Arc’teryx Rush Jacket and Bib Review

The Arc'teryx Rush jacket and pants featuring Gore-Tex Pro are constructed to be a lightweight, waterproof, and breathable kit for the backcountry. We took them to Arc'teryx's backyard in British Columbia for some real-world testing during a monster Coast Range storm cycle.

The Arc'teryx Rush Jacket and Rush Pants is a touring-focused kit designed first and foremost for skiers and snowboarders who encounter varying conditions in the backcountry. Built with Gore-Tex Pro for superior waterproofing and breathability, the Rush lineup is engineered to handle deep powder days, high-output ascents, and everything in between. We've used a few different sets of Rush shells and bibs, both at the resort and for touring the backcountry. We have also compared the Rush to the Arc'teryx Sabre SV.

In this review, we break down the fabrics, breathability, waterproofing, fit, and features (think pockets, zippers, and hood) to see if the Rush kit lives up to its reputation as Arc'teryx go-to touring kit. 

Don't miss our other winter jacket content, including:

• Breaking down the Best Arc'teryx Ski Jackets
• Our review of the impressive Mammut Stoney HS ski jacket
• Hands-on testing of the full-featured Stio Environ jacket
• Our overview of the Best Patagonia Jackets
• Ski touring with the Patagonia Stormstride Jacket
• Arc'teryx Rush vs. Sabre: How to decide

Our take

The Arc'teryx Rush jacket and bib pants offer an impressive amount of weather protection for being relatively lightweight. They have some features for touring like pack compatible straps and zippered ventilation. This kit isn't so specific to touring that it sacrifices performance for other uses. The GORETEX-PRO and roomy fit of the regular cut allows for layers to suit more lift-access and freeride uses. If I was looking for a freeride specific kit, then I'd go for the Arc'teryx Sabre. The Rush, however, is a more versatile option if you find yourself mixing in high-output touring along with your lift-access days. The Rush's fabric is stiffer than I prefer and the bibs could have more room in the seat, but these are small complaints for how well the Rush performs.

Arc'teryx Rush Jacket: Fabrics

The N80D Gore-Tex fabric used in the Arc'teryx Rush jacket and the N70D Gore-Tex fabric used in the Rush pants is the byproduct of a collaboration between longtime partners Arc'teryx and WL Gore. The result is what they call Gore-Tex Pro with Most Rugged technology. The advantage of this fabric is improved durability, both in abrasion resistance and the long-term waterproof performance of the membrane. The Tricot backer has a tight knit that is going to be stronger and also prevent body oils from making it through the liner and clogging the waterproof membrane.

This Gore-Tex Pro is stiffer and more crinkly than the Gore-Tex ePE found in an increasing number of Arc'teryx shells, but we think the minor comfort sacrifice is worth the added protection and durability. The Gore-Tex Pro fabric with the DWR (not PFAS-free) has been tested to repel water for longer than the current ePE + PFAS-free DWR before wetting out. It will also retain its waterproof performance for longer, meaning fewer DWR re-treatments for you. The membrane itself has a longer life than the ePE membrane; the Gore-Tex Pro membrane will remain waterproof and breathable for years of ownership.

We compare Gore-Tex Pro and Gore-Tex ePE in our coverage of the Beta AR vs SL.

Note that Arc'teryx has committed to eliminating PFAS in all their jackets, so we expect an ePE version of Gore-Tex Pro at some point in the near future. Here is a great info page from Arc'teryx on their use of Gore-Tex ePE. 

Arc'teryx Rush: Water Resistance

All Arc'teryx jackets with Gore-Tex membranes have a waterproof rating of 28,000mm, which represents the absolute high end for non-mountaineering jackets (and frankly, almost any kind of outdoor performance shell). A 28,000mm waterproof rating will resist even the heaviest rain and will easily prevent water from being pushed through the fabric, including at high-pressure areas like underneath backpack straps.

As I touched on above, the Most Rugged Gore-Tex Pro with a standard DWR finish is going to wet out less than other waterproof fabrics, including non-Pro versions of Gore-Tex, including Gore-Tex ePE. The Gore-Tex Pro on the Rush Jacket will also perform for a longer time before the DWR needs to be re-applied. Arc'teryx provides this page on how to properly retreat your jacket to keep it performing well.

I want to clarify the difference between remaining waterproof and your jacket's face fabric taking on water (aka "wetting out"). With enough exposure to rain, humidity, dirt and oils, the face fabric on any jacket is going to eventually absorb water instead of repelling it. Importantly, a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex means that just because the outer layer of fabric begins to absorb precipitation doesn't mean that water will make its way through to the inside of your shell.

So, even though your jacket will remain waterproof, the "wetting out" of the outer layer of fabric will make your shell less breathable. It also becomes heavier and drapes more on your body, which can result in a clammy and generally less comfortable feel. 

I've pushed the Arc'teryx Rush jacket and pants pretty hard on a number of outings, so I'm confident in saying their waterproof performance is super impressive. The wettest conditions I subjected this kit to was a full day of backcountry snowboarding in the Coast Range of British Columbia. We took a snowcat from an elevation where it was raining heavily, just high enough to reach the snow belt. The snow was heavy and melted instantly on your clothing. Coming from the bone-dry snow of the Colorado high country, the Pacific Northwest conditions were eye-opening. After a few hours in these conditions, even the face fabric on the Gore-Tex Pro was taking on some water. I stayed dry on the inside, but the water absorption was noticeable (see the pictures below).

While I love the Mammut Stoney HS jacket (see my review), it would have wetted out pretty quickly and made for a clammy day in these conditions.

Arc'teryx Rush: Breathability

In addition to being highly waterproof, Gore-Tex Pro is also one of the most breathable fabrics in the WL Gore catalog. Breathability is measured using moisture vapor transfer rate (MVTR), which is a measurement of how much water vapor (i.e. body moisture) can pass through a fabric in a given time. Specifically, MVTR measures the vapor transmission rate in grams per square meter every 24 hours (g/m²/24h).

Gore-Tex Pro is rated at 25,000 g/m2/24hrs. Generally, a rating of 20k is suitable for aerobic activities (backpacking, downhill snowsports) and 30k is suitable for highly aerobic activities (running, cycling). The Arc'teryx Rush is suitably breathable for ski touring and any backcountry activity in which you are working hard. The Gore-Tex ePE fabrics are rated at 20,000 g/m2/24hrs, which is also considered very breathable, but that extra performance is another reason why the Rush employs Gore-Tex Pro.

In practice I've found the Rush to perform well during high-output activities. I wear a shell when touring uphill only if the conditions absolutely require it. Our tour in the Whistler backcountry was definitely one of those days. We took the Whistler Village Gondola up through the rain and then put on our skins to gain elevation from there. At the base area, skiers experienced with conditions at Whistler were wearing ponchos in the gondola line to keep dry.

Underneath my Rush jacket and pants I was wearing the Arc'teryx Rho Heavyweight base layers, which was perhaps a little more than I needed given temperatures hovering right around 34F (1C). Throughout the day I regulated my body temp using the vents on both the jacket and pants. I kept the jacket on the entire day and never found myself suffocating from heat on the climbs. Overall, I put the Rush's touring performance on par with something like the Patagonia Stormstride jacket (see my review). The Stormstride has a softer, less crunch feel than the Rush, and my guess is its breathability rating is similar to Gore-Tex ePE (20,000 g/m2/24hrs. My conclusion is that I would be hard pressed to feel a difference between a 20k and 25k breathability rating.

Arc'teryx Rush: Warmth and Insulation

Neither the Rush jacket nor bib pants are insulated; these are strictly hard shells. Arc'teryx has made the Rush Insulated jacket in the past, but it's not currently in the product line. Knowing Arc'teryx, it will be back at some point. The Rush Insulated used Coreloft™ 100 synthetic insulation and  2L GORE-TEX Infinium™ face fabric. It is a sweet jacket if you want something insulated, but for touring and backcountry use we think it's much more versatile to layer with a hard shell. That said, Evo still has stock of the Arc'teryx Insulated Rush and are offering a solid discount.

Here is what we have used for layers. These keep us comfortable in the Rush from -10F (-23C) to 35F (2C).

Arc'teryx Rho Lightweight and Rho Heavyweight (base layers) - Used in all conditions. Switch from heavyweight to lightweight around 25 degrees depending on the activity.

Arc'teryx Allium (midlayer) - Released in fall 2024, the Allium is a simple and effective insulated midlayer. Check out our review of the Allium.

Patagonia R1 Thermal (midlayer) - This is Patagonia's warmest R1 for high-output activity. I wear this for 90% of my skiing, both uphill and riding the lift. Check out our article on Patagonia R1 vs. R2, which includes a video of the R1 thermal. 

Arc'teryx Rush: Fit & Feel

The Arc'teryx Rush jacket and pants feature the brand's "regular" fit, which is roomy without being too relaxed. The result is sufficient freedom of movement in the arms and chest. The regular fit also offers plenty of room for base and mid layers - ideal for the technical uses of the Rush. If I was looking for a three-season, everyday rain jacket, the regular fit is a little too baggy for my taste. I'd look to something like the fitted Beta SL jacket instead. But as a winter-specific hardshell, the Rush's regular fit is perfect. Check out the Arc'teryx fit and size guides, they're super helpful. 

I find the fit of the Arc'teryx Rush Bib Pant great for being active but a little snug in the seat for more casual skiing. I'm 5'9", and the medium is baggy in the legs but the crotch is fairly short, even after extending the suspenders. When I first put them on the in morning I find myself trying to tug them down a little. More relaxed pants like the Mammut Stoney have more room in the seat but about the same leg opening as the Rush. See our reviews of the Mammut Stoney jacket and pants.

The Rush Bib Pants have a Fortius™ DW 2.0 stretch bib that essentially makes for a high waist without completely covering your chest. This is pretty common for touring-focused bib pants as it allows for more heat to escape compared to a freeride-style bib. The straps are connected in the back like a traditional suspender. The stretch bib portion of the pants offers two pockets in addition to the larger pockets on the legs. These are great for stashing energy food and other items.  If you are wearing a midlayer over the bib than these pockets will also stay warmer than pockets on the outer layers.

When it comes to the feel of the jacket and pants, I'll reiterate that Gore-Tex Pro is stiffer and crunchier than other fabrics. At this point, it is the price we pay for superior waterproof protection and breathability. Fabrics are quickly advancing and I'm predicting that we soon see a softer PFAS-free fabric that performs as well as Pro.

Arc'teryx Rush: Hood

The Rush jacket features a helmet-compatible StormHood. If you want a touring jacket with a drop hood, check out our review of the Stio Environ jacket. The Rush's hood has a single point of adjustment on the rear of the hood, which goes over the ears and across the brim. I am able to adjust the hood to a usable fit without a helmet, which is not true for all helmet-compatible hoods. 

Arc'teryx Rush: Pockets

Check out this great page from Arc'teryx on their WaterTight™ zipper technology.

More on the Rush bibs

The Arc'teryx Rush bibs has four pockets; two on the stretch bib and one on each leg. The leg pockets are gusseted, making for a lot of storage. The pocket on the right leg also has a stretch separator inside for holding something like your phone in place. I aways appreciate a stretch separator in a cargo pocket, but I wish this one was slightly smaller. It is about the width of my hand and doesn't hold my phone quite tight enough.

Compare the latest prices on the Arc'teryx Rush Bib Pant:

The instep of these bibs are protected with a TPU patch, which prevents damage from ski or crampon edges. The rubberized pattern reduces bulk and has an interesting look (see photo below). Underneath is a 100D Cordura® gaiter, which Arc'teryx refers to as their Quick-adjust TouringCuff™. There are openings sewn into the cuff that allow you to access boot buckles without pulling the cuff off your boot. There is a RECCO reflector on the right cuff.