Reviews by User: Chris Whelan (2)

Have since added ice climbing and a 6 day Wapta Icefield traverse to this jacket's resume, and can now speak to how it performs during its intended usage: Exceptional! My early durability concerns have proven unfounded, as I have beat this thing senseless this winter, crashing into trees, catching it on crampon spikes (although not razor sharp ones), stuffing it into packs beside gouged shovel blades - it holds up. It is now a filthy brown rather than the bright orange at time of purchase (stains easily), but keeps me just as dry as ever. It dries out very quickly from body heat or when hanging in the hut/tent. The hood is beautiful - the one draw string system works fabulously, the brim stiffener actually keeps water away from your face while maintaining good visibility, and it rolls away snugly. The pockets are great, and the Micro-Grid liner is comfortable. As stated in my previous review, the only complaint is that the "roomy all-mountain cut" is not quite as roomy as expected. A fantastic piece of gear.

I bought this coat being unable to find one in a retail store to try it on for fit first. After trying on similar style Arc'Teryx coats, I decided small was the size for me - but the Beryllium is cut noticeably smaller than the A'T small, especially in the sleeves. Kept the small, but could've done with a medium. This coat has a beautifully designed hood, has kept me dry and snow free in over 25 days at Whistler this winter, as well as walking the dog for hours in heavy downpour in Squamish, and sweaty, heavy touring days. The only thing I would say is if you're primarily buying this shell for resort skiing, you might want a heavier one. Gets quite chilly in wind or on the chairlift, and small cut does not allow me to wear a down layer underneat.