Proven in the Patagonian Andes

By ytpconquer Ranked #1160 - Men's Technical Shells February 13, 2010

Just got back from a 34 day NOLS Patagonia mountaineering course with this jacket. It rained or snowed 29 of the 34 days we were out, and my layers underneath stayed dry throughout several storms and blizzards. The DWR coating wore off after a few days of constant rain, and the water stopped beading up, but I continued to stay dry. The fit was great and allowed room to fit over all my layers, and the drawcords and cut ensured that it would not be too loose without a helmet or layering.

The shell survived severe bushwhacking and falls onto mud, rock, and ice.The arms and shoulders are made of a more durable fabric than the chest and back, which helps protect against abrasion and tearing. The only downside is that the fabric on the chest seemed pretty vulnerable to friction wear. After being roped up for one day, one of the locking carabiners that attached me to the rope wore a few small holes through the front of the jacket. The inner liner seemed to delaminate where it contacted the carabiner, and then the gore-tex and outer layer were compromised. However, the holes were easily patched, and I avoided more problems by lifting the jacket above the harness in the front. I don't think Arc'teryx's warranty would cover something like that.

Overall, this is the best jacket I have ever owned. The quality of materials and attention to detail make sure you will stay dry even through the roughest conditions as I found out. The pockets gave me plenty of room for gear and the drawcords always kept everything snug. Highly recommended!

View Details: Arc'teryx Theta AR Jacket - Men's

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