Arc'teryx Venta SV Jacket

After using the Venta SV Jacket for during two Winter seasons in NYS’s Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, it’s time to voice an opinion. The jacket’s design features are well thought and as usual Arc’Teryx’s workmanship is excellent. Arc’Teryx has incorporated three types of WINDSTOPPER fabric to make this garment an ideal performer for fast, cold mountain ascents.

The jacket’s outer fabric handles abrasion and sheds water very well. I’m also able to regulate body temperature well especially during ascents by way of two extra long pit-zips and long side/chest pockets. As a person who heats and cools quickly, I find these features to be very important, especially in cold weather conditions.

The attached hood provides good visibility and front adjustment cords extend into the side/chest pockets so that adjustments can be made quick and easy without having to remove gloves, or mittens. Outer zipper pulls are the right length and each slide free and easy; never do they jam.

I love Arc’Teryx’s low drop back hem design which provides great coverage for my old sensitive back. This combined with it’s one-hand adjustable waist cord-locks keeps me well protected. Laminated die-cut Velcro cuffs don’t ever bunch and always hold tight to keep heat in and cold out.

An inside chest pocket with an access zipper is somewhat small and the zipper tab lacks a pull cord to assist opening and closing while wearing gloves; despite this, I do find the pocket to be useful.

The jacket is a great substitute for a combination GTX hard shell and fleece under-layer with respect to protection, comfort and breathability during cold weather use; it shouldn’t be expected to be as waterproof as a hard shell. When I combine this jacket with my Delta AR Zip fleece, I’m all set for cold weather peak-bagging.

I recommend this jacket to anyone interested in purchasing a well made and well designed insulated soft-shell; a very good choice.