Arc'teryx - any experts?
Discussion
I fancy another new jacket and I like Arc'teryx.
It won't be used for climbing mountains or walking hills it will be used around town and on the commute to work so to/from the office and house and train station.
I'm a little unclear if their shell jackets do much for warmth of if the assumption is you'll be layering them and I'm a little unclear if their insulated jackets are wild overkill for a commute with a shirt underneath in normal UK weather.
And then there is SL, AR, LT and all the other types of the same model of jacket.
There isn't anywhere near me that has a decent selection in stock so any pointers would be great.
It won't be used for climbing mountains or walking hills it will be used around town and on the commute to work so to/from the office and house and train station.
I'm a little unclear if their shell jackets do much for warmth of if the assumption is you'll be layering them and I'm a little unclear if their insulated jackets are wild overkill for a commute with a shirt underneath in normal UK weather.
And then there is SL, AR, LT and all the other types of the same model of jacket.
There isn't anywhere near me that has a decent selection in stock so any pointers would be great.
Shell jacket: unlined and designed to be used as part of a layer system (base layer, fleece, shell). So you'll be OK with a shirt or similar underneath when you're walking around, but it won't keep you warm (apart from blocking wind out).
I have heard good things about Arc'teryx insulated down jackets... but they are VERY expensive for what they are so I've never really looked into buying any of their kit. Frankly, a lot of us strange types who like tramping around cold wet hills regard them as a bit of a yuppie brand. All the gear and no idea type of thing - a lot of the styling is less 'technical' so it fits in well with an urban environment. You will get very hot walking around in a down jacket... they're best for belay (waiting around to climb in cold environments), putting on when setting up camp/having a break and are excellent for cold nights in the pub!
I'm a fan of Mountain Equipment and Rab kit.
If you were after a waterproof down jacket, I'd go for either the Rab Valiance (my missus has one and loves it) or the Rab Resolution... really want one of these but I can't find one in XXL.
Shell jackets: I've got a Mountain Equipment Rupal (mountaineering goretex waterproof which I love but it's getting a bit battered now so I'm going to replace with a ME Lhotse jacket) and Rab Meridian which is nicely thin and good for summer use).
I've got a Mountain Equipment Lightline down jacket: very warm but not waterproof (down is useless when it gets wet) so it has to be combined with a shell if it looks like rain or snow).
Of course if you really want an Arc'teryx jacket then you should buy one: LD Mountain Centre and Trekkit are both good web stores and have hassle free returns if you can't physically go to a shop to try one on.
Kit being used in the Peaks last year:
I have heard good things about Arc'teryx insulated down jackets... but they are VERY expensive for what they are so I've never really looked into buying any of their kit. Frankly, a lot of us strange types who like tramping around cold wet hills regard them as a bit of a yuppie brand. All the gear and no idea type of thing - a lot of the styling is less 'technical' so it fits in well with an urban environment. You will get very hot walking around in a down jacket... they're best for belay (waiting around to climb in cold environments), putting on when setting up camp/having a break and are excellent for cold nights in the pub!
I'm a fan of Mountain Equipment and Rab kit.
If you were after a waterproof down jacket, I'd go for either the Rab Valiance (my missus has one and loves it) or the Rab Resolution... really want one of these but I can't find one in XXL.
Shell jackets: I've got a Mountain Equipment Rupal (mountaineering goretex waterproof which I love but it's getting a bit battered now so I'm going to replace with a ME Lhotse jacket) and Rab Meridian which is nicely thin and good for summer use).
I've got a Mountain Equipment Lightline down jacket: very warm but not waterproof (down is useless when it gets wet) so it has to be combined with a shell if it looks like rain or snow).
Of course if you really want an Arc'teryx jacket then you should buy one: LD Mountain Centre and Trekkit are both good web stores and have hassle free returns if you can't physically go to a shop to try one on.
Kit being used in the Peaks last year:
Edited by Faust66 on Wednesday 7th September 19:31
b
hstewie said:
hstewie said: I fancy another new jacket and I like Arc'teryx.
It won't be used for climbing mountains or walking hills it will be used around town and on the commute to work so to/from the office and house and train station.
I'm a little unclear if their shell jackets do much for warmth of if the assumption is you'll be layering them and I'm a little unclear if their insulated jackets are wild overkill for a commute with a shirt underneath in normal UK weather.
And then there is SL, AR, LT and all the other types of the same model of jacket.
There isn't anywhere near me that has a decent selection in stock so any pointers would be great.
Living in Canada, I'm a big fan and own quite a few of their jackets etc. Pricey yes, but the quality is lovely and after sales support and warranty is what you pay for. I had a pair of their hiking boots, nearly 3 years old and the sole started to separate on the toe. They replaced them no questions asked, even without a receipt. It won't be used for climbing mountains or walking hills it will be used around town and on the commute to work so to/from the office and house and train station.
I'm a little unclear if their shell jackets do much for warmth of if the assumption is you'll be layering them and I'm a little unclear if their insulated jackets are wild overkill for a commute with a shirt underneath in normal UK weather.
And then there is SL, AR, LT and all the other types of the same model of jacket.
There isn't anywhere near me that has a decent selection in stock so any pointers would be great.
AR is your daily jacket. I wear my Beta AR for out n about, pub, etc. LT is the lightweight , thinner material (I also have one).
As mentioned, they are shell jackets, so layering is required.
Edited by Rich_AR on Wednesday 7th September 20:44
ChocolateFrog said:
They're a posers brand IMO.
My mates who are head to toe in the stuff like to make sure you're aware they're head to toe in the stuff.
That's not to say it isn't good stuff but the brand image would put me off personally.
In the UK maybe, not out here in the PNW. They're a staple jacket like a Subaru Outback is for your daily driver.My mates who are head to toe in the stuff like to make sure you're aware they're head to toe in the stuff.
That's not to say it isn't good stuff but the brand image would put me off personally.
I have a Zeta AR shell that’s about 3 years old now. Despite wearing daily over the winters, it has zero signs of wear.
When it gets colder, I layer it with a Rab Microlight bought at the same time but is on its last legs.
If you can find one discounted, I’d highly recommend Arcteryx
When it gets colder, I layer it with a Rab Microlight bought at the same time but is on its last legs.
If you can find one discounted, I’d highly recommend Arcteryx
Faust66 said:
Shell jacket: unlined and designed to be used as part of a layer system (base layer, fleece, shell). So you'll be OK with a shirt or similar underneath when you're walking around, but it won't keep you warm (apart from blocking wind out).
I have heard good things about Arc'teryx insulated down jackets... but they are VERY expensive for what they are so I've never really looked into buying any of their kit. Frankly, a lot of us strange types who like tramping around cold wet hills regard them as a bit of a yuppie brand. All the gear and no idea type of thing - a lot of the styling is less 'technical' so it fits in well with an urban environment. You will get very hot walking around in a down jacket... they're best for belay (waiting around to climb in cold environments), putting on when setting up camp/having a break and are excellent for cold nights in the pub!
I'm a fan of Mountain Equipment and Rab kit.
If you were after a waterproof down jacket, I'd go for either the Rab Valiance (my missus has one and loves it) or the Rab Resolution... really want one of these but I can't find one in XXL.
Shell jackets: I've got a Mountain Equipment Rupal (mountaineering goretex waterproof which I love but it's getting a bit battered now so I'm going to replace with a ME Lhotse jacket) and Rab Meridian which is nicely thin and good for summer use).
I've got a Mountain Equipment Lightline down jacket: very warm but not waterproof (down is useless when it gets wet) so it has to be combined with a shell if it looks like rain or snow).
Of course if you really want an Arc'teryx jacket then you should buy one: LD Mountain Centre and Trekkit are both good web stores and have hassle free returns if you can't physically go to a shop to try one on.
Kit being used in the Peaks last year:
I'm a strange type who likes to trump around cold wet hills (hell I moved to the lakes so I can do more of it) and I have lots of Arcteryx stuff. Never heard of it being called a yuppie brand before. Quality kit that has not let me down. Agree it is expensive. I have heard good things about Arc'teryx insulated down jackets... but they are VERY expensive for what they are so I've never really looked into buying any of their kit. Frankly, a lot of us strange types who like tramping around cold wet hills regard them as a bit of a yuppie brand. All the gear and no idea type of thing - a lot of the styling is less 'technical' so it fits in well with an urban environment. You will get very hot walking around in a down jacket... they're best for belay (waiting around to climb in cold environments), putting on when setting up camp/having a break and are excellent for cold nights in the pub!
I'm a fan of Mountain Equipment and Rab kit.
If you were after a waterproof down jacket, I'd go for either the Rab Valiance (my missus has one and loves it) or the Rab Resolution... really want one of these but I can't find one in XXL.
Shell jackets: I've got a Mountain Equipment Rupal (mountaineering goretex waterproof which I love but it's getting a bit battered now so I'm going to replace with a ME Lhotse jacket) and Rab Meridian which is nicely thin and good for summer use).
I've got a Mountain Equipment Lightline down jacket: very warm but not waterproof (down is useless when it gets wet) so it has to be combined with a shell if it looks like rain or snow).
Of course if you really want an Arc'teryx jacket then you should buy one: LD Mountain Centre and Trekkit are both good web stores and have hassle free returns if you can't physically go to a shop to try one on.
Kit being used in the Peaks last year:
Edited by Faust66 on Wednesday 7th September 19:31
I can't say that about Rab or Berghaus (I use to love Rab kit but it's gone a bit down hill).
Mountain Equipment I would rate as excellent as well, my last water proof was a toss up between a Arcteryx Beta and a ME Changabang. The Beta won as it was brighter colours
OP sounds like you need something with insulation. A shell, as Faust66 points out need layers.
What time of year do you want to wear this and which part or the country?
Muppet007 said:
What time of year do you want to wear this and which part or the country?
Midlands and to stress it's general town and commute not proper outdoors stuff.Take now as an example.
When it's windy or chucking it down a fleece doesn't quite do the job.
Something like a Solano looked like it might be ideal as it's a shell that claims to be decently waterproof and also has a degree of insulation.
Carinthia FTW.
Thing is though they are quite "tactical" so you would probably look a bit weird if you didnt pick something carefully.
Their newer ISI 2.0 in navy blue is quite low profile.
All their stuff is very high quality and they have a couple of military contracts so its built to last.
Thing is though they are quite "tactical" so you would probably look a bit weird if you didnt pick something carefully.
Their newer ISI 2.0 in navy blue is quite low profile.
All their stuff is very high quality and they have a couple of military contracts so its built to last.
Am a fan of Arcteryx gear.
Yeah, not cheap but damn good quality and most crucially WELL CUT. All too often outdoor gear is boxy and unflattering.
My Beta SL probably gets the most use here in the UK where it doesn’t get terribly cold but we have frequent showers - such a useful shell item to throw on over normal clothes. To answer your question OP; yes AR is the standard - but that is from the perspective of far colder climes like our Canadian friends. I think SL works well in the UK as long as you aren’t naked beneath!
I layer it with a Cerium LT if skiing or in much colder temps.
For less technical and more rugged gear I go to Fjallraven. The waxy look is more “rural” and the materials are happier hacking through brambles, camping etc. where you’d be concerned at destroying GoreTex Pro.
As someone above mentioned i am struck by how hard wearing Arcteryx gear is. My Beta SL has seen a few years of consistent use and shows no wear at all, not even around cuffs or creases. In that time I have replaced my wifes RAB gear as it fell apart.
Yeah, not cheap but damn good quality and most crucially WELL CUT. All too often outdoor gear is boxy and unflattering.
My Beta SL probably gets the most use here in the UK where it doesn’t get terribly cold but we have frequent showers - such a useful shell item to throw on over normal clothes. To answer your question OP; yes AR is the standard - but that is from the perspective of far colder climes like our Canadian friends. I think SL works well in the UK as long as you aren’t naked beneath!
I layer it with a Cerium LT if skiing or in much colder temps.
For less technical and more rugged gear I go to Fjallraven. The waxy look is more “rural” and the materials are happier hacking through brambles, camping etc. where you’d be concerned at destroying GoreTex Pro.
As someone above mentioned i am struck by how hard wearing Arcteryx gear is. My Beta SL has seen a few years of consistent use and shows no wear at all, not even around cuffs or creases. In that time I have replaced my wifes RAB gear as it fell apart.
Edited by DoubleSix on Wednesday 7th September 23:33
WelshRich said:
I was also going to mention Montane - I thought the hoodlums mainly wore Berghaus or North Face?
Berghaus, North Face where popular with people who couldn’t afford a stonie or a Moncler who wanted to appear to be part of a certain culture.Arc'teryx Is loved by actual car and house robbers, especially when paired with work gloves.
Arc'teryx is now Chineseium owned by Anta. Although I've not owned any, there does seem to be a decline in standards over the years on clothing worn by friends.
Seems like many brands, they've moved for volume (from Wiki):
Arc'teryx has become widely popular in the street fashion scene and Internet culture. The theft ("racking") of Arc'teryx and other Gore-Tex items is considered to be part of the street subculture.[9] It is seen as a high-end status symbol among youth, "just shy of Stone Island and Moncler."[10]
The company is a major influence in the "gorpcore" fashion movement – the wearing of outdoor apparel in urban settings, along with Mammut, REI, Marmot and Patagonia.[3]
Seems like many brands, they've moved for volume (from Wiki):
Arc'teryx has become widely popular in the street fashion scene and Internet culture. The theft ("racking") of Arc'teryx and other Gore-Tex items is considered to be part of the street subculture.[9] It is seen as a high-end status symbol among youth, "just shy of Stone Island and Moncler."[10]
The company is a major influence in the "gorpcore" fashion movement – the wearing of outdoor apparel in urban settings, along with Mammut, REI, Marmot and Patagonia.[3]
Well this hasn't got at all weird has it 
Comments welcome on what might work in the British climate for normal daily use either over a tee shirt or work shirt when on the commute as the variety on the Arc website is a bit overwhelming as is the price delta between the bottom and top end.
Right now I use an old fleece or an old Montane Prism or occasionally a Rab Vapour Rise which is lovely but has seen better days.
Comments welcome on what might work in the British climate for normal daily use either over a tee shirt or work shirt when on the commute as the variety on the Arc website is a bit overwhelming as is the price delta between the bottom and top end.
Right now I use an old fleece or an old Montane Prism or occasionally a Rab Vapour Rise which is lovely but has seen better days.
Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff