User Review: Arc'teryx Theta LT Jacket

Upon first viewing, this jacket is marvelous. In use, it only gets better! It simply looks better than other mountaineering shells, even the "good" ones like the Ethereal et al. The cut is wonderful, roomy in areas that need it, fitted in the other places. The hood works splendid, and little touches like articulated elbows, angled sleeve ends (so as to not ride up on the gloved hand), and a completely separate piece of fabric housing the drawstrings on the waist (unlike other manufacturers who sew it inside the jacket allowing the fabic to eventually fray from use) make this jacket head and shoulders above the rest. I chose this over the Alpha because it was a tad lighter and had a bit longer cut, for those backcountry skiing powder digs. I'm sure the Alpha otherwise is grand.

THe flapless zippers are amazingly innovative and certainly help to cut down on all that bulk. This jacket is ideal for rainy climates, or backcountrying someplace cold with a fleece layer underneath.

Granted, the colors are subtle (having chosen the grey-brown "stone") but in an age of neon this and flashy that made to let everyone know you instead spend this month's rent on a jacket, this jacket is certainly no TNF...And for that, we are all grateful.

Kudos, Arc'Teryx!