The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of outdoor gear

Adidas Outdoor Agravic Alpha Shield Hoodie - Women's Review

The Shield has added Polartec padding in key areas to keep you warmer, even when wet.
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Price:  $159 List | $159.00 at Amazon
Pros:  Targeted insulation, low-profile hood
Cons:  No chest pocket, heavier than most models
Manufacturer:   Adidas Outdoor
By Maggie Brandenburg and Shey Kiester  ⋅  Nov 21, 2018
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62
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#8 of 10
  • Wind Resistance - 30% 6
  • Breathability - 30% 6
  • Weight and Packability - 20% 6
  • Versatility - 10% 8
  • Water Resistance - 10% 6

Our Verdict

The Adidas Shield stands out from the other windbreakers in this review due to its unique targeted insulation. This jacket features Polartec padding on the front panels and shoulders, which our testers found to be an incredible addition for slightly chillier days, without taking too much away from breathability. This addition does add to the product's overall weight, but, unlike the other insulated model in our review, Columbia Flash Forward, the Shield maintains its packability, making it an excellent choice for a wind layer that adds just a touch of insulation.

Color Updates

Though the available colors continue to change over time, the features of this jacket remain the same. So while you may no longer be able to find the color we tested, our performance findings are still true of the updated colors, one of which is the black shown above.

April 2019


Compare to Similar Products

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Awards  Editors' Choice Award  Top Pick Award  
Price $159.00 at Amazon$99.00 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers		$98.95 at Amazon$67.95 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers		$99.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Targeted insulation, low-profile hoodHelmet compatible, lightweight, extremely packable, dries quicklyMany pockets, more waterproof, excellent wind protection, snap to allow unzipping during wearVery flexible, flattering fit, long torso, comfortable cuffWide cuffs, large back vent, comfortable fabric, bold color options
Cons No chest pocket, heavier than most modelsNot the most waterproof, can see through thin fabricElastic cuffs harsh, thin fabric can be seen through, large packed sizeGets wet very easily, thicker fabric is heavierDoesn't pack into it's own pocket, short fit is harder to layer, sleeves on the short side
Bottom Line The Shield has added Polartec padding in key areas to keep you warmer, even when wet.A truly featherweight model that continues to impress, combining excellent performance with great value.A blend of minimalist design and technical features, this jacket offers solid protection from the elements.This comfortable jacket will keep you protected and stylish, from climbing with friends to hanging at the coffee shop.A functional jacket with a sporty-chic vibe.
Rating Categories Agravic Alpha Shield Hoodie Patagonia Houdini - Women's Rab Vital Hoody - Women's Alpine Start Windrunner Woven
Wind Resistance (30%)
10
0
6
10
0
9
10
0
10
10
0
8
10
0
8
Breathability (30%)
10
0
6
10
0
7
10
0
6
10
0
8
10
0
7
Weight And Packability (20%)
10
0
6
10
0
10
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
0
5
Versatility (10%)
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
0
7
10
0
9
10
0
6
Water Resistance (10%)
10
0
6
10
0
7
10
0
8
10
0
5
10
0
7
Totals (%)
10
0
10
10
0
10
10
0
10
10
0
10
10
0
10
Specs Agravic Alpha... Patagonia Houdini... Rab Vital Hoody -... Alpine Start Windrunner Woven
Weight (oz) 5.8 1.2 5 6.7 7.4
Material 100% nylon ripstop 100% nylon ripstop with DWR (durable water repellent) finish Hyperlite and nylon outer Schoeller® stretch-woven nylon with NanoSphere® Technology 100% polyester
Pockets 2 hand 1 chest 2 hand, 1 inner zip and 2 inner open-top 1 chest 2 hand
Hood Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cuffs Elastic Half elastic Half elestic Elastic Elastic
Stuffs Into Pocket Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Safety Reflective Material None Reflective logo on front and back Reflective logo on front and back None None
Fit High-rise fit Slim fit Regular fit Slim fit High-rise fit

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Adidas Agravic Alpha Shield is a full-zip, hooded jacket made of 100% ripstop nylon. It features two zippered hand pockets and weighs 5.8 ounces.

Performance Comparison


With the selective insulation of the Adidas Agravic we were able to stay warm while we planned our routes and cool while we executed the moves.
With the selective insulation of the Adidas Agravic, we were able to stay warm while we planned our routes and cool while we executed the moves.

Wind Resistance


When it comes to wind resistance, the Shield is not the strongest-performing model in our review. In stiff winds, the thin fabric didn't do an outstanding job keeping the breeze out. Better performing thin models include the Patagonia Houdini and Rab Vital Hooded Windshell. However, we feel that the insulation of the Shield is enough to offset some of the detriments of its thinner fabric.

Insulation in key areas of the Adidas Agravic helps to block some extra wind that its thin fabric just isn't quite up to.
Insulation in key areas of the Adidas Agravic helps to block some extra wind that its thin fabric just isn't quite up to.

Breathability


Because of the Adidas' relatively thin fabric, it is a bit more breathable than more wind and water resistant models like the Rab Vital or Arc'teryx Squamish, which are excellent at keeping the wind out but do a pretty unimpressive job of letting perspiration out. Because of the Shield's unique combination of lightweight material, wind blocking benefits, and a bit of added insulation, it was one of our testers' favorite models to take out for a run on a brisk morning.

Thanks to added insulation in targeted areas the Adidas Agravic Shield was a favorite for high-output activities in cold weather.
Thanks to added insulation in targeted areas, the Adidas Agravic Shield was a favorite for high-output activities in cold weather.

Weight and Packability


The Shield is about an average weight for windbreakers in this review, weighing in at 5.8 ounces. Considering the added insulation value you get for this weight, we feel it's a pretty excellent trade-off. The other insulated model we tested, the Columbia Flash Forward is significantly heavier and doesn't come with a way to compact it! If you expect to experience changing weather conditions, we think the extra weight of the Adidas is worth it.

The Shield stuffs into it's own pocket and features a clip loop so you can easily attach it to whatever you're carrying or wearing.
The Shield stuffs into it's own pocket and features a clip loop so you can easily attach it to whatever you're carrying or wearing.

Versatility


The Agravic Shield is one of the more versatile models in our review, due to its unique combination of targetted insulation, breathability, and compactness. This jacket performed well in many different high output activities, from running to mountain biking to climbing. This jacket easily transitions from chilly mornings to windy days.

Our testers liked how easily the Adidas can handle both cool weather and sweaty activities.
Our testers liked how easily the Adidas can handle both cool weather and sweaty activities.

Water Resistance


This windbreaker, unlike many other technical models in this review, lacks a DWR finish and it shows. We noticed that the Shield is quick to become saturated with light precipitation. However, despite this, it (once again) shines thanks to its insulation. Though many of the other jackets lasted a little longer before becoming saturated, the insulation of the Adidas provides a little extra protection against wet conditions. Because of the Polartec padding, we found that once saturated, the Shield keeps us warmer than other, uninsulated models that are equally as saturated.

The Agravic lacks a DWR finish and doesn't handle light precipitation as well as many other jackets in this review that do boast DWR treatment.
The Agravic lacks a DWR finish, and doesn't handle light precipitation as well as many other jackets in this review that do boast DWR treatment.

Best Applications


The Shield is best-suited to take on a wide range of activities in brisk weather when you need both warmth and breathability. For added warmth but reduced breathability, see our Top Pick for a Cold Day, the Columbia Flash Forward.

The Adidas Agravic Shield pairs insulation to keep your core warm with a reasonably wind resistant and relatively breathable outer layer to let off the steam from all your outdoor adventures.
The Adidas Agravic Shield pairs insulation to keep your core warm with a reasonably wind resistant and relatively breathable outer layer to let off the steam from all your outdoor adventures.

Value


At $159, the Shield is one of the most expensive models in this review. However, it combines a unique set of traits with its targeted insulation and a breathable outer layer that just might be the right suite of features for the activities you fill your life with.

Conclusion


The Adidas Shield combines the wind-stopping benefits of nylon ripstop with opportunely placed Polartec padding that provides just the right amount of insulation to keep you warm on chillier days. This piece is a classic do-it-all windbreaker that can protect you on an exposed ridgeline as well as it does when you're getting miles on a trail run or crushing the local single track.

Climb run hike bike or just enjoy the day in this unique windbreaker from Adidas.
Climb, run, hike, bike or just enjoy the day in this unique windbreaker from Adidas.


— Maggie Brandenburg and Shey Kiester