Prefer old Gamma AR.

By kd_3686944 Ranked #509 - Women's Softshell Jackets March 1, 2010

I am 5'8", med/slim, with orangutan-length arms. I have worn a men's Gamma-AR size small for years for all-weather bike-commuting and backcountry skiing, and loved it. The new NOT-made-in-Canada versions now have new and extra seams in strange places (if you're concerned with shedding moisture, for example, or rubbing/friction), no zipper garages, less-elastic sleeve openings (read: more difficult to tuck in one's gloves underneath), less-smooth finish to the fabric (noisy), and an overall puffier if longer fit. I tried the men's as usual first, and the fit was just not right. So I tried the women's style. I like the light-green/yellow color (for visibility). Size large almost fit me in the body (although slightly loose), but the sleeves were short, shorter than I'd have expected by comparing the various size charts. X-Large finally almost fit in the sleeve length but was way too big in the body for me [I returned both]. Probably still a good jacket for leisure, but new version is no longer as good for hardcore use, IMHO. So I'll keep using my old one and I'll be on the lookout for vintage Gamma ARs.

View Details: Arc'teryx Gamma AR Jacket - Women's

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes