We took the Tenquille Hoody on overnight ski tours, fast and light winter peak ascents, and desert rambles. It performed admirably in all environments, and while it does not have the features that slightly more expensive or activity-specific models might have, it is an all-arounder, and it left us with an overall favorable impression.
Performance Comparison
This jacket is a great all-around option for those who want a quality softshell jacket.
Weather Protection
Arc'teryx is often seen as an innovator of materials, using their own proprietary fabrics in their garments, and especially in soft shells. For the Tenquille Hoody, a durable polyester fabric called Kauss was used. This tight weave is treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, the combination of which allows it to easily shed light rain and snow and block out all but the fiercest winds. We also appreciated that it has a zipper flap to aid in wind protection.
The exterior of the Tenquille does a good job at beading water off.
The cuffs are fitted and have elastic but do not seal around wrists (or gloves) as well as those with adjustable cuffs like the Rab Torque.
The cuffs are elastic and fit well, though don't give the option to wear over gloves like other models.
Breathability
The Tenquille Hoody was one of the most breathable jackets we tested, only being eclipsed in this metric by the Outdoor Research Ferrosi. The Kauss softshell material allows for easy transmission of perspiration from inside the jacket. Our test included some vigorous uphill ski tours, and we found that despite warm temperatures we were able to effectively regulate our comfort with the full-length front zipper.
The underarm panels are not weatherproof, but allow for excellent ventilation.
Although there are no underarm zippers to dump heat from, there are stretchy elastic underarm panels that are quite effective at keeping air flowing through the areas that experience the most perspiration.
Mobility & Fit
This is billed as a regular fit, and it does allow for more room than the form-fitted Sigma SL Anorak. We could comfortably wear a midweight fleece base layer underneath without feeling cramped or constricted. We appreciated the fact that it is lightweight and highly mobile, and its textured interior backing is comfortable against the skin while wearing a t-shirt.
Moving quickly through the mountains requires a breathable layer, and this jacket does a great job at letting perspiration pass through, keeping our base layers dry.
While not specifically designed for climbing, the Tenquille still features the same attention to quality tailoring, and with its stretchy underarm panels, we found reaching high overhead to be no problem.
Weight & Packed Size
This jacket tied the Sigma SL Anorak as the lightest softshell that we tested in our review. With a verified weight of .64 pounds, you could carry two of these jackets, and an extra GU packet for the same weight as the Gamma MX! Its scant weight is noticeable when it is being worn, and it works well as a heavier wind shell when layered over a light base like a t-shirt, but when it is in the pack it is easy to forget that it is there, making it a great choice to throw in in case the weather takes a turn for the worse while you are out on your hike.
Features
The Tenquille Hoody is not heavy on features, foregoing standard options like adjustable hood drawstrings or cuff closures. There is a hem adjustment and elastic fitted cuffs, though. Up in the front, there are two pockets that can be easily accessed with a harness or a backpack waistbelt on, and the zipper has the innovative No-Slip Zip, which keeps the zipper from falling down on its own.
The unique No-Slip zipper featured on this shell keeps it from sliding down on its own.
Style
This is a versatile jacket; it can be used effectively in the mountains as well as in more casual settings. There are three subtle solid colors to choose from, and the look is clean and simple.
Best Applications
This approachable softshell jacket is geared towards the broader hiking and trekking group, who do not need the added specialty features that the jackets designed for climbing and skiing often have. It does not mean that the Tenquille can't be used for mountain sports, but the roomier fit, simple features and lightweight are best suited for 3-season use on the trail and around town.
This is a great piece for summer, spring and fall hiking excursions, but is much more versatile than just on the trail.
Value
Though relatively free of features, this jacket makes up for it with an unbelievably light weight. At a price of $175, it is not inexpensive, but it is only $45 more than the Best Buy winning Ferrosi Hoody with more reliable weather resistance.
Conclusion
This is a great summertime hiking softshell jacket and is one that can be used in the spring and fall when the weather forecast might look a bit more daunting. It is one of the lightest jackets we tested, and its above-average mobility makes it easy to recommend.
