Gear reviews | Arc'teryx Sentinel jacket and pants

First impression

The Sentinel Gore-Tex jacket and pants from Arc'teryx consistently rely on high-quality materials and a functional, well thought-out construction. The combination consists of a 3-layer Gore-Tex N70p outer material that provides a good balance of weather protection, abrasion resistance and comfort. The material is completely waterproof, windproof and breathable at the same time - a good prerequisite for strenuous ascents or changeable weather.

The jacket offers effective ventilation with laminated underarm zippers. The snow guard protects against penetrating snow, while the helmet-compatible hood with its finely adjustable volume system ensures a secure fit even in strong winds. The pocket layout follows a functional approach: two large, easily accessible chest pockets, a smaller zippered pocket on the inside and two generous mesh inner pockets offer plenty of storage space - even for larger items of equipment such as skins or gloves.

The trousers use the same material construction with two thigh pockets on the sides - one of which has an integrated safety loop for attaching an avalanche transceiver. In the lower leg area, an edge protection reinforcement made of robust material protects against damage from ski edges or crampons.

As you would expect from Arc'teryx, both the material quality and the workmanship are of the highest standard. The waterproof zippers run smoothly, the seam bonding is precise and the construction is well thought out.

Though the robust 3L construction means that the overall weight is higher than that of ultralight shell combos, the Sentinel scores with excellent durability and high weather protection, even in demanding conditions in deep snow or on multi-day tours.

Tester and test conditions

Choosing the right functional clothing is often a challenge for me. With a height of 156 cm and a rather athletic build with broader shoulders and thighs, I don't seem to fit the manufacturer's measurements. Pants are often either too long and too wide at the top or too tight around the thighs and back. Bibs in particular cause me problems, as the straps are often not sufficiently adjustable or pinch when in the correct setting.

Now I have had the pleasure of being able to test the Sentinel jacket and trousers intensively. The outfit was in daily use and was mainly worn during my internship in snow and avalanche research. I was out and about outdoors all day and, in addition to kneeling and sitting around a lot, I also had to get by with very little movement. I also tested the combo on ski tours in cold and warm foehn conditions as well as on a tour using crampons.

Fit and comfort

As there was no Arc'teryx ski clothing for women in my local sports store, I was only able to try on a pair of hiking trousers. I ordered the same size and was pleasantly surprised that the pants fit perfectly despite my stature. It is often difficult to find suitable functional clothing, especially in small sizes, which is why this line is a very welcomed offer for me.

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The Sentinel Arc'teryx jacket.

Lydia Knappe

General features

A big plus point of the Sentinel combination is its sophisticated ease of use. All press studs and zippers can be opened and closed easily, even with one hand and thick gloves. The material feels pleasant and of high quality against the skin, without the typical plastic feel. Because long underpants are often too warm for me, I find direct skin contact an important criterion. The material also has good water repellency and breathability throughout the day.

Another advantage is their versatility:

Working in the snow
Ski touring and freeriding (possibly a little chilly in very cold temperatures as they are not lined, but very comfortable with long underpants)
Ice climbing

The pants

The trousers fit comfortably at the top, neither too tight nor too loose. They are cut wide enough at the bottom and thighs to offer unrestricted freedom of movement and allow you to wear an extra layer in very cold conditions.

The long zipper at the front, which extends to the hips, is particularly practical. It has not only served as ventilation, but has also made it easier for me to switch the avalanche transceiver on and off. The elasticated suspenders made of rubber material are comfortable to wear, do not press on the collarbone and remain comfortable even under a heavy backpack. They can also be removed at the front if desired.

A highlight is the option to open the trousers at the back from the top to the leg end. This is not only a good ventilation option, but also helpful for going to the toilet without having to take the trousers off completely. However, the backpack must be taken off for this, as the zippers start very high up. However, this is also a personal preference and for taller people it may also work with a backpack, as the zippers may not be quite as high.

The lower, spacious pockets are positioned in such a way that an avalanche transceiver, cell phone or other items can be stowed comfortably without pressing on the hips. They also remain easily accessible as they are not covered by the hip belt or climbing harness. The chest pocket of the pants could be a little larger for my taste, for example to safely stow the avalanche transceiver or similar and keep it warm, but this would possibly restrict freedom of movement.

In terms of robustness, the pants score points with reinforced leg cuffs that protect against sharp ski edges and crampons. They also have a tight enough cut to prevent crampons from snagging easily.

The jacket

I deliberately chose a slightly larger jacket so that a thick down jacket would fit underneath. Despite the larger fit, it fits well and is comfortable to wear. The spacious side pockets are not positioned too high so that you can comfortably put your hands in them. They also offer enough space to store gloves or skins. Inside, there are two other large pockets that are ideal for keeping skins or other items warm, as well as a smaller pocket for small items.

The snow skirt closes tightly, providing good protection against snow. With a thick down jacket underneath, however, it can be a little tight, although I rarely use it in such cases anyway.

What I miss about the jacket is a thumb slider on the sleeve hem. I particularly appreciate this feature when I have to work without gloves for short periods, as it provides additional warmth. However, the jacket is designed as a top layer and many layers underneath already have this feature, so this is not a serious point of criticism.

The hood can be pulled very tightly around the head and fits securely without a helmet, without flapping or being blown away by the wind.

The outfit in use during field work.

Lydia Knappe

Conclusion

The Sentinel jacket and trousers have impressed me in recent weeks with their well thought-out functionality, comfortable fit and high-quality workmanship. The versatility of use, the pleasant feel of the material and the useful details such as the easily accessible pockets, the well thought-out ventilation and the ease of use with gloves are particularly noteworthy.

Small points of criticism such as the lack of thumb loops or the somewhat awkward toilet use are more personal preferences than real shortcomings. Overall, the combo is a clear recommendation for anyone looking for functional, versatile and well-designed outdoor clothing.

Advantages and disadvantages

+ Comfortable to wear

+ Pleasant material

+ High functionality

+ Good fit

- No thumb loops

- Awkward toileting

Information

Flannel lining for light insulation
PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePE with a recycled outer material offers complete waterproof, windproof and breathable protection
80D ePE SSD (Soft Shell Dope Dyed)
Recco® reflector
FairTrade certified
Price €750 (jacket), €600 (pants)

The combo was provided to PowderGuide free of charge by the manufacturer. You can find out how we tested it in our test statement.

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Good ventilation on the trousers.

Lydia Knappe

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