The first thing you'll notice about the Fissile is the price, so consider it this way - it looks so good and is so effective at keeping you comfortable in the cold that it's a jacket you can use for pretty much any cold weather activity, be it skiing, hiking or just hanging about in town. Feel better now?
The Fissile combines an N70p three-layer Gore-Tex outer for waterproofing and breathability with a mix of premium 750 fill power goose down and panels of Coreloft synthetic insulation. But it doesn't end there when it comes to quality insulation...
Arc'teryx uses 'Down Composite Mapping' to place insulation in areas that will maximize benefits and improve freedom of movement along with utilising a down filled nylon taffeta inner placed inside the Gore-tex shell. This allows for a completely seam sealed-shell, provides maximum compressibility, and elevates thermal efficiency by focusing the down closer to the body.
What all this means in practical terms is that the Fissile feels totally lush when you've got it on, combining lightness and ease of movement with instant warmth. At the same time it isn't excessively bulky as is often the case with insulated jackets. Oh, and in case you were wondering the down is ethically farmed and harvested.
The fully-adjustable, helmet-compatible hood is also insulated, and as is usually the case with Arc'teryx you get all the features you need and no unnecessary extras.
These consist of two zipped hand pockets and a zipped lift pass pocket on the left sleeve, plus mesh backed pit zips. Inside the Fissile are two large mesh stash pockets and a zipped security pocket along with a powder skirt, and you can attach the jacket to Arc'teryx ski pants with a 'Slide 'n Loc' snap closure.
The weather can be kept at bay still further with Velcro cuffs and a drawcord hem, and should the worst happen there's an in-built Recco reflector.
Yes, the Fissile comes with a very hefty price tag, but it's a great-looking, versatile, practical and very well designed jacket that will appeal to any discerning snowsport enthusiast.
