This is a lovely jacket made from a stretchy fabric and with Arc’teryx’s usual attention to detail and fi t. The fabric has a soft handle compared with the slightly slick feel of some other windproof materials and feels good and non-clammy against the skin. When new it’s also more water-resistant than most. The stiffened hood gives more protection than most windproof hoods and moves with the head. The chest pocket is quite roomy, though it won’t take a map. The adjustable cuffs are good for ventilation and allow the sleeves to be pulled up in the heat. For ease of movement there are articulated elbows and underarm gussets, though I’m not sure these are necessary given the stretch fabric. Arc’teryx describe the Squamish Hoody as suitable for “warm weather activities”. I reckon it’s fine for all conditions bar blizzards. All in all this is a beautifully-made, functional jacket at a low weight. But it’s very expensive compared with the similar jackets from Montane, Rab and Patagonia and I can’t see anything to justify so much extra cost.