Made with equal parts magic, dragon scales, and storm-shedding Gore-Tex, the Aramada Outland Gore-Tex Pro 3L Men's Jacket is one of the burliest pieces of outerwear this side of a suit of armor. Armor, though, was never outfitted with a fully seam-taped 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro membrane or extra-long underarm zips, which work together to keep you dry and comfortable whether you're rappelling into big lines or crushing the resort on a soggy spring day. The Outland also moves with you far better than a clunky metal suit, thanks to a microgrid backing fabric that slides over outwear like silk and Lycra wrist gaiters that keep your sleeves locked in place.
There are tons of smaller features too, like an adjustable and stashable powder skirt that interfaces with compatible pants to lock out snow, a helmet-compatible hood, and a microfleece guard on the inside of the collar to keep your chin feeling good when the wind's howling. You can access your tunes with minimal fuss thanks to the external-access media pocket, and radio your buddies to tell them how rad you are with ease, courtesy of the radio-optimized sleeve pocket. Armada even threw in a Recco reflector as an insurance policy in case of in-bounds accidents.
Cuffs: | Adjustable Cuffs |
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Fabrics/Materials: | GORE-TEX® PRO 3L with Microgrid Backer Technology |
Fit: | Standard Fit |
Hem: | Reactive Hem with Inner-pocket Adjustment and Quick-release Tab Microfleece Chin Guard |
Hood: | Reactive Hood System with Quick-release Tab / Helmet Capatable Hood with a Reinforced Brim |
Pockets: | Radio-Optimized Sleeve Pocket / Large Interior Mesh Pocket / External-access Music Pocket with Headphones Port |
Powder Skirt: | Adjustable and Stashable Powder Skirt with Lycra Suspension |
Seam Sealed: | 13mm GORE-SEAM Tape |
Type of Waterproofing: | Gore-Tex |
Ventilation: | Extra Long No Snag Pit Vents |
Waterproof: | Yes |
Zipper: | YKK AQUAGUARD® VISLON® Water Repellent Zippers |
If the color of this jacket is Kryptonite, then call me Lex Luthor! It doesn't make me any stronger, but it definitely turn heads. It's a pretty bright jacket, so if that's a burden you don't think you can shoulder then I'd think twice about this one. Another disclaimer is that this jacket does not hide dirt well, so be warned!
As far as the fit goes, it is Armada, so be mindful of their sometimes baggy fit. I'm 5'8", 165 lbs and a size small fits me perfectly. It hangs loose, but is not too baggy, and the sleeves are just the right length. It fits similarly to an Arcteryx Stingray.
Some notes on the pockets: From the photo, the zippers don't look like that awesome quality that other high end jackets have, but I can assure you they are. The zippers are sealed with goretex, they just have a different style (beefier in appearance) looking zipper than what you might be used to for a jacket of this quality. The two hand pockets are small, but have good placement for your hands if you're trying to look all casual and whatnot. The chest pocket is actually the largest of them all, as it's very deep.
Helmet compatibility: debatable. Like one of the previous reviewers, I too wear the Smith Vantage. Yes, it fits under the hood, but not without unzipping half the jacket to do so. Then after zipping it up, its very tight.
However, to counter that I would say that the elastic inner cuffs with the thumb holes are awesome and really make this jacket stand out from some of the competitors out there. Overall, the material is a great quality, it has a good fit with plenty of allowed movement, its not bulky, its durable, and its styley.
You're gonna stand out in this jacket so you better be throwing down if you're skiing under the lift. Massive shifties, and cork 3s are preferable.
I frikkin love Gore-Tex Pro. I never get wet anymore when it's snowing. This is just a shell so you better layer underneath.
You can fit a beer bottle in the front pocket (it's that deep), or 2 PBRs, which is pretty nifty. The beefy zippers are stellar. I can't stand flimsy little zippers when you're trying to zip up with gloves on. That's not a problem with these big zippers. I just wish the pass pocket that's below the left shoulder was on the forearm instead. That way I could throw my arm out in front of me and get through the RFID gates at Alta a little easier.
I'm 5'9" and I wear a large so I can look like Tanner Hall.
(but really I like having it cover my ass when I'm landing backseat or riding the chairlift)
The Outland Jacket is the most tech and well thought out jacket Armada has produced yet. Gore Pro 3L, minimalist style, packable, super light weight, incredibly breathable, well thought out pocket placement and sizing, it's everything you look for in a technical jacket. The majority of the year I spend in the backcountry, accessing terrain by snowmobile. Not only am I out in the elements everyday, I am putting it through the paces on the sled. It has stood up incredibly well. No tears or wear from abrasion. I'm based on the west coast and we have some wet days. It's waterproofing and breathability is second to none. Light weight, layer how you want and you are good to go. Ride and travel with confidence in the backcountry or pound the hill from dawn to dusk, you're fully covered here.
Haven't skied in it yet but seems completely bombproof. Love the cut and of course the materials are all 5-star and I know they'll do just fine out there. My only complaint is you can't zip the jacket all the way up with (certain) helmets. With my Smith Gage, I can only get the zip to my chin which I imagine could become a huge pain in the a** on the windy/wet/cold days...just kind of bummed that a "helmet compatible" jacket doesn't easily fit a helmet inside. I should add that I'm 5'10 180--a M fits me pretty true to size. If I went L I'd probably fit the helmet but I'd be swimming in the jacket
This jacket is my favorite piece from Armada. I need a lightweight and packable, yet durable shell that gives me the freedom to move and layer as I choose. Engineered with the new Gore-Tex pro membrane, this piece is intended for rugged and extended use. I gave this thing hell for a whole year and it still looks brand new. One thing that you'll notice right away is the improved breath-ability. I don't have to take my jacket off for climbing as often, which saves time, and over heating is not really a concern anymore. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a bombproof technical shell.