For the Arc'teryx Windstopper jackets (Venta SV and AR) the seams are "finish taped" this means they have more weather resistance than an untaped seam (not totally waterproof by Gore standards, but will keep leaks out in all but heavy rain, great for snow). This finish taping allows using narrower seams and eliminating exposed stitching on the outside of the jacket for better durability.

I'm not Taylor but I wanted to chime in. Taped seams are important for waterproofness in jackets that are waterproof. Only one of these is... and those seams are taped. So, the jacket choices are Venta SV (Gore Windstopper), Gamma SV Hoody (Polartec Powershield), Scorpion (Gore Softshell), and Alchemy (Gore Windstopper)... correct? I have been looking all over the Arcteryx site and cannot find anywhere where it says the Venta SV has taped seams. This may be a mis-print in the content on Backcountry's site as there is not much of a reason to tape, for waterproofness, a jacket that is made with windstopper. The only waterproof taped jacket in the bunch is the Scorpion which is Gore Softshell. Polartec Powershield in the Gamma is not completely windproof. Almost but not totally. Also, it has a more trim cut for technical use than the Venta. Both the Venta and the Alchemy are made with Gore Windstopper. So, for you... I think it comes down to whether or not you want a hood as it sounds like Gore Windstopper is the fabric that would work the best. It is between the Venta SV w/ hood or the Alchemy without. The Venta would be a great stand alone peice... the Alchemy would be a bit more versatile due to layering capabilities of a hoodless jacket. I hope this makes sense. Please let us know if you have any other fabric questions and I/we can do our best to answer. Thanks.