Arc'teryx Rush LT Jacket and Pants

And now, back to the new LT "subline" from Arc'teryx. This kit has been built to keep a skier protected and also to save some vital grams in a pack or on a body. In the past, they produced the Lithic jacket/pant combo but have since discontinued these - a shame as we were big fans here at BSC. The Lithic employed both hard and softshell elements whereas the Rush sticks purely to the hardshell way (with one minor exception on the pants). Perhaps Arc’teryx feels that they can ensure the same breathability while keeping you even more protected from the elements.

Let's go top-to-bottom here. The Rush LT Jacket weighs in at only 445 grams / 15.7oz, an impressive number considering the fact that it is a full 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro. It uses N40p-x GORE-TEX pro in the main body and N80p-x GORE-TEX pro in high-wear areas….. What that means in lay-skier terms is that the shoulders and lower back have a tighter fabric weave (denier), and as a result are more durable against abrasion, usually caused by a backpack. The standard “Powder-skirt” has been dropped for weight-saving purposes. This is preferred if you are using the jacket in combo with bibbed pants.

Sarting with a flash. Skin dump pocket to one side and zip-up valuable pocket on the other. Note the absence of a powder skirt (which we welcome). 

Pit zips—'natch. Whistle not included.

Handy pocket with a flap and velcro closure on the right thigh. 

Left-hand side pocket with waterproof zipper and loop inside for keys or transceiver (if that method tickles your fancy). Note that there's also a small pocket on the bib portion above (also with a loop).

Snacky little suspender clasps make for easy on/off of the suspenders. 

Bomber Keprotec patches ward off sharp edges with ease. 

• N40p & N80p GORE-TEX Pro three-layer construction
• Fully taped micro-seams (1.6mm) for weight reduction
• Helmet compatible StormHood
• e3D ergonomic 3-Dimensional patterning for enhanced comfort and mobility
• No-lift gusseted underarms
• Tall collar
• Laminated die-cut Velcro cuff adjusters
• All WaterTight zippers
• Internal pocket with zip and mesh pocket
• Drop back hem with Cohaesive adjustment for use with mittens and gloves
• Hidden Recco reflector
• Slide ‘n Loc snap closures to fasten it to other certain Arc’teryx ski pants

• N180p GORE-TEX Pro three-layer construction
• GORE C-KNIT backer
• Full zipper from waist to knee with three sliders
• Side vents with two-way sliders
• Zippered fly with snap
• Articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility
• e3D Ergonomic 3-Dimensional patterning for enhanced comfort and mobility
• Gusseted crotch for comfort and freedom of movement
• Low bib with removable suspenders
• Keprotec instep patches for protection against boots, crampons and ski edges
• Hidden Recco reflector
• Quick adjust TouringCuff allows for easy buckle management

So how does it all stand up and does it make compromises in the name of efficiency? Does it feel good and look good?
 
I’ve owned the Sabre jacket since it came out, roughly 5 years ago. It was my go-to piece for ski-hill bashing and served as a great shell for those super-wet touring days. It kept me dry and warm sitting on the chairlift, but was overkill for 90% of days in the backcountry. The Rush LT has filled a niche in the Arc’teryx line; light yet not too lightweight that it loses its ability to keep you warm when the weather is trying to smack you around. It is also decently breathable (GORE-TEX pro is unofficially about 25% more breathable than lesser GORE-TEX membranes, while maintaining the same waterproofing) for something that is fully sealed. I’ve used other shells in the past that are more air-permeable, but it definitely comes at a bit of a cost (we are using it in winter after-all). This jacket/pant combo seems to have nailed it, especially for a cool but not too cool (we’re talking temperature here - we’re actually really cool when it comes to most things in life) Kootenay climate.
 
These two pieces were clearly designed to work in harmony with one-another. As standalones they work well too, but if you are not using a bibbed pant you may find the lack of snow-skirt a bit of a drawback! Don’t fret! Just head on over to the classic Rush Jacket to fix that little hang-up. The choice of having a waist to knee zip on one leg of the pant and only hip to knee on the other seems a bit baffling to me. This little decision also means that backcountry bathroom breaks are more complicated and cold than they need to be if you have your suspenders on under a layer or two. I’m sure they have their reasons at Arc’ HQ, but it seems like an odd choice. There appears to be little gained and something lost here, as far as I can tell.
 
As for style, well that’s a personal thing, but we’re feelin’ it. The Jacket keeps the classic Arc’teryx Whiteline fit; a little looser, or in other words a North-American fit (not fat, just relaxed) as opposed to European rando-style that many touring specific shells tend to look like.