Arc'teryx Rush vs Rush IS: Consider These [2019]

The new Rush IS.

As you might know, Arc'teryx scored an additional sub-model to the already existing Rush two months ago: The new 2019-2020 Rush IS Jacket.

Rush IS isn't my favorite Arc'teryx ski jacket out there as you can see in this Best Arc'teryx Jackets for Skiing post of mine, although it's a good alternative to Macai.

As the name implies, this is kind of the insulated version of the Rush. This means that there are 2 types of Rush Jackets out in the shelves now: Rush and Rush IS. You can check out their side-by-side comparison here on Arc'teryx's own site.

There was also the Rush LT Jacket before, but it got discontinued as you can see here on REI.

I contacted Arc'teryx Customer Service myself and am provided their differences in a nutshell.

Here's what they told me:

"There are a few differences between those jackets. The Rush will be more durable {due to their different face fabrics N80p-X (Rush) VS N40p-X (Rush IS)} and more breathable (not an insulated jacket).

The Rush IS will be warmer (Octo Loft insulation). They will both be very weather resistant, and the regular fit is approximately the same.

Your choice between the two will depend on how you are layering underneath and what activity you will use it for.

Here is a useful link that shows all the technical aspects:

https://www.arcteryx.com/ca/en/compare/24027-achilles/19610-zeus"

You can check out my Sabre vs Rush comparison post to learn more about both Rush and Rush IS jackets.

Pockets

This can also be important for some of you. Applies to both Rush and Rush IS.

The internal pocket of both jackets are large enough to fit an iPhone 6, 7, 8 (even with a case) and all the other similar sized phones (duh). But it's not large enough to fit their plus models.

It measures:

Height: 18 cm (7 inches)
Width: 13 cm (5.1 inches)

DWR Coating

Both jackets are DWR coated.

What's 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 (recommended by Arc'teryx themselves) for after treatment.

You can check out my Sabre vs Rush comparison post to learn more about both Rush and Rush IS jackets.

I hope this review was helpful for you to understand which Rush would be the best choice for your needs. Feel free to ask me any questions and/or provide feedback and I'll be happy to respond in the comment section below if it's within my knowledge.