Arc'teryx Delta AR Fleece Jacket - Men's - 2008 BCS

This fleece is legit. The weight to warmth ratio is great. I've worn it in these fall 2009 temps and it has held up alone and also fits great in combo with my Gamma MX. The outside material is an interesting texture, not cushy soft but almost feels like fur. Overall, great base layer with stand alone warmth on 35 degree days.

Pro 1. I've never seen a fleece that dries as quickly as this. On multiday hikes, your body heat can dry it out at the end of the day. It's bone-dry after the spin cycle in the washing machine. Wore it in Iceland under a paclite shell, kept me warm and dry despite the cool fog and constant drizzle. If you're going someplace that is cool and permanently damp, like the pacific northwest or my basement, this may the fleece for you.

Con 1. The exact opposite of windproof. The slightest breeze, you'll feel it. I *never* wear this as an outer layer, it's always under a shell, either a paclite or some kind of thin wind-blocking layer. If you're considering this as a jacket to wear around town, I couldn't recommend it for that.

Con 2. The placement of the napoleon pocket on the INSIDE of the left breast. I defy anyone to get at this pocket while wearing an outer layer and walking. Since this piece is purely for layering, the pocket should be reachable without having to unzip it and leave the heat out.

Con 3. The collar is lined on the outside with some kind of smooth fabric that I guess is supposed to block the wind (it doesn't) and it makes the collar fold funny and look goofy. But since you're wearing it under something else no-one will notice.

Summary: warm, light, cozy and dry but stay out of the wind -

I received this jacket as a gift. I'm a huge Arcteryx fan and own some of their other items like the Beta AR and Gamma MX. I am very familiar with the Arcteryx fit, but this jacket was too tight in the shoulders. I am 5'9, 160 lbs, and I have a 40 inch chest. I always wear a medium in Arcteryx gear. However, the particular jacket I received measured about 39 inches at best. I believe that it was possibly cut wrong, so I will be getting another one, perhaps even a Maverick AR or a Scout Jacket.

I've accquired a lot of Arc Teryx product over the years and hands down, this is the most versatile fleece in the lineup. As much as I love my other AT gear, this fleece is what I end up wearing the most frequently in the backcountry. Packable and surprisngly warm. I only wish Arc Teryx would expand the color options.