Description of Arc'teryx Kappa AR Insulated Jacket - Men's:
When you head out on cold, windy days, stay warm without a bulky layer thanks to the Arc’teryx Men’s Kappa AR Jacket. A Gore Windstopper shell gives you complete protection from frigid gusts, and a layer of Primaloft Sport synthetic insulation provides packable warmth that insulates even when wet. The high breathability of Windstopper makes the Kappa AR ideal for active, fast-and-light pursuits, and the reinforced shoulders and arms hold up to pack straps and rocky terrain. Two internal mesh pockets hold your camera, energy gels, and lip balm.
Bottom Line: Cold and wind are no match for the Kappa AR.
This jacket alone is great from 70 degrees to the high 40's. In the rain it stays warm if it gets wet and will keep you dry unless it is a downpour. In freezing temps works well with layers if you are active. It's heat levels are most similar to a fleece. It looks better, handles rain better, and is lighter than a fleece. It's not useful below 20.
I bought it as an insulation layer to put under my softshell when skiing. Most days it's great but when it gets supercold, it's like this layer isn't even there, so be aware of that. Although it is not as hot as I hoped I found myself wearing it every day walking around or driving or in the office as a sweater. It feels very comfortable even in warm temperatures.
Living on the west coast I don't need extreme insulation. This jacket is perfect if you want windproof water-resistance in a good fitting/looking AND light package. If you want to keep warm in a light jacket and maintain good flexiblity this is it. Highly recommended!
The KAPPA AR jacket is warmer than other softshell jacket, like GAMMA AR, GRIFFON, and VENTA AR. It is as warm as PATRIOT SV jacket but not as warm as TITAN jacket. However its fabric is softer than insulated GORE-TEX jacket like the TITAN. If there is not too wet, I prefer to wearing the KAPPA AR. In terms of fit, it is looser than VENTA AR and other softshell jacket from Arcteryx. It is not as loose as the PATRIOT SV. When it is very cold, I wear an ACCOMPLICE jacket under the KAPPA AR.
