Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Norvan Insulated Vest

Vests seem to generate controversy, but I love the versatility and light weight offered by a good vest. This one is barely there - packs down smaller than a fist, with a neat little loop for clipping onto a harness. When on, it blocks a bit of wind, moves well, and provides just a touch of extra warmth. I have found it to be effective used with a breathable base layer, and a nice wind shell over it doubles the warmth by locking in the heat and preventing wind incursion. If you aren't focused on moving light and fast, this piece might not do much for you, and you might be better served with an Atom Vest or something that offers a bit of real warmth. For me, this added layer on alpine climbs, trail running in the high country, and spring skiing is fantastic. Just be mindful of the durability - the light weight comes at a durability cost, and this will tear if you scrape it too hard on a rock face, typical of a niche piece like this. Also note that the fit is streamlined and features no pockets for maximum function in intended use - moving fast!

The Arc'teryx Norvan Insulated Vest is one of those rare pieces of running gear that just gets everything right. It's extremely lightweight, yet it offers remarkable protection against wind and cold without ever feeling bulky or restrictive. It's undeniably expensive, but the Norvan Insulated Vest delivers what you pay for, exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio, premium comfort, reliability that make it a top choice for serious runners.

Just enough warmth to make a difference when conditions start to get chilly, and packs down small enough to justify bringing with when I'm unsure about conditions. Also makes for a great winter running midlayer, and the breathable back keeps things from getting too sweaty.

I use this vest for all my runs and all 4 seasons. The fact it is sooo packable makes this the best on the market and so comfortable. I don't even notice it while I'm wearing its so comfortable. The chest insulation gives the warmth for all mornings every month of the year.

Layering for running in the spring, can be tricky, too cold to start with and to warm in the end, but this vest really solves all my layering issues. I sometime were it on its own with a t-shirt underneath other times as layering under a wind shell.

Best insulation piece for running. Perfectly placed insulation, extremely light. Good against wind. Downside: if you run cold, this doesn't offer strong insulation! Also the back pocket is kind of useless as it's not secure.

Loving it so far. Bought this for cold winter runs, has been brilliant so far. Some people were reviewing it negatively as it wasn't good for bikes rides... yeah go figure, it's a running top. Only wish I'd grabbed one sooner to fight off the chills!

My review title says it allthis vest is incredible. I log 20+ miles weekly and in winter and shoulder seasons I need that touch of warmth without feeling too bulky. This is the industry's best I've found. It layers perfectly in deep winter and is a great combo with a long sleeve or base layer in Fall/Spring. Highly recommend!

This is my go to running vest. But we need brighter colors for visibility.

I thought it would have more insulated areas. That said fits well, appears to be well-made and surprisingly warm enough for what I'm experiencing weatherwise right now.

The vest fits well, BUT what they charge for something like this is a bit much. I would not buy this again.

The Norvan Insulated Vest can be used to all sorts of activitis. After I got the vest I have used it when I ski in the mountains in Nothern Norway. It's lightweight, give extra warm, under Gore-Tex jacked. I'll also use this when running and hiking in the mountains. Should have been pockets in the front of the vest.

One of the coolest products in the line, but the storage pocket makes wearing it with a backpack very uncomfortable and it makes the jacket significantly less versatile. If this were on the chest, it would be so much better

My review title says it allthis vest is incredible. I log 20+ miles weekly and in winter and shoulder seasons I need that touch of warmth without feeling too bulky. This is the industrys best Ive found. It layers perfectly in deep winter and is a great combo with a long sleeve or base layer in Fall/Spring. Highly recommend!

I really like this running vest. Its perfect. Love the weight and light insulation on the chest. The back panel is perfect for dumping excess heat.The pockets in the back are a little loose for my taste.

Purchased for road cycling. Vest fits nice and looks good but does not provide enough wind protection. My old uninsulated, mesh back Castelli wind vest works better. I assume the lack of wind protection is probably what makes the Norvan more breathable? I wanted something that would provide a bit of warmth with minimal insulation and was easy to carry but the intrusion of wind through the fabric offsets the benefits I was hoping to get. I guess it is only meant for running? But even if that is so, at such a high price the product should be fully feature packed.

Terrible item. Stains if you look at it. Wore it once and it somehow marked. Wipe if with water and the stain got bigger. Stuck it in the wash and the stain did come out, but gained about 3 others. Top also looks about 5 years old now . Joke ! Guess it was only cheap... 150 cheap !!! You don't get what you pay for in this case. Doesn't even deserve 1 star. I'd avoid this one !!