Arc’teryx Liatris Jacket Review: Field-Tested in Real Mountain Conditions

A relaxed-fit GORE-TEX shell built for real mountain conditions, the Arc’teryx Liatris blends weatherproof performance with everyday versatility. After testing it in snow, wind, and high-output touring, here’s how it held up in the field.

As a backcountry skier and all-around outdoor enthusiast in the Pacific Northwest, I’m constantly rotating through shells to find one that can truly adapt to shifting conditions. Enter the Arc’teryx Liatris, a waterproof, breathable, relaxed-fit GORE-TEX shell designed for active mountain pursuits. After testing it ski touring, as well as days around town in wind, snow, and mild weather, the Liatris proved to be really versatile, even if isn't a focused backcountry jacket.

Bottom Line

I think the Arc'teyrx Liatris gets a lot right when it comes to an all-around mountain shell. The slightly boxy fit, soft fabric, and extra pockets make this a go-to grab for daily mountain town life. The 3L GORE-TEX fabric gives the Liatris solid waterproof and breathable credentials, but it lacks a few details to be a technical backcountry shell. Most obvious is the hood's lack of helmet compatibility. I don't find this to be a big issue because I rarely want to ski with a hood up. It's a better fit for a jacket like the Liatris that is just as suited going out to dinner as it is blocking driving snow. The other callout for really active use is that this jacket does not have zippered vents under the arms. If that additional heat-dumping capability is to you, I'd look at something like the touring-focused Rush jacket.

Read our full review of the Arc'teryx Rush here.

My biggest complaint with the Liatris is its 2-way zipper, which I find totally unnecessary on a jacket like this. In fact, the zipper is a frequent source of frustration for the simple fact that it's harder to align two zipper pulls than a single pull, and I often struggle to get the zipper started.

Liatris Strengths & Weaknesses

At a glance

Arc'teryx Liatris Jacket - Women's

Arc'teryx Liatris Models

There are actually three different Liatris jacket models. Now that I have experience with the jacket, I think both the insulated down jacket and the long coat would be great in my quiver. 

Arc'teryx Liatris: Materials & Construction

The Arc'teryx Liatris has a relaxed cut and casual look while offering serious weather protection and durability. The 80-denier, three-layer GORE-TEX ePE face fabric has a very high waterproof rating of 28,000mm, meaning it is suitable for use in even driving rain. The ePE fabric and the FCO durable water-repellent (DWR) coating are PFAS-free; part of Arc'teryx commitment to remove forever chemicals from all of its products. On the inside of the jacket is a GORE C-KNIT™ backer to give the jacket a softer feel compared to a typical Tricot (woven) backer.

Pockets

The pocket configuration on the Liatris is one of the defining features that make this such a versatile jacket for on the mountain as well as more casual pursuits. First, I love that there are two chest pockets allowing me to keep items separated and close at hand. While ski touring I kept a goggle cloth on its own in one pocket, which was super helpful. Next are two typical zippered hand warmer pockets. Unique to the Liatris are two additional flapped hip pockets. These pockets quickly became one of my favorite features. I could stash gloves, snacks, and my phone without feeling weighed down, and everything stayed accessible.

Hood

Arc'teryx designates the hood style on the Liatris as its Stormhood™ design, which means the collar and hood are one piece. When the collar is separate from the hood it is referred to as a DropHood. We actually have an article dedicated to comparing these, if you want more info. I prefer a StormHood™ on an active piece like the Liatris. The hood provides full coverage and did not restrict my view when I had it on. Using the single-point precision adjustment to cinch the hood was an amazing feature that I utilized several times. It was not helmet-compatible with my ski helmet, but I did not feel like that was a problem as I actually prefer to not wear a hood over my helmet.  This fit is also way better for daily use, whereas a helmet-compatible hood feels too big when off the mountain.

Zippers

The chest pockets feature WaterTight™ zippers, which while tight, are easy enough to use. The two-way main zipper, however, is another story for me and my only pain point with the Liatris. The double-zipper pulls on the main zip really tested my patience. I have trouble aligning them to easily zip up the jacket and it often takes multiple attempts to smoothly zip it up. It often requires taking fully unzipping and then perfectly aligning the two-way zipper to make sure it seamlessly zips up. 

Liatris: Weather Protection & Breathability

As mentioned, the 3L GORE-TEX ePE fabric provides protection in even sustained, driving rain and snow. Through a lot of testing across ePE gear, we find that in general ePE fabrics will wet out faster than traditional (i.e. PFAS containing) GORE-TEX fabrics, but this doesn't compromise the jacket's waterproof performance.

Wetting out just means water is no longer being repelled on the outermost layer. When that happens, the outer fabric layer begins to absorb water, which makes the jacket heavier and less breathable. Importantly, that absorbed water doesn't make it through to your skin because it's stopped by the GORE-TEX waterproof membrane.

So far with the Liatris, though, I haven't had a problem with wetting out. Here in the Pacific Northwest, I frequently experience really wet days, so I'll surely put this jacket through the ringer when it comes to waterproof testing. On my last ski tour the early season snow was really wet. On the uphill I wore the Liatris through two hours of sloppy sleet, and the performance was amazing. It repelled the precipitation and the water stayed beaded on the Liatris' face fabric. Given those conditions, I was very impressed with how the jacket performed.

I also find the breathability great for a waterproof shell. I was in a high-output environment and was able to keep the jacket on without overheating or getting too sweaty. The breathable GORE-TEX fabric lets body heat escape without letting moisture in. The Liatris does not have pit zips to help dump heat while on the uphill. Though that would be a nice feature during high-output activities, I didn't find it to be a huge issue. 

It's also worth noting that the GORE-TEX fabric is windproof. My last outing was gusty, with winds reaching 30mph (48kmph), and even with the outer fabric covered in water, the Liatris kept the chill out.

Liatris: Fit & Feel

I really like the fit of the Liatris jacket. I personally prefer a jacket that is a looser/more relaxed, and the Liatris is just that. The torso and arm length fit me perfectly. (I'm 5-foot-6 and 125 pounds, for reference. My Liatris is a size Small.) I'm able to wear two layers under the jacket and not feel restricted in my movement. I also really like the ease of use with Arc'teryx's velcro cuffs for loosening and tightening when wearing gloves. I'm able to easily adjust without taking off my gloves, which I always appreciate.

The Liatris' fabric is soft and easily packable and did not take up much room in my pack. Wearing base layers, the only “next to skin” feel I experience is the hood and where the jacket comes up to my chin and neck. It does not rub or irritate my skin at all but rather feels insulating and comfortable the whole time. 

The freedom of movement is amazing with this jacket! Even when I have a few layers underneath, I never question my ability to move freely without restriction. I have full range of motion in the arms and shoulders and am able to move with ease and comfort in a variety of settings. 

Final Verdict

I give the Arc’teryx Liatris Jacket a nearly full 4.7 stars. It’s incredibly comfortable, weatherproof, and functional across a wide range of activities. Despite my frustration with the two-way zipper, the overall experience has been overwhelmingly positive. If you’re someone who jumps between mountains and town, likes a relaxed fit, or needs a single shell to handle snow, wind, rain, and everyday life — the Liatris is absolutely worth it.

Arc'teryx Liatris FAQ

Is the Arc'teryx Liatris jacket waterproof?

Yes, the Arc'teryx Liatris is waterproof, thanks to the 80d 3L GORE-TEX ePE face fabric. In my testing it lives up to the 28,000mm waterproof (hydrostatic head) rating.

How breathable is the Arc'teryx Liatris jacket?

I find the Arc'teryx Liatris to breathe really well. It uses a three-layer GORE-TEX face fabric, which generally provides more comfort and breathability than two-layer fabrics. One thing to be aware of is that this jacket does not have zippered vents under the arms. 

Is the Arc'teryx Liatric jacket warm? 

There are three versions of the Arc'teryx Liatris, so stay with me here. The Arc'teryx Liatris jacket that I tested for this article is just a weatherproof shell and does not have any insulation. The jacket has plenty of room for layers, but if you want a fully insulated version then click here to see the Arc'teryx Liatris Down Jacket. There is also the Arc'teryx Liatris Long Coat, which is a full-length shell with no insulation.

How does the Arc'teryx Liatris jacket fit?

It has a relaxed, slightly boxy fit with room for layering — ideal for people who dislike tight technical shells.

Who is the Arc'teryx Liatris jacket best for?

Anyone who needs one shell for variable weather — snow, rain, wind — and wants something stylish enough for daily use.