The inside pockets arent waterproof on this jacket, but im sure the pocket on the left sleeve would be perfect for an iphone. it will be it dry for sure because its surrounded by gore-tex and has a waterproof zipper on it.

Go with a large for sure.

It will stay dry for awhile, depending on how long you are out in the rain. If you want something that is for sure going to keep you dry, get a jacket that has either Gore-Tex or eVent.

425grams=15oz

I would suggest going for a jacket with Gore-Tex. The Venture is a decent jacket for a little bit of rain, but its not very good for downpours and its pretty darn thin to be a winter/snow jacket. i would suggest getting something a bit heavier that will be a bit warmer for the winter. I would suggest to get the Mountain Hardwear Xenon shell. its still pretty light weight at 19oz, and it will give you the desired weather protection.

no it is not.

Since this material is highly water resistant, not waterproof, the DWR on the cuffs will wear off quickly in this area because of wear and tear. To fix this, i would suggest that you get some Nixwax Spray-On DWR and apply it to the cuff areas of this jacket. By doing this, you will have some extra protection and hopefully it will stop the water from penetrating the jacket.

Ive had this jacket for quite some time and i just tried to roll it up to see how it works and its kind of uncomfortable. but, it is possible to roll it up and kind of tuck in into the jacket, but comfort-wise, i wouldn't recommend it.

Since this is only a shell, for layering purposes i think you should go with the Large. According to the Arcteryx sizing chart, a large is 43" chest and while the medium is 40".

this jacket will be nice and light for runs but it may not be enough water protection. it only has 5k waterproofing and 5k breathability, so that wont do much to keep you dry and it wont breath that well either. i would get something that has more protection and a higher breathability rating to let the heat escape easier.

This jacket actually does have pit zips, and it does have a chest pocket, its just hard to see in this image, but in the detailed view photos, it gives you a close-up of the chest pocket.

It just sits back under your neck when youre not using it.

When considering these two jacket, i would take into consideration your planned use. This jacket will be better for skiing with is powder skirt, so if you are going to solely use this jacket for skiing, i would get this one. The Theta AR isnt a bad skiing jacket, but powder gets in way easier, even if you tighten the bottom hem. But if you are looking for a solid all around jacket, from skiing to hiking, etc, i would get the Theta AR.

Yes it will hold a 15.4 inch laptop.

There are products you can use to wash and revive the DWR coating on this jacket. I use Nixwax Tech Wash to clean the jacket and then Nixwax wash-in DWR after. There are also spray-on DWR products. Also, Grangers makes good wash/DWR products as well. Type "Nixwax" into the search bar at the top and you can get a list of those products.

The DWR will wear off overtime, but as Cyrus said, this jacket has a waterproof membrane, so no water should get in. DWR can always be re-applied so thats nothing to worry about either.

Yeah you definitely need something that has Gore-Tex. This jacket doesnt have a waterproof membrane, just a PU coating, so thats why the water will get through. Gore-Tex is a waterproof membrane, so thats why it will be way better

This jacket is lighter than the Nomad. The Fugitive jacket is a midweight fleece jacket while the Nomad is a heavier weight fleece. They both consist of Polartec Wind Pro with hardface technology, so theres really not much difference besides weight.

This jacket basically replaced the Gamma SV. It does have the same Polartec Powershield, but the new version, the AR, is lighter in weight that the older version.

This would be a good all day every day rain shell. Gore-Tex will keep rain and water out. Also, the hood will be effective in keeping out the weather. I feel this is something you could use everyday.

They would be better for weather changing weather. They are best for 3 season use.

they are all different weights, but they are all made out of a different material. The Gamma MX is made of Polartec Powershield, the Gamma AR is Tweave Durastretch, and the Gamma LT is made of Fortius.

The Beta LT is lighter and has a less durable exterior fabric than the Alpha SV. Also, the Alpha SV has a fixed hood, while the hood on the Beta LT is stowable. The Alpha SV is longer than the Beta LT as well.

i feel that this jacket may be a bit too much for trail running considering it is cut more for skiing/other outdoor activities, but i suppose if you got a smaller size it would work pretty well. 14oz is pretty light weight for a technical shell so that is a positive. One recommendation would be the Arc'teryx Alpha SL pullover. 11oz, Anorak that can be zipped freely to vent and it packs into its own kangaroo pocket.

Arc'teryx has their Spring '09 line-up on their redesigned website and it doesnt have the Beta AR listed in the "Big Sky" color. Where did you hear about this new color?

10.5-11 US size

Go with a small.

The Scorpion is going to be the only completely waterproof jacket out of the bunch and the only one with a powder skirt. The Alchemy is out right away because it doesnt have a hood (if you are looking for the most versatile layering piece, go with the Alchemy because it will be easier to layer since it has no hood). The Venta SV and Gamma SV will be very similar (they are only 15g different in weight). The Venta SV has Windstopper which is water resistant and the Venta SV has fully taped seams, while the Gamma SV doesnt have taped seams. I would say to go with the Venta SV.

This is probably one of the lighter ones that wont break the bank, especially if you get a discontinued color. The OR Rampart jacket is also cheap ($80) and 13.4oz, the Mountain Hardwear Cohesion is 14oz and is on sale for $52.48 from $150. Also, size pending, you could get a Patagonia Rain Shadow that weighs 13oz for $90 from $150.

The Scorpion is going to be the only completely waterproof jacket out of the bunch and the only one with a powder skirt. The Alchemy is out right away because it doesnt have a hood (if you are looking for the most versatile layering piece, go with the Alchemy because it will be easier to layer since it has no hood). The Venta SV and Gamma SV will be very similar (they are only 15g different in weight). The Venta SV has Windstopper which is water resistant and the Venta SV has fully taped seams, while the Gamma SV doesnt have taped seams. I would say to go with the Venta SV.

The hood is one of the bigger differences, so you have to ask yourself if you want a fixed hood or a stowable hood. They are both Gore-Tex Pro Shell, they both have powder skirt and are nearly the same weight. If you are going for a cheaper price, go for the AR.

They obviously have different materials. The Gamma SV hoody has Polartec Powershield while the Alchemy has Windstopper. The Gamma SV hoody has a helmet compatible hood while the Alchemy doesnt have a hood. The Alchemy will be better for layering under a hardshell, while the Gamma SV would stand better on its own. So it basically comes down to what your use will be. Arcteryx is very high quality as well, so thats always a bonus.

They obviously have different materials. The Gamma SV hoody has Polartec Powershield while the Alchemy has Windstopper. The Gamma SV hoody has a helmet compatible hood while the Alchemy doesnt have a hood. The Alchemy will be better for layering under a hardshell, while the Gamma SV would stand better on its own. So it basically comes down to what your use will be.

i would go with the medium, just for the extra room and it that doesnt work, you can always exchange it.

i think a small would work pretty well for you. this jacket is pretty generous when it comes to room for layering.

100g in the Body and 80g in the sleeves

100g in the Body and 80g in the sleeves

100g in the Body and 80g in the sleeves

I would say to go with an XL.

As far as ive seen the cobalt blue is a pretty lookin jacket. its more of a mild blue in my opinion.

Probably, depending on the size of the bag. This jacket is very compressible.

The majority of the Arcteryx mid-layer jackets are a full zip, so thats a significant difference. Some of the pullovers are made of wool, while this one is Polartec Wind Pro, which is a very effective wind blocking layer. I feel half zips are very versatile and great for layering. as for the fit, i dont know. Hopefully someone else can answer that...

i think that size will be ok for you, but if not, Backcountry will do any exchange. they have a 100% guarantee with every product sold, so you can exchange it anytime (tomorrow or in 20 years). This company is the BEST when it comes to that sort of thing.

Thats a good question. Ive looked everywhere and havent been able to find it. I would guess its about 200.

As far as i can find, there arent any left. you could do a google search and see if you can find it elsewhere.

Ive looked and i dont think they sell replacement suspenders.

The Red Banks would fit your parameters pretty well. Its heavier than the jackets you listed, coming in at 1lb 6oz. it has the necessary hood, waterproof MemBrain 2L and lots of other good features that will make this a good jacket especially for the price.

it can be used for skiing. it has an attached storm hood, pit zips for venting, and cinch cords for bad weather. just no powder skirt or insulation so layering will be needed.

i do know it is a fully laminated storm hood which is helmet compatible. maybe someone else can answer the rest.

These two softshells are going to be similar. They are both general-use jackets, either for layer in colder weather or just wearing it alone in mild temperatures. They both are water resistant with a DWR coating and they are both stretchy materials. Either one is a good softshell to go with.

it runs a bit smaller considering that it is supposed to be a lightweight rain shell.

it does have a laminated hem drawcord around the waist, but i dont think it has a way to cinch down the wrists.

yes it would be.

I wear a medium as well and ive tried on both of these jackets and i would suggest to get a medium. they are very similar in sizing.

No it does not.

well i guess its just preference, especially when it comes to the pockets and the pullover or complete zipper. the technology is obviously the same and they are very similar in weight, just 2oz difference. you just have to figure out if you want a pullover or a complete zip with 2 hand/storage pockets.

The Torre is more of a skier friendly jacket. it has a removable powder skirt, while the Exum doesnt have a powder skirt. Otherwise they are very similar. they both have helmet compatible hoods and Gore-Tex Pro Shell. i believe that the Exum is lighter in weight than the Torre.

The Torre is more of a skier friendly jacket. it has a removable powder skirt, while the Exum doesnt have a powder skirt. Otherwise they are very similar. they both have helmet compatible hoods and Gore-Tex Pro Shell. i believe that the Exum is lighter in weight than the Torre.

They are going to be a very similar product. Nearly the exact same weight, but the Rain Shadow has a roll-down hood while the Venture's is fixed. The Venture is very packable, but so is the Rain Shadow. I personally would get the Rain Shadow. It has a waterproof laminate, while the Venture has a waterproof coating.

It depends what youre using it for. The Alpha SL is 2oz lighter, but as far as ive heard, eVent is more breathable than Gore-Tex. I am a huge arcteryx fan, and my older bro had this jacket and loved it so i would recommend it to you.

Yes it is. The Foray has Gore-Tex Paclite, which is a whole lot better HyVent DT that the Venture jacket has. They are very similar in weight too, so go with the Foray.

It must be an older model or else the pictures he posted or the pictures here on the site are very deceiving of the actual color.

The newer model with the Pro Shell has Micro Grid Backer, which supposedly increases the breathability and internal abrasion resistance. I have the last version made with XCR and i think its an amazing jacket. I used it for everything: snowboarding, skiing, hiking, biking, campus use, etc. And for some reason the description above says "Arc'teryx added Underarm zips for ventilation in mellow conditions, so you don't overheat while breaking trail in two feet of new snow", but my older model has Pit Zips that are huge, so i dont know why thats there. Personally, i would save the money and go with the older version, but if you want increase breathability go with the new version.

The liner is laminated directly onto the outer fabric, but it does have internal mesh storage pockets

Thats just the way it is i suppose. You could try a google image search of this jacket and see what comes up.

I would say get this one because it runs a bit bigger/looser than the Venture, so it will be easier to lay underneath.

Nope it doesnt. just a one way.

nope, it has a one way zipper.

Arcteryx jackets usually are a slimmer fit for the more athletic type. And this jacket is a better product than the Apex Bionic, so get this one.

Stick with the same size.

I tried on a medium and it seemed a bit long in the arms for me. im 5'9", 140ish. but it wasnt that large in general.

I would recommend a large. i think an XL will be too big for you.

According to the Marmot website, listed under the features of this jacket, it says it is "Zippin™ Compatible"

Well this jacket is currently on sale so get it now and the only colors they make it in are the ones shown above: Inca Blue, Copper, and Tarragon. This jacket is new for the Fall 2008 line of Arc'teryx gear, so there wont be any other previous models. You might be thinking of the Maverick AR jacket, which they make in black.

It depends on your arm length. if your arms can fit into a medium, go for that, if not, go large.

They are both a good lens, but it kind of depends what youre looking for. The VR28 polarized is 14% visual light transmission while the HI Amber is 25% VLT, so similar, but obviously the VR28 is going to be darker overall.

156 Effective Edge (cm) - 112.00 and a waist of 25.0cm158 Effective Edge (cm)- 113.5 and a waist of 25.1cm

Elastic

Medium, but the arms may be long if you have shorter arms.

Arcteryx makes a jacket called the Delta SV. Its similar, but pricier, but you will also get an Arcteryx quality product, so if you can find it on sale go for it.

The Apex Bionic jacket has The North Face's ClimateBlock, which is windproof, very breathable, has 4-way stretching abilities, and a DWR finish. The Snowline also has a DWR finish and can zip into other Columbia jackets. Overall, i would say the Apex Bionic jacket is a better product.

That color was called Green Bean, and it is not being made anymore.If you wear a XXL, you can still get one on backcountryoutlet.com

HyVent DT uses the same technology as HyVent, but the HyVent DT is 2.5 layer fabric, while the regular HyVent is 3-layer. So HyVent DT will be more packable, lighter, and breathes better, hence the higher price.

It could be used for snowshoeing on a warm day because its highly breathable and it has Windstopper and Apex softshell for protection, but in general for winter activities it would be better as a mid-layer.

It may be a bit too noisy for golf, but it could be too heavy. I would suggest looking for something thats completely made out of Gore-Tex Paclite. Or something thats a bit more golf suitable such as something from a brand called Zero Restriction.

about 2" longer in the theta AR. 2" is about right. The Beta AR is listed at hip length with a drop hem while the Theta AR is listed at below hip length with the drop hem

No it is not.

I think with your size, getting a medium would be a pretty tight fit. The Beta SL is a trim fit since its a lightweight rain shell, so stuffing a Maverick AR could be too much for a medium to handle. I would suggest looking into a Delta AR zip to wear under if you do want to get a medium.

the parka is going to be longer. according to the north face website, the venture jacket has a 28" length from center back while the parka has a 31" length from center back. also, the venture parka is about 2oz heavier.

I would suggest looking at the North Face Venture jacket. its lighter weight, has a fixed hood, and will pack easier than this jacket. and right now the discontinued colors are on sale for $59.37, so that is a really good deal for an effective rain shell.

the resolve has a stowable hood and weights a bit more than both the Venture jacket and Venture Parka, with the Venture jacket being the lightest. according to the stats, they both have the same breathability and waterproofing. i believe the venture parka is a bit longer/bigger than the venture jacket. i would recommend getting the Venture jacket. its a solid, lightweight, all-around rain shell for a cheap price, especially right now since the discounted colors are priced at $59.37.