Arc’teryx Sabre Ski Jacket Long-Term Review
March 15th, 2025
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Our verdict
In the world of Gore-Tex ski jackets, it’s hard to top the Sabre; I wore it on some of the gnarliest days of the season and still felt well-protected from the elements. We can confidently continue to recommend the Sabre, and it’s been a longstanding winner in our Best Men’s Ski Jackets guide.
If you’re paying attention, you’ll note that we’ve named the Sabre our best men’s ski jacket for multiple years in a row. Now, with the use of the new GORE-TEX ePE membrane, which is free of intentionally added PFAS forever chemicals, we think the Sabre is better than ever.
We’ve had three testers use the Sabre over several seasons. Testing conditions ranged from sunny days in Colorado’s Rockies to tip-you-over-wind in Breckenridge and uber-wet days at Mt. Bachelor in Oregon. In all of these conditions, the Sabre performed, keeping our testers sheltered from the elements.
Stacked up against the competitive market for shell ski jackets, the Sabre reigns supreme for its durability, weatherproofing, venting, and style. The Sabre is, at this point, a classic.
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Specs
Type: Hardshell
Insulation: None
Sizes: XS to XXL
Number of Pockets: 6 (2 hand pockets, 1 security pocket, 1 sleeve pocket, 2 internal mesh dump pocket)
Waterproofing: N80p-X GORE-TEX ePE 3-layer, DWR Coating
Pit Zips: Yes
Powder Skirt: Yes
Best Use: Everyday resort and backcountry
What we liked: Durability, weatherproofing, venting, unique light flannel backer, style
What we didn’t like: Price, no chest pockets, crinkly sound
What we liked
Our Oregon-based tester spent over 100 days in just one season skiing in the Sabre. Photo courtesy Jacob Callaghan.
Durability
Weatherproofing
Venting
Unique light flannel backer
Style
What we didn't like
Price
No chest pockets
Crinkly sound
Comparison table
| MEN'S SKI JACKET | MSRP* | BEST USE | TYPE | INSULATION | SIZES | # POCKETS | SEAM SEAL | WATERPROOFING | PIT ZIPS | POWDER SKIRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc'teryx Sabre | $750 | Everyday | Hardshell | Light Flannel Backer | S - XL | 5 | Full | 3-layer GORE-TEX ePE Gen 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Arc'teryx Alpha SV | $900 | Backcountry | Hardshell | None | XS-XXL | 3 | Full | 3L GORE-TEX Pro | Yes | No |
| Norrona Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro | $599 | Backcountry | Hardshell | None | S-XL | 4 | Full | GORE-TEX PRO | Yes | Yes, removable |
| Outdoor Research Hemispheres 2 | $649 | Backcountry | Hardshell | None | S-XL | 5 | Full | GORE-TEX 3L with C-Knit | Yes | No |
| Outdoor Research SkyTour Ascentshell | $379 | Backcountry | Hardshell | None | S - XXL | 7 | Full | 3-Layer AscentShell Electrospun Membrane | Yes | No |
Features
Treeline Review writer Matt McDonald testing the Arc'teryx Sabre in Colorado. Photo by Keagan French.
3-Layer Gore-Tex
The Sabre is constructed with an 80-denier face fabric that is incredibly durable. The GORE-TEX ePE membrane forgoes the use of forever chemicals while remaining completely wind and waterproof. The shell material is lined with a flannel backer that, while not providing true insulation, does add warmth and comfort to the shell overall. This jacket is built to withstand bad weather and hard use.
Hood
The storm hood and drawcord on the hem of the Sabre help to keep snow out on powder days. Photo courtesy Jacob Callaghan.
The Sabre features a helmet-compatible hood that has an excellent fit whether over a helmet or just a hat. The hood is generous enough to be plenty comfortable over a helmet. It has a cinch drawcord in the back that helps seal you into the jacket in harsh weather.
Collar
The Sabre has a wide collar that is both comfortable and protective in bad weather. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
The collar on the Sabre is wide and comfortable, and doesn’t give that dreaded feeling of being choked by a too-tight collar. While we think the collar could be slightly bigger for even more comfort, we think it’s good overall and most skiers will find ample comfort and protection.
Pockets
The Sabre features an internal mesh pocket for storing things like gloves or spare goggle lenses. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
The latest model of the Sabre has a fairly streamlined pocket design. There are two pack-compatible hand pockets and one pass pocket on the arm on the outside of the jacket, all of which use fully taped waterproof zippers. On the inside, there is a spacious mesh drop pocket and one small zippered pocket for items like a credit card.
Some of our testers like the outer pocket design, while others miss having at least one chest pocket. We understand the thought process behind simplifying the pockets, but some skiers and riders may wish there were more, especially for such a premium shell.
Fit
All of our testers found the Sabre to fit true to size. Here, one of our Colorado-based testers is wearing a large. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
The Sabre really shines with a great fit. Its added length makes for smoother skiing than Arc’teryx’s other popular ski jacket, the Alpha SV. The Sabre doesn’t feel boxy, even when you add a layer underneath it. It looks and feels good, all while giving you top-of-the-line weather protection.
The Sabre has a pass pocket on the upper arm of the jacket. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Pit zips
There are generous pit zips with two-way zippers that allow you to dump heat very quickly with this jacket. They’re easy to access, and the dual zipper design is helpful for dialing in the ventilation you need for the given conditions.
Powder Skirt
The Sabre has an included powder skirt that’s not removable. It isn’t too bulky and fits well, but I wish it were removable for the folks who’d rather do without. The powder skirt can be attached to compatible pants, like the Sabre pants.
Performance in the Field
Our Oregon tester frequently swipes trees while skiing fast and catching air, and has yet to encounter a durability issue with the Sabre, even after multiple seasons. Photo courtesy Jacob Callaghan.
Weatherproofness
Our primary tester spent multiple seasons dragging the Sabre everywhere from resort skiing to backcountry skiing, bootpacking, transitioning, descending, and even while using an ice axe.
Additional testers used this jacket in wet conditions in the resort and backcountry in the Pacific Northwest and Japan, where conditions are often notoriously soggy. And still, another tester used this jacket in the almost-always-windy Tenmile Range around Breckenridge.
This is easily one of the most weatherproof ski shells we’ve ever tested (the only other jacket we’ve tested that can compare in weatherproofing are the Arc’teryx Alpha SV and the Norrona lofoten GTX).
On deep, wet powder days in the Pacific Northwest, the Sabre kept us dry. Photo courtesy Jacob Callaghan.
In the wind, the Sabre is a fortress. Especially compared to other, lighter shells we’ve tested, this one does an excellent job of blocking it out almost completely even in extreme gusts that nearly knocked our tester over.
Our Oregon tester had one bell-to-bell ski day at Bachelor in nonstop precipitation that was more akin to rain than snow. But after skiing nonstop for several hours, the jacket began to feel damp but never fully wet out. After a quick break in the lodge by the fire, it dried quickly and was ready to battle the elements again with no problem. For context, other lower-end shell jackets this tester has used wet out quickly in similar conditions, and did not dry as fast.
Layering
The Sabre has a great fit with a longer cut and plenty of room for movement and layering. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
The fit is generous and allows for layering. I can wear my Arc’teryx Atom lightweight insulated synthetic jacket (which is in our Best Synthetics Insulated Jacket guide) underneath on very cold days. The Sabre’s helmet-compatible hood even has enough space to fit the Atom’s hood. But I've also just worn the Sabre with a base layer and thin fleece, and it still fits well.
Warmth
While this is technically a hardshell jacket, it features an excellent design flourish for resort use: a light flannel backer. We like this feature because it’s unique, and it adds a nice degree of comfort and warmth to an otherwise technical piece.
Still, this is not an insulated jacket and while it offers excellent weather protection from snow and wind, you will want to layer accordingly.
Should I buy the Arc'teryx Sabre?
One of our Colorado-based testers skiing in the Sabre jacket at Arapahoe Basin. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
If you’re in search of a top-of-the-line hardshell jacket for skiing both in and out of bounds, we think the Sabre is an excellent choice that will last you years. This is one of the most durable and weatherproof ski jackets we’ve ever tested, and that holds true after several seasons and across multiple testers in all sorts of ski conditions and climates. On top of the functionality, you also get great style with the Sabre, which we think adds to the value.
If budget is a top priority, or if you only ski a handful of times each winter and usually get out in favorable weather, the Sabre is likely more jacket than you need. Likewise, if you prefer to worry less about layering and want an insulated jacket that adds warmth, you could consider the Norrona lofoten GTX Insulated for comparable weatherproofing but with insulation built into the jacket.
And, if you ski exclusively in the backcountry, there are lighter and more breathable options out there, like the Outdoor Research Hemispheres jacket, which are better options as dedicated touring jackets.
But if all-around excellence is what you’re after and you’ve got the budget, we think the Sabre is a dialed and durable ski shell ready for hard use.
Where to buy
The Arc’teryx Sentinel Ski Jacket are popular gear items, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
arcteryx
You can sometimes find more options when purchasing directly from the retailer. Sometimes, purchasing directly from the retailer can make it easier if you need to make a warranty return, such as if there is a defect.
Advice on where to buy
In general for jackets, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns like REI or Zappos. If your funds allow, many people find it is faster to order two sizes and return whichever one didn't fit as well. Additionally, check reviews to see whether other users recommend sizing up or down.
Similar Ski Jackets to Consider
Arc'teryx Alpha SV
Type: Hardshell
Insulation: None
Sizes: XS-XXL
Pockets: 2 large chest pockets, pack and harness compatible
Waterproofing: 28k N100D 3L GORE-TEX Pro
Pit Zips: Yes
Powder skirt: No
Best Use: Backcountry
With a higher denier face fabric and a GORE-TEX Pro membrane, the Alpha SV was truly made for the harshest conditions. This shell is not designed to be ski-specific like the Sabre, but it’s a great choice for backcountry skiers or maybe expedition skiers likely to encounter truly nasty weather. If you’re willing to splurge, you get a level up of weather protection. But, the Alpha SV is incredibly expensive and likely overbuilt and more burly than most recreational skiers need.
Type: Hardshell
Insulation: None
Sizes: S-XXL
Pockets: 5 (2 hand, 1 chest, 1 upper arm pass pocket, 1 internal chest pocket)
Waterproofing: 28K - GORE-TEX
Pit Zips: Yes
Powder skirt: Yes, removable
Best Use: Everyday
The lofoten GTX is one of the only jackets we’ve tested that can rival the Sabre. Like the Sabre, the lofoten GTX is extremely durable and weatherproof, and has a good fit and style, too. We like the slightly higher denier on the Sabre and the soft flannel backer, two features that help keep the Sabre at the top of our list. But, we do think the lofoten GTX is more versatile for both resort and backcountry use, primarily because it uses a C-knit backer fabric that is lighter and more breathable.
The lofoten GTX is also a little more affordable than the Sabre. If you’re looking for something similar to the Sabre but want something at a better price point with a little more versatility, this is an excellent choice.
Type: Hardshell
Insulation: None
Sizes: S-XXL
Pockets: 5
Waterproofing: 28K - 3-Layer GORE-TEX C-Knit
Pit Zips: Yes, more like side zips
Powder skirt: No
Best Use: Everyday, Backcountry
The Hemispheres jacket has been another jacket our testers have loved, especially for our women’s tester. This is a very well designed GORE-TEX hardshell that’s tailored to backcountry use. If you primarily backcountry ski and often do so in wet climates, we think this is an excellent choice. It is lighter, more breathable, and a little more packable than the Sabre. But, if you primarily spend your time riding chairlifts at the resort, the Sabre is going to be a more durable and burly option.
Type: Hardshell
Insulation: None
Sizes: S to XXL
Pockets: 6 (2 hand pockets, 2 chest pockets, interior media pocket, internal stash pocket)
Waterproofing: AscentShell 3-layer membrane, DWR coating
Pit Zips: Yes
Powder Skirt: No
Best Use: Backcountry
Like the Hemispheres II jacket above, this is another option for folks who spend most of their time on the skin track. It has superior breathability and the slightly stretchy fabric is incredibly comfortable and offers a lot of freedom for movement. It is also a very reasonable price for a great shell. The tradeoff here comes in overall weatherproofing. This jacket is best suited for drier climates. The electrospun AscentShell membrane is remarkably breathable while maintaining wind and waterproofing capabilities, but it is decidedly not as waterproof or windproof as the Sabre.
To learn more, check out our in-depth review of the Outdoor Research Skytour Ascentshell Ski Jacket.
ABout the Author / Why you should trust us
Treeline proudly maintains objectivity and healthy cynicism in its reviews.
This writer, Matt McDonald, has written for various outdoor-industry publications like Outside, Freeskier, Powder, Mountain, and various smaller outlets in the outdoor and travel space.
He works by day at Powder7 Ski Shop in Golden, Colorado, and skis 60-90 days per season.
Recently, he’s skied in far-flung places like Alberta, Hokkaido, the Yukon, Chile, and Argentina, in addition to domestic haunts like Colorado and New England.
