snowranger

I just got this jacket today....the Mica in black and it does not have pit zips as stated in Backcountry's description. I checked Marmot's official website and confirmed this with their description....there is no mention of pitzips anywhere. This isn't that big of of a deal and I will probably keep the Marmot jacket. I have the OR Helium jacket and will be returning it. I like the features on the Marmot better such as the adjustable velcro cuffs and side pockets...not that much of weight difference either between the two. I ordered both in small and the Marmot has a slightly roomier cut and generally fits better. I wore it a few times for running in heavy rain and don't think the OR breathed all that well..plus it allowed rain in the cuff area due to lack of closures. We'll see how well the Marmot breaths.

I have two of these shirts and of all the ones I have, these show the least amount of wear. Most running shirts are delicate and the fabric pulls or runs if it even gets close to velcro or you subject it to a waist pack or hydration pack. Not Arc'teryx. These shirst are worth the exra dough. You get what you pay for.

Overall, this is a decent pack but not as comfortable as I was hoping. Maybe it just needs some more break-in time. It seems that the frame sheet, if thats what it's called, is really stiff especially at the bottom where the waist strap is attached. I wore this on a 30 mile training run and it was rubbing against the lower part of my back. So you either have to over- tighten the waist strap to minimize this rubbing however;the waist belt is then to tight, at least for me it was.

On the upside,it has just the right amount of storage for long runs and the bladder is easy to get to for re-filling. Shoulder straps seem comfortable and the stretch mesh pockets hold gels,electrolyte capsules or small energy bars well.

If Osprey can improve or make the framesheet more flexible this would be a great pack.

Arcteryx should've put two hood pulls on this as most of their shells do. I found this out in a recent spring snow storm here in Colorado. The hood does tend to creep down over your head unless you're wearing a helmet or have a head the size of pumpkin. The Alpha has two hood pulls, which works great. It seems like Arcteryx either overlooked this small but important detail or left it out to save weight. Other than that a great shell.

I have owned other Oakley sunglasses and these are just as great. I picked the polarized and they are great for all types of weather. They fit my face perfectly!

I've noticed several reviewers complain about this problem in regards to the flaring of the arm holes. I originally purchased this vest in medium and also had this problem. Luckily, I was able to fit into a small which totally eliminated the problem. Of course I can't layer much under it but it fits perfect over an icebreaker midweight or liteweight layer and fits perfect under a hardshell or another softshell jacket.

I like the design and material but the sizing seems to run big. They were way too long and would need to be shortened. I ordered the Gamma LT pants instead...I've tried these on before and they seem to be a better fit.

So far I think this is a great jacket. The primaloft is far superior to down without the all the bulk. It definitely breathes better than down. It slides over other layers well, not that you would need much under it. The only issue was sizing...they run big.I normally wear a medium with Arcteryx but had to go with a small. Very pricey compared to similar jackets.

This is a well thought out pack. It has a nice exterior access for shovel, handle, and probes. It fits well and carries a typical day tour load with ease. It carries skis well but doesn't have a diagonal carry, not a big deal since the skis sit up high enough from hitting my legs. The top lid access is little small but big enough for the essentials. Good durable materials and watertight zips. I'm surprised there aren’t more reviews.

These make for a great base layer, you can't beat merino wool with a touch of lycra. I think these are bit higher quality than the Icebreaker. They hold there shape better after a few days of continuous wear compared to the Icebreaker.

So far I like it. It's your basic duffel bag. The main compartment is spacious although a separate interior compartment would be a nice addition. The side storage compartments are made of really durable material to hold dirty shoes and clothing separate from the clean. The two smaller exterior zip up pockets are bit on the small side. They're difficult to access due the large flap of ballistic nylon material over them. Overall a nice, durable bag.

This is one of the best fitting layers you can get. Even after wearing it for multiple days it retains it shape. The neck portion also stays snug. It's as good or better that Icebreaker and Ibex merino products. I wore this today under a Marmot wind shirt for a cold (upper 20Fs low 30Fs) mountain bike ride and it was just the right comb. Great product as usual from Arc'teryx. Of course this site always has the best choice of products and excellent service.

I'm normally a big fan of Arc'teryx products. I was disapointed with this pack because of the lack of features.It's not really hydration compatible as it is described. There's no sleeve to hold a hydration bladder. For the price, this pack should have this feature as well as seperate sleeves for snow tools such as probe poles. Don't get me wrong... the quality is excellent. I think Arc'teryx should re-visit the design on this particular ski pack.

This was obviously a well thought out jacket. The quality is no less than what I'd expect from Arc'teryx. The design is simple and streamlined. Wear this shell over the Gamma MX jacket and you should be set for most of your backcountry activities. Thanks to the staff at Backcountry for excellent customer service and quick shipping.