Arcteryx Epsilon SV Jacket (BPL, Please review!)

I recently purchased the Epsilon. I bought it on an impulse as the the price was right (half off– $100) but now wonder how it compares to the Patagonia Ready Mix. I see that you yourself have had experience with the Ready Mix’s predecessor.

I have not yet used the Epsilon extensively so I cannot comment on its performance. Compared to the ready mix, it has a slender, more tailored fit than the Ready Mix and the cuffs are quite preferable. Although not adjustable, they are snug without being tight (and moreover, have somewhat of a cool “ninja” aesthetic) and have an offset edge making the sleeve shorter on the palm vs. the wrist side, allowing for more dexterity while protecting your wrist. The front zipper does not have any sort of flap behind it so I worry that it may also rain to pass. The hood is comparable to the Ready Mix but slightly less structured; there are pulls for it both at the hood’s edges and inside the large front pockets, which are backed by mesh and would allow venting if necessary. Disappointingly, there are no interior or exterior chest pockets; there is a small L sleeve pocket which barely fits a 4G ipod. Most of the jacket is lined by what appears to be a fine microfiber.

I purchased this prior to viewing the Ready Mix based primarily on the price but am not sure whether I would have bought the RM instead if I had viewed it first.

I am curious for other’s input on the Epsilon as there seems to be a dearth of reviews on the web.

Hi Craig,

Thanks for the helpful comments on the Epsilon. Sounds like you made a good buy and hope you get lots of good use out of it. I also called Arcteryx and a dealer I know who has the Epsilon – I can’t comment on the Epsilon’s material (breathability, water resistance and durability), which I was most interested in learning about (and please do post comments on this when you have a chance to test), but design wise, at least for my purposes, I think the Ready Mix works better for 3 season use – 1) I use the inner chest pocket a lot, because I often use the side pockets for venting 2) the cut allows layering for colder weather. So I’m very curious about the Epsilon’s material and performance and hope you have a chance to get outside in a good downpour with it soon!

I note that you are as compulsive as me in researching purchases. Out of curiosity, what did the dealer and the Arcteryx rep say about the Epsilon?

I asked Arcteryx to comment on the Epsilon in the context of their other comparable products. Here is what they sent:

Thanks for your interest in Arc’teryx. The Epsilon is a lighter/more breathable but less wind/water resistant garment than the Gamma MX. We used to produce a couple of jackets with Schoeller Dryskin called the Stinger/Javelin Comp. They were slightly more durable but less water resistant and less stretch than the Polartec Powershield. The Alpha comp is an even lighter/more breathable fabrics because of the lack of a thin micro fleece lining on the inside. The Alpha comp though is waterproof/windproof on the shoulders and waist areas with a much thinner Durastretch Tweave material (similar to Schoeller Dynamic) which makes the Alpha Comp the most breathable of the jackets. They would all be good for the activities that you stated but it depends what is most important, if Breathability is the most important than the Alpha Comp would be the best choice. If water/wind resistance is the most important than the Gamma MX jacket is the best choice. Finally, if you want a jacket for overall use and price is a factor than the Epsilon is the better choice.

I have bought Arcteryx Epsilon SV hooded jacket. It is available in mostly all online stores that sell discount jackets. These jackets are highly fashionable and available at very affordable cost.

uh every jacket in that reply from Arcteryx is discontinued.(excluding the gamma MX)
The epsilion is hardfaced fleece. it is there most breathable softshell but the least wind resistant.
alpha comp=discontinued in 2007
stinger=discontinued in 2008
javelin=discontinued in 2008

If your wondering my experience with arcteryx, I have sold it in retail stores for 5 years including one of the biggest retailers of it in Canada, my friends are ACMG guides who use it.

I have owned/used these softshells gamma mx, epsilion sv(older model and current model), gamma sv, gamma lt, Stingray jacket. and a couple of different softshell pants.

what conditions, sports or temps did u want the Softshell for?

personally i didnt like the fit of it, seemed to loose for what i wanted it for. plus i had a gamma MX and a Gamma lt, so no space in the closet. i liked the older 2006 one better but i had it stolen at a hostel