Arc'teryx Fission SV Jacket

I am a pretty tough grader and don't give a lot of 5-star ratings. But this is an excellent piece; perfect for lift skiing or other cold-weather pursuits that don't generate a lot of heat. 

I bought it for lift skiing after many years of using a shell-and-layer system and sometimes finding myself colder than I would have preferred while sitting on the lift. 

It is excellent.  It kept me very warm (too warm, actually, because I tend to run warm. I was using it at Whiteface in temps in the teens/20s; would have been perfect in the single digits or below zero), and it is very comfortable.

Lots of pockets (kudos to Arcteryx on the pocket design: I inadvertently left the chest pocket with my wallet and car keys open during one run -- !! -- and when I got down to the bottom, after a moment of panic, I found everything was still in there...).

It's pricey, but it is a great piece. Very pleased with it. Highly recommended.

I hate the cold-like when I'm walking the dog on a bitter winter night and she takes forever to "go"-or when I'm sitting in the cold cold car waiting for it to warm up. NO MORE. Not with the FISSION SV. I'm actually liking the cold now.

I put on the SV -pull over the hood and I've got my own portable heater surrounding me. It's amazing how lightweight a jacket can be so warm. What I like is that I can not be moving in this jacket and still feel warm.

Went snowshoeing today and was downright hot even with low teens windchills. The seams and materials are first rate and at 5 10/180 the Large fits perfect allowing layers underneath if needed.

THE CHINA PROBLEM. The SV is made in China. I also have the FISSION SL made in Canada. There is NO difference in quality. The seams-density of materials-workmanship is at least equal.

I asked someone in the clothing field which jacket they thought was better made-she picked the SV. I have a premier down jacket (also made in China) from another high-end outdoor clothing company and this jacket is far superior- much warmer and looks far better and the exact same price.

Few things at this price are worth the money-this jacket is.