I've been rocking Arc'Teryx Apparel and using their Gear for 21 years now. So I know the innovations that the Arc'Teryx Designers were known for, and I know the back-steps that they've taken regarding their loss of articulated apparel patterning. Arc'Teryx: Kyanite Hoody Men's. Sizing/Fitment: Fitment is true to size! Not loose, slightly snug in the belly but it does stretch significantly. You don't want a mid-base layer to fit loose like a sweatshirt. I prefer the patterning and fitment of the awesome Men's Fortrez Hoody. Comfort: The comfort is good due to my favorite fabric Polartec Power Stretch which is even more Stretchier than before which is always a bonus! The patterning is pretty basic. But as always I do miss the old-school Arc'Teryx neck patterning that they were always known for. I would LOVE to see some Wrist Thumb Holes just like on the awesome LEAF Naga Hoody Gen 1 & LEAF Cold XZ Zip Neck SV, and especially on every mid-base layer, Arc’teryx makes. That's an important functional feature that needs to happen asap! Quality: Polartec Power Stretch has always been the number one fabric for me that Arc'teryx has utilized over the years in different weights, but I prefer the thicker weight because it lasts longer through usage and washes. Note: do NOT put in the dryer. So I totally LOVE the new Polartec Power Stretch that's even softer and stretchier than before! Polartec Power Stretch is utilized in my favorite pieces such as the: Rho AR Zip Neck Men's & Rho AR Bottoms, LEAF Naga Hoody Gen 1, LEAF Cold XZ Zip Neck SV, Fortrez Hoody Men's, Kyanite Vest Men's. I don't care about weight. I care about proper fitment, overall comfort, stretch, warmth, styling, functionality, durability, longevity, and most importantly quality! I don't like the change to the main metal zipper pull, I much prefer the look and quality of the older YKK rounded Aluminum can pull-tab shaped metal zipper pull that was covered with a thick coat of paint which has never ever failed me. Request: Please add Wrist Thumb Holes! Please go back to the older tried and true YKK rounded pull-tab shaped metal main zipper pull tab, larger interior pocket w/zipper. Pros: Fitment, styling, soft and stretchy material (Polartec Power Stretch), usability, flatlock construction, new No Slip Zip concept, Medium Gray color-way. Cons: NO Wrist Thumb Holes :( Flimsy new main metal zipper pull tab, no petite zipper garages, no exterior auxiliary pocket. Interior pocket w/zipper is too small for current iPhones with a slim case. The interior pocket and zipper need to be an inch taller and an inch wider, and the zipper needs to be at least an inch and a half longer. The interior pocket as of now you could only fit a small phone, or a Cliff Bar, or a key fob with lip balm. Arc'Teryx Designers need to anticipate future mobile smartphones sizes, which are increasingly getting larger. I also don't like having to un-zip my fleece to get an item, I much prefer an exterior chest pocket just like on the Men's Fortrez Hoody. GearFreakNY :)
GearFreakNY, backcountry.com
December 16, 2020