Details
Brand
Arc’teryx
Model
Norvan Jacket
Use
Racing
Key Features
• Gore Tex design• Venturi-style vents under the arms• Elastic cuffs• Watertight zipper• Internal waterproof pocket• A reflective design on back and arms• Fitted hood• Elasticized waist
Comfort
Designed with your comfort in mind, the soft and willowy nature of this jacket will keep you comfortable in the harshest conditions. The waterproof design works like a charm to keep out moisture no matter how hard it is raining. At first, you will be shocked to see the water still beading after a long run in the rain. The Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket’s slim, athletic fit remain snug to your body so there is no unnecessary and uncomfortable chafing. Despite the absence of a cinch-cord around the waist, the elasticized bottom hem does its job and prevents the jacket from riding up on your torso. It’s incredibly lightweight at only 7.5 ounces so, at times, you may not even remember that you’re wearing a jacket. Unfortunately, the fitted hood can be hit or miss. For most people, the hood will fit like a glove, but for some others, they find that the one-size-fits-all hood can be a bit loose and therefore, uncomfortable on particularly windy days.
Size
The jacket runs true to size and provides a slim-fit that adheres to the contours of your body. It remains snug to your body without becoming restricting or cumbersome. This allows it to remain comfortable on those longer runs. There is room for a thin base layer underneath, but if you are planning on layering underneath this jacket you may want to buy a size larger than normal.
Accessories
The Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket doesn’t come with any accessories, but it does have a laminate media pocket. Unfortunately, this pocket is rather small and won’t fit every smartphone on the market. For iPhone users, anything larger than an iPhone 6 may be difficult to fit inside the media pocket. The pocket fits valuables like a wallet or keys with ease, but for many runners looking to enjoy music while they run, this pocket seems to miss the mark.
Use
This jacket is perfect for trail running, mountain training, or hiking. Its ultra-lightweight design is perfect for those long runs on wet and windy days. Its reflective design on the back and arms give the runner a measure of safety and peace of mind. It is compact and packable that makes this jacket necessary for long hiking and camping trips. Its slim fit isn’t necessarily designed for layering, but if you are planning to use this on extremely cold days you can order up a size and that should be enough room to fit multiple layers comfortably beneath the jacket.
Style
For men, this jacket is available in four sleek looks. Adriatic Blue, Black, Carbon Copy, and Magma shades give you a solid range of options that should suit anyone’s taste. Unfortunately, the color options are more limited for women due to limited stock. Reflective designs on the back and arms are crucial for increasing your visibility and ensuring safety.
Durability
After weeks of use and numerous runs through the laundry cycle, the Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket stands up as well as it does on the day you purchase it. The waterproof design really works and there’s no need to run this jacket through the dryer every time you get home from a run where it’s raining cats and dogs. Usually, a quick ten minutes with the jacket hung up inside out will be enough to dry it out sufficiently. You’ll be able to avoid putting this jacket through the wringer every time you use it.
Breathability
This jacket employs N20p 3-layer Gore-Tex fabric with Gore C-Knit technology that allows for exceptional breathability while remaining comfortably light. Venturi vents allow for added air circulation that does a fantastic job of allowing your body to breathe while keeping moisture out. Whether it’s a nice warm day in the high 60s or a chilly day in the high 30s to 40s, the Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket is designed to allow the proper airflow and ventilation you need to stay comfortable.
Price
You get what you pay for. Arc’teryx is usually on the higher end of the price scale and the Norvan Jacket is no exception. Despite its higher price, its durability and versatility will more than make up for it in the long run.
Bottom Line
The Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket is one of the top jackets on the market for trail running, mountain training, or running in inclement weather in general. The Gore-Tex design does about as good a job at keeping rain out while wicking away moisture from the inside as any product on the market. While it is on the more expensive end of the market, you are ultimately getting what you pay for and the durability of this jacket will allow it to stand the test of time. Runners looking for an option on those days where you just don’t want to go out in the rain should look no further. The Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket can make even the most unpleasant days a great day to go for a long run. This jacket is a fantastic option for the runner that refuses to take any days off.
