Throw out your heavy fleece

By Tang Ranked #646 - Men's Synthetic Insulation Jackets May 10, 2011

After only 1 winter season of use, I can say this baby is a must for those who don't want the cold to keep them indoors. The best way for me to describe this is as a replacement for your old heavyweight fleece (think TNF Denali jacket) in terms of insulation. It will heat you up plenty during aerobic exercise, but isn't designed to keep you warm whilst sitting still in sub-freezing temps.

My usage: I took this snowshoeing in VT, Colorado, and the Adirondacks, NY in a mix of wind, snow, and sun. Under a hard shell in the snow and wind, this was perfect at keeping me warm and dry, and once the pit-zips were open, allowed me to dump good heat when the sun came out. I also used this on a ski sojourn, and it also performed admirably, though once the sun went down I got a little nippy on the chair lift (only had a merino baselayer on under it) I warmed up to just-right temps once I started coming down the mountain.

All in all, this is a great, lightweight alternative to a beefy fleece, and due to packability, will accompany me on my backpacking journeys in the 'Dacks this summer for fire-less High Peaks night chills.

View Details: Arc'teryx Atom LT Insulated Jacket - Men's

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes