I like North Face. North Face makes a quality product. I even have a North Face sleeping bag (Cat's Meow). I have absolutely nothing against North Face. But I will never purchase a North Face Jacket. NEVER. Why? Because everyone and their brother has a North Face jacket! That Denali fleece, while decent quality, is practically standard issue for most frat boys these days. (I shoud know, I was greek in college) I wanted something that would serve me well on the trail AND be stylish and good looking out on the town; a fleece that would be unique and attention-grabbing. Believe me... I did my homoework. I comparison shopped for quite some time. Enter Arc'Teryx. I have an Arc'Teryx Bora 80 pack. IMHO the most comfortable pack I have ever had the pleasure to strap onto my frame. I like it so much I decided to remain brand-loyal and select an Arc'Teryx fleece. I wanted a warm fleece that would double as an outer layer in cool/warm weather as well as an inner layer in COLD weather. The GAMMA AR is what I selected and I could not have made a better choice. As soon as I tried it on I fell in love with its quality, comfort, and style. It is well-constructed and nicely made - it simply oozes quality. It just makes me feel more confident when I'm wearing it! It fits my needs 100% and I can empathize with a previous reviewer who liked it so much he didn't want to wear it outside and risk damaging it! (although it is tough and could certainly take the punishment) It repels wind and light rain admirably. Hey, it's not gore-tex so it's not going to keep you 100% dry in pouring rain there, buddy. Like all quality fleeces it dries VERY QUICKLY so if it gets wet it won't stay wet long. The length is just right for me (6'1", 180lbs) and the sleeves aren't too long either. There is a zippable pocket located on the left breast which is very easy to reach when wearing the GAMMA AR as a mid-layer. The zippable handwarmer pockets on the left and right are quite roomy. There are also interior non-zippable net "pouches" on both the left and right. The GAMMA AR is breathable and very comfortable. I rarely get too hot while wearing but when I do a quick lowering of the middle zipper regulates the temperature to a comfortable level in a jif (for those of you like myself who prefer zip-up fleeces to their pull-over cousins). On cold days a cinch-tie located at the top rear of the collar keeps needed heat trapped inside. There are also two cinch-ties on the bottom left and right to trap even more heat. This is the best fleece I have ever owned and is my favorite piece of outdoor clothing. My GAMMA AR has become the default jacket that I grab when I'm on my way out the door. As has been previously mentioned by another reviewer, Arc'Teryx does tend to size their gear rather small (Arc'Teryx Large = most companys' Medium, Arc'Teryx Medium = most companys' Small.. and so forth). This fleece is an EXCEPTION to this rule as my GAMMA AR is a size large and fits like a large. This fleece has done everything I have asked and has clinched my status as an Arc'Teryx devotee - I subsequently chose an Arc'Teryx Theta AR as a waterproof outer layer. I wholeheartedly recommend the Arc'Teryx GAMMA AR for above-mentioned reasons. You have my assurance that you will not only appreciate its performance but also the fact that 20 other people won't be wearing it wherever you go. If I lost this jacket I WOULD NOT HESITATE FOR A SECOND to replace it with an identical model. I wouldn't even bother shopping around - I'd just go right back to where I bought it and ask for another one. I like it THAT much. The only downside to Arc'Teryx products, if I had to list one, is cost relative to their competitors. However a lifetime warranty combined with superior quality prove what we all know and BELIEVE deep down inside - you get what you pay for.

Customer Service

I emailed Arc'Teryx customer support regarding fitting info for my Bora 80 pack and they responded within a few hours with the exact information I needed. What more can you ask? Keep in mind that Arc'Teryx prefers to work through/converse with dealers so make sure you make your purchase through a trusted source who is willing to work with you for any non-warranty related issues you may encounter (bought the wrong size, want a different color, etc..).

Similar Products Used:

Patagonia Fleece Nautica Zip-Up Fleece Jacket

I have checked out alot of fleeces, and the Gamma AR is the highest quality there is. It is so well thought out and constructed it amazes me. It is warm, comfortable and made to take abuse with all high wear areas reinforced. The collar is the best design I have seen with it''s cinch cord. The breast pocket is also great because it is easy to get to under your shell. With Arc Teryx you definitely get what you pay for.

Customer Service

A little slow with email, but great over the phone.

Similar Products Used:

TNF Denali

This is an extraordinary jacket. Aside from the perfect fit, it's extremely warm, durable, and even somewhat windresistant. (The adjustable cinch at the neck helps with the latter.) The chest pocket is huge. The handwarmer pockets are at the right height -- a compromise between above-the-waistbelt-but-uncomfortable and comfortable-without-the-belt-but-useless-with. The fleece guarding your chin from zipperburn is positively sensual. The stretch panels are too, which is a strange thing to say about Malden Powershield. I can't help it -- the jacket drips with sensuality.

I admit that I haven't used it much with pack. I like it so much I'm a bit reluctant to take it outside. (What if something happens to my jacket and Arc'teryx stops making them?) In sum, it's so good it's baaad.

My value rating is for the price I paid at Altrec last August. I'd pay full price to replace it, however.

Customer Service

No experience

Similar Products Used:

Patagonia fleece, Moonstone fleece (both much less windresistant)

The Gamma AR is quite a fleece!

I basically chosen for the ArcTeryx typical fit which mean that the garnment is short, minimalist and run very close to the body while it allow for a total freedom of moves. The sleeves are just as impressive as I can stretch my arm in any ways and the remain in place following me effortlesly.

The main fabric is impressive too. It is a new generation of Polartec 200 witch isnt made of polyester. Actually it is a mix of Merino wool and cotton. I dunno how it will last but it feel significantly nicer than regular Polartec fabric to me. It is also said to be water repellent but I havent tried that feature yet.

The Gamma AR block the wind surprisingly well. I worn mine as an outer layer for downhill skiing earlier this spring and it blocked a good part of the wind even at high speed (lets keep in mind that a regular fleece isnt meant to be used that way and that the Gamma AR doesnt feature a Gore Windstopper membrane).

ArcTeryx clothes are sized small and I have noticed that I usually have to take one size larger than I would take with another brand (I usually wear small size but I have 2 other ArcTeryx garment which are both medium sized). However, for some reasons the Gamma AR is "normally sized" so I had a small one.

Overall I am higly satisfied with my Gamma AR, it is extremelly comfy and it look real sharp (thanks to ArcTeryx innovatives colour schemes). Life is good!

Customer Service

I have e-mailed them few time and they arent especially fast to answer but they always gave me good informations.

Similar Products Used:

I have considered few other models by Marmot, Patagonia, TNF, Chlorophylle and Mountain Hardwear.

The ArcTeryx is slightly more expensive than most of them but I believe that it worth it all the way considering its superior fit, built and the fact that it is made in Canada.

I would have a Patagonia if had to choose something else due to its very good design and built but I feel that ArcTeryx is the ultimate choice.