Review: Arc’teryx Incendo Hoody

Arc’teryx, originally a rock climbing company based out of Vancouver, is one of the worldwide leaders in outdoor sporting wear and they haven’t left any reason to turn you back to them with their Incendo Hoody.

The jacket is a competitor to other minimalist, feather light, breathable running pieces and it does the job well. This is the lightest jacket we’ve ever tested and it’s surprisingly breathable, given how water resistant it is, but it’s not completely waterproof.

A fabric doesn’t yet exist that is as breathable as the Incendo Hoody and still completely waterproof, so for now consumers need to decide which option they’re looking for in a light jacket. Still, this jacket is an awesome option for spring. It is breathable enough for when the weather gets warmer and can be worn in pretty well any spring weather without getting too hot or wet. It will still keep you dry in light rain and you won’t overheat inside the jacket. It hits a tough balance between the two, leaning slightly further in favour of breathability.

Still, even if the jacket gets completely soaked through, which it can in heavy rainfall, it’s light enough that — so long as you’re fine being a bit wet — it’s not that bad. Just don’t keep electronics in the pocket if the forecast calls for downpour. The vented pits on the jacket also help keep you cool.

The hood on the jacket is actually effective, which is a downside some jackets suffer from when being run in. Using a jacket designed for multiple purposes means the hood is likely large, clunky and probably won’t fit snug to your head. The Incendo doesn’t have this issue, as it’s been designed with running in mind, so it will actually stay wrapped around your head and keep you dry.

Also, being a climbing company, Arc’teryx has always made clothing with good mobility around the shoulders and in moving into the running market they have kept that strong point.

The whole piece also folds up into its own single pocket, making for a great piece on long hauls and trips.

With all the great things about this jacket, we have a single minor concern. The zipper is very tiny, making the jacket tough to take on and off while running. This is a small issue, but being able to strip off a piece like this on the fly is a nice bonus.

The jacket has a suggested retail value of $150.