Description of Arc'teryx Sidewinder AR Jacket - Men's:
Arc'teryx built the Men's Sidewinder AR Jacket with Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric, a stowable helmet-compatible hood, and an integrated powder skirt to keep you comfortable on deep-snow backcountry missions. The Sidewinder’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 adds an element of safety when you’re in slide-prone terrain. 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 Sidewinder.
I just got back from a weekend skiing in Crested Butte and the jacket performed great. It was a blizzard for half the day and the jacket was completly waterproof. I also found that the powder skirt worked great when I skied over a rock and yardsaled in about 18" of powder. Just a little info on sizing, I am 6'2" and 170lbs and I bought the large. Arm length is great coming down just below the wrist. Torso length is also good coming down about 5" below my hips which helps keep snow out. While the arm and torso lengths are perfect, I do have a lot of extra room in the arms and chest. I assume this is for layering but I still feel like there is a little too much extra room. However this a great all around jacket for a variety of backcountry pursuits!
This jacket is super durable, I skied it hard on the resort and in the back country for an entire season. Threw it around in the car and didn't baby it at all. After about 6 months of abuse from me it SERIOUSLY still looks brand new. On top of that it is no question the best performing jacket I've ever had. Completely waterproof, completely windproof, super abrasion resistant. Fits really well, awesome features, the hood tightening system is sweet, allows you to have 100% peripheral with the hood on even when looking to the side it doesn't block your vision.
Bottom Line:
Sick jacket, Worth every penny, even when you're a broke ass hitch hiking ski bum like me.
This is by far one of the most durable and better performing jackets I have ever purchased. The best part about this jacket is it actually delivers on what it claims to be able to. It is 100% waterproof, very windproof and also very breathable. I spent an entire week in Telluride during one of their stormiest weeks of the season and managed to stay 100% dry in this jacket. In the summer and fall months this jacket doubles as a rain jacket because of its ability to keep me dry and also to allow me to breath and not overheat. My favorite feature of this jacket is how windproof it is. Whether walking to class in the cold or zipping through the trees I feel no effects of wind and am able to stay very warm. With this jacket however, you must layer because it is only a hard shell. Either way If you purchase this jacket you will see that there is no better jacket for performance and versatility on the market. I guarantee you will be pleased.
