Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan Review

This midweight fleece is made from 100% recycled Alpenex II polyester. The knit style of the material is durable and looks nice. The laminated pockets are low profile and keep contents well-protected from the elements.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

This jacket is warm but doesn't quite live up to expectations, given how bulky the fabric is. The fleece is high-volume but not especially dense, so it's quite wind-permeable. Having said that, there are additional mesh panels on the inside of the abdomen for a second layer of protection. In our experience, the neck is not quite large enough to burrow down into, so we had to rely on alternate face coverings to block the wind when conditions got gusty.

Comfort

As with many other elements of this garment, it's not bad, but it's also not exceptional. The fleece is reasonably soft on the inside, though somewhat stiff compared to several of the much stretchier hoody models in the category. Though we wouldn't choose it as our primary lounging option, we do appreciate the jersey-knit cuffs and waist, and these were especially useful on damp days when abrasion would have been an issue. The lay-flat seams and low-profile zippers are also nice but ultimately do more for fashion than for comfort, though we do like that the main zip has a garage at the top so it's not cold against the skin.

Breathability

This fleece sort of splits the difference between warmth and breathability. When we started sweating on hikes, it was hard to cool down, and we just ended up taking off the jacket altogether. Even just wearing it around town, when the sun came out, sweat tended to stay in the garment rather than wick away.

Layering Ability

The Covert Cardigan has slightly above-average layerability. Though we did sometimes find it difficult to pull on (it doesn't have thumb loops, and the fabric can be very clingy), it fits easily over a base layer. Similarly, it's form-fitting enough that it doesn't bunch underneath a winter coat, though, again, the fabric's thickness means that the sleeves can feel bunchy.

Weight

The Covert is one of the heavier models in this review. Weighing in at 18.9 ounces, it's definitely not a fast-and-light jacket for the backcountry. It can also get quite bunchy and takes up a lot of space in a daypack. Despite the weight, it also does not have a hood, as do many of its lighter-weight counterparts, so its fabric is even heavier than given the amount of coverage it offers.

Should You Buy the Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan?

The Covert Cardigan is the right choice for those who prefer to spend as much of their time outdoors in the front country and walking around town as they do in the wilderness. It is a warm mid-layer that is designed with fashion in mind. Though it's not the strongest backcountry performer, it is a reliable all-around mid-layer that is well-suited for most people.

What Other Fleece Jackets Should You Consider?

If you are set on this particular style of sweater-knit fleece, but this model is a little too slim, we recommend the full zip Patagonia Better Sweater or the Kuhl Interceptr 1/4 Zip. For a high-performing hoody from the same brand, the Arc'teryx Kyanite AR Hoody is an excellent choice. If you are open to another hoodless classic fleece, the Cotopaxi Teca Full Zip is a colorful (and less expensive) alternative.