Good Jacket

By kmundnic2256652 Ranked #411 - Men's Ski Jackets August 8, 2010

I bought this jacket 2 years ago, so I think it's time for a review. I use this jacket mostly for skiing (almost always in the Andes mountains, one time in Breckenridge, CO), although I've used it for backpacking/trekking as well in the South of Chile (rainy). I would give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

This is a REALLY well built jacket. I spent about 3-4 months trying on shells (from OR, Marmot, The North Face, Patagonia), and this is the one that I liked most. I liked it because it is not baggy and it lets you layer up. I can easily and comfortably use a Patagonia Down Sweater below it, and on freezing conditions I can even use a 200 weight fleece below the Down Sweater (low activity). There is really no problem for layering up, and never looks baggy!

My Stringray Jacket is Large. I'm 6'3" 185lbs and ski most of the time with a Patagonia R1 as base layer (medium) and TNF Apex Bionic Jacket (Large) below this one. For me, this combination is good up to about -5°C or -6°C (23°F) on resort skiing activity.

On construction, I think the hood it the best part of this jacket. Really well made, comfortable, easy to put on. Zippers are nice, not difficult to open/close. When using a backpack, you understand why "hand" pockets are so high. It has 2 small interior pockets too.

It is completely wind and water proof. My only complaint is the collar. Is is a bit wide, so I like to use a wind resistant layer below it on windy conditions, like a softshell. Also, because of my size, I would like it to be a bit longer, but that is just me. The powder skirt stays in place. Arms could be a bit longer too.

It is packable, although not ULTRA packable. It's good for skiing, but I would consider another jacket if you'll use it not only for skiing. At left, a photo of the fuzzy interior.

I would recommend this jacket. Mine is made in Canada.

View Details: Arc'teryx Stingray Jacket - Men's

Helpful Votes: 5 Yes