Arc'teryx Fugitive Hooded Fleece Jacket - Men's - 2009 BCS

really interesting fabric on the Fugitive Hoody. It's treated with a light urethane "skin" that gives it a smooth face. This has worked to shed light snow while I'm touring, keep it from getting trashed while I'm climbing, and it slides nicely under shells, no binding like fuzzy fleece does. Mine is going on 3 years now, and after tons of use, still looks great. No pilling, oh, and it's dog hair resistant!

Fit is as expected, at 5' 11", 190, broad shoulders, the large fits nicely — I don't look like a stuffed sausage, but it's trim enough to work as a layer under a shell. Front hem is higher than I'd like, this design may have some specialized rock climbing or backpack waist belt advantage, but for skiing or casual wear it'd be better if it were an inch or two longer. Material is not particularly thick or windproof, so it's a good all-rounder to mix with underlayers and shells but not a solo layer for cold temps. Served me very well as my only insulating layer on a trip through Europe, and still looks great after lots of packing and unpacking.

That said, this should retail for at least $100 less — and that takes into account Arc'teryx "brand tax" pricing. I got mine at a major discount, so I'm happy, but this MSRP for a basic fleece hoodie with no unique features is nuts even for Arc'teryx — your local sporting goods co-op has a house-brand fleece hoodie with similar characteristics for 1/4 the price, or try Mountain Hardwear for half the price.

I have been wearing the fugitive all fall and winter. What I like about it is it seems to breath exceptionally well for being pretty wind resistant. Impressive really. It also insulates well for not being thick. It fits very well under my alpha LT jacket. The material has not pilled and looks like new. The fit overall is good. It is not a loose fit by any means but that is what makes it great. The fit allows you to use it as a mid layer and not be too bunched up.

The bad. The reason it is not a 5 star is the front is cut a little too short in my opinion. I probably should wear a M but my chest usually does not fit the M well. So I went with the L as I usually do with Arc'teryx. I still find the the front of it to come right to my belt. I am only 5'8" so when you add the fact that a M is what I should be wearing to me it seems like it should be a little longer. One thing I do like about the short front is it makes it a great piece for riding the bike. Longer in the back and short in the front are perfect for riding.

I agree with other reviews that the Fugitive’s front is cut a little too short, it has a high price point, has a smooth finish, making it easier to layer for a fleece, is not especially "technical", breaths well, shed's water, actually fairly wind-proof and it warm.

So there is not much else to say, except that if you can get it for the right price go for it. I love mine and wear it instead of my Gamma MX because of the points previously mentioned. I'm 5'10" 165, athletic build and bought the large and it is a fairly snug fit with room for a couple of light layers.

I also have the Cloudveil Run don’t Walk hoodie, which I reviewed ( another winner if you get it at the right price). The Fugitive is a much better stand alone if the weather is windy & drizzling or snowing lightly.

This is a great, lightweight hooded jacket. While the inside is very soft, the outside has more of a smooth finish, making it easier to layer. For a fleece, it is actually fairly wind-proof. It's not especially "technical" (for Arc'teryx) as there are no interior/chest/arm pockets and no waist or hood drawcords. It's fit is slightly looser than Arc'teryx softshells (like the Gamma line). Overall, this is a high-quality, very comfortable jacket for when you're just kicking around (and don't want to look all teched-out).

Great hoody. Yes it has a high price point but it lives up that price. Fortunately i got it off steepandcheap and got a good deal on it. It breaths well, shed's water, and it warm. I'm 6'2" 210lbs and got the xl. Nice brushed interior, and smooth exterior. As the previous post, dog hair does not get integrated into the fleece. This piece has made itself into my top rotation of my clothing. I've got a bunch of other pieces to choose from and i always go to this one. If you have the means, i'd highly suggest it...you wont be disappointed.