Norrøna Narvik Gore-Tex Comfort Shell Jacket - Men's

I was looking for something to replace the two jacket setup of Arcteryx (aka Deadbird) Sigma AR (softshell) and my Arcteryx Theta AR (hardshell). I love the Sigma: lightweight, totally windproof, low profile, warm but ventable. Only drawback was no hood... and it's getting beat. The Theta AR, which is about 3-4 seasons old, has been great and can handle ANY storm but it's more of the hard-shell style gore-tex which a) tends to overheat a little and b) is just a little too stiff compared to the softer materials that are available today. I was looking for something to split the gap: a softer soft-shell like jacket, yet still somewhat technical. This jacket looks like it might fit the bill. I just got the Narvik in the mail, so no real- world feeback yet, but I can give a couple first impressions.

Materials: First, the gore-tex softshell outer material looks like it definitely lands right in the middle of soft-shell and more technical hard-shell. Soft enough to be comfortable and more pliable but very likely still bomber enough for the toughest storm day. It's got the thin, soft brushed liner similar to the Sigma AR, and looks like it will provide the perfect weight when paired with a Patagonia R1 flash (cooler days) or Patagonia Cap 3 (warmer days).

Sizing: I'm 6'0, slender athletic build 170lbs and I got the Medium. This looks to fit very similar to the Theta AR, only slightly smaller. It is slightly shorter in length than the Theta, but is still "hip-length" in that it goes below the waist. The arms are LONG. Thankfully not too long and they are relatively slim so they don't feel too cumbersome and can be pulled slightly up the arm without issue. The asymmetrical cuffs might get a little annoying as they extend to cover the top 2/3 of my hand. We'll have to see how these feel over the course of a couple days. The wrist gaiters will be great on a powder day but frankly it's a feature I could do without. Not a show-stopper, they are very lightweight stretchy spandex can easily be worn on the wrists (not over thumbs) or just cut off the jacket. I would say the torso fits slightly smaller than the Theta, which is an improvement for me as there was too much excess girth/material on the Medium Theta, particularly when wearing a pack.

Pockets/zippers: I like the concept of the chest vents and I'm sure they will work well for cooling as opposed to pit zips. The only other thing that might be an issues is the hand pockets being almost down on your hips. It seems like these will be right underneath the hip belt when wearing a pack, which could be an annoyance so we'll have to see... In a perfect world I would like one more goggle/sunglass pocket. The one internal chest pocket is nice, but it's iPod/wallet/cell sized and frankly I would like another outside chest pocket or another internal goggle pocket or something.

Styling: I really like the low-key styling on this jacket compared to the other Norrona jackets. I really dig the bright royal blue color and black zips, as well as the suttle logos. Collar is nice and high for wind protection and hood seems awesome as well. Overall I am very pleased with the styling and happy to be wearing something unique and a little different than what is now the super-mainstream Deadbird.

Cost: Ridiculously high. But let's face it, not much higher than Deadbird and if you are a gear-whore like me you will pay for quality.

Final Verdict: Looking good, but need some days on the mountain before I will know for sure. For now, 8 out of 10.

I didn't think the fit was small. Fit is similar to Arc'teryx Alpha, except Narvik sleeves slightly longer and Alpha chest slightly wider, otherwise sizes comparable. Length is shortish on both, if you're tall, but that can be good depending on use and preference. If you like trim athletic fit, you may not want to size up. I ordered L and XL to compare, I like L. I'm 6'3" 190lbs.

I bought size XL. Am 6'2" 210 lbs and it fits perfectly. My only complaint is that the hood is a tad small to fit over a helmet. Can be done but it is tight. Have used the jacket for skiing and snowboarding. perfect weight for a shell. looks good too.

In my opinion Norrona has lain claim to the throne. I own two Norronas (the Lofoten Insulated jacket, and the Narvik), and I can't say enough about how amazing they are. This jacket is warm, waterproof, but incredibly breathable. I wear it for BC days (and resort days in the 30's with a Patagonia R1 underneath) and don't even have to open the pit-zips on the uphills, and it's bomber on the way down (great powder skirt, the most waterproof softshell I've ever seen). Quality construction, excellent fit (I am 6'2", 165lbs and wear the large), not too baggy, not too tight, great colors (***NOTE THAT THE "METAL" COLOR IS SLIGHTLY GRAYER THAN IT APPEARS ON THE SITE). The little things make the jacket: The hood is large enough for a helmet, but easily adjustable for just your head, the wrist gaiters are key for skiing, the diagonally cut wrist openings allow your thumbs to move around when you're got gloves on, the draw cords are easily pulled with one hand to adjust the fit...I could go on and on. It's expensive, but absolutely worth the money if you're looking for a jacket that is truly top of the line.