As part of his review of the best down jackets for 2022, Alex Roddie tests the Arc’teryx Agrium Hoody.
As lightweight down jackets go, the Arc’teryx Agrium Hoody is extremely warm. Partly that’s due to the high quality of the down, but also because the fit is very good, and the hood is seriously snuggly – although it isn’t a hood big enough to go over multiple hats and balaclavas. Recycled polyester insulation is used in areas prone to moisture. This process is called Down Composite Mapping. I haven’t noticed this making any difference, but given that the down used is not hydrophobic, this can’t hurt in damp conditions.
The Arc’teryx Agrium Hoody has strong environmental credentials. Not only is the down RDS-certified and the synthetic insulation 45% recycled (and bluesign-approved), but the shell fabric is also coloured with a dope-dyed process said to use minimal resources. The jacket is also manufactured at a Fairtrade-certified facility.
As with others here, cuffs and hem are elasticated, with an adjustable drawcord on the latter. It’s a warm and packable jacket at a light weight, but sizing is snug rather than relaxed. Combined with the form-fitting hood, this makes it more suitable as a warm layer for use around camp, or for carrying just in case, rather than a chuck-it-over-everything jacket for winter days out. The cost is also very high and the down, while top quality, is not hydrophobic.
Read more: 10 of the best down jackets for 2022
