Arc’teryx Sentinel Ski Jacket Long-Term Review
The classic women’s ski jacket that’s weatherproof, durable, and stylish
March 15th, 2025
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The Arc’teryx Sentinel is one of the most weatherproof, durable, stylish ski jackets we’ve ever used. We think it’s fairly versatile too, and can be used for all resort applications, sidecountry, and even a little backcountry. Its impeccable balance of fit, features, weight, weatherproofing, comfort, and breathability make it an excellent choice for skiers and riders who get out often, no matter the conditions, and want to look good while they’re at it, too.
After several seasons of skiing, literally hundreds of days of skiing, and two different testers, we can confidently say that the Sentinel remains our favorite all-around hardshell for skiers and snowboarders, and you'll see that reflected in the Best Women's Ski Jackets guide where it takes our top award for best ski jacket. It’s been a fortress in ripping wind and on very wet storm days. We’ve had multiple testers ski in the Arc'teryx Sentinel ski jacket from Alaska to Colorado to Oregon to Utah and not one has been let down.
Arc’teryx Sentinel Ski Jacket
The Arc'teryx Sentinel is truly an excellent ski jacket, though you will have to pay a premium for it. But just because it’s expensive, doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. You will likely get hundreds of days and several seasons out of a GORE-TEX hardshell like this. It is well-made with premium materials and is overall a very high quality piece. After testing dozens of ski jackets over many seasons, we can confidently say the Sentinel is a worthy investment.
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Specs
Insulation material: None
Shell Material/Waterproofing: GORE-TEX 3L ePE
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Pockets: Two pack compatible hand, pass pocket on arm, internal chest, internal mesh
Pit Zips: Yes, no mesh
Powder Skirt: Yes
What we liked: Superior weather protection and durability, comfortable, good style
What we didn’t like: Expensive, powder skirt not removable
What we liked
The storm hood on the Sentinel is great for powder days. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Durability
Weatherproofing
Venting
Light flannel backer for comfort
Excellent style
What we didn't like
Price
Powder skirt isn’t removable
Comparison table
| WOMEN'S SKI JACKET | MSRP* | BEST FOR | TYPE | INSULATION | SIZES | POCKETS | SEAM SEAL | SHELL | PIT ZIPS? | POWDER SKIRT? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc'teryx Sentinel | $750 | Resort, Versatile | Hardshell | None (also available insulated) | XXS - XXL | 2 hand, 1 internal zip, 1 internal mesh, 1 sleeve | Full | 3L GORE-TEX ePE Gen 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Arc'teryx Sentinel Insulated | $850 | Resort | Hardshell | Coreloft Compact synthetic | XXS-XXL | 2 hand, upper arm pass, internal zipper, internal mesh | Full | Gore-Tex ePE PFC-free membrane | Yes | Yes |
| Arc'teryx Alpha SV | $900 | Backcountry | Hardshell | None | XS-XL | 2 hand pockets, 1 chest | Full | 3L GORE-TEX Pro | Yes | No |
| Norrona Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro | $799 | Backcountry | Hardshell | None | XS-XL | 1 chest, 1 arm, 1 chest | Full | GORE-TEX Pro | Yes | Yes, removable |
| Outdoor Research SkyTour Ascentshell | $399 | Backcountry | Hardshell | None | XS - XL | 2 hand, 2 chest, 1 internal mesh, 1 interior zip chest, forearm | Full | 3-Layer AscentShell Electrospun Membrane | Yes | No |
Features
We spent several seasons long-term testing the Sentinel all throughout the Rockies. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
3-Layer Gore-Tex
The newest version of the Sentinel is a three-layer hardshell with a GORE-TEX ePE membrane that’s both waterproof and breathable, and avoids the use of certain harsh chemicals and is free of PFAS waterproofing, the so-called "forever chemicals." The inside backer is a super light flannel, that adds softness and comfort to the shell, and just a tiny hint of warmth.
Hood
The hood on the Sentinel fits comfortably over a helmet and has a drawcord in the back to dial in the fit. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
The Sentinel has a helmet compatible storm hood. It fits comfortably whether you’re wearing a helmet or even just a hat. The drawcord at the back helps to cinch the hood down and keep it in place, and it pulls the hood edges close to the face, making it harder for blowing snow to sneak in.
Collar
We think the collar on the Sentinel could be just a touch wider, but think it’s comfortable and protective overall. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
The collar on the Sentinel is wide and just spacious enough. It sits comfortably without giving the dreaded feeling of being choked by your jacket. And it sits high enough to offer good protection in stormy and windy conditions.
Pockets
The Sentinel keeps the pocket design streamlined. There are two pack-compatible hand pockets and an upper arm pass pocket on the outside. On the inside, there is a small zippered pocket and a mesh stash pocket. In our testing, we never wished for more pockets—we think it has just what you need and nothing more. However, the fact that this jacket has no chest pockets at all may be a deal breaker for some.
Fit
We think the Sentinel has a good fit and style, which rounds out the technical performance. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
We think the Sentinel fits true to size. If you’re on the fence between sizes, it’s really a matter of personal preference. Our tester, who is 5’3” and typically a size 6, found a comfortable fit in both a small and medium, but prefers the medium for freedom of movement and the ample space for layering it provides.
The overall fit of the Sentinel errs on that slightly looser, freeride-style side, without being too baggy. Previous iterations of this jacket had more of an hourglass shape, but the most recent versions opt for a straighter fit that allows for more comfort and layering. There is a drop hem in the back that serves double duty for good style and function, since it helps to keep snow from getting in from behind when skiing powder.
Pit zips
We went on long ski tours in the Sentinel to test for breathability and weatherproofing. Photo by Jon Stockwell.
There are generous pit zips with YKK zippers on either side of the Sentinel. These zips have dual zippers, which we think is a nice feature. It allows you to zip them from either side, and control the size of the vent to better regulate your temperature.
Powder Skirt
There is a powder skirt on this jacket. While we don’t think it’s too bulky, it is not removable. The Sentinel jacket also has integrated snaps that attach to the Sentinel pants, which are our overall winners in our Best Women's Ski Pants guide.
Performance in the Field
Over the past few seasons, we’ve tested multiple versions of the Sentinel, including the Anorak, which made a cameo a couple seasons back. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
We’ve tested the Sentinel over multiple seasons and hundreds of days of skiing. We’ve had multiple testers use this jacket, and not one has been let down. We’ve skied in absolutely ripping wind in Breckenridge, and rain (that should have been snow) in Utah. No matter the conditions, the Sentinel kept us dry and comfortable. It is easily one of the most durable and weatherproof ski jackets we’ve ever tested. And the cherry on top is that it’s also incredibly comfortable and stylish.
We tested the newest version of the Sentinel over dozens of days at the resort this season and on multiple backcountry ski tours, in addition to dozens of days over two seasons in the previous model. It is the most wind and waterproof jacket of any in our test (arguably tied with the Norrona lofoten jacket). It is a brick wall even against howling sub-zero winds in the alpine. On storm days riding the chairlift with wet and heavy snow on the verge of rain, the jacket kept us completely dry.
Weatherproofness
On wet and heavy powder days, like this one at Snowbasin Resort in Utah, the Sentinel impressed us by keeping us dry all day long. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
We’ve tested the Sentinel over multiple seasons and hundreds of days of skiing. We’ve had multiple testers use this jacket, and not one has been let down. We’ve skied in absolutely ripping wind in Breckenridge, and rain (that should have been snow) in Utah. No matter the conditions, the Sentinel kept us dry and comfortable.
The Sentinel is easily one of the most durable and weatherproof ski jackets we’ve ever tested. It is a brick wall even against howling sub-zero winds in the alpine. Even on storm days riding the chairlift with wet and heavy snow on the verge of rain, the jacket kept us completely dry.
Layering
The fit and cut of the Sentinel allows plenty of room for layering. Our primary tester, who is 5’3” tall and usually wears a size 6, and is often on the fence between a small and medium, opted for a medium in the Sentinel to avoid any feeling of constriction, and was very happy with that choice.
On frigid days, the Sentinel has enough space for a big puffer underneath (though fitting a full-on-parka underneath is a stretch, and not ideal—and also not something most skiers would ever need to do). On warmer days wearing only a base layer or light fleece underneath, the Sentinel still fits well without looking too baggy.
If you’re considering this jacket, it’s worth remembering that even though this does have that light flannel backer, it is not an insulated jacket so you will want to have other layers on deck to pair with it.
Warmth
As we mentioned above, the regular version of the Sentinel is not an insulated jacket—it's a hardshell with a very light flannel backer that adds comfort and softness more than actual warmth. So, you’ll need to layer accordingly with this shell.
But, because this jacket has such exceptional windproofing capabilities, we do think it contributes to warmth overall when skiing, given that wind chill is pretty effectively blocked.
It’s worth noting that Arc’teryx does make an insulated version of this jacket, the Sentinel Insulated, which we’ve also tested. While the general design is similar, the Sentinel Insulated has a much longer fit and runs a little larger overall. And, of course, it has synthetic insulation throughout for added warmth. You can read more about our experience with this jacket below.
Breathability
The Sentinel is moderately breathable, enough to get by when ski touring. But it does offer supreme weather protection when the wind starts ripping, like here above treeline in Colorado’s Gore Range. Photo by Jon Stockwell.
We think for a hardshell, the Sentinel is moderately breathable. The membrane offers decent breathability, but because it is paired with the flannel backer instead of something like C-Knit, it is decidedly more comfortable and warm than it is breathable. But, the generous pit zips help to dump heat pretty effectively.
We went on a handful of ski tours in the Sentinel, including big days in Colorado’s Gore Range, and loved the Sentinel’s protection when the wind started ripping above treeline. But, it is a little bulky and not as breathable as other dedicated touring shells. If you’re a skier who spends the majority of your time in the resort, with a handful of days in the backcountry or sidecountry, we think the Sentinel offers plenty of versatility. But for the dedicated backcountry skier, there are far more breathable and lighter options out there, like the Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell.
Durability
After several seasons and hundreds of days with the Sentinel, we have yet to encounter a durability issue. The only real wear-and-tear is mostly in the form of small stains from chairlift burritos. White is of course a bold choice, and doesn’t hide dirt or burrito juice well. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
After several seasons and hundreds of days with the Sentinel, we have yet to encounter a durability issue. The only real wear is in the form of stains from dripping chairlift burritos or swiping against dirty cars—most of which can easily be fixed with a quick wash. The 80-denier fabric of the Sentinel certainly adds to the jacket's excellent durability.
Should I buy the Arc'teryx Sentinel?
If you’re looking for a premium hardshell for skiing with top notch durability and weather protection with dialed ski features and style, the Sentinel warrants strong consideration—if that premium price tag doesn’t stop you in your tracks. We fully recognize that this is an expensive piece of outerwear, but after testing dozens of ski jackets, we do believe it’s a worthy investment for dedicated skiers who put their gear through a lot of use. So if you want a weatherproof, stylish, comfortable, dialed, and durable ski shell, we think it’s hard to go wrong with the Sentinel.
As we mention above when discussing breathability, if you’re a dedicated backcountry skier, we don’t think the Sentinel is a terrible choice, but there are much better options out there. The Sentinel is not the most breathable, light, or packable shell we’ve tested.
And if you’re a budget-conscious skier, or someone who spends only a few days on the slopes each season, there are jackets out there that are still good quality but often close to half the price, like the Outdoor Research Carbide. You can certainly get a good resort ski jacket without spending this much. But, if you do get out often and want a jacket that will likely last several seasons and hundreds of days of use, the Sentinel may be worth the splurge.
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
Norrona lofoten GTX
Insulation material: none
Shell Material/Waterproofing: GORE-TEX 3L ePE with C-Knit
Sizes: XS-XL
Pockets: 1 chest, 1 arm, 1 internal, 1 key card
Pit Zips: yes, no mesh
Powder Skirt: yes, removable
Waterproof Rating (mm): 28000 mm
Breathability (g): 20000 g
The Norrona Lofoten GTX shell won Best Versatile Ski Jacket in our Best Women’s Ski Jackets guide. Like the Sentinel, it has a 3-layer hardshell construction with a GORE-TEX ePE membrane. We think this jacket rivals the Sentinel in weather protection and overall quality—the differences here feel like splitting hairs.
Where the real difference is with these shells is in the weight, denier, and backer. The Lofoten is lighter than the Sentinel with a 40-denier face fabric, compared to the Sentinel’s 80-denier weave. This means the Lofoten is much more packable for use in the backcountry. The Lofoten also uses a C-Knit backer fabric instead of the flannel backer on the Sentinel, which makes it more breathable.
Because of the Sentinel’s 80D fabric, we think it’s a better choice for resort skiers who are hard on their gear and need the added durability. If you want more versatility, choose the Lofoten. It’s especially a better option for folks who stride the 50/50 line between resort and backcountry skiing.
Norrona lofoten GTX
Insulation Material: Coreloft Compact synthetic
Shell Material/Waterproofing: Gore-Tex ePE PFC-free membrane
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Pockets: 2 hand, upper arm pass, internal zipper, internal mesh
Pit Zips: Yes
Powder Skirt: Yes
If you like the look and features of the Sentinel but want an insulated jacket that makes layering simpler, consider the Sentinel Insulated. This jacket boasts the same weatherproofing, durability, and style, but has the added warmth, and therefore is also less breathable and versatile. It also has a noticeably longer and wider cut than the Sentinel, which we think is very cozy but may be a bit oversized for some. Whereas our primary women’s tester opts for a medium in the regular Sentinel, she prefers a small in the Sentinel Insulated. This jacket is warm enough for most days on the slopes, but when the temps really dip you’ll still probably want an extra midlayer, like a fleece.
Arc’teryx Sentinel Insulated
Insulation material: none
Shell Material/Waterproofing: GORE-TEX 3L with C-Knit
Sizes: XS-XL
Pockets: two hand pockets, one chest pocket, one internal stash pocket
Pit Zippers: yes, pit-to-hem zippers
Powder Skirt: no
If you want a solid GORE-TEX jacket for dedicated backcountry skiing, we think the Hemispheres is an excellent option. It’s lighter and more packable than the Sentinel and more breathable, too. The fit and features of the Hemispheres are dialed, too. Because it’s lighter, it won’t stand up to hard resort use the same as the Sentinel, so we recommend this for skiers who spend most of their time on the skin track.
Outdoor Research Hemispheres
Insulation material: none
Shell Material/Waterproofing: Ascentshell 3L
Sizes: XS-XL
Pockets: two hand, one external chest, pass pocket on arm, one internal chest, one internal mesh
Pit Zips: yes
Powder Skirt: no
If your preferred way to slide on snow is through earning your turns in the backcountry and you live in a relatively dry climate, we love the Skytour. It is supremely breathable and comfortable, while still offering the weather protection of a 3 layer hardshell. We also think the Skytour is really reasonably priced for what an awesome jacket it is. But, if you’re looking for the bomber waterproofing and wind protection that the Sentinel offers, you won’t find that here. This shell prioritizes breathability, and it excels at that.
You can read more in our in-depth Outdoor Research Skytour Ascentshell Ski Jacket Review.
Outdoor Research Skytour Ascentshell
Insulation material: none
Shell Material/Waterproofing: PeakProof 3L Warm
Sizes: XS-XL
Pockets: 2 hand, 1 chest, 1 forearm pass, internal zip, internal mesh
Pit Zips: yes
Powder Skirt: no
The Credential jacket is another resort shell worth considering if you like what the Sentinel offers but want a bit of a different style. Like the Sentinel, the Credential also has a soft brushed backer fabric. So we think this shell functions pretty similarly to the Sentinel. Unlike the Sentinel, the Credential is a shell with some mechanical stretch to it, which makes it extra comfortable.
It uses Stio’s own PeakProof 3 layer construction instead of GORE-TEX. We don’t think it’s quite as burly or substantially weatherproof as the Sentinel, but we also had no complaints in this regard. If you want a comfortable, stretchy resort hardshell with unique style, the Credential warrants consideration. It’s also notably less expensive than the Sentinel.
About the Author / Why you should trust us
A true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy city street. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held WFR, AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue Certifications and is working to become an avalanche education instructor. She’s now a full time writer and editor in the outdoor space and has been testing and writing about gear for over a decade.
Stasia grew up in northern Utah where she learned to ski not long after she learned to walk. She’s since spent every winter on snow, skiing in places from Alaska to Japan, with plenty of turns taken around her home in Summit County, Colorado. She gets out to ski multiple times a week throughout the season, no matter the weather and conditions. That means she’s used her gear in everything from bluebird days to full-on storms and whiteouts, and along with anyone who skis in the Tenmile range, plenty of wind.
She’s been testing ski apparel for over a decade and has been covering women’s ski apparel for Treeline Review for several seasons. That means she’s tested dozens of jackets on the chairlift and the skin track, from deep powder days to sunny spring skiing. With all that experience, she knows what makes a good ski jacket.
