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Arc'teryx Psiphon SL Pullover

rated 3.5 of 5 stars
photo: Arc'teryx Psiphon SL Pullover soft shell jacket

I got this as a replacement for the Squamish. It's a decent jacket, but a little awkward.

Pros

  • Comfy
  • Hemlock
  • Lightweight
  • Durable

Cons

  • Sleeves don't roll up well
  • Poor wind resitance

Fit Disclaimer: I'm 5'10" 155 lbs and very lean. I have small shoulders, a 29-inch waist and always fit a size small. I tend to run very hot as soon as I start moving. But get cold quickly. I find that Black Diamond Dawn Patrol series and Marmot fit me best and most brands' Trim fits feel normal to me. What works or doesn't for me may Or may not for you. 

I've taken this jacket on a number of multi pitch climbs, and alpine days. I bought it to replace my two-year-old Squamish which was my everything jacket. Seriously, I used that thing for pretty much everything I do. It's just so useful. My verdict: I think I'll buy a new Squamish, but this makes for a good climbing piece. 

Climbing this jacket shines. Hemlock is seriously the best thing ever. Please, Arc'teryx put it in every single piece in your Ascent series. It works great, those who don't like it can remove it, but man it works so well. I hate it when my jackets pull out from under my harness or pack hip belt.

The jacket fits well, more like a loose hoody than a full jacket. I use it most often as a mid layer for mountaineering and multi pitch rock where it is a top layer. It's too cool to provide much warmth, but in most moderate gusts it's nice to have. It keeps the sun off my sensitive skin and is pretty breathable. 

Hiking and scrambling this jacket is okay, but not great. Wind resistance is mediocre, and I've gotten pretty cold on a couple climbs in 15 c weather with gusts of wind. My Squamish kept me sheltered from the wind better, and was about the same water resitance. I definitely prefer the Squamish for hiking, scrambling, and mountaineering. 

Overall I like this piece, but I am not wowed by it. I prefer the Squamish for most things except maybe rock climbing.

Source: bought via a "pro deal"

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Specs

Men's
Price Historic Range: $94.98-$149.00
Women's
Price Historic Range: $73.73-$149.00
Product Details from Arc'teryx »

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