Evaluation of Arc'teryx Norvan Outdoor Jacket
The Arc'teryx Norvan Jacket is an ultralight, minimalist hardshell designed for high-output activities in wet weather. With its 3-layer Gore-Tex construction, the Norvan offers above-average breathability and impressive protection from water and wind, all while weighing just 7.6 ounces.
The Norvan jacket is not a standard hardshell meant for backpacking, skiing, or wearing around town. Instead, it is designed for active pursuits, featuring a slim fit and minimal layers for mobility during activity. The hood of the Norvan jacket is elasticized and offers nice coverage, with a small brim that deflects rain from dripping down into the face. Unique "Venturi-style" vents open and close with arm movement for airflow, replacing traditional zippers.
One of the standout features of the Norvan jacket is its compact size. It compresses down to the size of a .5-liter water bottle and doesn't come with a stuff sack, but it does tuck nicely into its hood. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritise lightweight, packable gear.
The Norvan jacket is made of a thin 20-denier fabric that isn't intended to be worn with a loaded pack, but it has shown no signs of wear after testing with a 42-liter, 30-pound pack. However, the thin materials are more prone to tearing compared to the standard Norvan.
While the Norvan jacket lacks hand pockets and a fully-featured hood with more adjustability, it does have an internal zippered pocket at the chest and a small hole at the top for headphones to poke through. The women's-specific model of the Norvan has a slightly lower weight (6.9 ounces) and different colorways.
Arc'teryx also makes the Norvan SL, which weighs considerably less (4.2 ounces) and uses Gore-Tex with Shakedry construction. The Norvan SL is over 3 ounces lighter than the Norvan but is much closer to a rain jacket and doesn't provide the same performance or features as the standard Norvan.
The Patagonia M10 Anorak, despite being more of a dedicated climbing piece, has a 3-layer, H2No construction that offers solid performance overall, although not quite like Gore-Tex. The Arc'teryx Norvan jacket, on the other hand, provides impressive protection from water and wind, despite its ultralight weight.
One downside of the Norvan jacket is that the hood has trouble staying in place on the head unless the front zipper is fully closed. Additionally, the soft C-Knit backer has been rumored to be prone to snagging and staining, but the reviewer has not experienced any issues with it thus far.
In conclusion, the Arc'teryx Norvan Jacket is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritise lightweight, packable gear for high-output activities in wet weather. With its impressive protection from water and wind, above-average breathability, and compact size, the Norvan jacket is a reliable choice for those seeking an ultralight hardshell.
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