra gloves?

Just an FYI - I do have the Rab Latok Alpine jacket and in a size medium it is very comparable to an Arcteryx size medium.

The Mountain Hardwear website shows that these are only available in regular length for all of the waist sizes.

That's always been my understanding of what those loops are for. Guess I've always gotten lucky since I've been able to keep the powder cuffs for my shell pants down over my boots without having to run a strap under my boot to hold it down.

I wear a 30" length in jeans and I think that the regular length in size medium (30.5") fits me perfectly. I can't imagine that you would want anything longer than the regular length (31.8"), and you might want to consider even trying the short length in XL (29.8").

It just depends on what/how you will be using the jacket. If you are going to be wearing a climbing harness overtop, the MX is designed to have less insulation where the harness goes over to allow for a better fit. The LT will be insulated the entire length of the torso. Go with whichever one best meets your needs.

I have the Quantum 220 shirt from Icebreaker (meaning, same type of fabric, just a little lighter weight) and have been using it for about 6 months now with no sign of it stretching. Mine is also a little on the big side, so I think you'll be fine. The good news is, if you bought this through backcountry.com and it ever stretches to the point that you aren't happy with it you can take advantage of their no-questions-asked return policy.

I'm almost positive these are made in Canada, but I'll double check mine tonight.

Follow up: definitely made in Canada

According to Arcteryx's website, yes.

Arcteryx designed the Stinger for skiing/snowboarding so I would think it is safe to assume that the pants will fit over snowboarding boots. Whether it is by using a zipper or elastic, I don't know. I can tell you for sure that the Theta SV bibs definitely fit over ski boots - they have a side zip that extends from the hips down to the bottom of the pant and gaiters that go over the entire boot to keep snow out.

The gamma sv is going to be a good weather-resistant softshell jacket that provides a fair amount of warmth and a fair amount of coverage. I'm not sure when you sit down if the jacket will actually be long enough to cover your butt - if that is a factor for you. You just need to be aware that this jacket is not 100% windproof (Powershield is ~90%), nor is it waterproof (just DWR treated). If these limitations are OK for how you envision using the jacket then it should be great - this jacket will be very breathable and help prevent overheating and sweating. If you need something more weatherproof - you probably want to look at a hardshell jacket.

I'm going to assume that you are looking at Arcteyx shells. I'd start by saying that you probably want to stay away fron the Beta jackets and probably the Alpha jackets because the Armrom will probably extend out from underneath the shell (it'll be close with the Alphas) . If you
want versatility outside of skiing look at the Theta jackets. If you are looking at shells exclusively for skiing I'd look at either the sidewinder ar/sv jackets or the Scarabee jacket. The Scarabee will be the warmest since it has the high loft fleece lining. For the exact same reason, the Scarabee will be the least versatile. It really just depends on how you
want to use the shell. Any of these would be great with the Atom.

I've washed my Cat's Meow several times following the instructions provided on the website and I've never had any problems with it. Just make sure you use a front loading washing machine.

I think the bigger question for you is how you intend to use this jacket. I tried one on and I agree that the Sharp Point definitely fits on the slender side, especially when compared with Marmot's hardshells. You are looking at a windproof, water-resistant jacket that is fairly burly, so it is going to be good down to pretty cold temperatures when you are doing aerobic activities - I know I wore a much less substantial windstopper jacket while hiking in the mid-20's with a strong wind and all I had on was a mid-weight wool baselayer. If you really think you will be using it in cold temperatures when you aren't being active, then I'd consider sizing up. But remember that this is going to add 2 inches in the sleeve length and 3 inches around the chest - that's a lot of extra volume. Personally, I'd guess that you'd be happiest with it in a medium with the trimmer fit.

Well, to be fair the other gloves are all 5+ years old and have seen lots of use. I just need to find something that will be adequate for when it is actually raining.

I second what Kretsky said although I'll throw in my own .02: the Fury is going to be a solid choice for cold, dry conditions and is also preferable if you are going to be doing much aerobic stuff since it will breathe better than the gore-Tex softshell material. That said and done the Stingray will be completely waterproof and it does have a low loft fleece bonded to the inside so it should be a little warmer than a standard hardshell. I own the Fury AR jacket and I have to admit that it is the ski jacket that I use the least - it just doesn't feel as warm to me as my hardshell jackets so I save it for late-season skiing. The Fury SV should be warmer but I've never used one so I cannot vouch for it. The Gore-Tex softshell stuff is nice and it's great for winter sports. The only downside to it in my opinion is that a gore softshell jacket is always going to be heavier than a pro shell jacket so it isn't as versatile.

First, I haven't personally tried on the Beta AR, but I have owned the Theta AR and the Alpha LT, both of which are also from Arcteryx's ascent collection. I wear Arcteryx size Medium in these jackets even though my chest size is about an inch greater than what is listed for a medium in the sizing chart. You don't say what your chest measurement is, but if you are significantly below the measurement for the size small, this is going to be baggy on you - the jacket is still going to have a cut that allows people at (or just above) the upper size limit to fit some layers underneath. My wife is the same height as you (and weighs only a little less) and a woman's size small fits her perfectly. I know it wouldn't be the most popular option, but you might at least want to try a woman's jacket to see if it might fit you correctly. Arcteryx jackets are awesome because of their quality and their fit, and I'd personally hate to spend this sort of money and not have the jacket fit right.

By the way, while I have no experience with the Marmot Exum, the Arcteryx Pro Shell fabric is incredible - I can't imagine you being disappointed with it.

This glove is definitely not waterproof. Look at the Hestra Army XCR glove for a similar style with a waterproof design.

No. The Hercules is one of the Arcteryx hardface fleece jackets which is DWR treated. This is a standard thermal pro fleece so it isn't going to be very water-resistant.

I wear pants with a 34 inch waist and I can wear most Arcteryx pants in a medium; I am generally wearing a single baselayer underneath. I would say based on your height that you would want these in a tall length and not the regular length which is what I wear with a 30 inch inseam.

To answer specific questions: when zipped up the jacket can be pulled up high enough over your face to cover your mouth and part of your nose. Also, the hood is helmet compatible, with pull strings in the front on either side that can be used to cinch the hood around your helmet. Beyond those pulls though, there are no additional adjustments.

From your question I think you are envisioning using this jacket as an outer shell while skiing - is that correct? If so, then I don't think this is the correct jacket for you. The Compressor jacket is a lightweight synthetic insulation jacket that is intended more for extra warmth when stopped during breaks or at the campsite, and not so much for lots of abuse that a shell typically takes. The face fabric of the Compressor jacket is very lightweight - its not going to withstand lots of falls, scrapes, encounters with trees, etc... On the other hand, this could be an excellent jacket as a warm layer underneath a shell on very cold days. If this is what you were asking about - replacing multiple insulating layers with a single piece of clothing, then this could be the jacket for you. Just to be clear, I think the Compressor jacket is great for what it was designed for, and I don't think it is a wimpy jacket - it just wasn't meant to be used as a daily outer shell.

There are plenty of insulated jackets with a sturdy shell material that would be appropriate for you. Some examples would be the Cloudveil Hoback Jacket, the Mountain Hardwear Synchronicity Jacket or the Arcteryx Sentry Jacket. I'm sure there are lots of other ones too.

Try the Chat Now feature in the upper right hand corner of the web page to talk to a bc.com rep directly. My experience has been that they typically are not able to answer questions about when new inventory will be in stock though.

When looking at the temperature ratings for sleeping bags you need to keep in mind that there is no standard that defines what a 0 degree bag is vs a -10 degree bag vs -20, etc.... There are plenty of reasons for this, but one thing for sure is that different people need different amounts of insulation to sleep comfortably at different temperatures - there's lots of variables at play here. As for the difference between synthetic and down bags, I think the accurate statement is that if you have a down bag and a synthetic bag that both weigh the same amount, the down bag will be warmer and pack down smaller than the synthetic bag. It is certainly possible to make synthetic bags that are warm down to the same temperature rating as the warmest down bags, but they will be heavy and bulky.

As you point out, down bags do have their drawbacks because, once wet, down loses its loft and no longer provides any warmth. Its necessary to take many precautions when using down sleeping bags (such as lining the stuff sack with a trash compactor bag to keep water out). Honestly, I've never slept in a snowcave, so I'm not sure how safe it is to use a down bag in this situation. There are down bags though that have waterproof shells - Mountain Hardwear makes a few; other companies use materials such as GoreWindstopper or Epic which are highly water resistant.

Are you asking if the temperature rating for this bag is different for women than for men? If so, the answer is no - temperature ratings are not gender-specific. However, there are many women-specific bags which are shorter and shaped differently. The goal is to minimize the volume of air that your body has to warm up inside the sleeping bag. I'm noticing that the regular length for this bag is 78 inches/194 cm which is typically a long length (the mountain hardwear website shows the same information). If you are shorter, you might consider other sleeping bags which are typically offered in 66 inches (5 foot 6 inches) and 72 inch (6 foot lengths). The additional advantage to getting a close-fitting sleeping bag besides thermal efficiency is that the bag will pack down smaller in your backpack.

Note that for cold weather sleeping bags, you might want a little extra length to allow for a water bottle with hot water to be kept down at your feet; its a pretty common mountaineering/winter camping trip to help warm up.

This really is only a baselayer in cold weather. For perspective, I have 150 weight shirts like this that I wear as a t-shirt in the summer time. For winter I often wear this shirt with a 320 weight wool sweater over top, and if it is below freezing, I'll still likely need another insulating layer underneath my shell.

This is a Gore-Tex Paclite shell so I would not expect it to be silent. It will however be windproof and waterproof so it will meet your needs in this respect. Since it is designed for climbing this shell should fit over your Pamir jacket; however, it generally is not recommended to wear windstopper underneath a shell since you are now layering two membranes that have limited breathability. Not that it can't be done -it's just less than ideal.

I think you are going to need this in a medium to get ghe arms long enough. I'd definitely recommend giving it a try though - this is a great shell if it fits you properly. You certainly could try ordering this in a small and a medium and taking advantage of bc.com's no-questions-asked return policy. Good luck!

This is the weakspot for any bib/one-piece. This appears to have a zipper going all the way through the crotch which is pretty typical, but certainly not convenient. I can't really imagine not removing the entire top/jacket part in most situations although I'm sure it is possible (although probably not easy) to do your business just by unzipping.

I'm surprised that a sidewinder in medium was a good fit for you, but you should definitely try the alpha in a medium then. The ascent jackets in the Arcteryx lineup are definitely cut trimmer than the snowsports-specific jackets so this could be a good solution for you.

The Alpha jackets wil definitely be less baggy than the Sidewinder jackets but I'm 5'10" 175 lbs and I wear a medium comfortably - at 6'3" you are going to need at least a large to get enough length; I'm thinking that you are still going to find this baggy. The Arcteryx shells tend to be about the least baggy of the main manufacturers in the US marketplace, but I am of the impression that many European manufacturers design for a taller, thinner body type like yours. I have no personal experience with any of their shells but you might check out offerings from Mammut or Norrona and see if they might work for you too.

As far as SV vs. LT it really depends on how hard you will be on the jacket. I have an older LT (non-Pro Shell) and I think it's more than adequate for most people. It really is a great shell- I'd recommend trying it just to see if it could work for you.

I would guess that the Gamma MX will be warmer. I know the Zeta has the low-loft insulation, but it also weighs substantially less and is not as windproof as the Gamma MX. As a mid-later the Zeta might be about equivalent to the Gamma, but I don't think it would be as an outer layer.

I have a pair of the Zeal Link goggles with the PPX lenses and I love them. As an idea of how well the changing tint of these work, I used these on a summit climb of Cotapaxi which started at 11:30 pm and ended around 9:30 the next morning. I put these goggles on at the very beginning and I took them off at the very end and I had no trouble with them at any point along the way. the clarity of the lenses is impressive and they offer several goggles to accomodate different face sizes. I recommend Zeal's goggles to anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile pair of goggles.

First, I own the Compressor Hooded jacket and I've never seen the Montbell Thermawrap parka, so take my opinion with that in mind.  The men's Compressor hooded jacket weighs in at 19 oz while the men's Thermawrap parka weighs in at 12.3 oz- that's a pretty significant difference that has to be mostly due to fill since the outer shell of the Compressor jacket already feels pretty wispy.   Based on this I'd expect the Compressor jacket to be warmer but also to take up more space in a pack.  As far as durability, I can only speak to the Compressor, which will be fine for it's intended use (which is what you describe yourself to be looking for) but it certainly wouldn't take the place of a hardshell or a softshell.

It honestly doesn't matter. I have a very similar icebreaker top to this, and I wear it with either wool or synthetic baselayers and it is great either way. Of course, if you listen to the Icebreaker marketing, they claim that multiple wool layers work best together. I love the Sidewinder hardshell - only thing you might keep in mind is that the neck can get tight when zipped up so you might need to be careful about many layers you wear that have zippers going up the neck.

I personally think this was designed as part of a layering system. Its got enough room in it for a heavy baselayer but it is trim enough to go under a shell. I'll agree with what RockMynHigh said, in that jacket is not the trimmest of the Arcteryx softshells - if you are worried about this being a little too loose for you consider the Gamma MX.

Something you might want to consider: if you are looking at this primarily as a mid-layer, you also might want to consider the Arcteryx Zeta jacket, which uses a different face fabric (Polartec Powershield O2) to allow it to be significantly more breathable. The flip-side is that the Zeta is not as windproof (it only blocks 50% of the wind as opposed to 90% by the Gamma AR), so I think the Gamma AR is a better option if you see using this as an outer layer more of the time.

It's going to fit well under almost any of the Arcteryx hardshells. I've tested this under the Alpha LT and it is a very good fit, and I'm sure it would be fine under the Alpha SV and either of the Theta jackets. Since the snowsports-specific jackets (Sidewinder AR/SV and Stinger) have a more relaxed cut to them, this jacket will certainly work under them as well. The only jackets I might be a little hesitant with are the Beta jackets, and that is only because the Beta jacket has a short, waist-length cut like the Gamma AR does.

The Gamma AR is definitely a waist-length jacket - if you want something similar with a longer cut, look at the Gamma MX. The back of the jacket is cut longer (at least the men's is) - mine appears to be about 2-3 inches longer in the back.

I have the Easyrider and I have the Patagonia down sweater which is very similar to the other jackets you asked about. My opinion is that the Patagonia down sweater is warmer than the Easyrider jacket. However, the usage for these jackets is significantly different: the Easyrider jacket has a tightly woven outer fabric that is DWR-treated. It provides a good amount of warmth (especially when doing aerobic activities) and is reasonably weather-resistant - I've never had any problems using this in colder weather even if it is snowing (I haven't used it in the rain though). Since it is a powershield fabric, it has an excellent combination of breathability and windproofness also. The Patagonia down sweater/mtn hardwear nitrous/north face thunder provides a great lightweight insulating layer, but they use extremely thin, lightweight shells that are not going to be very durable as an outer layer. I use my down sweater almost exclusively as a mid-layer, and I love it because it is quite warm considering it is only 12 oz in weight, and it is surprisingly non-bulky. It works well for me when I am out for a few hours skiing and I know its going to be cold the entire time. If I were doing something very aerobic, I would probably not use the down sweater.

I had originally purchased the Easyrider jacket for a climbing trip where it would be the primary shell that I would wear, but it could also be worn underneath a hardshell when necessary. If this is your intent, you might also want to consider either the Arcteryx Gamma AR or the Arcteryx Zeta jackets. The Zeta will breathe better but is less windproof, while the Gamma AR is more windproof but will not breathe as well. I think the Easyrider jacket is a little too warm and a little too bulky (for a softshell) to really make a good layering softshell.

Just a comment that if the Sub Zero Jacket was too short and you decide to go with another Mountain Hardwear jacket, make sure you go with the Sub Zero Parka with a hood - its designed to be longer than the jacket.

Obviously different people will be comfortable at different temperatures in this. However, I would not plan on this being warm down to the temperatures that you are looking at. I have a Patagonia down sweater, and underneath a shell with a mid-weight baselayer I am comfortable skiing down into the low to mid 20s. The Zeus is probably a little bit warmer than the patagonia down sweater (it seemed to be a little puffier when I compared them side by side - might be the larger baffles though), but I doubt it is significantly warmer.

This is the lightest down coat that Marmot makes, so you'd have to look at something like the Patagonia down sweater or the Mountain Hardwear Nitrous jacket should be less puffy. The Mountain Hardwear Phantom jacket should be a little bit more puffy, and the Marmot Guides Down Sweater will be substantially puffier.

The Venta SV is made in China, so I think its a safe guess to assume that the Venta AR is made in China also.

I would guess that you need a large to accommodate your height; it might be a little big through the body though.

The Scarab is going to have a more relaxed fit than the Theta AR, so it will have plenty of room for layers. This is pretty typical of all of Arcteryx's snowsports-oriented shells (such as the Scarab). I can't say for sure, but I would expect that there is more room around the chest/through the armpits than the Theta AR as well.

The good thing about backcountry.com is that they have an excellent return policy. While it isn't much fun paying for return shipping, it's a much better option than having a $550 jacket that doesn't fit right.

I have an eVent jacket and I definitely prefer it over Gore-Tex shells in warmer weather because it is noticeably more breathable than any Gore-Tex shell that I have. The one thing I definitely notice with the eVent though is that for cold weather activities you might need to use either an extra layer or a heavier layer underneath the shell as compared to Gore-Tex because heat isn't trapped as well - it's a trade-off for the more breathable fabric.

From researching on-line, I have seen some references to eVent not being as durable as Gore-Tex, and I've also seen references indicating that it has to be washed more frequently than gore-tex to maintain its breathability and waterproofness. I suspect that the durability of the shell has more to do with the manufacturer than the eVent. My own personal take: for cold weather activities I like Gore-Tex; for warm weather, I like eVent.

If you are shopping around, you might want to consider jackets made with Schoeller's c_change material too - it seems to be the real deal, and a good compromise between Gore-Tex and eVent. Look at the Cloudveil Koven Plus, or some jackets by Mammut.

Click on the Chat Now button in the upper right-hand corner of the screen and ask a backcountry rep directly. In my experience they typically cannot answer questions about whether things will be restocked though.

Assuming that these are like the men's version they have an integrated belt but no adjustable waist tabs. I don't believe any of Arcteryx's pants have the adjustable waist tabs.

If I were you, I'd recommend looking around for a pant or a bib that uses a 3-layer membrane as opposed to the two layer membrane used on these pants. The pants will be lighter and pack smaller, which is always important when talking about mountain climbing. Gore-Tex pro Shell is good stuff, although it is also the priciest on the market. While I like bib-style pants or pants with suspenders a lot, you probably want to experiment to make sure that you are comfortable wearing a reasonably heavy pack over top of the suspenders - I've known people that found this extremely uncomfortable. Also, as you get into fuller bib-styled pants, you start having more and more material acting as another layer of clothing on your upper body. It's not necessarily a problem, but you need to experiment with your layering to make sure that it works for you. I've seen many guide services recommend pants over bibs for this reason.

Things I would recommend rather than the Randonnee pant: from Marmot, the Torre or Exum pants; from Mountain Hardwear, the Argon ice pant or the Beryllium Bib or from Arcteryx the Beta AR pants, Theta AR bibs, Alpha SV bibs or Alpha LT pants. These are all 3 layer Gore-Tex pro shell pants from some of the common manufacturers. You might also consider pants made from eVent - backcountry.com's Stoic brand has a 3 layer eVent pant, and Rab and Westcomb make pants with 3 layer eVent also. In my experience eVent breathes better (it becomes less clammy inside), but it is also not as warm as Gore-Tex because of the increased breathability. If you don't want to pay for the Gore-Tex Pro Shell, you can look for pants using Gore-Tex performance shell, or alternatively look for pants made using each company's proprietary waterproof/breathable material (for example, Marmot has Membrain, and Mountain Hardwear has Conduit). I would just strongly recommend looking for pants that are made using 3 layer constructs of any of these materials. Hope that helps!

The Titan pants are going to be substantially warmer than the Scarab pants. I have the Scarab pants - think of a softer-faced version of the Gore-Tex Pro Shell (this is a Gore-Tex Softshell pant) with a light layer of fleece bonded to the inside. They are definitely very nice, but I personally think that they are only a little bit warmer than a standard pair of gore-tex hardshell pants. The Titan pants on the other hand have Primaloft insulation sandwiched between a Gore-Tex shell and an inner lining. These are going to be exceptionally warm - perhaps even too warm in temperatures above 0* F for most people. While comfort at different temperatures is going to differ from person to person, I've skiied comfortably in the Scarab pants with the wind chill factor around 0* F with a warm baselayer (I was using a powerstretch tight).

The Gore-Tex softshell material used to make this jacket will be completely waterproof, so you need have no worries about using this jacket in the rain. It's interesting though that you are deciding between this jacket and the OR Mentor, which is a Gore-Tex Pro shell jacket - there are several Arcteryx jackets that are a more direct comparison, like the Sidewinder, Alpha or Theta jackets. The Gore-Tex softshell material has a fleece lining on the inside of the jacket, which is supposed to make them a bit warmer, but it does come at the cost of the jacket being a little heavier and a little bulkier than a gore-tex pro shell equivalent. Just some things to keep in mind when you start talking about using your shell for purposes other than skiing.

These are 7.8 oz, which is equivalent to IBs 220 weight wool. IB has several 260 weight bottoms that will be warmer. The only other companies that might make something warmer with merino are Ibex and Smartwool - I'm not personally familiar with either of their product lines, so I can't do the comparison.

The Compressor jacket is definitely not a ski jacket - it's designed to be used either as a mid-layer or as an extra outer layer that you can throw on when you've stopped moving and don't want to freeze. I have one and I while I think it is great for its intended use I would never recommend it as a shell for skiing.

While down is nice, it really could be completely overkill for what you need - I looked at the Cloudveil Koven Plus Down Parka earlier this year and it was clear that I could never use this for skiing in the part of the country where I live.

One synthetic jacket that really looks like it could meet your need is the Cloudveil Madison jacket. The Madison jacket is definitely more expensive, but you are paying for a durable, waterproof shell, and I really like Cloudveil for ski-related gear. Backcountry.com doesn't appear to carry the full jacket right now, only the quilted Madison jacket - it's not the same thing, look at Mountain Hardwear's website.

If you do start thinking about a down jacket, I personally think that the Mountain Hardwear Synchronicity Jacket looks very promising - it's significantly lighter than the Koven Plus Down Jacket that I tried on, so I'm thinking it would likely be more appropriate for skiing in conditions above 0* F.

The Theta SV should be sized about the same as the Theta AR - according to the Arcteryx website they are both cut for an athletic fit (small consolation to you I suppose). You might try ordering the SV a size smaller and see if it works for you - it is one of the longest shells that Arcteryx makes, so it might still work for you a size down. Good luck!

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.

At just over 12 oz this is certainly going to be a reasonably packable layer. If you are really worried about packing down to as small a size as possible, you might want to consider a down mid-layer, such as the Patagonia down sweater, the Montbell U.L. down inner parka or the Mountain Hardwear Nitrous. The key with down jackets though is that you know how to manage them in wet weather, or when you are sweating so that you don't get them very wet - down loses all of it's insulative properties once it is wet, unlike synthetic insulation such as the atom jacket. Other reasonably equivalent jackets that you could look at which are synthetic would be the Montbell U.L. Thermawrap Parka or the Mountain Hardwear Compressor PL Parka. I've never used any of Montbell's offerings personally, but they have an extensive offering of synthetic mid-layer jackets/parkas that get great reviews.

I've never seen an option for custom sizes from Arcteryx. It sounds like you are aware that they make pants in short, regular and tall, but I don't think they have an XXXL size. Two companies that I've seen advertise doing customization are Wild Things (www.wildthingsgear.com) and Beyond Clothing (www.beyondclothing.com). I thing Beyond has just started doing customized Gore-Tex gear, and only in a jacket, so you might have to wait a little while for them to offer a Gore-Tex pant. I've never looked into Wild Things much, but they use eVent instead of Gore-Tex. I've always heard that their stuff is top-notch, but I can't attest to it from personal experience.

The easy answer to your question is that the Mainline jacket with the Gore-Tex Performance shell is going to be waterproof, while the Soulride and Backbowl jackets will be water-resistant but not waterproof. The more relevant question is whether you would ever actually notice a difference - in cold weather that you are typically skiing/riding in I would guess that you won't - they should all be plenty waterproof enough to be comfortable in. The two softshell jackets will both be windproof, and they will also breathe better than the Mainline jacket - I've never really noticed this to be an issue for resort skiing, but if you are doing much hiking to earn your turns then breathability might be a bigger factor for you. As far as the windproofness of the Soulride vs. the Back Bowl, they are both made of Marmot's M1 material which is made with Gore Windstopper, so they will both be equally windproof.

The only way I could see that this actually tops the driclime vest is because it is a little more moisture-resistant. Marmot's driclime jackets and vests have earned my loyalty - if I didn't already own one maybe I'd be tempted by this, but there is no way I'd replace what I currently have due to the features of this jacket. And I too am a big fan of arc'teryx stuff.

To me the Sub Zero is designed to be used as an outer layer for dry, cold conditions - it isn't waterproof but it does have good reinforcements for use when carrying a pack. The Phantom Jacket looks more like something that could be used as a mid layer (it'll be warmer than the Nitrous Jacket), but it has a lightweight shell that isn't going to be durable when carrying a pack, rubbing against rocks or getting snagged by trees. There's a pretty substantial difference in the weight of the two jackets - probably because the Sub Zero uses a more durable shell and because it has more down.

When I've looked around in the past for longer cut softshell jackets, they seem to be hard to come by. I don't see anything from the typical outdoor manufacturers that look better than this. However, some other options in Arcteryx's lineup might include either the Scarabee jacket or the Stingray jacket. Both of these are made with Gore Softshell material. I wouldn't say these are softshell jackets by any stretch of the imagination, but they are waterproof and they do have a light-fleecy material on the inside (the Scarabee is a high loft and the Stingray is a low loft). Don't know if either is really what you are looking for, but it's the best that I can see. If you want something that is definitely warmer, look at the Sceptre jacket. It has a GoreTex ProShell outer fabric, with a Primaloft insulation. I have the men's equivalent, and it is awesome - fits well, not baggy and feels like a light blanket when you are wearing it.

I haven't used Paclite fabric, so I can't speak to its waterproofness other than to say that Gore says its waterproof. As far as the jacket - it'll be a waist length jacket and from what I can see it does not have pit-zips. I'd venture to say that for highly aerobic activities, this wouldn't be my first choice unless it's going to be on the colder side.

I'm a big Arcteryx fan, but after using an eVent jacket this summer, I don't think the eVent fabric can be beat for warm weather waterproofness - the breathability is just far better than GoreTex. You might look at offerings from Westcomb and Rab and see if they have anything that would work for you. In particular the Westcomb Spectre LT jacket, the Rab Drillium or the Rab Momentum jackets might be a good option.

Both are skiing jackets - it just depends what you are looking for. The Fury SV is made of a lightly insulated windstopper, so it won't be waterproof, but it will be relatively breathable. The Scorpion is made of the GoreTex softshell with a highloft fleece lining - it will be waterproof as well as warmer, but not as breathable. I have the Fury AR and I like it a lot, but for me it is best on warmer days. I would expect both of these jackets to be cut well for layering.

While not related to the material so much, I really like the style of hood on the Scorpion as opposed to the Fury. The Scorpion lets you zip the zipper all the way up and the hood will still lay down comfortably. I find on shells like the Fury that it is best to let the zipper partially unzipped when not putting the hood up for the shell to be most comfortable.

Both the Hercules jacket and the Gamma MX are made of Polartec Power Shield, although the Hercules jacket is made of the Power Shield O2 which is going to be more breathable but less windproof - numbers I've seen say that the regular Power Shield blocks ~90% of the wind while the O2 variety blocks approximately 50%. I don't personally know if there is anything about either material that makes one more water resistant than the other, but both are treated with DWR for water resistance, so neither will be waterproof. That said and done, I've seen reviews for both jacket that indicate they are pretty good in light rain for a reasonable period of time - just don't count on them to take the place of a hardshell. The Hercules jacket will be warmer in general because it has the high-loft fleece on the inside. This will make it great for non-windy days or as a mid-layer option on really cold days. The Gamma MX will have a more snug fit, while the Hercules will give you more room for layering.

My personal take on pros and cons: I think the Gamma is a great fall/spring layer while I think of the Hercules as more of a winter jacket. The lack of windproofness of the Hercules means that you will have to be a little strategic in when you use it though.

Other jackets that you might consider is the Gamma SV which uses the same outer material as the MX but also has a high loft fleece, or one of the Venta jackets which are completely windproof. I don't think the Venta jackets have the extra insulation though.

I would think that Medium would be perfect for you - it won't be a skin tight fit, but you shouldn't be swimming in it either.

Here is the link to Patagonia's website where they address how to wash their products:

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/patagonia.go?assetid=2797&ln=55

From this page there is a link that explains what the various symbols on the tag in the jacket mean also. When in doubt, go with the manufacturer's recommendations!

First, there is no way I'd recommend an XL for you - the sleeves will be ridiculously long for you. I tried this jacket on a couple years ago and a size medium was tight enough that I would only be able to wear a baselayer under it comfortably (5'10 170 pounds) - I'm not optimistic that a large would work for you. From the Arcteryx lineup I'd recommend something more along the lines of the Zeta jacket or the Griffon jacket. I'm not sure that a large would work, but they are both roomier cuts than this jacket is (or at least was when I tried it on). Good luck!

I've seen a lot of people that like the Gamma MX as a layering jacket, and it certainly would be appropriate underneath the Alpha SV. Other Arcteryx softshell jackets that you might consider are the Zeta jacket or the Griffon jacket, depending on what your need is for windproofness and warmth. As for whether you would be comfortable at 20-30 degrees, that depends more on what you will be doing. Personally, if you are doing something like mountaineering where you are constantly moving and generating body heat, then I think the Gamma MX might almost be too much. If you are doing something like downhill skiing then the Gamma MX would probably be OK, although I personally would use something more along the lines of a Patagonia down sweater or a mid- to heavy-weight Icebreaker wool shirt.

Call it supply and demand - the MSRP is the same but the women's stuff seems to be on sale more. Ever notice how on eBay the men's stuff always seems to go for more than the equivalent women's stuff?

I guess it really depends on what you are looking for. This jacket has no insulation so it isn't going to be particularly warm -I'd plan on wearing layers underneath. Buying an insulated shell means you'll be able to use it for more than just super cold skiing, but you'll always be adding layers for cold temps. There are also insulated shells that could work - the warmest that I've seen is the Cloudveil koven plus down jacket - it was rediculouly warm, as in more than I need for 98% of my skiing.

Hope I went in the right direction with this answer - I think this is my best advice for anyone, racer or not.

If I were you I would seriously plan on taking advntage of backcountry's excellent return policy and try several shells until you fond a large shell that works for you - I would think that an x-large would just be way too long in the arms to ever feel good about spending this sort of money. FWIW I think that looking at ski-oriented jackets is a good idea since they are generally given a roomier cut to accomodate layering.

I can't speak to this jacket specifically, but I had last year's Arcteryx Stinger jacket and it had the roomiest and longest cut that I've seen in a size medium shell. I'd be surprised if the large Stinger jacket didn't fit you unless they changed the cut of the jacket. Seriously though - try a bunch and find one that works for you.

Absolutely. I'm 5' 10" and 170 pounds and I can easily wear a fleece underneath this shell in a size medium.

Don't know - I just tried and it worked for me. I'd use the Chat Now feature and get one of the backcountry.com folks to help you.

It seems to me that the big difference between the Alpha SV bibs and the Theta SV bibs is going to be the lack of internal powder gaiters on the Alpha SV. This means that you might have to wear some sort of a separate gaiter over top of the shell in deeper snow to keep the snow out. I used the Theta SV pants all of last season for skiing and they were great. I'd have no issue using them for snowshoeing or winter camping since they are very comfortable to wear and they have good zippers for providing ventilation where necessary. Obviously the Alpha SV pants could be used for skiing, but if this is one of your main uses for the pants then Id' stick with the Theta SV.

Obviously the answer to this question is going to be very subjective. First off, I am a big fan of Arcteryx shells, so I am definitely biased in this regard. There are two big things in my mind that the Theta AR has over the TNF jacket. The first is the hood on the Theta AR. The drop hood design on this jacket allows you to keep the jacket fully zipped up and still put the hood down. The hood on the TNF jacket is going to require that you unzip the collar partially to put the hood down. The second big selling point is that the Theta AR is made of Gore-Tex Pro Shell, which is the top of the line gore-tex material right now - it will be more breatheable and more durable (per Gore's advertising) than the Performance fabric used in the TNF jacket. The TNF jacket has more pockets, but it weighs more. In my opinion, Arcteryx nails all of the little details that makes the jacket great. Of course, the Theta jacket is more money, so you have to balance it out for yourself. The Arcteryx shells that I've used look like new after several years of use - they really hold up to abuse well. I haven't used a TNF shell, so I can't speak for their durability. My best recommendation: order both jackets and return whichever one you like less, compliments of backcountry.com's no-questions asked return policy.

I'd guess that it is made in China. My wife's Venus jacket that we purchased last year was made in China, my Super Hero jacket that is a couple years old was made in China and my top-of-the-line Marmot Gore-Tex shell from 1996 was made in China.

I haven't used these pants, but I have a similar pair of Arcteryx bibs that I used for skiing all last season and I loved them. Keep in mind that European sizing tends to be smaller in the waist and longer in the pants than typical US sizing. If these fit you then I would think that they'd be fine for skiing. If the sizing doesn't look quite right, you could look at the Arcteryx Theta SV - I highly recommend them for skiing.

Yes.

Click on the Chat Now button at the top right of the page and ask a backcountry.com representative directly. My experience is that they typically cannot speak to the availability of different colors though.

This is only a shell pant, so while I would expect it to be wind/waterproof, it is not going to be inherently warm, although the fact that it is less breathable than materials such as gore-tex or eVent might mean that it holds heat a little bit better. If you are going to be using these in cold conditions, I'd be prepared to wear at least a light baselayer underneath, and maybe more depending on your tolerance to cold.

I'd assume that the 5K waterproofing should be good for use in wet snow. In general, unless you are sitting on the snow a lot, I can't imagine that you would get enough moisture sitting on the pants to even start to cause a problem. If the style speaks to you, I'd say try them and write a review for everyone else. At worst you can always take advantage of backcountry.com's awesome return policy if the pants don't meet your needs.

The Halo is only a shell - there is no insulation built into it. So the warmth of the suit is going to be dependent on the layering that you wear underneath. The good news is, it sounds like this runs pretty big, so there should be plenty of room to add any layers that you need.

It is windproof and it should be a great shell for ice fishing and snowmobiling, again as long as you wear the appropriate amount of clothing underneath to stay warm.

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.

While I don't have one of these, it appears that the entire jacket is made of the high-loft insulation. Typically if there are different materials used Arcteryx lists each in their website - the website shows only the high-loft for this jacket.

Strictly going by the specs this is very similar in weight to the Merino 3. FWIW I compared this side-by-side with a Smartwool shirt and an Icebreaker shirt, and I've been buying Icebreaker wool clothing ever since. Don't get me wrong - I love Arcteryx - but for wool I am sold on Icebreaker.

Well - you didn't say what temperature you would be sitting in, but this should be plenty warm for most places. I haven't seen/used this specific jacket but I checked out the Cloudveil Koven Down Plus jacket a few weeks ago. It is fairly similar to this coat: 30 oz, down-filled, although it is a hardshell instead of Windstopper. I returned the Koven Plus because it would clearly have been way too warm for skiing in most conditions i'd encounter. It - and this coat too - would be plenty warm for sitting in cold weather.

I'd be a little hesitant to use this for backpacking. For one thing, I was surprised at how bulky the Koven Plus Down Jacket was. Second, for most places this will most likely be way too warm to wear while hiking with a pack. You'd get much more flexibility with a good weaterproof shell and a solid layering system underneath.

The Sidewinder AR jackets are made in China. I have one from last year and love it. I can understand this being a potential turn-off from a political statement point of view, but the quality of my Sidewinder AR is top-notch.

Depending on what you are doing, I would throw out something along the lines of a Patagonia Down Sweater or their Nano Puff jacket, or one of the Montbell U.L. Thermawrap jackets. If this is for multiple day backcountry trips then it probably makes sense to use a softshell underneath which has more utility. If you are looking for layering for a day of skiing, I've been very happy with the warmth that the down sweater provides in a lightweight, relatively bulk-free package. Just another option.... The Atom Jacket that Brandon recommended would be the Arcteryx equivalent.

I bought the previous version of the Transition Jacket for cold-weather cycling and it is perfect for that purpose. The arms are nice and long and the thumb loops ensure that the sleeves are going to stay where they belong. There is also plenty of length in the back of the jacket. I like the idea with the new version here of making the material on the back of the jacket more breathable - you might lose some of the protection offered by having windstopper throughout the entire jacket, but depending on your needs it could be a good compromise. I haven't seen this jacket in person to say whether I would wear it casually around town, but I bought last years transition jacket in flash green, and it is definitely not something I would plan on wearing casually.

The Gamma MX Hoody uses Powershield instead of Windstopper, so it is only wind-resistant instead of windproof like this jacket is. The tradeoff is that the Powershield is more breathable. The advertising for the Gamma MX claims that it blocks >90% of the wind - I'll let you be the judge. As for water resistance, it's hard to say. Neither jacket is inherently waterproof, so you are relying on the DWR coating. I know for a fact that the Gamma MX is pretty impressive in light rain, but I wouldn't want to rely on it for prolonged showers or a downpour.

Two thoughts here: first, I tried on the Cloudveil Koven Down Plus jacket, and it is incredibly warm and reasonably minimal bulk. Basically, it's a quilted down jacket inside a hardshell. To me, it was too much jacket for anything active in the temperatures that I will typically see, so maybe it would be appropriate for him. My second thought is that he might want to try on something like this jacket or maybe a Mountain Hardwear Subzero Parka or Jacket - sized correctly I've never really thought of them as being particularly restrictive. My bigger concern is that the face fabric on these jackets will not be as durable as something like the Koven Plus Down Jacket. Hope that helps!

I won't attempt to add any more data to the other two answers posted here, but in my own experience eVent really does seem to be more breathable, particularly at warmer temps or in more humid conditions. As the outside temperature drops and the temperature gradient across the jacket membrane increases then in my experience Gore-Tex 'catches up' performance-wise. An interesting side-effect of eVent's breathability is that it doesn't seem to retain heat as well as Gore-Tex. That's a personal opinion, but in my experience it seems to be true - I feel like it is necessary to wear a heavier layer underneath to compensate in colder weather.

Another waterproof/breathable material that shows a lot of promise is Schoeller's c_change. I haven't gotten to use this in the winter yet, but for summer hiking/backpacking the Cloudveil Koven Plus jacket performed admirably, especially considering that it is designed as a winter sports jacket.

Anyway, long story made short: for warm/humid conditions eVent seems to be superior. For cold-weather activities I prefer Gore-Tex. Pending further usage I'd be willing to consider that c_change might just be the best compromise of the two for all-season usage. Of course, that's all just my opinion.

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

I know this is an old question, but there is a women's equivalent: look up the Outdoor Research Banff Bodysuit. It's got full length sleeves instead of the farmer john top, but otherwise looks very similar.

I believe that all of Rab's clothing is manufactured in China. I can't speak to this jacket for sure, but the Latok Alpine definitely is.

I haven't seen this jacket specifically, but based on other Arcteryx jackets that I have seen, you are going to be a tough fit. I'm 5'10 with and wear 34/35 inch dress shirts and have a 40.5" shirt. Medium Arcteryx ski shells fit me perfectly with room for an insulating layer. Stating the obvious, by chest measurement you want the Large and by arm length, probably no more than the medium. The ski shells do have a more relaxed cut, so a medium might work for you - obviously you are cutting into the room you have for layering though. I owned a size large shell at one time and I personally didn't like how baggy it was - these jackets are way too expensive for them not to fit right.

Something you might consider is looking at the Stinger jacket, which has a very roomy cut. I'm pretty sure a size medium would fit you well. It definitely is different than the Stingray though..

Best advice: take advantage of the awesome return policy that backcountry.com has and get both sizes. $5.99 is a cheap price to pay for returning one (or both if neither work) to get the right size.

I would measure your chest and base your sizing decision on that measurement. I'm 5'9, 170 pounds with a 40" chest and Marmot's size medium shells fit me well with room for a fleece layer underneath.

I wouldn't call this a bulky jacket, but I doubt that you would be comfortable running in this jacket in the Spring - it might be OK for the winter depending on warm you get while running and how cold the winters are. I would say that this jacket is probably better for activities more along the lines of cool/cold weather hiking than running. Personally, I'd look at something more like the Mountain Hardwear Transition Jacket which a real light-weight windstopper shell for your purposes.

The helmet on this jacket is definitely not helmet compatible. The hood is completely insulated though.

The Theta AR doesn't have a powder skirt, but it does have the drawcord at the waist which could somewhat serve the purpose of a powderskirt. The Theta AR might lack some ski jacket-specific features, but it would be fine as a ski jacket and it will be more versatile for activities other than skiing. I'm not sure how to guide you on the sizing - remember that this is just a shell so you will need to buy it big enough to layer underneath for skiing. Use the sizing charts to guide you - this shell is designed to allow room for some layering as long as you are within the recommended range for a given size. For reference, I'm 5'9" and 168 pounds and a medium fits me well with plenty of room for a fleece underneath.

I think you are going to find that these are very similar, with the Kappa SV being slightly warmer. The Fission SV uses a mix of 200g/m2 and 133g/m2 Primaloft while according to the website the Kappa SV only uses 200g/m2. I'd guess that the lighter insulation used for the Fission SV is in the sleeves, which actually seems like a pretty good compromise to me. The bigger difference between these two jackets is the shell fabric: the Fission SV uses the Gore-Tex Pro Shell while the Kappa SV uses Windstopper. Both are windproof, but only the Fission is waterproof.

I actually just realized that the backcountry.com specs don't match up with Arcteryx's website. According to the Arcteryx website, the weight of this jacket is 2 pounds, 4.1 oz (1000g), not the 21.6 oz/614 grams listed here. Also, the insulation is Primaloft, not ThermaTek.

I saw the same review; I purchased last year's model of this for my wife and it is definitely not a bulky jacket - we would have sent it back if it were. I like hers enough that I just ordered one for myself. If I think the fit/sizing is different on the men's version I'll update this.

According to the Cloudveil website the Koven Plus Down Jacket is 32 oz and the Hoback Jacket is 34 oz.

Not on the Sidewinder SV. But I will say that the way the hood is designed, it is very unnoticeable even when you don't have it up. The nice part about the way the jacket is designed is that you can pull the zipper all of the way up without having to put the hood up. I've been using this shell for almost three years now and I love it.

According to Cloudveil's website, this jacket has both: there is a stretch powderskirt, which typically is up around the waist, and there is an adjustable hem, which looks like it should be at the bottom of the jacket. It's not clear to me from their description if the hem is a draw string or elastic. I just ordered last year's model for my wife - I'll give you more info when I have received it.

Update: just got the jacket today. The Hoback does have both a powderskirt and a drawstring at the bottom of the jacket. The powderskirt zips off (as does the hood) - a nice feature if you don't always need the extra protection. I have to say that I am very impressed with the design of the jacket. I just hope that it fits my wife!

Definitely go with the large. I have a 40.5" chest, and the medium fits me great with some room for layering. No way that a medium would be good for 45".

The Gamma MX is a lite version of the Polartec Powershield; I've seen both and the backcountry.com Shift jacket is definitely a little bit heavier. As a point of reference, I think that the Gamma MX makes a better jacket for layering purposes, while the Shift jacket seems like a better option for more use as an outer layer.

I'm in the market for the same thing. I think you need to base your decision on how well you can handle your down clothing. Down in general compresses better, but it also loses all of its insulating property when it gets wet - and this includes when it wets out from your body sweat as well as from external moisture. Many guide services recommend a synthetic insulation jacket for layering, and then a waterproof down parka that goes over everything (including your hardshell) for really cold conditions, typically when summiting. I have a Patagonia down sweater that I really like, but for mountaineering I want the extra insurance that a synthetic jacket provides. These jackets generally seem to be an adequate (and less bulky) replacement for fleece jackets, with the actual warmth obviously dependent on the individual jacket. You will need to decide up front how you want to use the insulated jacket in your clothing system and then make decisions based around that.

Definitely plan on getting a cable lock - even with a lock core in the arm that swings over the front wheel it is possible to force the arm to the open position.

This rack folds up 90 degrees so that it is parallel to the back of the car. However, even folded up it still sticks out 1-2 feet off the back of your vehicle.

Second for the following: Thumbloops or velcro closure (slight preference towards a low bulk thumbloop like what I have seen on Beyond jackets because it works better with gloves that don't have a gauntlet on them); personally I don't want a snow skirt - keep the weight down on the jacket. The mp3 routing is a nice-to-have, but wouldn't impact my buying decision one way or the other. I do second the option for other colors. Personally I'd love to see this in a green color like what is used on the Koven Plus, or gold color like the Sidewinder AR jacket.

I'm 5'10" and 165-170 pounds. The Medium is perfect. I can comfortably wear a patagonia down sweater but I've often worn only a baselayer and a wool sweater underneath and it still fits great.

If you are layering, I would recommend going with the Large.I guess it depends how much you are putting underneath. I'm 5'10 and 170 with a 40.5" chest. I was testing a Marmot Zeus down coat and a Patagonia Down Sweater underneath the Sidewinder SV, AR and Stinger. While the Patagonia Down Sweater fit well under all three shells, the larger Zeus down jacket only fit well under the Stinger - it's definitely a roomier/baggier design. The medium Stinger fits me great - I don't like my jackets baggy, and I think the great fit that I've come to expect of Arcteryx jackets would be lost if I went with a size large.

The Sidewinder SV's hood is not removable, nor does it have the stowable hood. I don't think any of the Arcteryx shells have a removable hood, but the Sidewinder AR and the Stinger jackets both have stowable hoods and are designed for skiing.