Gear Review: Arc’teryx Stingray

The Arc’teryx Stingray is a refined on piste hybrid shell that feels and wears similar to a softshell, but is durable like a hardshell. The Stingray is classified as a Gore-Tex waterproof hardshell; tough as nails, waterproof/breathable with a warm brushed polyester backer that adds comfort and durability. The Stingray also features an interior powder skirt, and is designed with ski specific features. The Arc’teryx Stingray is part of the Whiteline series – ergonomic designs for skiing & snowboarding. The Arc’teryx Stingray is the ultimate ski and snowboard specific shell when used in conjunction with the Layering System.

Intro

To really simplify the Arc’teryx product line it helps to understand Arc’teryx abbreviations and designations of technical shells. Arc’teryx also breaks down technical shells and apparel in to ‘fit catergories’. This designation system helps to easily keep track of The force created by gravity acting on a mass." class="glossaryLink " target="_blank">weight and purpose if you are looking for a technical shell so that you can pair it with it’s intended use. The Arcteryx Stingray does not fit in to the Tech designation Ascent category, which are technical systems for alpinism & climbing. An example of technical ascent series hard shell jackets are the Arc’teryx Beta AR and Theta AR. Instead the Stingray is designated in the Whiteline category for ski specific. The Arc’teryx Rush, Sabre, Crossbow, and Stingray are all part of the Whiteline series.

The Stingray is a 3-layer Gore-Tex with a soft interior micro insulation. The Stingray features the athletic fit and includes anatomical shaping for fit, articulated patterning for mobility, and gusseted underarms for no-lift comfort. The Stingray also features a powder skirt and zippered pitzips for quick ventilation. The DropHood system features adjustable drawcords as well as helmet compatibility, and WaterTight external zippers offer additional water-resistant protection. Let’s start with the manufacturing specifications under the following tabs.

Arcteryx Stingray Specs

”DescriptionSki Specific →Stash and Go →Key Features →Snowsport Features →Design / Construction →Material →The Hood →Arc'teryx Fit Guide - Athletic Fit →Care →

 Refined for on piste performance, the Stingray is a tough, waterproof/breathable N70p GORE-TEX® hardshell with a warm brushed polyester backer that adds comfort and durability. Performance ergonomics are built in with articulated shaping for athletic mobility, and a low profile cut that’s built for racking up vertical feet.

Features are geared for adventurous area skiing and boarding in all conditions. N70p GORE-TEX® shuts out the wind and snow, and the helmet compatible Drop Hood™ provides superior weather protection with exceptional visibility and stealthy, one-handed adjustability. A laminated powder skirt with gripper elastic seals out the snow, and pit zips with Arc’teryx WaterTight™ zippers add rapid ventilation with minimal bulk.

For the things that skiers and snowboarders need to have on hand, the Stingray has two large easily accessible hand pocket. A small pocket on the lower sleeve stashes a map, lip balm or sunglasses. Inside, the large mesh dump pocket hauls a hat, gloves or goggles, and the laminated zip pocket securely holds wallet, cash or keys.

Technical Features

• Waterproof
• Breathable
• Snow-shedding
• Windproof
• Lightly insulated
• Durable

Collar Configuration

• Chin guard with brushed microsuede facing for added comfort

Zippers & Fly Configuration

• WaterTight™ external zippers
• Pit zippers for easy venting
• Full front zip with laminated wind flap
• Micro webbing zipper pulls

Cuff & Sleeves Configuration

• Die-cut Velcro® cuff adjusters reduce bulk, and won’t catch or tear off

Hem Configuration

• Drop back hem
• Laminated hem
• Adjustable hem drawcord

Pocket Configuration

• Sleeve pocket with WaterTight™ zip
• Internal mesh pocket
• Two hand pockets with WaterTight™ zippers
• Internal chest pocket with zip
• Note: WaterTight™ zippers are highly water resistant, but not waterproof. Arc’teryx does not recommend keeping items in your pockets that may be damaged by moisture

• Powder skirt with gripper elastic and snap closure
• Hidden Recco® reflector

Design

• Athletic, slimmer fit, for on-piste use

Construction

• Micro-seam allowance (1.6 mm) reduces bulk and weight
• DWR finish (Durable Water Repellent) helps repel water from fabric surface
• Taped seams for added weatherproofness
• Soft, brushed lining adds light insulation

Patterning

• Anatomical shaping for fit and comfort
• Articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility
• No-lift gusseted underarms

• N70p GORE-TEX® Fabric with 3L lo-loft soft shell construction

A good hood is a crucial detail on any serious alpine jacket. The Stingray features the Arc’teryx DropHood™, a helmet-compatible, fast adjust hood with a separate collar for draft protection.

Hood Configuration

•  Adjustable hood drawcords
• Helmet compatible DropHood™

The Arc’teryx Stingray is ‘athletic fit’. This is the ‘Arc’teryx Standard’ fit. These complete patterns utilize anatomical shaping and gussets to enhance motion by minimizing excess bulk. Easy layering under or over each item extends seasonal versatility and comfort. Standing in as the “Arc’teryx Standard” fit, the complex patterns used utilize anatomical shaping and gussets to enhance motion and eliminate excess bulk. Trimmer than the Relaxed fit with room for a base layer, a light fleece mid-layer and a synthetic or down filled mid-layer.

• Machine wash in warm water (30°C).
• Double rinse.
• Do not use fabric softener.
• Tumble dry on medium heat.
• Do not iron.

Function and Use on the Snow

The Stingray is built for snow sports activity. It is lightly insulated, waterproof, with hardwearing Gore-Tex® and a 3L softshell construction. The interior has a warm brushed polyester backer that adds comfort and durability. Performance ergonomics are built in with articulated shaping for athletic mobility, and a low profile cut. Articulated design essentially means that when you raise your arms, the jacket does not lift at the waist – which is a huge design feature. Many people wear baggy shell jackets to accommodate for this. I’m definitely not a fan of the baggy clothing which has become a bit of a fashion statement…if you are in highschool.

The N70p Gore-Tex® shuts out the wind and snow. This jacket is bulletproof in high winds. The helmet compatible Drop Hood™ provides superior weather protection with exceptional visibility and stealthy, one-handed adjustability. I had no problems with the articulation while using it over the ski helmet. The Stingray also features a snapped laminated powder skirt with gripper elastic which seals out the snow on powder days. On those warmer days, the pit zips with WaterTight™ zippers add rapid ventilation with minimal bulk. The Stingray can handle a very wide range of temperatures with the proper layering and venting.

Pocket placement is well thought out on the Stingray. For the things that skiers and snowboarders need to have on hand, the Stingray has two large easily accessible hand pockets. A small pocket on the lower sleeve for stashing a map, sunscreen or sunglasses. Inside, the large mesh dump pocket hauls a hat, gloves or goggles, and the laminated zip pocket securely holds a phone, camera or keys. The Stingray also features a built in RECCO® reflector which aids emergency location.

Details

Next I will go over a few of the finer details.

Conclusion

The Arc’teryx Stingray is a bullet-proof hardshell with all the advantages of a softshell. The jacket reviewed is size large 2014 Men’s Arc’teryx Stingray in the color ‘Blue Moon’.

Retail price: $499.00 USD

Personally I would keep an eye for sales and specials if seeking out this shell. Although they do not happen often and when they do the color selection and size can be a challenge. But if you are patient you will find them. Note that sometimes certain retailers only carry certain colors from the product line, while other retailers carry other specific colors. You can find more information on the Arc’teryx website. www.arcteryx.com

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