Arc’teryx Winter Apparel 2025 Review: Keep Comfortable in the Cold

What You Need To Know

Introduction to the Arc’teryx Winter 2025 Collection

TAYLOR: I’m a sucker for practical and functional gear. Skip the polish if it means performance. On the rare occasion when fate allows comfort, function, and aesthetics to blend, that’s the pinnacle experience that melts us gear gurus.

Welp, as you’re about to find out, Arc’teryx’s latest trail running options turn us into candles by the campfire.

The Canada-based brand is as mountain-centric as they come, but there’s always a chance you haven’t tried it. Even living in a highly active mountain town, I don’t often see the bony logo unless it’s on a pack, a visiting city-slicker, or an ice climber deep in the National Park.

Why is that? Well, it turns out that sticker shock is a real barrier. I completely get it.

I also understand thoroughly that this is an industry where you often pay for what you get. Arc’teryx absolutely falls in that category. In a hands-off and unapologetic manner, Arc’teryx gear (at least this lineup of trail running goods) is mindfully crafted for the toughest conditions and rowdiest mountain movements.

Arc’teryx sets a really high standard to chase after.

REESE: Arc’teryx, oh, how I love thee. The brand has some clout in the outdoor world, and not without reason. Arc’teryx makes some seriously serious outdoor gear. The cream of the crop. And this collection is no exception. The winter trail running lineup was so warm that I almost couldn’t find the right conditions to test in, as it’s been unusually warm on the front range of Colorado this December. I’ve been saying that year after year, though, so perhaps this is a new normal.

It feels like Arc’teryx knows I hate being cold and specifically made these pieces just for me. When I was testing these, the thing my stupid brain kept getting stuck on was a scene from the Simpsons that I saw, oh… I don’t know… back in the 90s? When Ned Flanders, skiing in a skin suit, says, “It feels like I’m wearing nothing all at! Nothing at all!” Pretty much sums it up.

The whole collection is incredibly lightweight and makes for a top-notch winter lineup. Additionally, I was able to sneak in two 90s TV show references into this review, and I’m pretty proud of that.

Arc’teryx Norvan Insulated Hoody

TAYLOR: You’ll read the words “new favorite” in this article a handful of times. The Arc’teryx Norvan Insulated Hoody is the piece of gear that really set the stage for me. It combines some of their lightest, high-impact ingredients with practical application. I was able to test this in true mountain winter conditions as well as the damp, cutting cold of Minnesota. Obviously, it passed the tests.

The majority of the jacket consists of a stretchy, lightweight, and highly breathable Fortius Air 20 fabric, which is a common ingredient in Arc’teryx’s running lineup. In this particular application, it is on a solo mission under the arms, most of the back, and lower abdomen to allow for optimal breathability and motion. In some areas, like the chest, shoulders, and on top of the arms, a powerful synthetic Coreloft Insulation is used to provide warmth and regulation.

There’s also a light DWR coating on top, allowing it to be a solid outer layer for a wide range of cold-weather running adventures.

There were a few thoughtful runner-centric additions that continued to set the Norvan insulated hoody apart from the competition. First, there is the lightweight hideaway hood. I unzipped it when needed but most often kept it under wraps. There was no extra bouncing around the neck in either case. Another addition was the comfortable stretchy panel around the undersides of the wrist, which made for easy access to my watch and the ability to tuck away the cuffs of my gloves within the jacket. It really is the little things…

As for fit, it was pretty much perfect for me. I often get annoyed with lightweight jackets bouncing in weird spots or getting droopy when any moisture touches them. I didn’t have that with the Arc’teryx Norvan Insulated Hoody. I am a true medium, and this jacket was mapped well enough to avoid my typical annoyances while allowing for any layer that I wanted underneath.

Pound-for-pound, the Arc’teryx Norvan insulated hoody is the best running jacket I’ve ever worn.

REESE: Calling this a hoody is undercutting this piece. It’s a jacket that has a hood. When I think of hoodies, I think of cotton. I think high school cross-country warm-up gear. I do not think performance. This piece is performant. You’ll notice this theme throughout the review, but It’s incredibly warm and lightweight.

Arc’teryx employed their Fortius 20 fabric to keep it breathable and wind-resistant. For mega warmth, Coreloft insulation was added at the front, sides, and sleeves of the “hoody.” Jacket. Speaking of sleeves, forget your gloves, or the weather suddenly turn for the worse? Tuck your hands into the sleeves and deploy the hidden flip mitts tucked away at the cuffs — a nice added touch for some additional warmth.

While I contest that this is a hoody, the actual hood on this jacket is terrific. When fully zipped up, the collar sits snug under the chin, and the hood has an almost slightly structured brim that comes to mid-forehead, making it suitable for pairing with a brimmed hat or buff.

The jacket lacks pockets, which is a bit of a miss. But it does have one facing backward that is large enough to stuff the jacket into. I’m guessing the lack of pockets was an effort to keep the jacket as warm as possible.

PRICE: $300

Arc’teryx Norvan Insulated Vest

TAYLOR: I’m just throwing this out there to set things straight: vests are the most underrated piece of gear. The Arc’teryx Norvan insulated vest has to be near the tip of the spear in the vest kingdom.

For years, I’ve worn a vest from a different brand that has similar proportions to this. I was satisfied with the performance and overall fit, but apparently, it was an ignorance is bliss scenario. When I zipped up the Norvan insulated vest, my body was opened to the glories of a near-perfect fit and functional package.

This vest is very lightweight yet it packs a powerful punch of weather resistance and warmth up front. Huzzah! The front panel has Coreloft insulation that provides a permeable warmth to the core. A rear panel comprised of Fortius Air Fabric creates a breathable environment. All of it is finished with a DWR coating that provides light weather resistance in various conditions.

REESE: At long last, the vest I’ve been looking for. Who doesn’t love a good vest? Keeps your core warm so you can send warmth to your extremities while also letting the rest of your upper body breathe a little bit. Again, back to the intro. I couldn’t get over how lightweight this vest is. Felt like I was wearing nothing at all.

The Coreloft insulation paired with the Fortius Air 20 fabric kept me quite warm despite its barely there feel. The vest features a small pocket that can hold keys and a gel or two, or you can stuff the vest inside the pocket should you need to stow it. I found that the small, my usual size, was a bit loose-fitting. It wasn’t baggy or frumpy, but if you like a closer-to-body fit, I would consider sizing down.

PRICE: $220

Arc’teryx Norvan Insulated Pant

TAYLOR: With the same design philosophy and materials usage as the Norvan Insulated Vest, the Arc’teryx Norvan insulated pants pack their own powerful punch, however, they may not be as practical.

This is a personal thing. It has to be really cold before I put on my pants. I’m a shorts or tights guy. When the weather was cold enough to sport pants, I threw these on for further leg protection. My initial thoughts centered on fit. Like the vest, I was impressed by how well-mapped these are to my lower body. The fit laid the foundation for a functional running pant.

Now, I wanted these pants to protect me all around in the dark, cold depths of winter. I was satisfied with the level of protection on the front side, where a light layer of Coreloft insulation is placed. The insulated front panel did the job to a T.

When I put on the Arc’teryx Norvan Insulated Pants, the rear was the part that brought the jury out time and time again. There is no insulation in the rear, allowing it to be quite flexible and breathable. That’s exactly where the northern winds bit me, though. Wind and cold temps could penetrate this layer easily, leaving my haunches and hammies uncomfortably cool at the end of some runs. My front side would be fine, whereas my backside would be visibly affected.

REESE: Taylor and I might live in the same state, but we live in very different ecosystems and climates. This is because while I love the mountains, I couldn’t live in them — mainly because I don’t actually thrive in cold temperatures. I’m looking forward to my snowbird days, which is why I love these insulated pants. They are downright toasty. On a super cold day, these make it feel like Palm Springs (well, not quite). Arc’teryx has mastered the art of creating highly insulated products without making them cumbersome.

I love that these are insulated with Fortius Air 20 on the top 75% of the pants, but around the calf, the pants feature Chira knit, which is much more stretchy and fitted material, ensuring that while running, you aren’t kicking around or tearing at extra fabric. For any cross-country skier, these pants feel right up your alley. I do wish the pants had a pocket. Again, it is important to note that these are not for mildly cold days but legit cold days. Once you start working up a sweat, sub-freezing is where they shine. I typically wear small pants and the size 6 was comfortably loose on me.

PRICE: $200

Arc’teryx Rho Hoody

TAYLOR: When you need a hearty layer, the Arc’teryx Rho Hoody might be your answer. A couple of other brands have made a fleece-lined hoody with a built-in balaclava, but this one seems to perform better than any that I have personally tried.

Overall, it feels like a trimmed-down, more technical version of the Rabbit Cocoon 2.0, which I really enjoyed. However, it is rare that I need such thickness, and the face wrap was not optimally mapped.

The Rho Hoody is my ailment to both of those issues. A brushed Torrent polyester material made for a very flexible and extremely comfortable layer next to the skin. This mid-weight layer is more versatile than it is described. Even though it is meant to be a base layer, I more often used it as an outer layer with a thinner base underneath. It is a more form-fitting garment, but it had room to layer, which I appreciated.

Many will seek out this garment because of the hood. It, too, was comfortable with, again, a beautifully sound construction. The face cover stayed put without pressing on the bridge of my nose or being too close to my mouth while running. I could easily pull it down under my chin without feeling like a tiny boa constrictor was on my neck.

I will undoubtedly be taking this hoody out for a variety of conditions and activities throughout all seasons.

REESE: Ok, so this is a hoody. A performance hoody. Technically, Arc’teryx calls it a base layer. Whatever it is, I love it. The small fit me well; it wasn’t tight, but it was snug and cozy. Cue SNL’s Coffee Talk with Barbara Streisand because this fabric? Like Buttah. Like a big stick of butter. Again, technically, Arc’teryx calls this fabric Torrent stretch polyester, but I prefer to call it buttery soft and warm. I tested this hoody on some cold windy days, expecting to feel the wind blow straight through the fabric, but that wasn’t the case at all. While you can certainly layer this piece, it is warm on its own.

When the hoody is up, the only thing on your face exposed to the elements are your eyes. This piece features a versatile hood. You can wear the low-profile hood up, using the collar as a neck warmer or buff, or you can convert it into a full-face balaclava. The hood also has a handy slot for those of us with ponytails. Simply pull your ponytail through the slot and free yourself of having long hair stuck inside your hoody.

PRICE: $120

Arc’teryx Venta Mitten

TAYLOR: Mittens, man! If you run in true winter conditions, they’re the best. What makes the best even better? Weatherproofing them. The Arc’teryx Venta Mitten did just that!

I’ve never really thought of myself deep-diving into mitten construction unless I really hated it because of sensory issues as a kid, but this experience was the opposite. The Venta Mitten was comfortable in every aspect. The cuff itself really sets the stage for a really nice fit.

Even though the mitten is roomy around the fingers, I didn’t feel like it was floppy in the least. It actually had the perfect amount of volume to fit a thin liner pair of gloves if conditions were really cold.

Otherwise, the Arc’teryx Venta mitten served me well on its own in conditions down into the single digits with snow and wind. I am the type of person who “runs warm,” but the single layer of Goretex Infinium material with a fleece liner really impressed me with how well it fought off every condition I had them in while keeping my hands comfortable.

The Arc’teryx Venta Mitten is my new favorite piece of winter running gear.

PRICE: $70