Description of Arc'teryx Sidewinder AR Jacket - Men's:
Arc'teryx made the Men's Sidewinder AR Jacket with Gore-Tex Pro fabric, a stowable helmet-compatible hood, and an integrated powder skirt to keep you comfortable on deep-snow days. The Sidewinder AR Jacket's offset front zipper keeps your chin from being rubbed raw as you make your way up a steep ridge to your chosen chute. Arc'teryx added articulated elbows and shoulders to ensure you have the freedom of movement you need for the steepest runs. A RECCO reflector may help ski patrol find you in the event of an avalanche. This full-featured jacket even includes a clear radio pocket to help you stay in touch with your buddies.
Bottom Line: Two feet of freshies? Get out there with the Arc'teryx Sidewinder AR Jacket.
This is the most amazing hardshell I have ever bought (As it should be for the price tag) Let me start by saying over the years I have moved from North Face to all Arcteryx. I have numerous layering pieces including the Gamma SV softshell. All I was missing was a good hard shell. After hours of online research on this, the Theta AR and North Face Free Thinker I made the decision. Only 1 problem the sizing.. SIZE DOWN!! I am a large in almost everything.Owning the Gamma SV which is more fitted (I have this in a xl) I was guessing an XL for this coat. I am 5'11 185 bigger build (wish it was muscle) and it was a trash bag. A medium fits me perfectly.(Like all Arcteryx does) Sleeves are perfect and length hits below my belt.Plenty of room underneath for anything I need for layers.
I have only skied twice in this jacket and it has already shown itself to be the best jacket. First time it was raining and everyone else in the group was wet and cold. Not me. The water was still beading off. The second time the temperature was quite warm, but the huge pit vents kept me cool and dry while others had to go back to their cars to remove a layer. The power skirt also works, not there just for show. I'm 5'9", 170lb and the medium fit best. As for looks well, I got many compliments from several people about the jacket. It is quite an athletic fitted jacket. Note that the fireweed color is more like a fire truck red. Believe the hype, Arcteryx jackets are as good as people say.
I bought my first Arc'teryx piece about 5 years ago as the Gamma SV softshell. Anyways that coat got me hooked, I have since bought nothing but Arc'teryx items when needed. I bought the Sidewinder AR in slate last winter and absolutely love it. It is near perfect for any weather as I have worn it while skiing to mid-summer rainy days. I'll layer a t-shirt with my Maverick AR Fleece, Gamma SV and the Sidewinder while skiing and I'm as warm as can be. I don't think I'll ever find a better coat unless Arc'teryx makes it. Also I see no difference from the AR to the SV other then the hood is stowable with the AR and it weights about 1 ounce more, if you can feel that ounce then you're a freak of nature. So buy the coat, we all know you want to.
