ARCTERYX ESSENTIALS Gamma LT Jacket Mens Buckeye

good

I browsed through the reviews to decide what size jacket to get, then I found a reviewer with the same height and similar weight like me posted a photo of themselves in a medium. So I got myself a medium in black.

I'm 5'2", 102lbs, and 34B. I bought a medium to go along with the pair of Colombia's Storm Surge rain pants (x-small) for when the rain comes in Southern California. I enjoy how roomy and light it is, and I can wear several layers underneath when the weather demands it. When it rains, the water rolls straight off of it and keeps me dry.

The sleeves have adjustable Velcro cuffs, and it goes pass just the tip of my fingers. The mesh-lined jacket itself almost covers my entire butt, but my rain pants can take care of the rest. The storm hood and waist can be easily adjusted with the elastic cords found there. I often wear a cap whenever I go out, and the hood covers it except for the very edge of the bill/visor, so I often find it damp/wet, but not a big deal. The main front zipper has a flap that can be secured with Velcro to keep the water out. The two pockets has flaps and zippers as well, and the insides are mesh-lined and are big enough to fit an entire 16.9 fl oz water bottle, or my iPhone 6 Plus with its Otter Box Defender case on with some room to spare.

I highly recommend it for any kind of rain except for really heavy rain like a monsoon.

Pics included, and sorry for the blurred out face and bathroom...

I am 6'0" and 165 lb with 33 size waist and bought two Red colors in M and one Super Blue in L size to compare and chooe one. There is a bigger than expected size difference between the M and L sizes. I usually opt for the large in many jackets and tops I buy because I have very broad shoulders but lean body, but in this case the Large was bulky. It is very wide cut especially around the waist. It depends on how you want it to fit; Just as a rain jacket, the large is fine with room for a sweater or sweatshirt when it's cold I would choose the large for hiking. The Medium fit just right, looks good even for a casual wear with not much room for a bulky sweater but can wear a sweatshirt or long sleeve T-shirt under it for warmth. Mind you, all pictures were taken while wearing a t-shirt only. Also there is definitely a slight but noticeable cut difference BETWEEN THE TWO MEDIUM sizes I purchased caused probably by period of production and slight design changes that accompanied it. For starters the Rocket Red fit me more nicely with a slightly more room around the shoulders and wider overall cut and the mesh was softer and more fine. overall more comfortable to wear. The Mountain Red was a little snug around the shoulders and sides and the mesh is definitely coarser on my arms which is fine, but since I have broad shoulders I chose the Rocket Red. The Mountain Red had a solid polyester fabric right below the collar where the Columbia tag is for durability, but the Rocket Red was soft mesh all the way to the edge of the collar. Also the mesh interior is more fine and softer on the Rocket Red than the Mountain Red. Also the Blue one has fine soft mesh also and missing the collar solid polyester fabric. I would bet the Rocket Red is a discontinued product since it's not offered on Columbia.com as well as many of the colors offered here on Amazon. So I can assume the colors here that are not offered on Columbia's website are probably discontinued and will have a softer mesh and fit a little bit more loose or classic fit. I guess Columbia upgraded it to make it more durable around the neck area and fit more modern a little bit. I would also like to add about one other review that said quality defect in one pocket being sewn all the way to the hem but not the other pocket(Left pocket), IT IS NOT A QUALITY ISSUE, that pocket is where you pack the jacket. it has a two sided zipper, so you can turn the pocket inside out and pack the whole jacket inside, so it's intentionally sewn that way. All the three jackets I got where sewn like that. It will have a patch near the zipper pocket that says PACKABLE. Overall really nice quality jacket as to be expected from Columbia, and a steal on these prices, in stores it usually is twice.

The condition of this coat is pretty bad, there are so many scratches on the surface of the coat. The size is a little too big but I think it's okay, the coat is really warm. However there are too many surface damaged that I really can't recommend this product if the quality is like this.

Had this jacket for about a month now and all I can say is it's awesome! Perfect for rain and a pretty damn good wind breaker as well. I can't say it's completely waterproof because I haven't been in a monsoon rainstorm but it's kept me dry for every other rain storm. Also it packs up so if you don't need it right now but maybe later for like a camping trip or something you can pull it out and put it on.

Instructions: the left pocket has a label inside that says "packable" turn that guy inside out and stuff the rest of the jacket on in there.

About the size of a normal picture 6"x4" and the width of maybe 3-4" probably depends on how well you stuff it in there. Hope this helps!

Perfect fit. Lightweight and warm.