By: randosteve|Posted on: August 28, 2009|Posted in: Gear, Gear Reviews | 43 comments

Check out the Fission SL on Arc’teryx’s newly updated website.

43 comments on “Video Gear Review: Arc'teryx Fission SL”

  1. Andrew says:
    August 28, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    Sexy, warm and snuggly.

    (The jacket looks good as well.)

  2. randosteve says:
    August 28, 2009 at 3:36 pm

    You’re looking pretty good yourself broham!

    There is one downside to this jacket, for the ski bum. I’m surprised no one has commented about it.

  3. Andrew says:
    August 28, 2009 at 3:49 pm

    It’s either that:

    a) it makes your ass look fat, or
    b) your wallet look skinny.

    I’m going with B as I bet that thing is about $750.

  4. randosteve says:
    August 28, 2009 at 4:00 pm

    B would be correct.

    But you’re a little high…with your estimate that is. 😳

    http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?Mens/Jackets-Vests/Fission-SL-Jacket#Insulated_Waterproof_Shell

  5. Chuck says:
    August 28, 2009 at 6:31 pm

    Arc’teryx gear is sooooo pricey. Don’t they know we are in a recession?????

  6. Andrew says:
    August 28, 2009 at 7:10 pm

    Only $699? Bargain! Of course taxes and shipping will bump it up.

  7. randosteve says:
    August 28, 2009 at 9:41 pm

    Totally worth it if you want the best there is.

  8. Andrew says:
    August 29, 2009 at 8:54 am

    I’ve heard the same thing said about Cadillacs, Hummers and Rolex watches.

  9. randosteve says:
    August 29, 2009 at 10:10 am

    Yeah, but Arc’teryx isn’t going bankrupt.

  10. Jim says:
    August 30, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    Yeah …… Mine goes to “11” HA HA ! I am sure it’s worth it if it’s purchased via pro deal — or given to you. Give me a break man — Cha – Chi —

  11. randosteve says:
    August 30, 2009 at 3:12 pm

    Get with the times! This is a growing category and jackets like this are expensive because they are more or less two jackets in one. Arc’teryx’s offering might be a bit more expensive, but that is because they use top quality materials from proven manufacturers like Goretex, YKK, Velcro…as well as using high tech construction with micro seam allowances, tiny seam-tape, articulation and welded seams. Just because you can’t afford it…doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.

  12. Euro Rob says:
    August 31, 2009 at 2:18 am

    Dude where are the Zealots?!

  13. randosteve says:
    August 31, 2009 at 6:05 am

    Sure would be nice to see some of those puppies leaning against the wall…eh?

  14. Andrew says:
    August 31, 2009 at 9:37 am

    You’re just ahead of the curve again Steve. While companies like Patagonia keep talking about being “committed to the core,” or CloudVeil says they haven’t forgotten their roots, TetonAT gives dirtbags the middle finger salute. Can’t afford a limited use $700 jacket? SHUT UP WHINER! $20 tip loops? GET WITH THE PROGRAM LOSER! It’s refreshing to see.

  15. randosteve says:
    August 31, 2009 at 12:38 pm

    Oh Andrew. 🙄 Considering your background and similar passions (ie: BC skiing), I would think that you could see more than “limited use” for a waterproof insulated shell. Maybe you’re just a fair weather skier now?

    And spare me the marketing hype of Patagonia and Cloudveil please.

  16. Chuck says:
    August 31, 2009 at 5:20 pm

    Steve, I hope your not being brainwashed by top of the line gear manufactures’. It would be nice to afford ALL top of the line gear. I only own one piece of Arc’teryx gear.(bib pant and paid FULL price. Would be nice to get free shwag like I think you do. Some sacrifices we locals have to make.

  17. randosteve says:
    August 31, 2009 at 5:51 pm

    FWIW, Arc’teryx has no influence on the things I write and say on these pages. Hell, their PR agency doesn’t even have me on their mailing list…and it’s based here in Jackson. I choose to wear and promote Arc’teryx gear on TetonAT because it is awesome stuff. If I was being brainwashed by the gear manufactures, I’d be reviewing and promoting products from all of the companies, instead of just one. Since when is someone criticized for liking good gear?

    And Chuck…don’t think I don’t sacrifice a lot of things to maintain this website. You’d be surprised at how much work it takes. Thanks for visiting.

  18. Chuck says:
    August 31, 2009 at 9:19 pm

    Steve…Don’t get me wrong you do a GREAT job with TetonAt.com. I’m a frequent vistor and learn alot from guys like you (and Dawson, McLean, Hill and the like). You guys are an inspiration to me. I guess I’m a lil jealous that I cannot justify spending $700.00 on a jacket like that. I agree Arc’Teryx is awesome stuff and wish I had more. Glad to hear your not Brainwashed and you are just expressing the truth and your opinions (I agree with you totally). I know keeping up a website like TetonAt.com is alot of hard work. Sorry if I offended you. Keep up the great work, either way I’ll still be visiting and learning more from TetonAt.com 😉

  19. Jim says:
    September 1, 2009 at 8:49 am

    Mine still goes to 11 !!! If any of you know what that means then you know what i mean …..

  20. sam reese says:
    September 4, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    It’s probably a little late to be dropping in on this topic, but am I the only one who sees “Two jackets in one” as a negative? Especially when it’s 700 bucks? Other than 1lb 8oz or so, how is having one of those better than a Theta AR and a MHW Compressor puffy? I take your point about throwing it on in bad weather, but that seems like a real limited use for something which would theoretically displace two extremely useful and versatile pieces.

    I see this mostly making sense as Arc’ non-waterproof puffy is retardedly priced. This Fission, the Theta, and a lot of other Arc pieces are reasonably priced for their materials, quality, guarantee, and design; but sometimes those canadians just loose their GD minds. Dually belay jacket for $500? comeonn….

  21. randosteve says:
    September 6, 2009 at 7:09 pm

    It’s better because it’s easier and quicker to put one jacket on instead of two…and it is my dedicated backcountry skiing puffy these days.

  22. Chuck says:
    September 7, 2009 at 2:03 pm

    I’m with you Reese. Even though the Fission is a great design (congrats Arc’Teryx, Steve and anyone else who ownes it) and a great option, I believe I have a few extra seconds (not pennies) to throw on my 800 down Marmot Zeus.sale $119.00 and my just bought yesterday Gore-tex Arc’Teryx shell.sale $149.00. If money was no object the Fission unquestionably would be in my gear collection.

  23. Greg says:
    October 28, 2009 at 4:13 pm

    randosteve – nice review! Really appreciate it. I am trying to decide between the Arcteryx Fission SL and the Fission SV. How would you compare those too? Thanks!

  24. randosteve says:
    October 28, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    Greg…the SV is more full featured with a dedicated collar, more pockets and a longer cut. For BC skiing…I’d say the SL is the better call…more streamline and lighter.

  25. Peter says:
    October 29, 2009 at 11:13 am

    Thanks for the review. I stumbled onto this jacket in the store a few days ago and fell in love with it instantly. It’s the culmination of all the things that Arc’teryx has done well over the many years I have had their products. Always mixing and matching my Alpha shell with other mid-weight fleece layers, wishing there was one that did it all.

    And don’t forget about us urban dwellers. After taking your backcountry terms and translating them to urban situations, i’ve determined it will work perfectly in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Can’t wait to pick one up tomorrow.

    Cheers

  26. randosteve says:
    October 29, 2009 at 8:17 pm

    you are SO right peter…and i don’t know why people have made the comments they have earlier in this post. the fission sl (and sv for that matter) are great jackets that combine insulation with a waterproof shell. you’ll love it!!!!

  27. Greg says:
    November 5, 2009 at 6:35 pm

    Thanks for the reply. I going with your recommendation and geting the Fission Sl. Now, just have to decide if I get the black or aztec!

  28. randosteve says:
    November 5, 2009 at 7:07 pm

    go with aztec greg…way better for photographs! 🙂

  29. Bill says:
    November 27, 2009 at 9:13 am

    Hey guys,

    Nice discussion here…I get really tired of discourse getting polarized and (almost) inevitably falling into the argument abyss. Anyway, my two cents falls this way: I bought an “Aztec Orange” Fission SL in men’s large and an very pleased. First, the vendor I ordered from sold me the thing for 50% off (yes that’s $350…mostly because people wanted the black jacket); and secondly it crosses the line for a skier like myself who needs a dual-purpose jacket (warm ski jacket, around town jacket) to make trip/airline packing that much simpler and lighter (an important discussion I didn’t see mentioned).

    So, I’ll wrap it up by saying that some vendors (yes I know I didn’t mention which one) WILL bargain (even on Arcteryx). Too, many of us “outdoor” types have to air our way to the mountains to kick it. With the Fee of Fees airline billing process we fight, its important to choose clothing that will fill the gaps w/o overfilling your TravelPro. Dig? Have a good one.

    Bill

  30. randosteve says:
    December 6, 2009 at 12:06 pm

    sounds like you like the jacket too! thanks bill!!!!

  31. Francisco says:
    December 11, 2009 at 6:33 pm

    Hi guys,

    I know this was discussed before, but I want to know more about the difference between the SV and the SL. I want the jacket to use it “all around”. I live in NY and this to be my everyday jacket.

    I like the SL more because it looks better, but I do not know how less warmer is than the SV.

    Thank you guys!

  32. randosteve says:
    December 12, 2009 at 6:05 am

    francisco…the fission SV has two additional chest pockets, is longer and has a built in collar. It is also warmer than the fission SL. since weight doesn’t seem to be an issue for you…go with the SV for maximum protection.

  33. Greg says:
    January 6, 2010 at 7:27 pm

    Well, I ended up ordering the Fission SL and the Fission SV, because I just could not decide between the two of them. What is funny is a week later and I still can’t decide. I like the how light and the fit of the Fission SL better, but the Fission SV seems much warmer and also seems like it would offer more protection in severe elements.

    I guess I really want to like the Fission SL, but for some reason like the SV too. SL is definitely more stylish!

    Bill you sure got a great deal! Would love to know that vendor :).

  34. randosteve says:
    January 6, 2010 at 7:30 pm

    Ha…tough decision when you have such good options. I have other jackets that are super warm…for winter camping and such…so I went with the SL for everyday use.

  35. Gman says:
    January 12, 2010 at 12:10 am

    Hi Steve

    I too like the Fission SL. However, my local ski hill here in BC is a tree skiers mecca and Im wondering just how durable the 2layer gore tex is? Would I be better going for something like the Sentry? After spending this amount of mula, I would hate to join the tape up your down jacket with duct tape brigade.

    Cheers for the advice

    Gman

  36. Greg says:
    January 12, 2010 at 6:35 pm

    Hi Steve,

    So another question for you. Still trying to choose between Fission SL or SV. Purpose would be skiing and maybe even wearing when fishing, etc….

    Would I be better off buying the Arcteryx Alpha SV and then layering underneath with another Arcteryx coat like the Kappa AR or a Canada Goose Lodge Jacket. That way could use the Arcteryx Alpha SV as a year around rain coat.

    Also, like the idea of having one coat too. Think I am making to confuse.

    Thanks and appreciate your guidance, since it seems you have many coats!!! 🙂

  37. randosteve says:
    January 12, 2010 at 6:48 pm

    Gman…I’ve been bashing trees all year…and haven’t had any rips. I’d say it is as durable as any other Gore-tex jacket. The sentry=goretex…so similar durability.

  38. randosteve says:
    January 12, 2010 at 6:50 pm

    Greg…if you want more versatility…go with a separate shell layer. The beauty of the Fission…is that it is a shell and insulating layer all in one…but i think you understand that.

  39. JJ says:
    January 18, 2012 at 2:08 pm

    Hi, how does the Fission SL jacket compare to the North Face Plasma jacket in terms of warmth for urban use? Thanks.

  40. randosteve says:
    January 18, 2012 at 6:58 pm

    JJ…i’m not familiar with the plasma jacket from tnf, but i would think the arc’teryx fission SV would be the better choice for urban use, over the SL, since it has a dedicated collar and longer cut. It also comes in black, which seems a must for the city.

  41. JJ says:
    February 15, 2012 at 12:03 pm

    Have you tried the Arcteryx Atom SV jacket? If so, you think it’s a good stand alone jacket for urban use? Thanks.

  42. randosteve says:
    February 15, 2012 at 5:09 pm

    jj…i have an atom LT and it isn’t nearly as weather proof as the fission pieces. if it’s not too wet where you live though…it could work.

    the atom SV is warmer than the LT. the fission is warmer than both.

  43. JJ says:
    February 16, 2012 at 8:18 am

    Thanks. I have the fission sv for cold and snowy conditions. I was thinking of trying the Atom SV for 45 degrees and warmer weather since the fission sv would be too warm for that.