Waterproofing
Gore-Tex revamped its high-end Pro Shell material this past season, and the Caden jacket features this new material. Gore claims that the waterproof membrane is up to 36% more breathable than the older Gore-Tex Pro Shell.
For an in-depth look at the differences between the construction and performance of the old Gore-Tex Pro Shell and the new Gore-Tex Pro, take a look at Sam Shaheen’s review of the Mountain Equipment Centurion and Tupilak jackets. And See our Outerwear 101 and Outerwear 201 articles for a more in-depth look at how waterproof/breathable fabrics work.
Like Sam Shaheen and Paul Forward, I haven’t had a single complaint about the waterproofing provided by the Caden’s Gore-Pro membrane. I’ve been stuck in the Caden in a couple especially wet winter snow storms, and have also used it as a rain jacket in the summer. And I have always stayed perfectly dry. While the Caden’s zippers are not technically waterproof, I haven’t had any items I’m carrying get wet, either.
If you’re looking for a full-featured, breathable jacket to wear often in harsh, very wet conditions, (or you simply want the guarantee that you’ll stay dry in those conditions, if and when you encounter them) the Caden is an especially good option.
Breathability
There are slightly more breathable membranes out there than Gore-Tex Pro, like Polartec NeoShell (used in the FlyLow Lab Coat) and Gore-Tex Active Shell (used in the Mountain Equipment Firefox and Centurion jackets). However, this is not to say that Gore-Tex Pro, and the Caden jacket in particular, won’t be able to keep you cool and dry on a boot pack or some other high-output activity.
Hiking around the club fields in Canterbury, New Zealand, or along the Highline Ridge at Taos Ski Valley, I was totally comfortable in the Caden. The jacket’s pit zips do their job well, and unzipping the front zipper is always an option for some added venting.
If you don’t expect to have to deal with nasty, wet conditions on a regular basis, then something like the FlyLow Lab Coat would probably make more sense than the Caden. The Lab Coat’s waterproofing doesn’t match the Caden’s, but its NeoShell membrane is a bit more breathable than Gore-Tex Pro. However, NeoShell also isn’t quite as durable as Gore-Tex Pro, so if you’re looking for a fully-featured freeride jacket with one of the most durable waterproof / breathable fabrics out there, then I’d again give the nod to the Caden.
Durability
The Caden’s face fabric (the outermost layer of the jacket’s 3-layer material) is the same proprietary 80-denier face fabric used on the shoulders of the Arc’teryx Rush jacket and Arc’teryx Stinger pants.
I’ve been borderline neglectful to the Caden while cramming it in duffle bags and nonchalantly rubbing it against abrasive rope tows in New Zealand, but the jacket has held up superbly. Paul Forward mentioned that this face fabric is among the most robust he’ll ever need, and I agree. Arc’teryx N80P-X face fabric isn’t quite as burly as that of Trew Gear’s 140 denier Private Reserve 3 material, but considering the kind of protection/waterproofing and and breathability the Gore-Tex Pro membrane provides, I’d say the durability of the fabric as a whole is outstanding.
Bottom Line
The Arc’teryx Caden sets the standard for freeride-oriented shells that offer a full set of features, great breathability, and outstanding protection in harsh conditions.
Great review, spot on! I was one of those bummed by the chest pockets, which ultimately made me choose the Theta SVX, the Rush comes at a close second, another great shell! For those that are not bothered by the chest pocket (I’m talking about a small size jacket, so maybe the pockets are a bit too small compared to the large, not made in the same proportion). Anyway, for a durable, waterproof, great fit shell jacket there is no need to look anywhere else other than Rush, Caden or SVX from Arcteryx!
Hey Will –
As always, an excellent, value-additive review! Man, you guys put other reviewers to shame!
I just like to know how the height of the collar stack up to other jackets in the category? I’m a firm believer that a big hood and most importantly one with a sturdy and TALL collar is a critical design feature in a jacket, as it can eliminate/minimize the need for all those annoying neck gaiters that just get wet and freeze up on stormy or windy days. I’m looking at this jacket to replace my 2004 Alpha SV and see how it stacks up in fit/hood versus other jackets in its class, particularly the Arc’teryx Theta SVX, which seems to have a more bomber hood, but less features overall. Appreciate your thoughts!
– Andrew
Hey Andrew
I spent some time with these 3 jackets at home before choosing the one to keep. In general the Caden is roomier than most, but not as much as the SVX. This is valid for everything, fit, hood, collar. It’s a little shorter than the SVX despite some information on Arcteryx website. 1) hood is definitely bigger than most other jackets (Rush, Patagonia Powslayer, Flylow Neoshell), but it’s smaller than the SVX 2) collar is about the same height as the Rush but roomier, taller than the Powslayer and about the same I guess compared to the Flylow. 3) length is longer than flylow and rush, about the same as the Powslayer and a little shorter than the SVX.
The SVX is the roomier of all of them without being baggy, the hood is absolutely huge but it works flawlessly and doesn’t get in the way! I really like it! But it’s more expensive jacket, missing a chest pocket and no skirt. I decided to go with the SVX basically because of the fit is more generous, and it’s also lighter than the Rush and Caden. I don’t care much for the skirt since I like to use bibs most of the time, and the chest pockets were too small for me on the Caden. If you can get pass the higher price, and you don’t mind the skirt I’d go for the SVX if you want more protection from the elements, the SVX is unbeatable! But both Caden and Rush also have their place, both outstanding shells!
I added some other shells to the comparison in case you have experience with flylow and patagonia. Also when I said “missing a chest pocket” I was talking about the right chest pocket the Caden has and the SVX doesn’t. The SVX has a sleeve, left chest, 2 hand, 1 internal zipper and 1 internal stash pocket.
This is EXACTLY what I needed to know. Many thanks!