Arc’teryx Fission SV Jacket review | Waterproof, insulated and near perfect

Last updated: January 19, 2025

Arc'teryx Fission SV Jacket

The Arc'teryx Fission SV Jacket (Men's - Women's) is a great option for low-output use in quite cold, wet and windy conditions.

The Arc'teryx Fission SV Jacket was long a favorite of many skiers and snowboarders - even despite its notable absence of any snowsport-specific features. But as if often the case with Arc'teryx products, the Fission SV Jacket was discontinued a couple years ago and has since been replaced with a growing number of synthetic insulated jackets. 

If you're set on purchasing an insulated, weatherproof jacket for skiing or snowboarding, your Winter 2024-2025 choices are the brand new Fissile SV Down Jacket (yes, Fissile sounds a lot like Fission, but they're not the same), the Rush Insulated Jacket, the Sabre Insulated Jacket, or the Macai Jacket.  

If you want a waterproof and windproof insulated jacket but don't care about skiing or riding, you have some other great Arc'teryx options, including the Beta Insulated Jacket (read our review), the Beta Down Insulated Jacket, the Ralle Insulated Jacket, and the Therme SV Parka (read our review). Here's how Arc'teryx compares these four jackets: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000007371/X000008885/X000007315/X000006581

Check out our Best Arc'teryx Jackets for Skiing overview for a breakdown on each of these jackets. Or, for nostalgia sake, our old Arc'teryx Fission SV Jacket review remains below. 

Summary

Despite its minor flaws (loose collar configuration and rough zipper flow), the Arc'teryx Fission SV Jacket is still worth getting. Why? Because no other Arc'teryx ski and snowboard jacket is nearly as warm, windproof and waterproof. In other words, it's without equal within the Arc'teryx product line. 

Yes, these flaws can be annoying. But I don't think they're a deal-breaker (at least not for me). 

Warmth

In Arc'teryx's lineup, the Fission SV Jacket is the warmest synthetic insulated jacket

  • Temperature ratings of Arc'teryx jackets

NameEst. Temp (F/C)BreathabilityWind Res.Abrasion res.ReviewPit venting?Two way zipper?Stuffs into itself?Synthetic FillSynth. Fill WeightFace FabricActivityFitWeightLength (CB)Internal pocketsExternal pockets
Arc'teryx Alpha Parka (Men's - Women's)-18/-28No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesYesCoreloft90 g/m²N30r 2L GoreTex InfiniumClimbingRegular805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz86 cm / 34 inNo
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's - Women's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesCoreloft Compact40 g/m²Hadron 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumClimbingRegular540 g / 1 lb 3 oz79.5 cm / 31.25 inNo
Arc'teryx Atom (aka LT) ( Men's - Women's)43/69/106/107/10ReviewYes, meshNoNoCoreloft Continuous60 g/m²20D TyonoAll RoundTrim375 g / 13.2 oz74 cm / 29.1 inNobestsyntheticjackets1x chest-
Arc'teryx Atom Heavyweight (aka AR) (Men's - Women's)18/-84/108/108/10ReviewYes, meshNoNoCoreloft Continuous120 g/m2 + 80 g/m2 + 60 g/m230D TyonoAll RoundRegular475 g / 1 lb 74 cm / 29.1 inNobestsyntheticjackets1x chest-
Arc'teryx Atom Lightweight (aka SL) (Men's - Women's)52/1110/102/107/10ReviewYes, meshNoNoCoreloft Compact40 g/m²20D TyonoAll RoundTrim270 g / 9.5 oz72 cm / 28.3 inNobestsyntheticjackets--
Arc'teryx Beta Down Insulated (Men's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataYesYesNoCoreloft80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's)21/-6No dataNo dataNo dataReviewYes, zipsYesNoCoreloft Continuous80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz78.5 cm / 31 inNo
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)16/-9No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesNoCoreloft 80 g/m² + 120 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAround TownRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz86 cm / 34 inNo
Arc'teryx Cerium (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)26/-3No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoNoYesCoreloft80 + 100 g/m²Arato 15All RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 oz72 cm / 28.3 inNo
Arc'teryx Cerium Hybrid (Women's)44/7No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesCoreloft40 + 100 g/m²Arato 15 + Fortius Air 50All RoundTrim260 g / 9.2 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's)14/-10No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesNoCoreloft98 g/m²40D 2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular435g / 15.3 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Liatris (Women's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoClimashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular890 g / 1 lb 15.4 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Liatris Parka (Women's)2/-17No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoClimashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.093 kg / 2 lb 6.6 oz109 cm / 43 inNo
Arc'teryx Nuclei (aka FL) ( Men's - Women's)32/02/109/102/10ReviewNoNoYesCoreloft Continuous65 g/m²Arato 10rAll RoundRegular325 g / 11.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNobestsyntheticjackets2x dump-
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Women's)5/-151/1010/102/10ReviewNoYesYesCoreloft Continuous190 g/m2 + 90 g/m2Arato 15All RoundRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz81 cm / 31.8 inNobestsyntheticjackets2x dump1x chest
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's)21/-6No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesNoCoreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownTrim867 g / 1 lb 14.6 oz99 cm / 39 inNo
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesNoCoreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.1 kg / 2 lb 6.8 oz117.5 cm / 46.25 inNo
Arc'teryx Proton Lightweight (aka FL) (Men's - Women's)48/98/104/107/10ReviewNoNoNoOcta Loft94 g/m²Fortius Air 20ClimbingTrim343 g / 12.1 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNobestsyntheticjackets-1x chest
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesNoCoreloft60 + 80 g/m²P75d PolyesterAround TownRegular991 g / 2 lb 3 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's)-11/-24No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesNoCoreloft60 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 oz96 cm / 37.75 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium ( Men's - Women's)12/-11No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesYesCoreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30All RoundRegular517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz71.5 cm / 28.1 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium Parka (Women's)-2/-19No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesNoCoreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 20Around TownRegular610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz115.8 cm / 45.6 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium SV (Men's)3/-16No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesCoreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular645 g / 1 lb 6.8 oz73 cm / 28.75 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium SV Parka (Men's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesNoCoreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's)7/-14No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/A30D ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular442 g / 15.6 oz76 cm / 29.75 inNo
Feathered Friends Eos(Men's - Women's)8/-13No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesN/AN/APertex QuantumAll RoundRegular306 g / 10.8 oz?No
Feathered Friends Khumbu (Men's)-17/-27No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesPrimaloft Gold200 gPretex Shield XTAll RoundRegular960 g / 2 lb 2 oz?No
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's)-10/-23No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/ANylonAll RoundRegular770 g / 1 lb 11.2 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's)-13/-25No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/A30D DriliteAll RoundRegular820 g / 1 lb 13 oz76 cm / 30 inNo
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's)28/-2No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesN/AN/A10D Ripstop NylonAll RoundTrim250 g / 8.8 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's)3/-16No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesNoN/AN/A30D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular825 g / 1 lb 13.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Patagonia AlpLight (Men's - Women's)36/2No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesN/AN/A0.8 oz 10D polyesterAll RoundSlim270 g / 9.5 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Patagonia AlpLoft (Men's)-10/-23No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/APertex QuantomAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz81 cm / 31.8 inNo
Patagonia DAS (Men's - Women's)10/-121/109/103/10ReviewNoYesYesPrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco133 + 40 gPertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz84 cm / 33 inNobestsyntheticjackets2x dump1x chest
Patagonia DAS Light(Men's)34/12/108/102/10ReviewNoYesYesPlumaFill65 g10D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular320 g / 11.3 oz77 cm / 30.5 inNobestsyntheticjackets-1x chest
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's)23/-5No data4/106/10ReviewNoNoYesN/AN/A1.4 oz 20x30D polyesterAll RoundRegular428 g / 15.1 oz67 cm / 26.25 inNo
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's)18/-8No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoN/AN/A4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz?No
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's)14/-10No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesN/AN/A20D NylonAll RoundRegular632 g / 1lb 6.3 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Patagonia Isthmus (Men's)36/2No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoThermoGreen60 g4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular895 g / 1 lb 15.6 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's)12/-11No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesNoN/AN/A3.6 oz 50D polyesterAround TownRegular880 g / 1 lb 15 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parks ( Women's)7/-14No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoN/AN/A50D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.142 kg / 2 lb 8.3 oz?No
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's)37/35/106/105/10ReviewNoNoYesPlumaFill65 gPertex QuantumAll RoundRegular298 g / 10.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNobestsyntheticjackets2x dump-
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's)39/47/105/105/10ReviewNoNoYesFullRange60 g33D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim401 g / 14.14 oz?Nobestsyntheticjackets-2x chest
Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid (Men's - Women's)50/10No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoFullRange40 g20D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 oz?No
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's)41/54/106/106/10ReviewNoNoYesPrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco60 g22D PolyesterAll RoundRegular363 g / 12.8 oz71.5 cm / 28 inNobestsyntheticjackets1x chest-
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's)26/-3No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoNoNoN/AN/A2.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular585 g / 1 lb 4.7 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Patagonia Stormshadow (Men's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoN/AN/A75D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.182 kg / 2 lb 9.7 oz?No
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's)8/-13No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoNoNoN/AN/A5.5 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Patagonia Vosque 3-in-1 (Women's)10/-12No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoNoNoThermoLite100 g65% nylon, 35% polyesterAround TownRegular1.360 kg / 3 lb90 cm / 35.5 inNo
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular525 g / 1 lb 2.5 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Rab Infinity Alpine (Men's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/A30D & 13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular551 g / 1 lb 3.4 oz76.5 cm / 30.1 inNo
Rab Infinity Microlight (Men's - Women's)19/-7No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesN/AN/A13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular452 g / 15.9 oz74 cm / 29.1 inNo
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's)7/-14No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesN/AN/A30D Pertex QuantumAll RoundRegular466 g / 1 lb 0.5 oz72 cm / 28.5 inNo
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's)-2/-19No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular585 g / 1 lb 8.6 oz77 cm / 30.3 inNo
Rab Positron Pro (Men's)-13/-25No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/A40D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular740 g / 1 lb 10 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's)14/-10No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesN/AN/APertex mini ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular340 g / 13.75 oz74 cm / 29.25 inNo
 

Assumptions: Worn over a thin shirt, no output, no precipitation, light to no wind. Values are always for size M and for men's, except for women's-only items. 

Primary use of this spectrum is for comparison, rather than figuring out absolute temp ratings. 

  • Performance ratings of Arc'teryx synthetics

NameEst. Temp (F/C)BreathabilityWind Res.Abrasion res.ReviewPit venting?Two way zipper?Stuffs into itself?Synthetic FillSynth. Fill WeightFace FabricActivityFitWeightLength (CB)Internal pocketsExternal pockets
Arc'teryx Alpha Parka (Men's - Women's)-18/-28No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesYesCoreloft90 g/m²N30r 2L GoreTex InfiniumClimbingRegular805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz86 cm / 34 inNo
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's - Women's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesCoreloft Compact40 g/m²Hadron 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumClimbingRegular540 g / 1 lb 3 oz79.5 cm / 31.25 inNo
Arc'teryx Atom (aka LT) ( Men's - Women's)43/69/106/107/10ReviewYes, meshNoNoCoreloft Continuous60 g/m²20D TyonoAll RoundTrim375 g / 13.2 oz74 cm / 29.1 inNobestsyntheticjackets1x chest-
Arc'teryx Atom Heavyweight (aka AR) (Men's - Women's)18/-84/108/108/10ReviewYes, meshNoNoCoreloft Continuous120 g/m2 + 80 g/m2 + 60 g/m230D TyonoAll RoundRegular475 g / 1 lb 74 cm / 29.1 inNobestsyntheticjackets1x chest-
Arc'teryx Atom Lightweight (aka SL) (Men's - Women's)52/1110/102/107/10ReviewYes, meshNoNoCoreloft Compact40 g/m²20D TyonoAll RoundTrim270 g / 9.5 oz72 cm / 28.3 inNobestsyntheticjackets--
Arc'teryx Beta Down Insulated (Men's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataYesYesNoCoreloft80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's)21/-6No dataNo dataNo dataReviewYes, zipsYesNoCoreloft Continuous80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz78.5 cm / 31 inNo
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)16/-9No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesNoCoreloft 80 g/m² + 120 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAround TownRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz86 cm / 34 inNo
Arc'teryx Cerium (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)26/-3No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoNoYesCoreloft80 + 100 g/m²Arato 15All RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 oz72 cm / 28.3 inNo
Arc'teryx Cerium Hybrid (Women's)44/7No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesCoreloft40 + 100 g/m²Arato 15 + Fortius Air 50All RoundTrim260 g / 9.2 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's)14/-10No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesNoCoreloft98 g/m²40D 2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular435g / 15.3 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Liatris (Women's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoClimashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular890 g / 1 lb 15.4 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Liatris Parka (Women's)2/-17No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoClimashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.093 kg / 2 lb 6.6 oz109 cm / 43 inNo
Arc'teryx Nuclei (aka FL) ( Men's - Women's)32/02/109/102/10ReviewNoNoYesCoreloft Continuous65 g/m²Arato 10rAll RoundRegular325 g / 11.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNobestsyntheticjackets2x dump-
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Women's)5/-151/1010/102/10ReviewNoYesYesCoreloft Continuous190 g/m2 + 90 g/m2Arato 15All RoundRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz81 cm / 31.8 inNobestsyntheticjackets2x dump1x chest
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's)21/-6No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesNoCoreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownTrim867 g / 1 lb 14.6 oz99 cm / 39 inNo
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesNoCoreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.1 kg / 2 lb 6.8 oz117.5 cm / 46.25 inNo
Arc'teryx Proton Lightweight (aka FL) (Men's - Women's)48/98/104/107/10ReviewNoNoNoOcta Loft94 g/m²Fortius Air 20ClimbingTrim343 g / 12.1 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNobestsyntheticjackets-1x chest
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesNoCoreloft60 + 80 g/m²P75d PolyesterAround TownRegular991 g / 2 lb 3 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's)-11/-24No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesNoCoreloft60 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 oz96 cm / 37.75 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium ( Men's - Women's)12/-11No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesYesCoreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30All RoundRegular517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz71.5 cm / 28.1 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium Parka (Women's)-2/-19No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesNoCoreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 20Around TownRegular610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz115.8 cm / 45.6 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium SV (Men's)3/-16No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesCoreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular645 g / 1 lb 6.8 oz73 cm / 28.75 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium SV Parka (Men's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesNoCoreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's)7/-14No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/A30D ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular442 g / 15.6 oz76 cm / 29.75 inNo
Feathered Friends Eos(Men's - Women's)8/-13No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesN/AN/APertex QuantumAll RoundRegular306 g / 10.8 oz?No
Feathered Friends Khumbu (Men's)-17/-27No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesPrimaloft Gold200 gPretex Shield XTAll RoundRegular960 g / 2 lb 2 oz?No
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's)-10/-23No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/ANylonAll RoundRegular770 g / 1 lb 11.2 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's)-13/-25No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/A30D DriliteAll RoundRegular820 g / 1 lb 13 oz76 cm / 30 inNo
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's)28/-2No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesN/AN/A10D Ripstop NylonAll RoundTrim250 g / 8.8 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's)3/-16No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesNoN/AN/A30D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular825 g / 1 lb 13.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Patagonia AlpLight (Men's - Women's)36/2No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesN/AN/A0.8 oz 10D polyesterAll RoundSlim270 g / 9.5 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Patagonia AlpLoft (Men's)-10/-23No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/APertex QuantomAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz81 cm / 31.8 inNo
Patagonia DAS (Men's - Women's)10/-121/109/103/10ReviewNoYesYesPrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco133 + 40 gPertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz84 cm / 33 inNobestsyntheticjackets2x dump1x chest
Patagonia DAS Light(Men's)34/12/108/102/10ReviewNoYesYesPlumaFill65 g10D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular320 g / 11.3 oz77 cm / 30.5 inNobestsyntheticjackets-1x chest
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's)23/-5No data4/106/10ReviewNoNoYesN/AN/A1.4 oz 20x30D polyesterAll RoundRegular428 g / 15.1 oz67 cm / 26.25 inNo
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's)18/-8No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoN/AN/A4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz?No
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's)14/-10No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesN/AN/A20D NylonAll RoundRegular632 g / 1lb 6.3 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Patagonia Isthmus (Men's)36/2No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoThermoGreen60 g4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular895 g / 1 lb 15.6 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's)12/-11No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoYesNoN/AN/A3.6 oz 50D polyesterAround TownRegular880 g / 1 lb 15 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parks ( Women's)7/-14No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoN/AN/A50D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.142 kg / 2 lb 8.3 oz?No
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's)37/35/106/105/10ReviewNoNoYesPlumaFill65 gPertex QuantumAll RoundRegular298 g / 10.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNobestsyntheticjackets2x dump-
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's)39/47/105/105/10ReviewNoNoYesFullRange60 g33D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim401 g / 14.14 oz?Nobestsyntheticjackets-2x chest
Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid (Men's - Women's)50/10No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoFullRange40 g20D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 oz?No
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's)41/54/106/106/10ReviewNoNoYesPrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco60 g22D PolyesterAll RoundRegular363 g / 12.8 oz71.5 cm / 28 inNobestsyntheticjackets1x chest-
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's)26/-3No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoNoNoN/AN/A2.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular585 g / 1 lb 4.7 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Patagonia Stormshadow (Men's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoN/AN/A75D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.182 kg / 2 lb 9.7 oz?No
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's)8/-13No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoNoNoN/AN/A5.5 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Patagonia Vosque 3-in-1 (Women's)10/-12No dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoNoNoThermoLite100 g65% nylon, 35% polyesterAround TownRegular1.360 kg / 3 lb90 cm / 35.5 inNo
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular525 g / 1 lb 2.5 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Rab Infinity Alpine (Men's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/A30D & 13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular551 g / 1 lb 3.4 oz76.5 cm / 30.1 inNo
Rab Infinity Microlight (Men's - Women's)19/-7No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesN/AN/A13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular452 g / 15.9 oz74 cm / 29.1 inNo
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's)7/-14No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesN/AN/A30D Pertex QuantumAll RoundRegular466 g / 1 lb 0.5 oz72 cm / 28.5 inNo
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's)-2/-19No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular585 g / 1 lb 8.6 oz77 cm / 30.3 inNo
Rab Positron Pro (Men's)-13/-25No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesYesN/AN/A40D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular740 g / 1 lb 10 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's)14/-10No dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesN/AN/APertex mini ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular340 g / 13.75 oz74 cm / 29.25 inNo
 

Performance data axis of synthetic jackets (this table) and shell jackets (table below) are different. Don't compare them. 

  • Performance ratings of Arc'teryx shells

NameActivityTemp (F/C)BreathabilityWeather Res.DurabilityBottom lineReviewPit zips?Two way zipper?Stuffs into itself?Face FabricFitWeightLength
Alpha (aka AR) (Men's - Women's)ClimbingN/A8/109/108/104/10Go-to climbing harshell. ReviewYesNoNoN40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular430 g / 15.2 oz79.5 cm / 31.25 inNo
Alpha SV (Men's - Women's)ClimbingN/A8/1010/1010/103/10Strongest climbing hardshell. ReviewYesNoNoN100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular510 g / 1 lb 2 oz78 cm / 30.75 inNo
Beta (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A6/107/107/108/10Streamlined all-doer shell.ReviewNoNoNoN30p-X 3L Gore-TexTrim300 g / 10.6 oz76 cm / 30 inNo
Beta AR (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A8/109/109/104/10Go-to all-round harshell. ReviewYesNoNoN40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular460 g / 1 lb 76 cm / 30 inNo
Beta AR StormHood (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A8/109/109/104/10ReviewYesNoNoN40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular460 g / 1 lb 76 cm / 30 inNo
Beta Coat (Women's)All RoundN/A6/105/10No data5/10NoYesNo3L Gore-TexRegular320 g / 11.3 oz88 cm / 34.5 inNo
Beta Down Insulated (Men's)All Round0/-189/107/108/10No dataYesYesNo2L 40D Gore-TexRegular760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's)All Round21/-69/107/108/10No dataGo-to hybrid jacket.ReviewYesYesNoN40d 2L Gore-TexRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz78.5 cm / 31 inNo
Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)All Round16/-97/10No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesNoN40d 2L Gore-TexRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz86 cm / 34 inNo
Beta Lightweight (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A8/107/107/106/10ReviewYesNoNoN40p 3L Gore-TexFitted380 g / 13.4 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNo
Beta LT (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A7/107/108/106/10ReviewYesNoNoN40d 3L Gore-TexFitted395 g / 13.9 oz76 cm / 30 inNo
Gamma (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A7/103/107/103/10Go-to softshell.ReviewNoNoNoWee Burly Double WeaveRegular545 g / 1 lb 3.2 oz76 cm / 30 inNo
Gamma MX (Men's)All RoundN/A6/104/108/103/10Strongest softshell.ReviewNoNoNoFortius 2.0Regular555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz74 cm / 29.1 inNo
Norvan Shell (Men's)RunningN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNo13D 3L Gore-TexTrim190 g / 6.7 oz73 cm / 28.75 inNo
Rush (Women's)SkiingN/A8/109/109/103/10Go-to ski jacket. ReviewYesNoNoN80p-X & N100p-X 3L Most Rugged Gore-Tex ProRegular590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz79.5 cm / 31.25 inNo
Rush Insulated (Women's)Skiing16/-93/105/105/109/10ReviewNoNoYesHadron 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumRegular515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz79 cm / 31 inYes
Sabre (Men's)SkiingN/A8/108/107/102/10ReviewYesNoNoN80p-X 3L Gore-TexRegular705 g / 1 lb 8.9 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Sentinel (Women's)SkiingN/A8/107/107/102/10Go-to ski jacket. ReviewYesNoNoN70p 3L Gore-TexRegular640 g / 1 lb 6.6 oz73.7 cm / 29 inNo
Sentinel Insulated (Women's)Skiing21/-68/10No dataNo dataNo dataReviewYesNoNoN80p 2L Gore-TexRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz79.8 cm / 31.5 inNo
Sentinel Relaxed (Women's)SkiingN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesNoNoN80p 3L Gore-TexRegular655 g / 1 lb 7.1 oz?No
Sidewinder (Women's)SkiingN/A8/108/107/102/10YesNoNoN80p 3L Gore-TexRegular570 g / 1 lb 4.1 oz?No
Solano (Men's - Women's)Around TownN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoNoNoGore-Tex InfiniumRelaxed355 g / 12.5 oz72 cm / 28.3 inNo
Squamish (Men's - Women's)RunningN/A5/104/107/109/10Go-to running jacket.ReviewNoNoYes30D TyonoTrim140 g / 4.9 oz77.5 cm / 30.5 inNo
Theriss Down (Women's)SkiingNo data7/106/107/102/10ReviewYesNoNoN80p 2L Gore-TexRegular709 g / 1 lb 9 oz63 cm / 24.8 inNo
Alpha FL (Men's - Women's)ClimbingN/A7/10No dataNo data10/10NoNoYesHadron 3L Gore-TexTrim209 g / 7.4 oz76.5 cm / 30 inYes
Alpha IS (Men's)Climbing23/-57/105/10No data8/10NoYesYesN40p-X 2L Gore-TexRegular610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz78 cm / 30.75 inYes
Alpha SL (Men's - Women's)ClimbingN/A5/107/10No data9/10NoNoYesN40p 3L Gore-TexTrim326 g / 11.5 oz77.5 cm / 30.5 inYes
Beta SV (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A8/1010/1010/103/10Strongest all-round harshell. ReviewYesNoNoN80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular495 g / 1 lb 1.5 oz79 cm / 31 inYes
Gamma SL (aka lightweight) (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A7/102/106/105/10ReviewNoNoNoFortius 1.0Trim310 g / 10.9 oz74 cm / 29.1 inYes
Incendia (Women's)SkiingN/A8/109/109/103/10ReviewYesNoNoNP100d 3L Gore-TexTrim610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz79 cm / 31 inYes
Incendo (Men's)RunningN/A7/104/105/1010/10ReviewNoNoYesLuminTrim125 g / 4.4 oz?Yes
Incendo Airshell (Men'sRunningN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYes?Trim105 g / 3.7 oz?Yes
Incendo SL (Men's)RunningN/A7/104/104/1010/10ReviewNoNoYesPermair 20 & CanimTrim80 g / 2.8 oz73 cm / 28.75 inYes
Macai (Men's)Skiing5/-157/107/106/101/10ReviewYesNoNoN40p-X 3L Gore-TexRegular990 g / 2 lb 2.9 oz75 cm / 29.5 inYes
Macai Lightweight (aka LT) (Men's)Skiing8/-137/107/106/102/10ReviewYesNoNoN40p-X 3L Gore-TexRegular855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz?Yes
Macai Shell (Men's)SkiingN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewYesNoNoN80p-X 3L Gore-TexRegular775 g / 1 lb 11.3 oz?Yes
Micon (Men's)SkiingN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesNoNoN80p 3L Gore-TexRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz83 cm / 32.5 inYes
Micon HeatherSkiingN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesNoNoNP100-d 3L Gore-TexRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz83 cm / 32.5 inYes
Nodin (Men's - Women's)RunningN/A8/105/105/1010/10NoNoYes20D TyonoTrim130 g / 4.6 oz75 cm / 29.5 inYes
Norvan LT (Men's - Women's)RunningN/A5/105/108/106/10NoNoNoN13p 3L Gore-TexTrim190 g / 6.7 oz?Yes
Norvan SL (Men's - Women's)RunningN/A7/106/108/108/10ReviewNoNoYesGore-Tex InfiniumTrim120 g / 4.2 oz77 cm / 30.4 inYes
Norvan SL Ins. (Women's)Running39/4No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesGore-Tex ShakeDryTrim270 g / 9.5 oz71.5 cm / 28.1 inYes
Norvan Windshell (Men'sRunningN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesPermeair 20Trim90 g / 3.2 oz73 cm / 28.75 inYes
Procline (Men's)SkiingN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesNoNoN70p Gore-Tex InfiniumTrim720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz76 cm / 30 inYes
Ravenna (Women's)SkiingN/A8/107/108/103/10ReviewYesNoNoN70s-4 3L Gore-TexTrim725 g / 1 lb 9.6 oz69.5 cm / 27.4 inYes
Ravenna LT (Women's)SkiingN/A6/106/106/105/10ReviewYesNoNoN70p 3L Gore-TexTrim540 g / 1 lb 3 oz69 cm / 27.2 inYes
Sabre AR (Men's)SkiingN/A7/108/107/107/10ReviewYesNoNoN70p 3L Gore-TexRegular700 g / 1 lb 8.7 oz79 cm / 31 inYes
Sabre Insulated (See related products)SkiingNo data7/10No data6/10No dataReviewYesNoNoN80p 2L Gore-TexRegular815 g / 1 lb 12.7 oz76 cm / 30 inYes
Sabre LT (Men's)SkiingN/A7/108/107/108/10ReviewYesNoNoN80p 3L Gore-TexRegular660 g / 1 lb 7.3 oz83 cm / 32.5 inYes
Sabre SV (Men's)SkiingN/A10/1010/1010/101/10Strongest ski jacket.ReviewYesYesNoN100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular595 g / 1 lb 5 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Sentinel AR (Women's)SkiingN/A7/108/107/107/10ReviewYesNoNoN70p 3L Gore-TexRegular590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz72.5 cm / 28.5 inYes
Sentinel LT (Women's)SkiingN/A7/108/107/108/10ReviewYesNoNoN80p 3L Gore-TexRegular565 g / 1 lb 3.9 oz73.5 cm / 29 inYes
Shashka Stretch (Women's)SkiingN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesNoNoN70p Gore-Tex InfiniumTrim670 g / 1 lb 7.6 oz71 cm / 28 inYes
Trino SL (Men's)RunningN/A8/105/107/106/10ReviewNoNoNoGore-Tex InfiniumTrim340 g / 12 oz74 cm / 29.1 inYes
Trino SL Anorak (Women's)RunningN/A8/107/108/107/10ReviewNoNoNoGore-Tex InfiniumTrim290 g / 10.2 oz65 cm / 25.5 inYes
Venda Anorak (Women's)Around TownN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoGore-TexRelaxed255 g / 9 oz75.5 cm / 29.7 inYes
Zeta AR (Men's)HikingN/A7/108/107/104/10YesNoNo3L Gore-TexRegular425 g / 15 oz80 cm / 31.5 inYes
Zeta FL (Men's - Women's)HikingN/A4/106/104/106/10NoNoNoN20r 2L Gore-TexTrim221 g / 7.8 oz76 cm / 30 inYes
Zeta LT (Men's - Women's)HikingN/A5/107/108/105/10NoNoNoN40P-X 3L Gore-TexTrim335 g / 11.8 oz78 cm / 30.75 inYes
Zeta SL (Men's - Women's)HikingN/A3/105/104/105/10ReviewNoNoNo2L Gore-TexTrim310 g / 10.9 oz77.8 cm / 30.6 inYes
 

Performance data axis of synthetic jackets (table above) and shell jackets (this table) are different. Don't compare them. 

In most cases, the Fission SV can be a great option for stationary (low- or no-output) use in quite cold (think below 10 degrees Fahrenheit), wet and windy conditions.

  • Heads up for skinny fellows

The loose collar configuration might let in a little bit too much cold for you. Shift these temperature ratings accordingly if that's you. 

Now...

This degree of warmth is really great, but it's not a total outlier. There are equally warm and even warmer jackets out there. Hell, this bad boy *slaps jacket* from the LEAF neighborhood keeps you warm in temperatures as low as -40 degrees F!

So, its warmth capability isn't really what makes the Fission SV Jacket special and irreplaceable. 

Weather protection

As you might have realized, the Fission SV is advertised as "fully waterproof" by Arc'teryx.

Now this isn't wrong.

The combination of N80p-X GORE-TEX 2L face fabric and a DWR coating repels water perfectly well. It also prevents water from soaking into the fabric. 

  • What is DWR by the way?

DWR is a coating. 

It's basically sprayed on to the surface of these jackets as a finish. 

It stands for Durable Water Repellent - which means that water will be repelled under wet conditions instead of soaking into the fabric. 

DWR also decreases dry time. 

It's a good thing these jackets are coated in DWR.

But pay attention to the fact that DWR is a coating - meaning that it will wear off over time. 

Which is why you might want to invest in a DWR spray such as this one at arcteryx.com for after treatment. 

As you see, there's a strong correlation between FP x FW and temperature ratings, but not more than, say, 80%. I explained why this happens here in this post of mine

The job it does in this department is actually even better than the Fission SV's warmer synthetic insulated alternative, the Dually Belay (hence the higher price tag). 

Fission SV Jacket on Mount Kilimanjaro

Hell, I can even say that it'd be very, very, difficult (or maybe impossible?) to find a more waterproof outerwear than the Fission SV. 

Having said that ... 

Waterproofing is NOT black and white. There is no fully "waterproof" textile out there, and there won't be in the near future.

Some clothing materials are more waterproof than others. Given the right amount of time and intensity, all clothing material will eventually permit water to enter. 

The advantages and superiority put forward in the waterproofing department for the Fission SV goes the same for windproofing as well.

It offers incredible windproofing capabilities.

Poor breathability is actually a result of this very intention. 

When you intend to make a jacket fully windproof, you inevitably end up having to sacrifice breathability in return. 

Now, having mentioned all these facts around waterproofing and windproofing, we still didn't find an answer to our question as to why the Fission SV Jacket has no alternatives (because although the Fission SV is top notch in these areas, there are jackets with comparable capabilities out there). 

Offering warmth & weather protection at the same time

This is the answer we're looking for. Offering warmth and weather protection at the same time is what makes the Fission SV Jacket so special. 

This, actually, can only be achieved with synthetic insulated jackets (because down loses its insulating capability under damp conditions). 

I've yet to find a jacket that offers the same (or nearly as much) amount of warmth, waterproofing and windproofing as the Fission SV. 

Features

Like I said, the zippers might feel fiddly for some of you. They don't slide as easy as some smooth, non-technical jackets.

Additionally, it's a little bit difficult to insert the main zipper into the bottom slider. It can be annoying, but I don't think it's a deal-breaker - at least not for me. 

Lastly, here's the product video:


Check out our other content on jackets:

Guide: Insulated & Shell Jackets

Start here:

Also see:

About the Author Canberk K.


Hey, what's up? Canberk here. Arc'teryx addict, gym rat, and Tame Impala fan.