Description of Arc'teryx Handler Hooded Jacket - Women's:
Mountain-town women need lifestyle clothing that will step up when the weather turns sour. The Arc'teryx Women's Handler Fleece Hoody has casual appeal, feminine cut, and technical assets. Arc'teryx designed this Polartec fleece with a close fit and a corduroy finish that look great around town. But when a walk home from the post office turns into a arctic trek, you'll appreciate the exceptional warmth, lightweight, and quick-drying properties this fleece offers. Articulated elbows and no-lift gusseted underarms increase your range of movement, making everything from dog-walking to ice-climbing more comfortable.
Bottom Line: Unassuming looks. Teched-out fit and fleece performance.
I wear medium in most every outdoor brand, very solid medium. I got this in a medium and was satisfied on the fit being a true medium. It is a athletic medium fit...so know that when picking your size. this is very warm, or cool...depending on what you use it for. When I first got it I thought it was a bit thin. but I wore it and was surprised at how warm it kept me. I have used it to layer under shells and down coats and it helps keep me warm, but helps my skin breath so I do not get all sweaty underneath the layers. Like I said it breaths really well and again very warm for how lightweight it is. I have this in Jade color and it is not as blue as it shows it is a very green color. a pretty green but it is green still. The pockets are nice and I like that they zip up so you don't loose things out of it. very good quality, very satisfied with my purchase. looking forward to some great spring cool weather hiking in it and not needing to take and put on layers as I get warm and cold.
I alternate btn a small and xs for arcteryx stuff. I got the small in this and it is a little loose, but still attractive and totally comfortable. This hoody is long enough and truly hits at hip. Note that im only 5'3" though. I dont wear it as a jacket, more like a regular hoodie because im always cold. The jade color is more like a sea foam green. I wasnt sure about it at first, but I do like it a lot now.
The fleece is extremely comfortable and it hugs you're form well. It is thick enough to keep out light rain, but its weaving makes it breathable so its not overwhelmingly hot. If you're getting the canary color as I did though, be aware that it is a much more saturated yellow than in the picture. Overall, a great little mild weather jacket.
