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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
