Sidewinder SV is almost perfect

By Alex Gross March 17, 2011

Size/Fit: I'm 5'8" and 170 lbs. The medium is perfect for me, with enough room for some serious layering, but its not baggy at all. The waist is cut below the hips on me, but it doesn't hang down too low.

What's awesome: The Pro shell is bomber! Even in the wettest, snowiest conditions I haven't had any concerns about water seeping in. Maybe I sweat a lot, but I don't think that this jacket breathes great, but it does breathe enough. Pockets are all well positioned and I like the smaller inside pocket that is perfect for a pocketknife. All of the zippers work well and seem to be waterproof. The pit zips are easily reached and help vent on warm days or when skinning up the hill. The hood fits over my medium helmet and adjusts nicely to be snug on the days when I don't wear my helmet.

What I don't like: the see through window sleeve pocket isn't great. The season pass scanner can't scan through it, so you can't keep a pass in there. And the stuff that I like to keep easily accessible in that pocket isn't really suitable for that location. I'm also not too fond of the collar. When I have the jacket zipped up all the way the collar catches on my helmet chin strap and makes my helmet shift when I turn my head... this is super annoying and I've never had this issue with any of my other jackets. I don't have a problem with the side zipper, but it doesn't do much for me either.

View Details: Arc'teryx Sidewinder SV Jacket - Men's

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes