Description of Arc'teryx Firebee AR Softshell Jacket - Women's:
A WindStopper membrane and watertight zippers protect you from some serious weather when you head to the mountains wearing the Arc’teryx Women’s Firebee AR Softshell Jacket. Arc’teryx even went so far as to add zipper garages just to make sure those two drops of water don’t squeeze their way inside. This softshell not only protects you from blustery, wet weather, it also has a women’s-specific fit that flatters your tone figure yet leaves plenty of room for base layers. The softshell fabric stretches and moves with you, and articulated elbows along with gusseted underarms ensure you won’t feel hampered when you plant your ski pole or skin up the ridge. The Firebee AR also includes a light polyester lining to add a bit more warmth and increase wicking performance when you hike, ski, and climb. A RECCO reflector might help in an emergency.
Bottom Line: Some jackets just bring a little more to the table.
I don't own this jacket but I have tried it on a couple times-- it isn't a 'soft' softshell, it is more of a 'shell' softshell, if that helps. Also the medium seems a little roomier than the two other arcteryx medium jackets that I do own (seeker comp softshell hoody and Gamma AR). I liked it and it looks burly but 1)there was no size small and 2)I was really looking for a jacket softer to the touch- so i got the Gamma AR. Although I like gear as much as the next gal, I couldn't justify buying 2 jackets
