Arc'teryx Men's Theta AR Jacket

Pros: Comfortable, Slim Harness friendly fit, Color options, formerly made in Canada
Cons: one-way front zip, size is off, small pockets, now made in China

Feb 13, 2008 EDIT: At the time I wrote this review Arc'teryx made this jacket in Canada. As of Jan 2008 ALL production for Arcteryx jackets and packs shifted to China. I recently picked up a second Theta AR jacket in the Picasso red color and on the tag ...

Pros: durable, lightweight, waterproof, very comfortable.
Cons: zipper action, no hand pockets - other comments in review body..

A super durable and waterproof jacket. Highly recommended over any other alpine jacket on the market. Having said that, there are a few characteristics needing attention. The jacket's main zipper comes with the standard YKK metal pull - the kind found ...

Pros: High quality, light-weight, durable, stylish,
Cons: None

I've been looking for a high quality durable Gore-Tex shell. Arc'teryx exceeded my expectations. These jackets are high quality (not made in China like TNF, but made in Canada). The materials and assembly of this jacket are second to none. Sure, it costs more but this jacket is an investment, you won't have to buy another for a long time. It will keep you dry, warm, and comfortable in nearly any kind of weather. Visit the Arc'teryx website and see the specifications of this jacket, no other manufacturer can compare. Additionally, I happened to buy this jacket at 20% off the original price during a local ski shop pre-season sale. Other shops do this so check with yours.

What else can I say when perfection has been reached? This is THE best jacket money can buy...

Pros: Light, weather tight, rugged and breathable while suitable for a trip to the supermarket.
Cons: Expensive

I purchased this Jacket from a small mountaineering store as part of my layering strategy for a week-long back country ski trip. I spent 7 days cross country skiing at Yellowstone in temperatures ranging from 15 below zero to 35 above with a Polypro base, a Marmot venting Polartec 200 mid-layer and this jacket. No matter the temperature or difficulty of the trail I was able to vent and unvent the jacket to allow me continuous forward movement without stopping to "strip". Complete breathability with Goretex XCR fabric. Jacket has all waterproof zippers with large side pockets an arm pocket and front pocket for easy access to all the necessary trail supplies. Though expensive, I can use this good looking jacket from below zero ski trips to rainy day backpacking gear, to a trip to the local supermarket.

Pros: best of the best, period
Cons: way overpriced, not THAT durable.

Price Paid: $225.00 at ebay

Summary:
You're paying for the technology, a top of the line outdoor jacket, and of course, the brand name. It's clearly not worth $450, just like designer clothes are not worth excessive prices. Arc'teryx is the designer clothing label of the outdoor world, but at least its the best. On ebay you will pay about 25% less, just be patient.

The first day i had this jacket, i almost ripped the back coming out of a cab! It resulted in a long sratch on the back like a thread-pull on a sweater. This will probably effect the waterproof. How can this jacket survive in the mountains climbing and skiing etc, when it cant survive one night in Boston climbing out of a taxi!

Customer Service:
got lucky on ebay
avg price is about $325-360 on ebay
give yourself a few weeks to watch though for your size and color.

Remember, this is still just a jacket, a jacket made out of plastic. Do you really need this? No, or course not, but why not, its really nice.