Gear Review: Arcteryx's Tecto FL Jacket

      Arc'teryx has something nailed down so well that almost no one else can even come close to.  They offer the lightest, breathable, packable, and functional rain jackets on the market.  This is a review on their new Tecto FL jacket.
      The Tecto FL jacket is made out of packlite goretex just like most jackets in its category.  The material that it is bound too though, feels so much better than any other gore jacket i have tried on.  While still being able to maintain the breathability and water resistance it not only feels good on your skin but functions much better than my Marmot shell.
      The jacket is very minimalist as it was intended to be.  It features only a single arm pocket, and has no pit zips.  It also comes with a stuff sack, which I promptly tucked away with all my other useless ones.  It honestly blew my expectations out of the water, no pun intended.  I was actually getting cold in it because it was breathing so well at about 50 degrees.  As far as the rain goes, it hasn't leaked anywhere for me, and the waterproof zipper works fantastic!  Even on the 90 degree and raining kind of days you don't nearly sweat yourself out like some other jacket make happen.  I have also used it as my winter shell this winter, and so far so good, with a nice layer of insulation underneath, it is enough of a wind block to back country ski with, and yet durable enough to use as an alpine jacket, multi function for the win! The jacket packs down to about the size of a pop can and weighs in at only 9.9oz.  The hood is large enough to fit over a ski helmet or in my case a construction helmet, and has a cinch in it to keep it close to your face and neck and not flopping around in the wind.  Another thing I believe the jacket is superior in is the fit.  It runs just large enough to have a nice insulation layer but not so small that it inhibits the ability for you to move in.

Arc'teryx Tecto Shell

      Yes there are other lighter jackets out there made out of cuben fiber, but this is probably the lightest out there you can find that's under $400, functional, and doesn't feel like your wearing a trash bag.  Not to mention the feel of cuben against skin isn't the greatest.  I wish I had more words to put in about this jacket, you can find out more about the awesome shells Arc'teryx makes on their website (they have one for everything).  Arc'teryx also offers a lifetime warranty on all of their products. This is by far the best rain shell that I have ever purchased. Perhaps the best minimalist rain shell that there is on the market right now!

-Tattooed Adventure