This is a solid mid layer. There are no hand pockets, which is good because it reduces bulk, but makes this jacket less likely to be worn as a stand alone in warmer weather. It's very good looking, and very warm. Like all Arc'teryx tops, the arms allow for fantastic movement. Arc'teryx builds their clothes for athletes, and this is no exception.
Nothing magical here, but there's not much magical to expect from a mid layer. Overall, it's a pretty good value from Arc'teryx.

I have only had these for a month or so, but so far so good. They are surprisingly light, and for those unfamiliar with outer shells, they need to be layered! If you just wear these in the snow you'll freeze! But, with that said, toss on a light or mid layer, and you'll be golden. I have worn these out in the snow, and also on a run in freezing rain (33 degrees and pooring), and these puppies kept me warm and dry. I found they breathed really well also. I love the water beading on them, that'll never get old. I haven't used them for showshoeing or skiing, but can imagine they'd rock the house.
I'm 5'10", 165 lbs, and I got a medium regular. The length is perfect. They're a touch long so they'll keep out the snow, but the drawstrings in the bottom adjust nicely when I'm wearing thin soled running shoes so I don't step on the bottoms of the pants. Price is a bit steep, but then again so is anything Arc'teryx. Hopefully their reputation for longevity and quality will hold up, and I'll have these puppies for many a year.

This jacket is sweet. I got it in black, and love it. The AR (all-round) in its name definitely holds true. I use it to run in, walk the dog, wear around town on the weekends, and, believe it or not, I wear it over a suit and tie in the winter for my work in financial services instead of a wool long-coat, and don't think twice about it. I've had it for a year now, and for an expensive Gore Tex Pro Shell jacket, as one can imagine it is fully waterproof. Water still beads off it, though I might need to give it a Nikwax treatment soon. The huge inner pockets are very functional, and the stow away hood is very adjustable. I feel like a hero cruising around in it, though it does have some minor drawbacks. First, it doesn't have any pit-zips, which is a negative during runs. Second, it's actually not that warm. If I'm being somewhat active, this is no biggie, but if I'm standing around outside in below freezing weather, I definitely need to layer. This kind of defeats the purpose of buying an expensive, insulated, Gore Tex jacket. But the coolness factor, and the fact that I can wear this during the workweek as well as the weekend, make this a purchase I do not regret.

This thing rocks the house. I give it a 5 out of 5 for functionability. I use it mainly for running and wearing around town, but it actually makes a fantastic golf jacket, as it's so lightweight, windproof, and breathable. And because it breathes so well, I can wear it on a run with a light layer in below freezing weather (New England winters), and with just a tee shirt when I hit the trails in the fall and spring. I give it a 5 out of 5 for comfort. It's clearly built for an athlete, which is obvious from the minute this bad boy is put on. The arms rotate around better than any jacket I've ever owned. Coolness? Come on, 5 out of 5 again. If you can swallow the price on this puppy, you won't regret it as you'll be the envy of people who really know outdoor clothing. One small but important note, the zippers on this are awesome, they are as smooth as butter. Truly a pleasure.