Arc'teryx Solano Jacket (2008)

Maybe its me or something in the air this season. I just don't understand the commercial rave over windshells that started with the a picture of Steve House donning a Patagonia Houdini windshell on the summit of the Cerro Torre a few years ago. Now big commercial companies like North Face, Marmot and now Arcteryx are filling their spring racks with these over priced, flimsy "sort of windproof", not at all waterproof, light weight jackets that have all the durability of a disposible wet nap.
I guess after years of selling GTX Jackets first, then Fleece, then Windstopper Fleece, then Softshells they've finally run out of things for us to buy from them so now we are in the era of the Windshell advertised in Backpaker magazine as the "must have" gear in 2008.
Now we have the Solano Jacket which is a cool looking jacket on paper. I got a chance to wear this out earlier today on my bike during a 20 mile loop along the Hudson River Valley trails in about 35 to 50 degrees sunny weather filled with sharp wind coming off the river.

PROS: Nice bright colors. Light and packs away as well as a T-Shirt. This one has pockets (not many "windshells" have pockets). Also has a nice warm fleece pile lining that is really thin and only seem covers the inside torso area-the sleeves don't have this. This one is also actually wind proof.
I like high collars and this one has that in place of what would normally be a hood. But the collar is fleece lined and warm. In other words, I didn't miss the hood. Fairly durable outer shell. Colors are really vivid and original. Drop back hemline covers buttocks which is good for us bikers.

CONS: Made In China and the usual short comings that come with that is apparant here (compared to older Canada-Made Arcteryx gear like the Gamma MX and Episilon jackets this one pales in comparison in terms of build quality and long term durability). That said, I have no idea where $199 was put into making this jacket. I own a Mammut Clime Windproof Softshell which is tad bit heavier at 12 ounces and much warmer, durable and more carefully designed for outdoor use(with pit zips and a belayer's zip). On paper and practice the Mammut Clime is the perfect windshell and only cost $99. So I don't know where Arc'teryx gets off pricing their gear as if it's still made in Canada.
Like all windshells this one is as water resistant as a cheap napkin. It didn't rain on me today, but if it did I'm 100% certain I would've been soaked and sorry for not wearing a proper outdoor jacket. And the Solano I wore is new with the DWR still on the jacket, after a few washes without DWR retreating your $5.00 T-shirt will be more weather proof than this. The fit is off; the sleeves are very slim cut and short for the size. The body is also snug. Which can be good since you will be wearing this in Spring/Summer with one layer under.

BOTTOM LINE: Check out the $139 Arcteryx Squamish Windshell before dropping the car note money on this. That one has a hood, is more packable, as warm, and a few years ago the Squamish was, if not still is, made in Canada.