Arc'teryx Men's Rho AR Top

Warm, Soft and Stretchy
March 13, 2012

I've had my Rho AR for a little over a year now and it's an awesome piece. The Polartec Power Stretch fabric is soft against the skin, has a plentiful amount of stretch and is quite warm, especially under a windproof layer. It also wicks away sweat very well and it's been one of my go to tops. I typically wear it with a lightweight synthetic shirt underneath but it's so soft I've been tempted to wear it as a base layer in cold conditions. I went on a 3 day snow camping trip in February here in the Oregon Cascades and wore it non stop and it performed flawlessly. The fit is good, I'm 6'4" 165lbs and I bought a medium and it fits snug but not too tight, but if you're looking for a looser fit I would size up one. The bottom hem flares out a little in the back which is a little odd and I wish it were a touch longer but those are minor aspects of an otherwise good fitting top. After 13 months with a lot of use the face of the fabric does show some pilling on the forearms and the lower back but all seams are still in excellent shape, a testament to its build quality. I bought the Miro Blue color and it looks great and I think i'm going to pick up another one of these in a different color. One thing that I wish would happen but probably never will is for Arc'teryx to make a hoody out of this material, if they ever do it would definitely replace my R1 hoody.

Great, all purpose aerobic shirt
July 22, 2011

I just love the material of this shirt, it is the best wicking shirt that still keeps you warm when it is damp. Arc adds its own sewing and design and has created a great product. Sizing is small so I order a larger size. I also have a Rho LT which probably sees more action because this version is very warm for CA, I only use this top on cold winter days or when I go on an adventure...

Very Warm and Extremely Light Weight
February 09, 2011

Fits a little snug but extremely warm and light weight. A little pricy but worth it. If wool is too rough on your skin this is a good alternative. Easy to clean and maintain.

December 25, 2010

Very comfortable, super warm top. Absolutely love it. Wish it was a bit longer to tuck in, but is not to short by any means. 6'1" 165 and a Large fits perfect.

December 10, 2010

True to size and very comfortable. Could be a bit more durable. Already have a hole in it.

love it!
November 26, 2010

the warmest and most comfortable base-layer out their! the zipper dose not chafe and it stretches with every move! very warm by itself! the only thing its odors get trapped in it so wash it everytime you use it. buy it!

November 12, 2010

Absolutely great top baselayer, Since I got it, I didn't fear any cold weather, its could provide more warm than other baselayer I owned. It's so suitable in winter outdoor activities as it can be so breathable and stretch very easily while it provides warm. I love it!

Versatile top
October 14, 2010

The fit is a little athletic. I think that the material is great and highly versatile. If you do a lot of athletic activity in the cold this will be great. I find that it wicks sweat away quickly, dries fast, and doesn't get all stinky. I wear it for hiking, skiing, walking the dog in cool weather, etc. The shirt is a little short, I bought a medium and it rides up if I lift my arms so it could be annoying if you climb outside a lot. I also find that it rides up when I wear a pack over it. This usually isn't a problem since I pair it with a rho ltw which is much longer. The medium fits my chest fine but I have a small chest (34", 6' tall, 165 pounds). I could probably go to a small but then it'd be really short. Regardless, I highly recommend this as a base layer.

Excellent!
October 13, 2010

I have 2 of the Rho ARs. They are quite warm but not too heavy. I use it for a general layer when I'm out in the cold but I also will wear it during cold runs. It wicks the sweat away very well given how heavy they are. I find a lot of uses for this versatile shirt. My only complaint is they are cut kind of short. It's not bad when my arms are at my side but I definitely flash the belly when I put my arms above my head. This is a common complaint I have with shirts. I usually buy shirts in small even though I see this problem. I'm 6' tall weighing in at 160 pounds.

love it
August 03, 2010

I love this top, it is flexible and fits great! I use them primarily for ice climbing and it has performed awesome!

Very tight fit
January 11, 2010

I am 5' 10" 155lb. I normally wear a Medium but when I got this it was way to tight and short. i sent it back and ordered a large. Awesome quality, Very nice looking, and very soft material. Overall I really like it and can't wait to receive my large.

Excellent for Skiing and Snow
December 19, 2009

This is a great top to wear over long johns or a turtleneck for skiing. Its nicely tapered and fits neatly under a ski jacket without any extra bulk. I tried the women's sizes, but they were too tight in the bust, the men's sizes were a little more roomy and look identical except the small pocket is on the breast instead of the sleeve. It is very comfortable material and warm!