Fiona Russell finds the Arc’teryx Delta ½ Zip hoody a cleverly designed mid-layer with good moisture management and weight-to-warmth ratios.
The design of the Arc’teryx Delta ½ Zip hoody is trim, athletic and figure hugging, the delta appears on our guide to the best fleeces . The sizing is accurate with the addition of a longer torso and longer arms, plus thumb-loops. The “ScubaHood” fits under a helmet, should you need to wear one, and has a panel that can be tucked behind the head or worn as a neck gaiter or balaclava. This is a clever detail and useful in colder conditions. Note that if you wear glasses, the neck gaiter causes them to steam up if you have it over your nose.
Price: $180 | £130 – available to buy from Arc’Teryx | Weight: 221g (small) | Materials: Polartec® Power Dry® fleece | Hood: yes | Front closure: half zip | Pockets: 1 | Hem: Plain | Cuffs: Elasticated with thump loops | Men’s version: No (full zip jacket version for men) | Sizes: XS to XL
The fabric is stretchy, lightweight and thin yet it feels durable. The outer is a smooth polyester, while the inside has a grid fleece construction that is fairly soft against the skin.
The fabric is also air permeable and this means that sweat can easily escape. Moisture management works very well. I never felt too warm nor too cold and the fabric was quick drying when I sweated. Conversely, the fabric isn’t very windproof, so you might find it a bit chilly if you don’t wear an outer shell in colder weather.
Other features include a half-zip for venting if needed and a zipped chest pocket that is constructed from a stiffer and more hard-wearing fabric. The zip pulls are worth mentioning because the silicone material and shape makes them easy to use.
The orange “Phenom” colour for women is superb and ideal for wearing in the hills and mountains when visibility is important if you require emergency support.
Overall, the weight-to-warmth ratio of the Arc’teryx Delta ½ Zip hoody is good although you might prefer a slightly heavier and warmer mid-layer alternative.
