Gear Review | Arcteryx Konseal Hoody

Testers and test conditions

I have used the Hoddy over 20 times so far, weigh 85kg, am 1.86m tall and usually wear a size L, as with this hoody. I have used the hoody on good powder days for lift-supported and altitude-metre-eating freeriding (moderate physical activity), as well as for touring (high physical activity). However, I have also worn the hoody in "normal" everyday life (drinking coffee or beer, shopping, cleaning etc.), as well as when clearing snow during storms. I mostly used it as a mid-layer, although I also used it as an outer layer when ski touring and jogging.

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Arcteryx Konseal Hoody

Benni Eggert

Davos

Test report

To be honest I didn't know exactly what to expect from this test article. At first I was a little surprised by the strange hood. However, I quickly realised that it was a high collar or a balaclava. The hood is called a ScubaHood and fits comfortably under a helmet. I think the colour (infrared) is great - it's not everyday, not too unusual and you don't immediately see every little stain. The zip of the laminated breast pocket is in a contrasting colour (orange). The chest pocket is decorated with the Arcteryx logo in a subtle silver colour. The cuffs have thumb loops.

The hoody felt like a second skin the first time I put it on. It is very comfortable to wear. The cut is rather close to the body, but by no means too tight, with plenty of freedom of movement and a slightly longer back section. I immediately noticed the deep front zip, which is designed to help dissipate excess heat and make it easier to put on and take off. The air-permeable Polartec® Thermal Pro fleece with warming waffle structure offers an excellent weight-to-warmth ratio.

Since using the hoody for the first time, I have been delighted. It is comfortable to wear and has some features that I really appreciate. It is versatile and extremely breathable without compromising on warmth. It has also proved to be robust as an outer layer (e.g. for climbing or ski touring). Personally, I particularly like the long sleeves because I often have difficulty finding something that fits, especially when I use the thumb loops.

The successor to the Konseal Hoody is the Delta MX Hoody.