This jacket is absolutely amazing. I stumbled upon it while searching for a Winter shell. I debated for a long time whether I should shell out so much cash on a shell.

After doing more research, I found that this would make an excellent year round outter shell. And then, finally the trigger that tipped the balance...I saw an Arc'Teryx Theta shell in a local hiking shop. I looked at the quality and detail in the jacket and was absolultely amazed. After that, I quickly ordered the jacket and it is now protects me from rain/wind/snow throughout while trekking.

A lot of people debate between the Theta (longer length) and the Kappa SP. I personally appreciate the more athletic cut of the Kappa as I find that it is more versatile. I'm active year round and in many activities (hiking, mountain biking, river and sea kayaking, and just started climbing). This jacket can suit all activities well. You also avoid some of the bunching of layers around the hips and avoid conflicts with hip belts/harness's/etc.

I give this a 5 star rating overall, and also for value. I don't mind spending a lot of money on something, as long as I get what I pay for, I definately did with this jacket.

Similar Products Used:

None

This is with out a doubt the best gore-tex shell manufacturer. when you feel it & wear it you can tell the quality of the garment.

this jacket is cut very short in the front so as not to interfere with climbing harnesses. Alot of people think I am wearing a jacket one size too small because of the cut.

It is amazingly lite and the draw cords are well placed. the hood is very nice & will fit over a helmet as well as over a bare head, thanks to the many adjustments.

the waterproof zippers are a very nice feature. as is the Nepoleon pocket

Overall I would recomend this jacket to everybody, but at $415.00 I give it a value rating of only three stars. However, if TNF & Mtn Hdwr. are getting $350 for their jackets then $65.00 more is worthit for the arc'teryx.

Customer Service

no need as of yet

Similar Products Used:

bass goretex ski shell, redledge ski shell, northface, columbia.

these are all collecting dust in my closet since I got the arc'teryx!!!

Has good length and fits well over a fleece for colder days. The hood hides well when not in use and fits well to the head and therefore does not get in the way when looking around. Sits well when used for riding. The front left breast pocket is the best pocket and most usefull I have ever had on a jacket. The water resistant have proven to work. Very lightweight. A friend got the same jacket after i recommended it and they agree with me all the way. Works great under a backpack.

Similar Products Used:

North Face and Patagonia

Great features in a very light shell.

Customer Service

The short length is great when wearing a harness. The front may actually be a little too short for layering. The construction and features are top notch. Because every ounce matters on extended trips, the light weight and great performance of this shell make it a favorite.

Similar Products Used:

North Face Mountain Light, Mountain Hardwear Ethereal

I have had this jacket for a couple of months now. Originally bought for mountaineering and ice climbing.

This jacket to be totally bombproof. The fabric is heavy duty and the craftmanship the best in the industry, bar none. I like the short length because it doesn't interfere with with harness and it decreases bulkiness. The water tight zipper is another neat features. The hood can be tucked away if need. Also the fit is close to the body. I got my jacket in stone color. Arcteryx is the company everyone is trying to catch to.

Customer Service

Excellent. Don't have their number? Its written on the tag..

Similar Products Used:

TNF Kitchatna, Patagucci Storm

The Kappa is a very compact jacket, though not at all confining (as I find the Beta Lt to be somewhat), and though reasonably light, has toughter fabric reinforcing areas of wear. Each of the Arcteryx jackets seem to have subtle differences of fit. The Kappa has a very good hood, though not as precise fitting as the Alpha SV or the Theta AR, a compromise that results, I think, from the zip away option for the hood that it shares with the Theta LT. Elbow flexibility is excellent (better than Beta LT), and the fit through the torso is superb, accomodating a down sweater when necessary but staying out of the way during active use. By contrast, the Theta LT is more generously cut, with the pluses and minuses that that implies. The Kappa is cut on the short side, but coverage is more than adequate if you're using goretex pants as well. With no leg protection, the Theta Lt or AR might be a better choice. Of course, all the usual comments about great waterproof zippers, impeccable tailoring, and, I think, a more breathable form of goretex than that used by other manufacturers apply to the Kappa as well as to the Thetas and the Alpha SV. There are other cheaper shell parkas, but one bad day in a poorly designed shell parka--one with a neck that serves as a snow funnel, for example--makes the price difference seem insignificant.

Similar Products Used:

Marmot, North Face, Moonstone