Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Norvan SL Hoodie

This jacket performs like no other, for it's intended use. It is lighter and more breathable than you might have ever imagined a Gore-Tex jacket being. The permanent beading surface doesn't use a DWR coating, therefore is always there and always reliable, but also won't wet out, and is always comfortable. Even if you are pushing hard during a run and do sweat in the jacket, it's not uncomfortable like traditional Gore jackets would be. The jacket does a great job of letting it escape. You can use this in warmer temps than what you normally expect of a Gore jacket. The only downside to this jacket is that it really is something that needs to be used for what it's designed for. It's designed for fast and light running. For those looking for a breathable jacket for hiking and those things, I would look elsewhere. Without the outer face fabric, I don't think this will hold up to the normal abuse that typical "general use" shells recieve. But when using it for running, it's pretty amazing. So amazing, that I've left it on during a run, after the rain had stopped, and been completely comfortable.

This is my go-to shell for trail running in rainy conditions. It totally stops the wind and is shockingly protective. I'm still not convinced it's ever leaked at all - it's more likely I'm just sweating a bit underneath. In addition to using it in the valley on rainy days, I also use it as my ultralight emergency shell for alpine missions. If you're doing a race that has mandatory kit requirements for shell jackets, the Norvan SL is light enough but also actually provides a good level of protection and warmth so you're not just stuck somewhere with a wet windbreaker. It's a key piece of my run system that I use very regularly. Hood fits nicely but not over a helmet. My only complaint to justify taking off a star - I wish it had the little chest button to allow it to run unzipped that the Incendo Hoody has.

I have had this jacket for about a month. Have taken it for some really wet runs in Vancouver. The zipper issue is still an issue for really wet runs. That said, I love running in this jacket. I've gone for 5K runs in the rain, sunny 8C days, colder 3C days and I've been able to keep comfortable in all of those conditions. I think the water is coming in from the top of the zipper and making its way down from there as my last run was on an extremely wet and windy day with huge rain. Had about a 4inch line on my chest from the top. Even on the warmer day, my instincts told me to take the jacket off because I was going to overheat but it didn't happen. This thing breathes insanely well. Size is great for me.

Currently using this shell on the AZT in a snowstorm. I love the shake dry material. Super light, super waterproof, did I mention that it is light? Note that it runs a little small so if you intend to layer go up a size. I returned the large for an extra large. The shell could be better though. It needs a breast pocket with a reversible zipper so it can be used as a stuff pocket. But it is light.

Pleased with the warmth, although it did get a bit wet inside and the fit is a bit snug (jacket tends to bunch up when zipped), but look and design is great. no hand pockets is a minus, but the inner chest pocket is a decent size. can't wait to test it on a real downpour.

Bought last monte. Good quality, light and perfect against rain and wind

Trs satisfait du fit et de la lgert. Tout est bien tanche au niveau matriel mais.... la fermeture clair n'est pas tanche et ce bug est trs surprenant pour le prix demand et a ce a quoi sert cette veste!!

Im now in my 3rd Norvan SL, absolutely love this jacket and it tried other jackets too but keep coming back to this one. Like a lot of the reviews say - expect this jacket to do what it is designed for very well, don't expect it to be an all rounder. It's for fast & light running, it's not going to keep you warm on a hike in minus temperatures. For me there is literally one flaw that really bothers me with this jacket - the hood. It's fit is too wide, it catches far too much wind so as soon as the weather is bad it becomes almost unusable as the wind pushes it to the back of your head. I know the fabric doesn't allow for too much adjustment to be added but I'm amazed that a better designed hood couldn't still be added. Be even with that flaw for me it's the best running jacket out there.

First things first this jacket is for it's intended use. A light weight trail running jack that can be packed small making it easy to always have with you on those questionable days. Whether it's a rainy day or just a cool start to a rather long day running. This jacket has you covered. I have had the opportunity to us this in many different conditions from very wet to cool windy day where you need something to just remove the chill. It works fantastic. Even on those cold race mornings where you need to start shed layers as the day warms up, I found the jacket breaths so well that on occasions I just left it on with out the fear of having that wet plastic bag feeling from the lack of breathability. Given it's pack light ability I have taken this on 50k races as a just in case at the bottom of my vest, it's that light! I know this jacket sounds to good to be true, but There are a couple changes I would make. fist is lose the stuff sack and add a pocket. I understand the reasoning to keep this as light as possible and this is jacket to be carried with you for the event of weather so the need of pockets is not that relevant, but I find I travel with the stuff sack anyways and have misplaced it on occasion. Plus the days you start with the jacket the pocket can be used for a gel or nutrition on those shorter runs. the second is the zipper can leak or let wind in. I have had days where it's so wet that even if the zipper didn't leak you where getting wet, but the jacket still preformed by keeping out the chill. I think adding a gusset similar to all the other jacks would solve this. If I had these two items I would not be able to find anything wrong with this jacket!

Great fit (trim for sure), long sleeves, long in the back, but I find it too short in the front (similar to a road biking rain jacket), which I dont find necessary for running because you are not perched over (like when riding). I am 6'3", 160lbs, and bought a M. Tried the L and I was swimming in it (the sleeves were too long in the L).

Great fit (trim for sure), long sleeves, long in the back, but I find it too short in the front (similar to a road biking rain jacket), which I dont find necessary for running because you are not perched over (like when riding). I am 6'3", 160lbs, and bought a M. Tried the L and I was swimming in it (the sleeves were too long in the L).

Light and fast. Super breathable. The shake dry works like advertised. Not something to wear in trees or with a pack since straps will damage it. For light and fast rain running it's a sweet piece. I'm 6,2", 220 lbs. generally wear either L or XL and I'm XL in this piece.

Light and fast. Super breathable. The shake dry works like advertised. Not something to wear in trees or with a pack since straps will damage it. For light and fast rain running it's a sweet piece. I'm 6,2", 220 lbs. generally wear either L or XL and I'm XL in this piece.

great jacket overall, I just wish they don't include the reflector strip in the future version, just 2 months, the strip just peel off by itself! such a minimal and well design jacket with that small annoying flaw, now I have to wait 3 months to get my replacement.

Bought this as a travel essential as rain gear. So glad I did. Packs tight, fits snug, and it's as though you have nothing in your bag, yet a vital piece when it's wet out Only complaint is the size difference between a L and an XL. Quite the jump. A large fits tight, just be warned. Amazing feel, slick and skin like. Feels great and looks great. Could use a picket or two, and a loop for easy hanging. Love this jacket overall. I'm the envy of the tour group.

Bought this as a travel essential as rain gear. So glad I did. Packs tight, fits snug, and it's as though you have nothing in your bag, yet a vital piece when it's wet out Only complaint is the size difference between a L and an XL. Quite the jump. A large fits tight, just be warned. Amazing feel, slick and skin like. Feels great and looks great. Could use a picket or two, and a loop for easy hanging. Love this jacket overall. I'm the envy of the tour group.

The other day the temp was about 50F and I went running in shorts and a long-sleeve. It was the darndest thing. It wasn't raining, yet I was wet when I was done! Here's my point: if you are running with a jacket on, you are not going to be more dry than you are when you don't wear a jacket, no matter what. You sweat, and the sweat won't evaporate more when you have a jacket on than when you don't. So I get it that some find the zipper leaky--that hasn't been my experience. The real question when running in wet or cold is whether your temperature is well-regulated. I've run in windy, subzero weather and I'm soaked with sweat at the end. But if I dress right, I don't feel either too warm or too cold despite being wet from sweat. Those on here complaining about being wet, I don't see that you have a legit complaint. If you find that your temperature isn't well-regulated, then that's serious, but it hasn't been my experience. For me, this has been great, a super light piece that works well in windy conditions. I wish I could open and close the waist with an elastic, but this company at times is too focused on minimalism at the expense of function.

Just bought the Norvan SL, got home, then dug into the reviews. Backwards, I know, but I'm a sucker for Arc'teryx gear. I saw the reviews saying it was not waterproof (that it leaked via the zipper) and started to get nervous. So, I threw it on and jumped in the shower. And...no leaks! Now, I didn't stay in there for an hour, but I did let the shower head blast the zipper. Not a drop inside. YMMV, but I feel a lot better. I do wish it had a self-storage pocket on the jacket, though. Having to carry or remember to attach the tiny (and it is tiny, which is a plus) storage bag is less than ideal. If I find that my experience in actual rain leads to a different result, I'll come back and post again.

Just bought the Norvan SL, got home, then dug into the reviews. Backwards, I know, but I'm a sucker for Arc'teryx gear. I saw the reviews saying it was not waterproof (that it leaked via the zipper) and started to get nervous. So, I threw it on and jumped in the shower. And...no leaks! Now, I didn't stay in there for an hour, but I did let the shower head blast the zipper. Not a drop inside. YMMV, but I feel a lot better. I do wish it had a self-storage pocket on the jacket, though. Having to carry or remember to attach the tiny (and it is tiny, which is a plus) storage bag is less than ideal. If I find that my experience in actual rain leads to a different result, I'll come back and post again.

Totally waterproof (minus the front zipper) and yet still ultralight, cool, and fairly breathable; something of a materials marvel. It's not tough enough to run through a bramble, but I've packed and unpacked it frequently into its tiny sack, and, although it starts off completely wrinkled, it smooths out quickly and hasn't shown any obvious signs of degradation from normal wear. At 6'2" and 170#, I'm a medium tall and wear a 40L suit. I fluctuate between a medium and large across Arcteryx products. For this piece, a large fits perfectly- good center back length, broad enough through the shoulders, long sleeves, and yet trim through the body.

Totally waterproof (minus the front zipper) and yet still ultralight, cool, and fairly breathable; something of a materials marvel. It's not tough enough to run through a bramble, but I've packed and unpacked it frequently into its tiny sack, and, although it starts off completely wrinkled, it smooths out quickly and hasn't shown any obvious signs of degradation from normal wear. At 6'2" and 170#, I'm a medium tall and wear a 40L suit. I fluctuate between a medium and large across Arcteryx products. For this piece, a large fits perfectly- good center back length, broad enough through the shoulders, long sleeves, and yet trim through the body.

I ordered this jacket as I'd read about Gore's new Active Shell fabric. It arrived as the UK was enjoying a long dry spell which whilst I didn't want that to end I was excited for it to rain so I could wear the Norvan SL. As this is the UK I didn't have to wait that long and the jacket certainly didn't disappoint. The first thing you notice is the incredible beading, rain just bounces off the fabric! However, it's the weight and breathability which really impresses, I wore the jacket in 15c with a lightweight base and didn't overheat. The fabric is relatively quiet when running and feels ok against the skin. I'll be interested to see how durable it proves, especially if I use a pack. The only disappointment is the hood adjustment. As I run on the high fells it's generally windy and I want the hood to stay in place and feel secure around my head. This just doesn't do that at all which is disappointing for an otherwise incredible product.

This is a terrific jacket, but the hood doesn't cinch down tight, which enables cold wind to blow into the jacket from the hood. The cinch cord on the back of the hood needs to be retooled to allow the user to completely close the hood around the face tight to prevent wind from circulating within the jacket.

I've had this jacket for about a year. I like it just wished it had a chest pocket. The added weight it would bring wouldn't be much. And the hood needs tightening cords. It falls off head in about five steps . You can only walk with hood on. But it works great for golfing in the rain. Please add chest pocket and fix hood this would be a great running jacket

Bought this jacket back into Jan 2020 and used it on my ultra trail running and some rainy days training, works great but over some times the sleeves reflective elements starts to peeling off which frust me out. Hoping Arc'teryx could improve the material which use on the sleeve reflective . Overall is a great lightweight waterproof jacket in my arsenal.