Arc'teryx Men's Macai Jacket

The Arc'teryx Macai Shell Jacket is a sustainability-forward hardshell built around a highly recycled GORE-TEX face fabric that meets the Global Recycled Standard. Waterproof, windproof, and breathable throughout, with a flannel backer for light warmth, it handles everything from groomers to storm days without requiring an insulating midlayer in moderate conditions. The removable DropHood is the defining design feature, providing full helmet-compatible coverage when conditions demand it and stowing cleanly away when they don't.

Why we like it:

The DropHood is genuinely different from other detachable hoods. It packs into an integrated collar rather than stuffing into a zippered pocket or leaving a collar ring of bunched fabric; when it's off, you'd barely know it was ever there. When it's on, it's helmet-compatible and stays put in wind without constant readjustment.

Features and Functions:

The Macai's N80p GORE-TEX ePE construction uses a shell material that's 51% pre-consumer recycled nylon and 31% post-consumer recycled polyester, meeting the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). A flannel backer adds light comfort insulation to the three-layer shell, and a PFAS-free FC0 DWR finish handles surface moisture. The removable helmet-compatible DropHood provides full coverage on storm days and integrates into the collar cleanly when removed. Pit zippers run the full underarm for rapid ventilation. An integrated powder skirt seals out snow at the waist. Storage includes zippered hand pockets, a chest pocket, a sleeve pocket for RFID passes, an internal security pocket, and two internal dump pockets for spare layers or gear. An embedded RECCO reflector aids emergency search and rescue.

Fit and Sizing:

Regular fit with a 78cm center-back length and snowsports-specific articulated patterning through the shoulders and arms. The cut is slightly trimmer than some bulkier resort shells, which reads as clean when the hood is stowed. True to size, with room for a midlayer underneath.

Bottom Line:

The Macai Shell Jacket is for resort skiers who care what their gear is made from and aren't willing to trade performance to get it. Full GORE-TEX protection, a complete feature set, and a meaningfully recycled face fabric make it one of the more purposeful shells in Arc'teryx's lineup.