Originally Posted by
chephy
My first waterproof-breathable rainjacket was an Arc'teryx, and I thought it was amazing. Unfortunately, I unwittingly washed it with liquid detergent and it lost all waterproofness. So I bought another Arc'teryx to replace it, and it was completely awful! Not at all waterproof. Not sure what the deal was with that, but it sure turned me off the brand. Still willing to consider it but am kind of cautious about it...
I have been quite unhappy with a couple of Arc'teryx fleeces that have had to be repaired due to poor construction. While I have other gear of theirs I have had no problems with I don't see them as meeting the standard of their reputation or price point.
My current decade old raingear includes a Pearl Izumi training jacket and an LLBean shell, and I can't kill either one of them, so those would be my recommendations. I have some RAB stuff that is true top notch gear, but fashionable it ain't.
My 2 cents, worth at least a quarter.