Arc’teryx Rush Jacket Review
The Arc’teryx Rush Jacket is the company’s lightest backcountry shell designed and built with GORE-TEX PRO for all-day protection from the elements. Waterproof and windproof, it’s not insulated which makes it perfect for layering and for tackling stormy days at the resort or long days out in the backcountry.
You’ll have to get over the initial sticker shock and some potential grievances with the interior pockets, but beyond that, the Rush Jacket has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Arc’teryx Rush Jacket.
Testing Conditions & Notes
I have been using the Arc’teryx Rush Jacket as my primary outer layer for resort riding and backcountry touring all winter in the Sierra Nevada. I use the Rush Jacket in a size large, but I probably should have gotten it in a medium. That said, I don’t find the large too cumbersome and I’ve never found myself wishing I had a medium – I just find myself noticing that I probably should.
Pros and Cons
+ Waterproof and windproof – even when worn all day
+ Exterior pockets are waterproof enough for sensitive electronics
+ Large pit zips for dumping heat
+ Adjustable hood and hem with a built-in powder skirt
– Interior drop pockets are shallow
– Interior zippered pocket not too functional
– Color selection not great
– Expensive
The Specs
- Weight: 1 lb 4.8 oz / 590 g
- Materials: N80p-X 3-layer Most Rugged GORE-TEX nylon
- Fit: Regular
- Pockets: two zippered exterior hand, one zippered right arm, two interior drop, one interior zippered
- RECCO Reflector: Yes
- Powder Skirt: Yes
- Adjustable Hem: Yes
- Adjustable Hood: Yes
- Pit Vents: Yes
- Country of Origin: China
- Colors: Oracle/Daze (Yellow), Orca (Black), Relic/Bitters (Brown), Lucent/Multiverse (Blue-Gray), Phenom/Habitat (Orange/Gray)
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
- MSRP: $749
Photo Gallery
The Good
The Waterproofness
The Arc’teryx Rush Jacket is made with GORE-TEX PRO and I’ve never questioned its ability to keep me dry throughout the day. Having to worry about a jacket soaking through or failing should not be something you’re dedicating any time to on the mountain and the Rush eliminates all need to worry. If you’re out on a powder day (or spending more time waist-deep in snow than anticipated),
The Durability
The Arc’teryx Rush Jacket is the lightest backcountry shell Arc’teryx makes. This had me a bit worried about the durability of the jacket since it was, presumably, made with thinner materials than those offered by heavier jackets. However, I’ve found it to be as durable as I could hope for. Cutting close to trees and bushwhacking up the skin track (and sometimes on the way down) hasn’t managed to rip any holes in the shell (yet) – despite my best efforts.
The Adjustment
The Arc’teryx Rush Jacket has large pit zips, a powder skirt, an adjustable hem, and an adjustable hood. This allows you to completely cinch down the jacket when conditions are cold, windy, or otherwise not ideal. It allows you the flexibility to open the jacket up on the skin track or on warm weather days when all you need is a light shell. I can typically keep the Rush on all the way up the skin track (I run incredibly hot). The hood fits easily over a helmet and can be easily cinched down if needed. The same goes for the hem which is easy to tighten, loosen, or adjust.
The Okay
The Pockets
The Arc’teryx Rush Jacket has six total pockets: two exterior hand, one exterior arm, two interior drop, and one interior zippered (on the backside of the left drop pocket). Both drop pockets are shallow and not quite big enough to completely fit a pair of winter gloves. The exterior hand pockets are nice and large (but can be obstructed if you have a hip belt). The exterior arm pocket is great for a lift ticket, identification, credit card, or small wallet. The interior zippered pocket isn’t very large and since it’s on the back of a drop pocket you can’t put too much weight in it. I typically stash my key inside it (since it’s not too functional a pocket when you’re out in the backcountry).
The Colors
Arc’teryx frequently changes the colors of its gear. That said, the current selection for the Rush Jacket leaves something to be desired. The yellow (Oracle/Daze) is the clear winner of the bunch (although the orange/tan would be worth considering as well) while the other colors are a bit disappointing. Sure, you need a black jacket for all the people who don’t want to be visible to their friends and/or rescued by SAR, but I wish there were some better colors available for such an expensive and versatile jacket. Minor gripe, but when you’re spending nearly $800 for a piece of clothing, you want it to be something you really love.
The Bad
The Price
At $749 before tax, the Rush Jacket is incredibly expensive – especially when considering this is a shell only and you’ll still need layers/and or insulation beneath it. However, the price brings with it exceptional quality. Arc’teryx offers a warranty for the “Practical Product Lifespan”. The company states this period “will be determined in the reasonable discretion of an authorized Arc’teryx Customer Service representative who shall take into account at least the following factors: the type and nature of the Product, the nature of the use of the Product, nature of the Product issue involved, and age of the Product.”
Wrap Up
If you can get past the price, Arc’teryx Rush Jacket will not let you down. Yes, the interior pockets (and the color selection) could be improved upon – and maybe for this price we should hold it to a higher standard – but where the jacket shines in its comfort functionality.
On a comfort note, don’t make the same mistake that I did; do not size up (even if you want to layer underneath). I got a large and should have gotten a medium. That said, I still love this jacket and it’s my current go-to for snowsports.
Questions, comments, or personal experience with the Rush Jacket? Leave a comment below or get in touch and let me know! Check out the Arc’teryx Rush Jacket here.
Rating + Recommendation
Summary
The Arc’teryx Rush Jacket is an all-mountain and backcountry jacket designed with 3L GORE-TEX PRO. It doesn’t come cheap and it could use some more functional interior pockets (and better colors), but it’s an awesome piece of gear that will hold up to the elements and keep you comfortable – and dry – during long days on the mountain.
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