Gear Review: Arc’teryx Theta AR

Arc’teryx Theta AR

by Shaun Nauman

Arc’teryx Theta AR
Arc’teryx Theta AR

The Arc’teryx Theta AR Jacket is an excellent four season hard shell when used in conjunction with the Layering System. The Arc’teryx Theta AR is a technical shell designed for active use in inclement climates. The”AR” identifier stands for ‘All Around’ use. A list of Arc’teryx identifiers can be found below.

I have owned the Theta AR for five years now. I use it as my primary shell during the winter season in conjunction with the layering system for AT splitboarding in the backcountry. I use the Theta AR as an outer-layer. Typically for a winter mid-layer I will use the Arc’teryx Gamma MX in conjunction, along with a baselayer. In shallower snow I will usually use the Beta AR which is slightly lighter and sits higher on my waist.

TECH SHELL DESIGNATORS:

  • SV – Severe
  • AR – All’Round
  • LT – Light
  • SL – Super Light (pac-light)
  • SK – Ski
  • MX – Mixed
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FIT CATEGORIES:

NEXT TO SKIN FIT: These snugly-fitting garments are made with stretch fabrics to fit next to the skin to enhance moisture management and thermal efficiency.

TRIM FIT: Trim-fitted garments share the motion-friendly traits with our ‘Athletic’ fit garments, but are patterned with lower volume for reduced bulk. These close-fitting pieces layer well under other garments.

ATHLETIC FIT: This is the ‘Arc’teryx Standard’ fit. These complete patterns utilise anatomical shaping and gussets to enhance motion by minimizing excess bulk. Easy layering under or over each item extends seasonal versatility and comfort.

RELAXED FIT: Relaxed fit garments rely on higher volume patterns and a reduced amount of articulation to offer roomy mobility.

EXPEDITION FIT: Cut roomier than our Athletic fit and suitable for winter/extreme conditions, Expedition (XPD) fit garments are cut larger to accommodate multiple layers without binding or restricting movement.

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Arcteryx Theta AR Specs

Description →Key Features →All Around →The Hood →Longer Length →Arc'teryx Fit Guide - Athletic Fit →e3D →Men's Sizing Chart →Care →

AR Series: All-round mountain apparel | AR: All-Round. Women-specific, lightweight & packable, waterproof GORE-TEX® jacket; Hip length with a helmet compatible DropHood™.

The Theta AR Jacket is a full-featured GORE-TEX® Pro storm shelter with clean styling and multi-sport versatility. Made with our longest length for maximum coverage, this lightweight jacket features a tall collar with a DropHood™ for quick access. Reinforced high-wear areas enhance longevity and articulated shaping provides athletic mobility for year-round backcountry use.

Arc'teryx Theta AR

Technical Features

  • Waterproof
  • Snow-shedding
  • Windproof
  • Breathable
  • Lightweight
  • Durable

Construction

Patterning

  • Anatomical shaping for fit and comfort
  • Gender specific patterning
  • Articulated elbows
  • e3D Ergonomic 3-Dimensional patterning for enhanced comfort and mobility
  • No-lift gusseted underarms
  • Athletic fit for a slimmer more flattering profile

Hood Configuration

  • Laminated brim
  • Adjustable hood drawcords
  • Helmet compatible DropHood™

Collar Configuration

  • Chin guard with brushed microsuede facing for added comfort
  • Zippers & Fly Configuration
  • WaterTight™ external zippers
  • Laminated pit zippers allow for faster venting
  • Corded zipper-pulls reduce noise and are easy to grab
  • WaterTight™ Vislon front zip
  • Zipper garages to protect zipper closure from snow and rain

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

  • Internal chest pocket with laminated zip
  • Two high-volume hand pockets
  • Note: The WaterTight™ zippers are highly water resistant, but not waterproof. We do not recommend keeping items in your pockets that may be damaged by moisture

Theta Series: All-round mountain apparel with increased coverage | AR: All-Round. Lightweight and versatile GORE-TEX® jacket, features a tall collar with a DropHood™. All around mountain use garments: longest length; chest pockets; interior pockets; moderate – expedition articulation and room for layers; helmet compatible hoods; drop hem.

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

The Theta AR Jacket is a full-featured GORE-TEX® Pro storm shelter with clean styling and multi-sport versatility. Made with our longest length for maximum coverage, this lightweight jacket features a tall collar with a DropHood™ for quick access. Reinforced high-wear areas enhance longevity and articulated shaping provides athletic mobility for year-round backcountry use.

The Arc’teryx Theta AR 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.

Ergonomic 3-Dimensional Patterning

Ergonomic 3-Dimensional (e3D) patterning brings an additional level of articulation to provide enhanced range-of-motion in our Trim, Athletic and Expedition fit categories. The application of e3D patterning allows for enhanced mobility for sport-specific activities in challenging environments.

E3D

This is the ‘Arc’teryx Standard’ fit. These complete patterns utilise anatomical shaping and gussets to enhance motion by minimizing excess bulk. Easy layering under or over each item extends seasonal versatility and comfort.

Arcteryx sizing

How to find your measurements

Sleeve:
With your arms in a slightly bent postion, measure from the center of the back of your neck, along the length of your arm, to the wrist.

Chest/Bust:
Measure around your chest/bust, holding the measuring tape under your armpit.

Waist:
Measure around your waist at the narrowest part.

Hip:
Measure around your hips at the widest part.

Men’s Jacket/Shirt Sizing

Calculate your own body measurements, then select your product size.

BODY Size
X-Small | 36
Small | 38
Medium | 40
Large | 43
X-Large | 46
XX-Large | 50
inch
cm
inch
cm
inch
cm
inch
cm
inch
cm
inch
cm
Chest
36
94
38
97
40
102
43
109
46
117
50
127
Waist
29
74
31
79
33
84
36
91
39
99
43
109
Hip
36
91
38
97
40
102
43
109
46
117
50
127
Sleeve
32
81
33
84
34
86
35
89
36
91
37
94
  • Machine wash in warm water (30°C).
  • Double rinse.
  • Do not use fabric softener.
  • Tumble dry on medium heat.
  • Do not iron.
ThetaTHETA
All around mountain use garments: longest length; chest pockets; interior pockets; moderate – expedition articulation and room for layers; helmet compatible hoods; drop hem.
ARAR | ALL AROUND
Provides high performance & weather protection and highlights a range of features to give All Around versatility in multiple activities.

The Theta AR performs exceptionally well in outdoor activities such as hiking, running, AT skiing / snowboarding and is uniquely versatile in all four seasons. The Theta AR is a tech hardshell that stands up to heavy rain, snow, strong wind, and abrasions. The light weight construction, breathability and pit zips make this an ideal shell in the summer months, approach to a summit, or while AT touring.

GORE-TEX® Tech Pro Shell
GORE-TEX® Tech Pro Shell

Depending on the year of manufacture the Arcteryx Theta AR is either made from GORE-TEX® Pro shell, or GORE-TEX® Performance shell (XCR). From 2012 forward they will be GORE-TEX® Pro. The difference between the tech fabrics is the weight, specifically in the lining material. The “GORE-TEX® XCR” material has a Tricot third layer, while the GORE-TEX® Pro has a much more durable and lighter weight material offering abrasion resistance on the inside. There is no difference in breathability or waterproofness between the two however.

The streamlined Theta AR Jacket provides the backcountry minimalist with durable storm protection in a lightweight and packable format. This hip length GORE-TEX® Pro Shell jacket reduces layering overlap and bulk, a helmet compatible Drop Hood™ offers quick storm protection, and reinforced shoulder and elbows survive alpine abuse.

As with all tech clothing, particularly shells – keep them clean. Build up of dirt, oils, sunscreen, etc. will cause the DWR and breathability of the 3-layer GORE-TEX® system to work less efficient.  See the tech clothing care guide directly from Arc’teryx for pointers on cleaning and renewing the DWR. As with all tech clothing, never use fabric softener.

Retail price: $550.00 USD
You can find more information on the Arc’teryx website. www.arcteryx.com

Arc’teryx Cost

Curious about the Arc’teryx factory? “In total, a single jacket takes nearly six hours to produce—it will pass through about 80 sets of hands, that’s over 250 processes. Take into consideration the materials being used—space age fabrics and fastenings—and do a little math. You’ll find that an Arc’teryx parka (they go from about $300 up to $1000) suddenly doesn’t seem so outrageously priced. More…

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Guest reviewer Tiffany Hansen also did a great writeup on the Women’s Arc’teryx Beta AR, Beta LT, and a comparison of the two.

beta_ar Check out the review on the Women’s Arc’teryx Beta AR
Arc'teryx Beta AR & Beta LT Comparison Check out the comparison of the Women’s  Arc’teryx Beta AR & Beta LT  

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