Arc'teryx - any experts?
Discussion
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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.
Most Arc’teryx stuff is intended to be layered, I’d say. 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.
As has already been mentioned, a Gamma MX sounds exactly like what you’re looking for. If you can find a Cerium SL vest (sleeveless puffer) to go under it you’ll set.
The brand observations are entertaining. File under “B”.
I'll be honest...whilst great for what it is, my beta ar seldom gets worn unless hiking (not often). Same goes for some posh ski coat I bought for the few days a year I'm actually on the slopes.
Just not really needed in temperate UK climate day to day...my cheaper gear's far more practical/comfy anyway, actually sees the light of day and comes across a bit less pretentious.
Just not really needed in temperate UK climate day to day...my cheaper gear's far more practical/comfy anyway, actually sees the light of day and comes across a bit less pretentious.
bhstewie said:
hstewie said: I might have to rethink this.
Just gone out for a walk wearing a regular tee shirt and a tight but thin old Berghaus fleece pullover.
Very thin fleece and I'm not sweating but am somewhere beyond toasty warm.
Kind of why I made the suggestions I did - far better suited for the temperate UK conditions than some hardcore alpine or polar kit. Just gone out for a walk wearing a regular tee shirt and a tight but thin old Berghaus fleece pullover.
Very thin fleece and I'm not sweating but am somewhere beyond toasty warm.
Douvre777 said:
I'll be honest...whilst great for what it is, my beta ar seldom gets worn unless hiking (not often). Same goes for some posh ski coat I bought for the few days a year I'm actually on the slopes.
Just not really needed in temperate UK climate day to day...my cheaper gear's far more practical/comfy anyway, actually sees the light of day and comes across a bit less pretentious.
Uhuh, the Beta SL is a better bet for UK climes... Just not really needed in temperate UK climate day to day...my cheaper gear's far more practical/comfy anyway, actually sees the light of day and comes across a bit less pretentious.
If anyone is considering buying proper technical clothing it's worth taking the time to understand the principles of layering.
bhstewie 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.
Whenever someone starts a thread like this, the same opinions always pop up.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.
The brand is for chavs.
It's overpriced and I know an obscure British made brand that performs better for a similar price.
It's made in China and quality has declined.
Rab/Mountain Equipment is better .
Ignore it all IMO. You're just looking for a technical, smart looking jacket to commute/go to shops/maybe go to pub in.
I think everyone should have a 3 in 1 coat in their wardrobe. Basically a smart, breathable, waterproof jacket with the ability to zip the fleece in during Dec-Feb when it's cold and icy. Mountain climbers will advise against 3 in 1s, but for someone who just needs a smart waterproof jacket with the ability to make it extra warm in winter, they are great.
For that purpose, I have a plain black North Face which does the job. Available for about £250. Relatively smart, fitted, waterproof and light when just the outer is used, then bulky and warm when the fleece is zipped in. The fleece alone looks ok over a T-Shirt etc.
Arc'teryx is a good make. I have the Gamma and it's a nice jacket.
It's expensive, but it's about looking/feeling good too, so I'd just pay a bit extra for the 'fashion' element if it's something you like.
oddman said:
bhstewie said:
hstewie said: Is there a scale of crispiness i.e. thinking back to the Solano Hoody which is the one that really appeals.
Solano looks nice. Looks like an urban focussed Gamma type jacket. Shouldn't be crispy as its a softshell. It'll probably wash quite well if my Gamma is anything to go by. Softshells are really good. My hardshells mostly live in my pack or on a coat hanger these days.
chrismarr said:
Big fan of Haglofs - spent a fair chunk on one of their jackets about six years ago and it's still going well. As mentioned before Rab are great as well - I have a Rab Nebula pro for the dog walks etc and it would do you fine i'm sure.
Thanks for tip about the Rab. Just bought one. I had a down one years ago that lasted 12 years of heavy use, so going to try this. Only snag is I am slightly larger than ‘S’ (says 36” chest, I’m 37”) but at a 30% saving I’ll try the S first once it arrives.RobbieTheTruth said:
Yeah - I picked Gamma over Solano as I don't really like the collar on the Solano, but they are similar. It's soft shell, so quite fitted with a bit of stretch and doesn't sound crispy.
I think it's down to those two and we're back to nowhere local selling Arc so trying to work this out from videos.Probably looking at the Gamma SL as the colour choices are there and the MX sounds too heavy and I suspect it's the wiser choice as an all rounder whilst the Solano looks like more of a distinct jacket if that makes sense.
bhstewie said:
hstewie said:RobbieTheTruth said:
Yeah - I picked Gamma over Solano as I don't really like the collar on the Solano, but they are similar. It's soft shell, so quite fitted with a bit of stretch and doesn't sound crispy.
I think it's down to those two and we're back to nowhere local selling Arc so trying to work this out from videos.Probably looking at the Gamma SL as the colour choices are there and the MX sounds too heavy and I suspect it's the wiser choice as an all rounder whilst the Solano looks like more of a distinct jacket if that makes sense.
It's decent. Water resistant (so not waterproof). Breathable and does a nice job at keeping the wind out - so it's a nice 'fashion' jacket that'll keep you dry in a quick shower.
CP Company do similar style technical jackets which fit lovely and just look a lot better IMO.
I got the below at around the same time as the Gamma and wear it much more (but it's lighter).
https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/cp-company-pr...
I'd have a quick look on eBay for CP Company jackets - they use a scanning/barcode verification so they won't be fake.
Edited by RobbieTheTruth on Saturday 10th September 18:25
smifffymoto said:
I like Millet stuff but they are typically an ‘Alpine cut’,short in the body so you have to wear appropriate trousers.
Most brands have gone down this fit route to appear better,more serious than they actually are.
I’m up a mountain most weekends whether summer or winter and most of my technical gear is Arc’teryx - it’s definitely performed in all conditions. Most brands have gone down this fit route to appear better,more serious than they actually are.
If I were to go for an alternate brand it would probably be Millet (not to be confused with Millets). In terms of performance let’s just say a fair amount of Swiss guides in Grindelwald and Zermatt wear their kit and I’ve seen a fair few serious alpinists in Chamonix donning the brand.
Arcteryx does great kit but it isn't cheap.
Occasionally you'll find great deals on last year's kit on their outlet website, which can be found with a quick google. Given that most of my stuff has lasted for over a decade, I wouldn't be fussed about being "out of fashion" but your mileage may vary.
It fits slimly, so the reason I haven't bought any for a few years is my increasingly fat stature. Flattering to the "powerfully built" gentleman it isn't.
Occasionally you'll find great deals on last year's kit on their outlet website, which can be found with a quick google. Given that most of my stuff has lasted for over a decade, I wouldn't be fussed about being "out of fashion" but your mileage may vary.
It fits slimly, so the reason I haven't bought any for a few years is my increasingly fat stature. Flattering to the "powerfully built" gentleman it isn't.
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:
Rab website has the resolution in XXL in stock now 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
ChevronB19 said:
chrismarr said:
Big fan of Haglofs - spent a fair chunk on one of their jackets about six years ago and it's still going well. As mentioned before Rab are great as well - I have a Rab Nebula pro for the dog walks etc and it would do you fine i'm sure.
Thanks for tip about the Rab. Just bought one. I had a down one years ago that lasted 12 years of heavy use, so going to try this. Only snag is I am slightly larger than ‘S’ (says 36” chest, I’m 37”) but at a 30% saving I’ll try the S first once it arrives.driver67 said:
Take a look at Montane also, some excellent stuff from them.
Dougie.
Montane Prism is a ever green choice. Layering is key.Dougie.
Even in the coldest UK winter a couple of merino Icebreakers and a Prism will sort you out.
For the coffee/City poser jacket just get something insanely pricey. It lasts for centuries anyway.
bh, I've worn an Arcteryx Camosun jacket each day during winter /autumn for the last 7 years.
It's a strictly urban jacket and one of the few that is long enough to cover a suit jacket.
Down insulation is thin, but effective, has few pockets so you don't look like a hiker who has got lost in the city.
Between 0degC and +5degC, you would not wear a fleece underneath. Below zero, maybe, depending on how active you are. Between +5degC and +10degC, you might start to overheat wearing it if you are moving.
Still looks like new. Recommended.
h, I've worn an Arcteryx Camosun jacket each day during winter /autumn for the last 7 years.It's a strictly urban jacket and one of the few that is long enough to cover a suit jacket.
Down insulation is thin, but effective, has few pockets so you don't look like a hiker who has got lost in the city.
Between 0degC and +5degC, you would not wear a fleece underneath. Below zero, maybe, depending on how active you are. Between +5degC and +10degC, you might start to overheat wearing it if you are moving.
Still looks like new. Recommended.
I have a lot of Arcteryx gear. Primarily used for hiking/backpacking so it gets used and abused.
I use it because there are very few outdoor brands now that fit tall and slim people well. Most are rapidly changing to fit shorter/wider bodies.
I also use Arcteryx because they usually have lightweight options.
They do free returns, so just order what you want to try. It’s easy.
There are almost certainly better options for you though.
I use it because there are very few outdoor brands now that fit tall and slim people well. Most are rapidly changing to fit shorter/wider bodies.
I also use Arcteryx because they usually have lightweight options.
They do free returns, so just order what you want to try. It’s easy.
There are almost certainly better options for you though.
Still fking around and haven't decided yet 
Leaning towards an Atom SL hoody.
Went out yesterday wearing a thin fleece over a couple of tee shirts and realised my core was pretty warm and the things I really wanted were warm pockets for my hands.
Pretty pathetic in September but I'm a wimp
king around and haven't decided yet Leaning towards an Atom SL hoody.
Went out yesterday wearing a thin fleece over a couple of tee shirts and realised my core was pretty warm and the things I really wanted were warm pockets for my hands.
Pretty pathetic in September but I'm a wimp
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