Arc'teryx graced this jacket with some updated colors since we last bought and tested it, but all technical aspects of the jacket remain the same.
October 2019The ladies loved this comfortable, slim-fitting insulated jacket on and off the mountain.
The Tiya's shell materials are tough and will withstand any moisture that is thrown at whether it is sleet, rain, or heavy powder. It has N70p 3L GORE-TEX® fabric and professionally seam-taped seams to keep it all out. We did not detect any cold drafts getting in through the zipper and the hood fit nicely over our helmet for extra protection. The shell material was nice but not quite as thick and durable as other jackets we tested.
The supple shell material with a slight stretch makes this jacket very comfortable to wear. The Tiya does fit on the small side and is Arc'teryx's “Trim Fit” style. We've noticed that Arc'teryx products tend to fit on the smaller side. Our classic medium-sized testers felt the medium fit ok, but you couldn't put extra layers on outside of a thin mid-layer.
If you're looking for an insulated ski jacket that is also form-fitting and flattering, this is for you! We think the Tiya has a simple style that is timeless and won't become dated. We received many compliments when wearing this jacket. We do wish that it came in a few more color options.
The Tiya has synthetic insulation meant to keep you warm even if you get it wet, which is an advantage over down insulation. Because the profile is somewhat form-fitting, there is not a huge amount of insulation in this jacket. It will keep you warm on most days, but you may want to add an extra layer on the colder days or if you're skiing in colder areas like the Northeast. We like that the Tiya's hood is also lined with warm synthetic insulation and appreciate its cozy, microfleece-lined handwarmer pockets.
Although the Tiya's shell materials are supposedly breathable, we have found that GORE-TEX sometimes is not the most ventilating of fabrics. However, the Tiya does have pit zips to help with increased airflow for those days when you're working hard in the deep powder or crud. The Tiya has mesh-lined pit zips to keep the powder from getting inside your jacket if you take a tumble. We appreciate this feature but think the mesh limits airflow and prefer the gaping pit zips.
This high performing jacket is loaded with useful ski features. It has a powder skirt to keep drafts and snow from getting up your back if you take a tumble, and the hood will fit over most ski helmets. Unfortunately, we find the hood's drawcord system very difficult to use with gloves. The pull cords to tighten the hood are located inside the collar and almost impossible to find with gloves and goggles on. We greatly prefer hoods with drawcords outside the collar.
Features we love on the Tiya are all the functional pockets, including a sleeve pass pocket and interior zip and goggle drop-in pocket.
Here is the major drawback of the Tiya - it costs a bomb! There are other products in this review that retail for less and are a better value. If you're looking for a fancy jacket, that people will know you paid a premium for because of the Arc'teryx label, this is for you.
