No, it's not wind-proof, and the wind cuts right through it (especially if you are wearing a short-sleeve shirt underneath). But on non-windy days it can still be warm enough. Yes, it can make a decent layering piece, although the hood may (obviously) bunch up in back. But what I really wear this for is a casual jacket/sweater (when it's not windy). It looks great, is very comfortable, and gives me something to wear when I don't want to look all teched-out. I wouldn't pay $200 for it, but at $100 it has been a good addition to my collection of (too many) outerlayers.

just a regular hoody - and as previous reviews have stated, doesn't block the wind. thus, don't waste your money.

Looks like most everyone else here has drank the Arc'teryx Kool-Aid, but I purchased this sweater about a month ago and to be honest it's the first Arc'teryx buy I'm actually regretting. Sure, the super-soft fleece is ultra comfortable, the detailing is stylish and the cut fits well, but beyond that I really can't find much functionality-wise to justify the huge price tag. It's fine on its own as long as it's not too cold, but even a light wind cuts right through it. For the price, a little windproofing isn't too much to expect. It's good under a shell (except that I hate the feeling of a bunched up hood underneath), but no more so than any other of the dozens of quality pullovers and sweaters out there. All that comfort seems wasted to me because I can't wear it on it's own if there's even the hint of a breeze on a cool day. Like "Husko" says, there isn't much here that you can't buy for a lot less elsewhere. I think the Tau is a much better bang for your buck - too bad they don't make a hoody version. Definitely a case of buyer's remorse.

This coat is a soft, good looking and wonderfully warm layer, but, and this is a big but, it is not windproof and it piles, making you look like a hobo from up close. this coat remains soft and warm for years but looses it's attractive qualities after not too long, and is never worth the full price, for sale however...

As cardigans go, this is the one you need. The fleece is durable and gets more comfortable after each washing. Pockets are key for holding stuff (duh) and warming hands on cool strolls, and the helmet-sized hood keeps you from looking like a big city accountant on vacation. If you're going for more casual wear (like a collared shirt underneath) then size up. If you're mostly going to wear this under a shell for more technical applications, it's true to size.

This hoody will undoubtedly make your Top Ten "wear everyday if possible" list.

I bought this for my brother who doesn't usually like hoodies. Now, he is a big fan. He loves how thin it is but feels warmer than his bulkier fleeces and he loves how the hoody fits....not too tight but snug enought that it keeps most of the wind out. I got props for picking a winner of a xmas present!

beautifully made. and the arms on this company's 'large' are not the length of a darn football field, so the fit is much better than all the other fleeces out there for those of us whose knuckles don't drag on the ground.

This hoody is just something I enjoy wearing everywhere. The comfort and texture feels great, though as others have said there should be wind proofing / resistance for the price. If you've got the $200 to blow on this without any worries, do so, if you need a more technical piece, get what you need and don't be tempted by just the brand.

This is a great hoody. It's super comfortable, super stylin' and super warm. I would say the sizes run bit larger than normal. I wear a L in most everything and this is kinda baggy on me. I still love it but would say its more like a Large in a frontcountry hoody than a large in outdoor gear.

Love this fleece...Soft and a bit pricey, but as usual with Arcteryx, you get what you pay for. I use it more for a casual piece than an active piece as I don't like hoodies as under layers...I have worn it for some cold weather hikes and runs...No bulk on this jacket.

Well, as an Arcteryx fan in general, I probably don't have an objective view of this gear. But again I can tell everybody that this piece is just great with a perfect and very comfortable fitting! Use it as an every day and soon your favorite hoody! There's no more to say than Arcteryx gear is worth every cent (and there are a lot of them), so buy it and be happy a very long time!!!

This hoody is by far the most comfortable piece of clothing that I own, and it only gets better every time I wear it. The only complaint I have is that I wish it offered some wind resistance for that price. It just goes right through on those brisk/windy days. Other that that, this hoody is one stylish and comfortable piece.

I have had many compliments on this piece, both on the fit and color(Garbanzo). This hoody gets put into heavy rotation once the weather gets colder.

I have one of each of the Covert fleeces but this one is my favorite because of the hood and hand pockets. I like it so much I bought my girlfriend one too because she kept wearing mine. What's great about this fleece is how breathable it is as top layer and how warm it will keep you as a mid layer. I've had one over a year and it has no pilling.

Arc'teryx does it again, this is indeed a great jacket! Good quality zippers (which is important—I hate cheap zippers that crap out all the time), warm, great fitting jacket. The hood is tight around your head but not too tight as you might expect. Arc'teryx wins!

I mean NO WIND PROTECTION PERIOD!!! I felt like I wasn't even wearing a shirt! Bonobaby, is getting paid to write his reviews - or his winter sports are done in phoenix. Canadian Ski Bum and Ehh know what they are talking about, everyone else here is just rating the Arc'teryx logo and only wears their stuff to LOOK hardcore. Normally, I'm the first to put Arc'teryx on a high pedestal but this time they screwed it up. Sure it's a nice looking piece for the coffee house but I'd rather spend the $$$ on another fat cup of bean and a sweet icebreaker, or even two at that price. I rated it one star because I expect better from Arc'teryx. Guys did you consider selling this design to Kelty?

This is exactly what a $200.00 hooded sweater should not be.

It’s warm when there is no wind, but so is a $20.00 hooded fleece.
No wind protection what so ever.
The zipper near the neck always gets stuck on a stiff flap.
The pocket on the arm is so small, it’s almost useless.
Covert? The only thing covert about this item is how it will sneak away your hard earned cash.

Great hoody, very comfy, warmer than I expected, dries quick. Only beef, is that wind cuts right through it. Its just as warm or warmer than a cotton hoody, and just as soft. The sleeve pocket is pretty small, not much more than chapstick would fit.

Soft, warm, trim, comfortable, versatile. It does not stop wind, so in cold wind add a shell. Otherwise, this is the kind of jacket that you want to wear constantly and wonder what you did without it. Also, logo on sleeve is rather stealth enough - no blatant brand name on the garment - for those secure enough to not need branding.

Great item - correct weight, cut and fit but it could do without the "scuba" quality of the hood. Difficult to arrange when wearing under other clothing and a bit too large to fit as designed. Better would be a normal hood with drawstrings. Other than that a great item for travel, active sports and even sleeping!

This Arcteryx hoody is the best single piece I use for winter sports. I've used it alone on 35 degree days or cover it with an Arcteryx shell on 10 degree days skiing and I have been toasty at all times. Kudos Canada!

Outstanding product, although pricey. The best part is the snug, scuba-style, balaclava hood, which adds a lot of capability in variable weather with other layering pieces.

Keeps me warm and comes in handy when I forget my hat. The fit of the "jacket" is bang on and it has gotten a lot of compliments as well.

no protection from the elements period. It's been in my closet for a year and have only worn it once. I cant find any use for it other than maybe laying around the house in it but that seems like a pretty stupid thing to do with a $200 fleece. I will probably give it to a buddy. no joke.

This was my 1st Arc'teryx product I have ever bought and I am not all that impressed.
If you are paying the regular price, I would think really hard before buying this, I got it for under 100$ at steepandcheap and even still I am questioning myself if it was really worth it. It is rather loose fitting, the sleeves could fit 2 of my arms easily. ( ordered a large) But it is a very good length on the bottom. It's pretty comfortable and soft but you don't need to pay 200$ for that. The pockets are very stiff, but pretty nice and allow ventilation. The hoody is very nice, but it looks a little funny when I wear it.
In the smallest breeze you will fell the wind. But it can keep you very warm. I wore it while on my bike and the low wind protection was quite nice because it kept me a little cool.
It's pretty nice overall and looks very good when you wear it, just make sure you get the right size. I wish the sleeves were not soooo baggy though.

Oh and if you're getting the Green Pea color, its much darker than in the pictures. More like a forest green in a way.

I don't live in extra cold weather but if you do I would probably recommend not getting this. Instead, get a similar fleece for much less and spend the money you saved on a better hard or soft shell to wear over it.
It gets a 3/5

Wish I had funds for every color, it’s very comfortable and toasty. I wish the elbows had some patches (if I was the designer).

From hanging out around the house to layering for an adventure into the backcountry, the Covert Hoody is my go-to. It is extremely soft and warm - the bonus is the fact that it has a hood that always comes in handy. I am 6'2", 190 and wear a Large - keep in mind that the Covert Hoody is cut right at the belt line, so if you're between sizes, consider going with the larger size.