April
05
Tags
ARC’TERYX NORVAN SL HOODY INSULATED: TOP RANGE TRAILRUNNING JACKET. 1000 KM TEST BY HÉCTOR.
ARC’TERYX NORVAN SL HOODY INSULATED: HIGH-END TECHNICAL JACKET. TRY 1000K BY HÉCTOR. Today our TRAIL RUNNING JACKETS section brings us the thorough test of a top range technical jacket for trailrunning, waterproof and thermally insulated, with GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™, 50K/80K technology, to be used in cold and wet conditions.
As a first highlight its wort to mention its ispectacular waterproof and breathable membrane with GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™, 50K/80K technology. We start with analysis by our #patroncarrerasdemontana Héctor, and the conclusions of the test of more than 1000km, running, skiing and cycling at temperatures below zero. 
ARC’TERYX NORVAN SL HOODY INSULATED JACKET .
1000KM TEST BY HÉCTOR
The Arc’teryx Norvan SL Hoody Insulated jacket does not leave anyone indifferent: It is a jacket with thermal insulation top range, with a weight of 270gr, the patronage and brand finishes of the Canadian house, last generation GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™ membrane and a price of 400 euros. ARC’TERYX NORVAL SL INSULATED HOODY DATA SHEET
- Price: 400€
- GORE-TEX® SHAKEDRY, waterproof 50,000mm, breathability: 80,000g/m2/24hr
- Sizes : for women XS, S, M, L; for men S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Weight: 270 g / 9.5 oz for size M mens; 45 g / 8.6 oz for women.
- Interior pocket with transport bag
- Fitted hood with elasticized brim ensures visibility when in use. Hood can be rolled and secured with snap when not in use.
- WaterTight™ front zipper with soft zipper pull.
- Coreloft™ Compact 40 insulation (40 g/m²). Highly crimped, multi-denier siliconized polyester yarn that has undergone a special process which reduces the thickness of the material by 50%, without reducing its insulation value by the same amount. Lightweight, breathable, thermally efficient 100% polyester fibre.
- Activity: Training/Fitness / Running
ARC’TERYX NORVAN SL HOODY INSULATED: 1000 KM TEST. FROM THE SWABIAN FORESTS TO PEAKS IN THE BAVARIAN ALPS
Since last November that the jacket arrived, she has been my faithful companion this winter which has not finished leaving yet. Being a jacket with a high price, I wanted to try it truthfully thoroughly and on various weather conditions, and if anything has had this winter it is Germany that has been: snow, cold, rain and so on. I have used it as my daily running training jacket, from mid-November until 21st March, the day of the last snowfall in Stuttgart. Apart from using it for running, I’ve done cross-country skiing, skimo and mountain biking. Run, we’ve run a lot and at ease. As I said, last weekend, we went out “in the snow” again and its behavior has always been exemplary, however, as long as the temperatures are below 3°C or 4°C.
At what temperatures and conditions have I used the jacket? During the weekday trainings I ran all winter at temperatures between 5°C and -10°C, although, for example, on Christmas Day 2020 we were in the middle of the blizzard at -15°C, in addition to having made some summits in the Bavarian Alps as a second layer skiing. Otherwise, it was my battle jacket this winter. And taking good care of her, she’s still performing great and hasn’t lost her any of her properties.
DAILY RUNNING TRAINING
In my daily running workouts, between 10km and 15 km, on weekdays at medium paces and with temperatures between -8°C and 5°C what I have noticed the most has been the thermal insulation without suffocating, yes, once the temperature rises above 5°C better to pick other options, because this jacket offers too much “heat” for intense efforts. As for breathability and water resistance, as the English name suggests “Shakedry”, once it rains or snows the Goretex membrane performs its function keeping you warm and dry. However, remember to choose your first layer very well.
NORDIC SKIING & SKI MOUNTANEERING
On cross-country skiing, it has behaved exactly like the daily running tests, at high intensity even if the temperature is -10°C you don’t get cold, you feel dry and warm. Although when using it for backcountry skiing it is noticeable that the thermal insulation is designed to run and not to withstand temperatures below -10°C for many hours, although being very compactable it has been erected as the ideal “extra” jacket in case it is colder than expected or for spring ski days, where temperatures are more benevolent. 
So, in all those outputs, I have checked that both the waterproof membrane and its breathability work, and very well: without it, at below-zero temperatures it had always been cold, still carrying 3 layers. Now, with only two layers is enough. Putting it on and feeling well tucked in and at ease, but that the inner sweat does not make us feel cold, it is something that at -8°C is appreciated, yes, the first layer has to be chosen very well, otherwise you will get cold. The only point I would dare say can be improved is the length of the jacket, because on very cold days, extra 2-4 cms on the waist part would come not bad as well as the possibility of adjusting the hood in “mask” mode to the face.
CONCLUSION AFTER 1000KM
Is it worth spending that €400 on such a specific jacket? For me, yes. I’ve been living in Germany for a few years, and this is the first winter I’ve “not been lazy” to go for a run because it got cold. And that’s largely because of the jacket. Within the circumstances of each one, obviously, I understand that disbursement can be very high, although those who live in areas where there are 3 months of continuous temperatures below zero, it is worth the investment.
Has the fabric strength improved? Again it is a YES, but with nuances. Precisely because it is a very special jacket, I would never force its results by carrying the backpack on the outside in a big ultra or similar things. Although, I have to say that I have used it as an outer layer by skiing, carrying a heavy backpack, and it has not suffered any damage, although it must be specified that the brand indicates what it is created for. However, in short 3-4h outputs there has been no resentment and physicalmene there is no visible damage.
IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU READ,
CLICK THIS BUTTON TO SUPPORT US IN PATREON.COM/MAYAYO
Read the article in Spanish HERE
Post by Héctor Rubio for Trailrunningspain
