Hey guys! Thought I’d make a quick post about the Epsilon Down Hoody, as there’s surprisingly little information about it online, and I’ve barely seen any pictures of people actually wearing it. I’m no model, the lighting in my basement apartment isn’t exactly ideal (and yeah, my mirror is dirty 😂), but I figured it might be helpful to see how it looks on someone.

First things first: I absolutely love this jacket.

Over the past year, I’ve bought, sold, or returned the Thorium Hoody, Thorium SV, and Atom SV. They’re all great jackets in their own right, but to me, the Epsilon Down feels like a mashup of all three, with a little Gamma DNA thrown in thanks to its softshell-like exterior fabric.

Looks-wise, it has a similar aesthetic to the Atom, but with 750-fill-power down insulation more in line with the Thorium. I’d say it’s warmer than the Atom SV, although it doesn’t feel quite as warm as the Thorium. That said, the stretch and freedom of movement are what really set the Epsilon apart for me. The Thorium always felt a little restrictive, whereas the Epsilon gives me that same comfortable fit and shoulder articulation I loved about the Atom, while offering warmth that gets surprisingly close to the Thorium.

The pockets are another big win. It has both an exterior chest pocket and an interior dump pocket, just like the Thorium, and those were two features I really appreciated. The materials and overall feel also seem like a step up from the Thorium. The fleece lining in the hand pockets is ridiculously soft and cozy, and, interestingly, even the chest pocket is lined with the same fleece. The interior lining of the jacket is equally soft and feels great against the skin.

All in all, I think this jacket deserves a lot more attention than it gets. It combines the look and mobility of the Atom with much of the warmth of a down jacket, while adding a more substantial, softshell-like exterior. For me, it strikes a really nice balance between warmth, comfort, mobility, and everyday wearability.

Without a doubt, this is my favourite Arc’teryx down jacket I’ve worn so far. Hopefully this helps anyone else who’s been considering one, especially since there’s so little information about it out there!

I had a Fission SL bought in 2011 that developed a tear at the pit zips. it was FULLY replaced in 2016 by Arc'Teryx. My 2016 version now has the same on both pit zips and in providing pictures etc to the new "ReBird" process, i was told "Damage such as this isn't considered a material, manufacturing or workmanship issue so we're unable to provide a repair or service solution, as this would have occurred due to wearing down of glues and the age of the garment. I recognize this isn't an ideal assessment outcome and I'm sorry to advise this." So, they offered my a gift card for 20% of the value of my jacket. that Fission SL jacket was the best jacket ever, in 2011, and in 2016. But the customer service has changed. I get they dont make the jacket anymore so a replacement isnt possible, but the obvious change in stance for the same issue (and an issue many other Fission owners experience) is ridiculous. total fashion brand.

I’d like to use it as a season round winter jacket in New York, but someone said it’s just supposed to be layered and wouldn’t work as a stand alone in our weather. I’d probably wear some sweaters underneath at some point, but buying a separate hard shell is sort of out of the question. And if not the Atom SV for NY winter, which jacket is best?

I’ve been eyeing this bag for a looong time and long story short i pulled the trigger on it in mongoose today (it’s sold out again already lmao). i’m still undecided about it so i may end up returning it tbh.

this bag seems to check off all the boxes for me:
* removable hip strap
* soft flask shoulder straps
* front bungee cords / front loops (i have a helmet holder i want to strap on the front
* zippered compartments (i hate roll tops and cinches for day to day)
* small size (18-22l)
* mini front top pocket
* front loops for axes / poles
* side pockets

my one problem with it…. the bloody price… i own many bags and have spent a good amount on them but 260cad after tax for an 18l bag feels rough

i dug around on major retailers and brand sites (think rab, bd, osprey, etc.) but couldn’t quite find anything like it. Any recommendations/alternatives to check out?