Arc'teryx Gamma AR Softshell Jacket - Women's - 2009 BCS

I bought this jacket for skiing in Utah last year and it was wonderful!! It doesn't have the fancy bells and whistles like traditional ski jackets but it got the job done. I was concerned about the warmth when it started to snow, but as we started down the mountain I actually got a little hot!
Bottom line, this is a great jacket!! Kutos to Arc'teryx for another great product!

The picture on the website is like hot pink; but received a purple jacket.

I am 5'8", med/slim, with orangutan-length arms. I have worn a men's Gamma-AR size small for years for all-weather bike-commuting and backcountry skiing, and loved it. The new NOT-made-in-Canada versions now have new and extra seams in strange places (if you're concerned with shedding moisture, for example, or rubbing/friction), no zipper garages, less-elastic sleeve openings (read: more difficult to tuck in one's gloves underneath), less-smooth finish to the fabric (noisy), and an overall puffier if longer fit. I tried the men's as usual first, and the fit was just not right. So I tried the women's style. I like the light-green/yellow color (for visibility). Size large almost fit me in the body (although slightly loose), but the sleeves were short, shorter than I'd have expected by comparing the various size charts. X-Large finally almost fit in the sleeve length but was way too big in the body for me [I returned both]. Probably still a good jacket for leisure, but new version is no longer as good for hardcore use, IMHO. So I'll keep using my old one and I'll be on the lookout for vintage Gamma ARs.

I'm 5'8 120 lbs and the jacket only came right below my belly button...the back length was sufficient, but I wish that the front was as long as the back. I had to send it back.

Breathable and warm for moderate temps or athletic pursuits. The material is a little on the noisy side, although I only really notice this if I'm wearing the jacket somewhere very quiet (like my office, which somehow is always freezing). This jacket is definitely tailored towards climbing/mountaineering--the pockets are placed rather high (for access while wearing a harness) and the jacket is significantly shorter in the front. Minimal features and pockets keep weight down. It looks a little odd wearing it around town but is a GREAT technical piece. If you're looking for a softshell to climb or BC ski in, this would be a great choice. If you're only looking for something to wear around town in the winter you might want to look elsewhere (and save yourself some $$).

I'm 5'2", 115#. Got the small. Slightly big on me, but purposely so as I like to be able to layer underneath and use for spring skiing and backcountry. Transitions from skiing to wandering around town, so can be a one jacket solution in shoulder seasons. Jacket is reasonably waterproof and I can only feel the wind if it's excessive. Very lightweight, easy to move in, doesn't ride up, and warm considering it's thickness. Highly recommended.

I love this jacket, blocks wind well, easy to move in, sheds rain and dries really fast. Looks really sleek and keeps me warm. A little on the spendy side, but worth it for quality technical gear.

I wanted a soft shell jacket that was water resistant and could protect me from the wind. This definitely has it all. I purchased the fuchsia, which is more like raspberry in color, but it looks great. It's tailored nicely and I can move real easily in it. All of the seams are taped and the zippers are hidden zipped up. I love the fact the back is slightly longer than the front, so when I bend down the jacket doesn't come up giving me a nice shot of cold air on the backside. I can't wait to thoroughly put it through its paces when the spring comes and I go hiking. I do admit, I thought it might have been a bit more thicker with more fleece lining. I like the softness of the collar so on windy, cold days it won't give me rug burn on my chin and neck. Overall, a solid jacket.

I bought this in Fuchsia and noticed the color is more of a plum/raspberry consequent to the web photo. (The photo appeared to be a sexy, hot pink). The fit has been revised: arm room is larger, jacket seems smaller in the body and the back side is more tailored. Slimming. I noticed the collar is more plush and fits very well under the jaw, nice improvement. May consider this jacket in another color in the future. Excellent, sporty, no-bulk jacket to wear in different climates. Perfect with a cashmere scarf.

Love this jacket. I'm not an athlete but I am active outdoors all winter. This is my primary work jacket for helicopter EMS in Colorado and it really performs. It is windproof and very water-resistant. As far as warmth is concerned, keep in mind that this is a softshell, and is designed with movement and athletic performance in mind... so it is not puffy, lofty, long or cozy. It will keep you comfortable when you're sitting around at 50 to 30 degrees. If you're working out, it will keep you warm down to the 10s or 20s if you have an adequate base layer (e.g., full-weight smartwool, medium-weight fleece, lightweight wool sweater).
I also like how Arcteryx cuts their softshells. This is a body-skimming design with a feminine cut. They also do some kind of neat sewing in the armpits (oh yeah, "gussets") that keeps the jacket in place when you lift up your arms, reach out, stretch, etc. I am 5'8", 125 # and the Small hits just below my waist. The back is slightly longer, which keeps the jacket from looking too short. If you want a jacket that covers your tummy or hits at your hips, this isn't it. As mentioned there are no cuff zips/adjustments, and the zippers aren't covered. The collar won't cover your chin, and there's no hood. However... if you want major coverage, waterproof zips, cuffs that accommodate gloves, etc, you're really looking for a full-on 3-in-1 jacket or insulated rain jacket, you know?
I've had this for over 2 years and it shows no signs of wear. It machine-washes beautifully and dries quickly. In the future I may splurge and upgrade to a hooded jacket with more bells and whistles. But I will definitely get another Arcteryx product, because for the weight, they're super warm, and worth the $$.

First off, Backcountry, your colors are COMPLETELY off. The jacket looks hot pink, but in reality it's a way darker berry color. I still like it, but I'm a hot pink fan, so I was disappointed there.

Now, the rest of the jacket: fits small. I have a Styngray shell in the same size, and this fits much closer to the body. length: this is NOT for tall women! I am 5'4" and at that have a shorter torso than legs (can't wear petite length pants) and this hits me just above the hips. A little on the short side for me, but it still works. But if you're tall, unless you have some really absurd proportions, don't bother! I definitely prefer my Styngray's fit, but I couldn't pass up this price. Craftsmanship and materials are typical Arc'Teryx, so if you're a shorty like me, enjoy!

First off, let me say that I get compliments on this jacket every time I wear it. I guess it looks cool, or maybe it’s just the label. I love how stretchy the fabric is and how light it is in weight. I don’t love how light it is as far as insulating goes. This jacket isn’t much better than a windbreaker for keeping warm and it is worse if you want to put your hands in the pockets. I’m sure the pockets are supposed to serve the dual purpose of offering ventilation or storing things but I don’t like having to choose between sheltering my hands and exposing my torso to the elements. I like separate ventilation zippers, a separate pocket to store things and pockets for my hands. I think Arcteryx is overrated but the jacket is fine and the material is cool because it really does allow a lot of freedom of movement and it blocks the wind pretty well. I got a killer deal at Backcountry.com but if I would have paid full price, I’d have been pissed.