User Review: Arc'teryx Men's Theta AR Jacket

After having used it for more than 2 years, it is time to write a review on this jacket.

The fit: Better than most, but not as great as some other reviewers would say. My biggest complaint is the collar. It is too wide and too low so the wind can come in very easily. I always had to wear a Buff neck thing to keep the cold wind out. This is especially necessary when you are riding a bike or some other head first activity.

Durability: very good. No scratches or tears or whatever after using it daily in all possible circumstances: trekking, commuting, alpinism—it was my one “do it all” jacket.

Water repellency: very good. The original coating sticks longer than any other jacket I have ever used (except Berghaus paclite smock, see further down). Reproofing with Nikwax gave good results.

Waterproof: No! I had the same problem with this jacket as I had with all my previous Gore Tex jackets: after a year (for the Theta AR 2 years!) dark spots start to show on the inside when walking in the rain for more than 5 minutes. Fabric saturation is very fast and it feels and looks wet inside.

I send it back and got a refund. The same happened with my North Face Kitchatna jackets. I got three of those for the price of one!
The good thing is that they stand behind there product and are fair in customer support, but I have lost my faith in expensive jackets.

I now own a Berghaus Paclite smock and it costs me 200 euro. Way cheaper than the 590 euro I paid for the Theta ar. The first impression of this smock is better than my Theta ar. Less frills and a lot lighter. Maybe not as tough, but I can live with it. My back is also thankful when I stuff it in my pack.

Overall: a good jacket but not worth the money they ask. You can find good (better) stuff for less money from Berghaus, Patagonia, Marmot,...