Description of Arc'teryx Matador Softshell Jacket - Men's:
Arc'teryx brings incredible warmth and breathability to your next backcountry ski trip with the insulated Men's Matador Softshell Jacket. This Arc'teryx jacket's Schoeller exterior and WindStopper membrane protect against driving snow and howling wind. The freezing temperatures during your dawn patrol tour are no longer an issue thanks to 200g of PrimaLoft insulation in this warm jacket. The Matador Softshell Jacket also has a powder skirt and still weighs only 19.4 ounces.
Bottom Line: Ski with a new level of comfort and warmth thanks to the Arc'teryx Matador Softshell Jacket.
I've worn this jacket out on the slopes, in rainstorms and around the house when I didn't feel like turning the heat on.
On the slopes - The jacket will block all wind and keep you warm all day long with only a t-shirt on underneath. The biggest downsides are the height of the collar (too high for my taste) and the fact that the jacket doesn't have any pit zips, which causes you to unzip the front to cool off.
In the rain - I'm not sure if the jacket claims to be waterproof, but it took a good pounding without getting me wet underneath. I wouldn't call this a rain jacket, though, because it lacks a hood.
The coolest feature of the jacket is the "neoprene-like" wrist guards that keep cold air from rushing up your arms.
Bottom line - great jacket for downhill skiing but too bulky for everyday cold weather use. I would not recommend this jacket for the person looking for a "one jacket for everything" garment.
This jacket is very warm and windproof. The collar is high which I like to keep the wind out. The sizing of this jacket seems to run different than other Arc'teryx. I have a medium Gamma MX, but take a small in the Matador. The storm skirt can tend to ride up as there is no gripping material around the bottom. I bought this jacket for alpine touring, but it is too bulky to slide a shell over and does not pack well. This jacket has been relegated to my daily use winter jacket at which it excels. It would also work very well as a resort jacket, but I spend most of my ski days touring.
Well, I bought it in May and I'm in Phoenix, so don't expect a performance review. The fit, like everything else Arc'teryx is great. I love the style and quality. I suppose it goes to show that good things can come from China if there is quality-control. But it has to be a reputable company to provide that in my opinion. That seems to be the case with Arc-teryx after first look at the Matador.
