"Very Good Hard/Soft Shell but..." - Review of Arc'teryx Seeker Comp Softshell Jacket - Men's

Ok, I bought this jacket because when I read the reviews and the description of the jacket, I was lead to believe this thing is water proof...I mean tight! It is not... The Hard shell material IS waterproof but the softshell component is only very highly water resistant. I talked to the folks at Arc'Teryx and they told me that this was NOT a jacket they deem "waterproof'. And folks, we know that Arc'Teryx is not mincing words when they describe their gear. What I was told was that the hard shell components are waterproof and the softshell parts are approximately 65-70% waterproof. The softshell material itself isn't waterproof in of itself (i.e. doesn;t have a waterproof membrane) but rathher is water resistant and made veryra water resistant by the DWR treatment. So...from a technical standpoint, the materials do not make this a bombproof, waterproof jacket. Now, Let me describe my real world experience. Just this Thanksgiving (2008) I went to playa de carmen for vacation and the first 2.5 days was rain soaked. I expected some rain and I took the Seeker Comp with me to test out its water resistance.... Let me tell you, this thing may not be completely waterproof, but it is very damn near close. This think kept me dry in 15 minutes of walking around in a deluge and 30 minutes of light rain. The only areas where I noticed a bit of water coming through was in the back, where I had been leaning back against a tree and some rocks. The back is the soft shell material and water WILL GET THROUGH if you but too much pressure against the material against really wet surfaces. By the way, the seams on the Seeker are beautifully sealed and the waterproof zippers are great. With respect to breathability, it is outstanding...even in the muggy 75 degree weather during the rain showers in Mexico...I didn't have that nasty clammy wet feeling inside the jacket. With respect to warmth....forget about it. This thing is a light shell. The folks at Arc'Teryx told me that this thing has only about 65-80% wind stopping. This turned out true. Here in the rockies, we have had some very windy days recently, and I can tel you that when the wind picks up to more than a strong breeze, you will start to feel the wind...especially in the soft shell areas. Also, the Seeker Comp is not your insulated or heavier softshell jacket. If you want to wear this thing in sub 40 degree weather, you may want to start thinking about a mid layer or a decently warm base layer. At about freezing tempature...this thing is not going to provide the warmth you need. Now, this is subject to your level of activity, as I was just taking a walk in the neighborhood so not realy getting my body tempture up. As for pit zips...who needs pit zips. This jacket breaths. Now my question is, when do I wear my TNF Free Thinker and when do I wear the Seeker Comp... I just received my 2007/08 TNF Free Thinker Jacket and I will post a review after my upcoming snow boarding trip. Hope this review helps....
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