Reviews by User: Ben Smukler (3)

The Core Skin jacket excels at offering more protection against cold weather than most softshells do while maintaining a contoured, yet stretchable, fit. The drop hem in the back gives you more coverage than similar products, and the adjustable collar cinches down over under layers. Regarding layering: The Core Skin now has R2 (not R1) as lining material and slides and stretches easily over layers, such as an R4 jacket or even a (squished) high loft piece. This is aided by gusseted sleeves that you then cinch down. Patagonia also added thicker reinforcement material over the shoulders and sleeves to protect against abrasion. Summary: While the Arc'teryx Sigma AR (see my review) is usable in cooler climates and also offers great protection in the cold, the Core Skin has the edge for greater coverage in back, heavier lining material, and easier layering—especially in the sleeves.

I purchased the Sigma AR jacket to compare with the Patagonia Core Skin jacket. The Sigma uses Gore-Tex fabrics, while the Core Skin uses Polartec. The main differences are that the Patagonia jacket has more coverage in the back and also fits more closely. It has gusseted sleeves, and is a bit more stretchy than the Arc'teryx jacket, making it easier to add fleece or other thick layers underneath. (You can do the same with the Sigma; it is just a tighter fit.) On the other hand, the Sigma is a true year-round jacket, while the Patagonia Core Skin would be overkill in anything but cold or almost cold conditions. Both jackets breathe well. The Sigma has pit zips, and the Core Skin vents through the hand pockets. In my experience, the Core Skin breaths so well that you don't really need the vents in most circumstances. Bottom line: two great products, with slightly different approaches to cold-weather protection.

I put this vest to the test in Minnesota recently, layering a fleece under the vest and an Arc'teryx Sigma AR jacket over the vest. The Fusion LT Vest is nice and toasty yet, unlike puffy vests, it is compact enough to easily wear a shell over it. Also, the finish is tougher than puffy vests and so would be less likely to snag and tear. In addition, the material used on the outside is rated as windproof up to 100mph winds. Excellent Arc'teryx quality, as always, in a comfortable and warm vest.