Customer Reviews

Arcteryx Theta SV Jacket (Spring 2010) - Men's Black Large

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Theta SV is a Gore-Tex technical shell that's handmade in Canada and I couldn't be happier with it. The construction quality is exquisite: every seem is perfectly straight and solid. In the field it performs exactly how you'd expect from a pro shell, there are no issues with wind or water coming through the material (of course) or any seems. You could stand in your shower in this thing and not feel a drop of moisture. The hood is ideal and I really like that you can store it. In addition, the collar is not too bad as far as height goes and doesn't look as garish as in the photos. I had a store clerk try to talk me into a large (which just happened to be all they had left) because these "run big" but I think you should pick your normal size in this garment. I ordered an XL like I wear in everything else and it is the right fit here as well. Sizing is a little different though and you may want to try this on before buying it online. It is designed for a man with a V-shape - large in the shoulders and narrow through the middle. It has extra room in the shoulders for climbing (this is an Alpine jacket) so they look a bit big and if you are more barrel shaped I'm not sure this would fit, especially with multiple layers or a down layer underneath. Pocket placement is good for climbing, but there are no side pockets at the hip level, which can be a bit annoying sometimes. Other than that, it's awesome - kind of like the Porsche or Steinway of technical shells.

This was a nicely detailed shell. Very light. I had to be honest with myself as to what use it was going to be used for, and concluded that I just didnt participate in the activities that this was designed for. The LLBeans shell is a contender at $299, and couldnt even justify that.

I did stand in the shower with it, and it did not leak. However, neither did my Grunden's Jacket, at $90. I was thinking that I would use this as a shell, then get a stuffable down jacket and use it as a winter coat. But the LLBeans Maine Wardens parka does perhaps the same thing, with a tougher shell, for $299, vs $600+.

So if you are in the market for a technical shell, I would certainly put this at the top of the list.

I bought this jacket and had it sent to me to Norway to use as an all-round jacket, from sailing to skiing.
I have nothing negative to say about it, but make sure that you have the correct sizing. Me being 195 cm (6,4)found the right length a little baggy over the shoulders and the upper arms.

Went hiking this past weekend with a forecast of rain. And rain it did, torrentially. My gore-tex boots slowly filled, my shorts were soaked through, and my water proof backpack leaked, but everything covered by this jacket was warm and dry. Other jackets (Columbia, REI, Marmot, Sierra Designs, and North Face) on the hike leaked. So, yes, it is expensive and, yes, there are less expensive ways to stay dry. However, when the weather really decides to dump on you, this jacket WILL keep you dry. The others may not.

It fits really well (I'm 5'11" with 38" chest and 32" waist, and the small is perfect for me - enough room for layering but not overly loose, and the length is just right (covers the backside at rear, but higher at the front)); it is very well engineered and put together (I got a Canada-made one, don't know if they're made in China now like some of their line); the hood is really effective, even over a climbing helmet, but stows away neatly if you don't like flappy hoods hanging loose; the pockets are just in the right place for me, clearing harness and rucksac straps; and the fabric has been great - water beads off and so far none has seaped into the face fabric, which is a tough material. Breathability has been great so far, although I have only used it in winter climbing/walking conditions and can't comment on warmer conditions. Downsides? It is noisy at the mo, maybe it will soften up in time; and the collar is great but could possibly be too high for some, especially when looking up to find holds or see the route. It's definitely the best technical jacket I've owned to date, and I can see it lasting for ages.