Arc'teryx Sphene Jacket

Some Arc'teryx jackets fit me a little "boxy." Maybe because I have such sloping shoulders and could never be a successful postman. As you can see from the front-and-back whiteroom pics below, the Sphene fits my frame well. Note that this is medium and I am 6' 2", and weigh-in at 175lbs. I take an "L" in some arc' mid-and base-layers, but it seems like the "M" outer-layers always work out better for me.  Note that the Sphene runs a little longer than some of their other jackets--good news if you want to keep your kidneys warm.

The hood seems a little voluminous to  me--especially when compared to  the Zeta LT, which features a non-helmet compatible hood. I never tour with a helmet and, as a result, hoods in general seem to be bigger than I would like. Maybe it's a sign I should start touring with a helmet??!! Note the simple, one-handed draw cords on the back and neckline. These allow you to custom fit the hood so it'll work for people like me who tour sans helmet.

They've included a snacky little powder skirt with the Sphene. This is tight enough fitting that it doesn't fly around--even when you aren't using it. I may have preferred a zip-out option with this powder skirt. It's totally a personal pref--but I only like them on the deeepest days because I wear mid-high bibs when touring so the skirt is a little overkill for me. 

See the jacket's interior fabric and pocket program below.? I love the zippered inside pocket for keep safes and I wish the mesh pocket (next photo) on the jacket's other side was jut a little bit bigger--to accommodate the ridiculously phat skins favoured by we western pow schralpers. 

For this season and the next, Arc'teryx has included upward pointing draws at the waist. This is a way to keep things tidy and eliminate the possibility of a dangling cord getting caught on a branch, chairlfit, or what-have-you. This makes a lot of sense and the system they've devised really works. It also contributes to a "cleaner" overall look.
 

Minimalist wrist closures here--good for under- or over-the-glove fans.

Here is a shot of the underarm zip. Good for us, it seems like jacket makers are wizing up to the fact that entirely under the arm pit zips are a bother. They don't work to ventilate all that well and they are hard to open and close. The Sphene's zips are angled so the problems have been addressed (kinda like with  the Dynafit Chugach Jacket).

• N40p-X GORE-TEX® Pro 3L
• GORE-TEX®  

• Micro-seam allowance (1.6 mm) reduces bulk and weight      
• Taped seams for added weatherproofness
• GORE-TEX® three-layer construction

• e3D Ergonomic 3-Dimensional patterning for enhanced comfort and mobility

• No-lift gusseted underarms

• WaterTight™ Vislon front zip

• Angled pit zippers for easy venting and ease acess while wearing a pack

• Micro webbing zipper pulls

• RS™ (Rain Shield) pocket zipper sliders

• Hidden Recco® reflector

• Cohaesive™ hem adjustments for ease of use with mittens or gloves

The Arc'teryx Sphene jacket is excellent for ski touring (and it'll work out well for those occasional lift service days as well). I really liked the Beta FL jacket Arc'teryx put out a few years ago (since discontinued) and it seems like the Sphene may be the next iteration. Lightweigtht, highly breathable, highly packable and slick looking, the Sphene does the trick in all but the harshest conditions.

The downsides, in my humble opinion, are minor and likely not felt by all. The mesh pocket could be bigger for skins and the hood may be a little bigger than necessary. These are more pet-peeves of mine than an overall criticism--so don't let it stop you from buying one. I do recommend trying the jacket on before purchase, though. Arc'teryx does a good job of grouping their various fits  (e3D patterning, athletic, etc) but I have found that different models fit me differently and I'm always happiest with the fit if I have a chance to try it on before acquisition. Do it if you can.