The Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan is a stylish and cozy fleece that is best suited to less active outdoor pursuits.
Quick Guide
Category: Fleece
Length: Hip
Pockets: 3
Weight: Men's: 18.9 oz / Women's: 15.8 oz
Fabric: Polyester
Pros: Stylish, warm and cozy
Cons: Not very versatile
Best Suited For: Day Hiking, Around Town
Final Verdict: A versatile, stylish fleece that works well both for casual outdoor recreation activities or a day out on a Fall day.
Part of any successful outdoor clothing layering system is the perfect hiking jacket.
Having the right jacket for a day spent outside is one of the sure-fire ways to have a comfortable day on the trail. Depending on the climate, season, and activity, you will have specific jacket needs.
In these short hiking jacket reviews, we cover top-rated hiking jackets of varying styles.
Don’t worry, we don’t pick favorites either. We leave that decision up to you.
We’ll give you our honest review of each jacket, including the things we love and what they could have done better. So let's take a look at the Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan.
Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan Review
This versatile fleece works well for outdoor recreation and a casual day out on a Fall day.
If a weeklong adventure in the mountains is your goal, then this jacket may not quite fit the bill, but for mild camping trips and day hikes, the Arc’Teryx Covert Cardigan is a stylish and functional option.
It isn’t an optimal option for high-intensity outdoor activities as it doesn’t breathe very well, but it is a warm and stylish jacket for almost any other activity.
The warm fleece fabric gives it a wool-like look while still providing a fleece jacket's soft feel.
Need something warmer? Check out our guide to Choosing the Right Hiking Jacket.
What We Like About the Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan
There's a lot to like about this fleece, including:
Stylish
If you’re looking for a warm fleece jacket that you can wear to the office or even when you’re heading out on the town, this Arc’Teryx Cardigan is both stylish and warm.
Wind Protection
The knitting of the fabric stops wind quite well, keeping you warm even on breezy days.
Extra Cozy
Although it isn’t wool, it is an optimal jacket for cool days in the Fall or Spring seasons. It is one of the coziest fleeces you’ll come across, with a brushed inner fleece providing soft comfort against your skin.
What We Don’t Like About the Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan
Design
While you could likely get a thin base layer underneath this fleece, it doesn’t layer well with other jackets. It is a tight fit in the shoulders. The pockets are not in ideal locations to make it functional for a backpacking or climbing adventure.
Lacks Versatility
The Covert Cardigan is an expensive option for limited versatility. While it is warm and looks good, it lacks the durability and weather protection needed for a true mountain adventure. It isn’t waterproof and doesn’t breathe well during activity.
Key Features of the Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan
Construction
- Alpenex II™ Heathered fleece gives efficient thermal performance with improved hand feel
- Durable binding around the collar and on hem and cuffs
- Flatlock construction improves next-to-skin comfort
Patterning
- Gusseted underarms for mobility and comfort
Zippers & Fly Configuration
- Full front zip
Cuff & Sleeves Configuration
- Stretch-knit cuffs
Hem Configuration
- Drop back hem
Pocket Configuration
- Laminated sleeve pocket with laminated zip
- Two hand pockets with laminated zippers
Final Thoughts
The Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan is a good choice of fleece for those who enjoy a casual Fall day out hiking or need something warm, but stylish, for running chores around town.
Check out more hiking jacket reviews.
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