Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoodie | CleverHiker

Bottom Line

The Arc’teryx Kyanite fleece hoodie (men’s / women’s) sets the bar very high in terms of streamlined, stylish comfort and unrivaled craftsmanship. This premium fleece jacket is comfortable enough to wear for relaxing evenings, but it’s also a highly versatile layering piece when adventuring in damp, chilly conditions. 

On our lineup of the best fleeces of the year, the Kyanite is one of the warmest. It works great as an outer layer in mild weather, making it an outstanding choice for any inclement conditions. If you’ve got the extra money to spend, the Kyanite’s attractive looks and next-level performance are worth the bump in cost.

The Arc’teryx Kyanite standout feature is the Polartec Power Stretch Pro material used to build this model. It has a highly durable nylon face, making it strong enough for the toughest hikes. Its moisture-wicking brushed polyester interior is also soft on the skin. Thanks to the four-way stretch textile that uses articulated patterning, you won’t feel the jacket tug when you’re on the move. The collar, cuff, and even hem of the fleece are made using the durable Tanica stretch fabric, helping keep the fleece in place while hiking.

Warmth

Because it is a mid-layer fleece, the Arc’teryx Kyanite is very warm, providing solid warmth for temperatures around 40-50° F. The key to the warmth in this light and thin material is that Arc’teryx uses a Polartec Power Stretch Pro 4-way stretch fabric on the exterior and a soft-brushed polyester interior.

The hood and zippered hand pockets provide extra warmth and protection on cold, windy days. We tested this fleece while hiking around Vail in Colorado on a cool, windy fall day. The fleece provided solid warmth and protection on the trail. Because it isn’t bulky, this fleece is ideal for layering.

Comfort

The Arc’teryx Kyanite is comfortable, but this is a slim-fitting fleece. The material is form-fitting and will cling to your body, but the flexible fabric means it never restricts our movements on or off the trail. 

The Kyanite is designed with articulated patterning for increased mobility. The soft-brushed polyester interior is very soft and warm, and the Power Stretch PRO nylon jersey is great at wicking moisture to keep you dry and warm while working out. While this fleece would work just fine off-trail as well, based on the technical look and feel, we used this fleece more for ski touring, hiking, and backpacking trips.

Durability

Lightweight and durable are often mutually exclusive in apparel. That is not the case with the Arc’teryx Kyanite. It is very well built, and the exterior is abrasion-resistant, so it will stand up to life on the trail. We brushed up against trees, rocks, and brush and the kyanite didn’t show any signs of wear. The cuffs, hem, and collar are made of Tanica stretch fabric for added durability. It is also treated with silver nitrate, which means it has an anti-odor biocidal product in the material to reduce any funky smells for longer high-output trips.

Weight

This fleece weighs in at a mere 15 ounces. Because it has features like a hood, pockets, and high-tech materials, it has a great weight-to-value ratio.  Being so light and slim, the Arc’teryx Kyanite is like wearing a second skin. It is also easy to pack into a backpack or even an exterior pocket, as you can ball it up into the size of two fists. For ultralight hikers, climbers, or backcountry skiers, the weight of the Kyanite is ideal without compromising on warmth or protection.

Features

The Arc’teryx Kyanite fleece is somewhat limited in terms of features; however, for such a simple, lightweight option, it does have some nice amenities. The hood fits nicely over a hat or helmet and adds a bit more protection. The full zippered front has a “No Slip Zip”  front zipper with a chin guard and two zippered hand pockets. There are no thumb-loops on the sleeves, which would be nice, considering this fleece is designed for layering.

One other feature is the fact that this fleece is flattering, and the confidence boost of this feature is priceless when you’re on a cruxy route. Arc’teryx designs good-looking gear that is sleek, simple, and stylish.

Should You Buy The Arc’Teryx Kyanite Hoodie?

The Arc’teryx Kyanite fleece is a good purchase for anyone looking for a lightweight, warm, and durable fleece. It is great for any high-energy technical outdoor activity, from hiking and climbing to skiing and trail running. It is a bit more expensive, but it should last a long time if cared for. If you want a big warm fuzzy fleece, this is not a good option as it is thin and breathable.

What Other Fleeces Should You Consider?

Outdoor Research Vigor Review: The Outdoor Research Vigor is very similar to the Arc’teryx Kyanite fleece in almost every respect. The two look similar, both have hoods, and are stretchy, and warm. The Vigor is a little heavier, less expensive, and more breathable. However, these are both great options for layers on long hikes. 

REI Flash Hyperstretch Review: Like the Arc’teryx Kyanite, the Flash Hyperstretch is a go-to fleece that is lightweight and warm. Both are made of lightweight and stretchy materials that are great for layering. The Flash is a bit heavier, but also less expensive.