Arc’teryx Sarissa Jacket

Insulation

The Sarissa features a generous 100 grams of Coreloft insulation, which is a synthetic insulation similar to PrimaLoft, constructed of polyester fibers of varying sizes. I’m thrilled with the warmth of this insulation considering how thin it feels when you touch the Sarissa jacket. An added bonus is that the thinness of the Coreloft definitely helps to keep the bulk on this jacket to a minimum.

I’ve used the Sarissa with great success in some of the toughest ski conditions I’ve ever experienced. I rode bell to bell one day when winds were 45 mph with gusts up to 90, and temps were dipping below 15 degrees. These normally crippling weather conditions presented no problems for the Coreloft insulation or windproof outer fabric.

Lexi Dowdall, Arc'teryx Sarissa Jacket, Blister Gear Review
Lexi Dowdall, Alta Ski Area

As I mentioned earlier, we’ve been having an unseasonably cold winter here in Utah, and the Sarissa has become my new favorite. When the temps dip below about 28-25 degrees F, I pair this jacket with a lightweight fleece or the Arc’teryx Atom LT, though many folks may not need to layer up since I tend to run cold.

Anything above about 28 degrees F, and the Sarissa works just swell when worn over a midweight baselayer. I do appreciate that this jacket is so wonderful in frigid temps, and that it does not require additional bulky layers to remain sufficiently warm. I would expect it’s going to be great up until about the 40s (but I will have to wait until spring to test that theory, and will update this post accordingly).

Lastly, the feel of the inner fabric on the Sarissa is very pleasant. The arms feature a taffeta lining that is very comfortable. This same liner fabric is also found in the hood and around the pit zips. The main core of the inner jacket is also smooth to the touch, but not so silky—it has a more velvety sensation when touched. I find the inner fabric to be incredibly comfortable, even when worn over just a baselayer.

Ventilation

Arc'teryx Sarissa Pit Zip Vents, Blister Gear Review
Arc'teryx "Powder Guard" Pit Zips

The pit zips, for me, are where the Sarissa falls short. While they run a full 12.5 inches long, they are incredibly narrow, only about 2.25 inches wide when open. Within the center of that 2.25 inch opening runs a strip of Gore-Tex fabric, making the effective opening of the pit zip itself about 1.25 inches wide.

These diminutive openings are then lined with a very fine mesh, supposedly to prevent snow from entering the pit-zips. Arc’teryx calls this their “Powder Guard” technology. I know we all want pit-deep powder and unlimited face shots, but I found the center Gore-Tex strip, narrow opening, and mesh lining to inhibit effective heat dumping. I typically keep my vents zipped for deep powder runs anyway, then open the vents in the lift line or during the lift ride for powder-free ventilation.

Because the Sarissa provides such a generous dose of insulation, I think it would make more sense to provide a wider opening for the pit zip so a serious amount of heat could be dumped if necessary. (I found the pit zips on the Arc’teryx Venta SV softshell jacket to be significantly more functional and practical). As it stands, the pit zips do not seem to permit much heat release, so I usually need to zip the jacket down half way if I do overheat.

I also must admit that on one particular 13-degree F day, I honestly didn’t even notice that the pit zips were wide open. This to me is a pretty good indication that the pit zips are not quite adequate.

The good news is the pit zips are easy to use, and only require one hand to adjust.

 

8 comments on “Arc’teryx Sarissa Jacket”

  1. I noticed that you have the Norrona Lofoten Pro Shell. Norrona also has the Lofoten Gore-Tex PrimaLoft Jacket. I know you don’t mention the Norrona insulated jacket, but given that the specs/features seem very similar to the Sarissa and I don’t own a Norrona piece (have Arcteryx), I was wondering if you could give your initial thoughts. Or also give thoughts on Norrona products in general. Only reason I’m asking is because the Norrona is cheaper than the the Sarissa :)

  2. Hey Cathy,

    Thanks for reading!
    You are correct, I haven’t tried anything insulated from Norrona’s product line. That being said, as far as durability goes, I’ve been completely happy with my Norrona products. I think you are going to see similar quality in craftsmanship and durability between Norrona and Arc’teryx.
    I’ve used my Norrona Lofoten bibs for 2.5 seasons now (over 200 days) and they have impressed me with their performance. The same can be said for my Lofoten Pro Shell jacket.

    Between those two, I think that the Norrona Primaloft Jacket looks to be slightly more fitted than the Sarissa jacket, which I found to be quite baggy with it’s more ‘freeride’ fit. Norrona does in general feature more ‘fitted’ cuts, as it caters to a mostly European market. I think that this jacket will be less boxy when compared to the Sarissa (but this is just a hunch).
    I can’t say how warm it will be in comparison with the Sarissa, but I’ve heard great things about Primaloft products. Primaloft is meant to mimic down feathers, and with 100g in that Norrona Lofoten jacket, that should be pretty darn toasty.

    I would say the Insulated Lofoten is going to be pretty comparable to the Sarissa, give it a gander!
    I’ve been very pleased with my Norrona products.

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