Terrain choices and weather patterns shift daily, and your layers need to adapt. The Arc’teryx Rush jacket and pants are the GORE-TEX shells purpose-built for all things backcountry. Made with full weather protection and dedicated touring wear in mind, they let you adapt to whatever the day brings over long tours, storm days and spring missions alike.
Arc’teryx Rush Jacket and Pants
At the core, the Arc’teryx Rush jacket and pants are traditional 3-layer storm shells. But they are shells purpose-built for backcountry touring.
Number one, they’re lightweight. In fact, the Rush shells are the lightest GORE-TEX winter shells in the Arc’teryx line. They offer an unrestricted fit and feel for ski touring. Although light, they are not delicate or minimalist. Details like four external pockets, two inside pockets, pit zips and adjustable cuffs elevate the overall versatility. The Rush pants include a high-rise, a stretch upper above the waistline and four zip pockets, adding coverage without being overbuilt for backcountry skiing.
Number two, the Rush jacket and pants balance breathability and storm protection with the latest GORE-TEX PRO 3L membrane. The new GORE PRO 3L features GORE’s newest PFAS-free formula. The new GORE ePE membrane is lighter and thinner than previous Pro materials, offering an unrestricted feel while still providing pro-level durability, storm protection and breathability. You get GORE PRO-level performance with an extra-lightweight feel.
Updated Design and PFAS-Free Construction
The Rush jacket and pants are not new, but, like most new outerwear, they now feature PFAS-free construction and a variety of design updates. The Rush shells use the GORE-TEX PRO ePE membrane and add increased dump pocket volume, an additional chest pocket, a roomier fit, and a new low-profile RECCO® reflector. Overall, the new design fits and feels great.
While the new GORE ePE membrane delivers high-performance storm protection (read about the move to PFAS-free waterproof, breathable outerwear here), the updated, PFAS-free DWR face fabric treatment is less robust than previous PFAS-based DWR treatments (DWR = durable water repellency; read more about DWR and how to care for your waterproof, breathable outerwearw). Reduced DWR performance is not unique to the Rush or to Arc’teryx. It’s the price we pay for PFAS-free DWR treatments. In use, you will likely see the outer fabric wet out sooner than with a jacket treated with a more toxic DWR. You can renew the DWR by washing the jacket (or pants) and tumble-drying on low heat.
The latest Rush bib pants feature a few subtle design updates, too. They add two top-entry bib pockets, a media sleeve in each thigh pocket, a roomier fit for improved mobility, updated suspender attachment and a lower-profile RECCO® reflector. The new cut is noticeably more roomy than older editions, and combined with the new lightweight GORE-TEX ePE membrane, makes for an exceptionally light, easy-moving pair of pants.
Arc’teryx Rush Versus Alpha SV – What’s the Difference?
If the new Rush shells feature GORE-TEX PRO, how are they different from the Alpha SV shells? Great question. The answer is they use a different denier or thickness of face fabric. The Rush jacket and pants feature a lightweight yet durable face fabric, while the Alpha SV jacket and bibs use a stout 100-denier face fabric, offering the highest level of durability in the Arc’teryx line (read the Alpha SV story). Both are high-end, high-performance shells, but the Rush is designed to minimize weight, while the Alpha is designed to maximize durability. The Rush is the choice for dedicated ski touring and occasional resort days. The Alpha SV is the choice for resort days and those who are in the elements daily and need the most durable performance outerwear available.
Although light and minimalist in feel, the Rush shells are far from bare-bones. Multiple features set them apart from a purely minimalist design without complicating them or adding bulk. Pit zips, reinforced pant cuffs, a full set of zip pockets, along with small details like internal media sleeves in the pants pockets and high-quality suspenders offer everything you need in backountry shells.
The Arc’teryx Rush jacket and pants set the bar for storm protection and lightweight functionality, with a fit, feel and performance purpose-built for backcountry skiing. They are available for men and women in a range of colors.
Check prices and availability directly from Arc’teryx for the best selection of sizes and colors.
Arc’teryx Rush Jacket: 453 grams / 16 oz, $800
Arc’teryx Rush Bib Pants 550 grams / 20 oz, $750
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