Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan

8.6
8.6 score
(Gearweare.net) score (8.6)/10

Our Gearweare.net score is based on 3 different factors: Editor's rating after in-depth testing. User ratings submitted on this page Overall score from the "reviewmeter" based on reviews across the web the weight of each factor is: 40% editor rating 15% user ratings 45% reviewmeter.
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Editor rating: 8.0 / 10
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Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan Review Facts

When the weather begins to show signs of a chill in the air, most of us know the time has come to find a great jacket to keep us warm on those cool mornings but doesn’t overpower us through the mild days. A jacket that can be used under a thicker, warmer, shell or on its own when you want to make a great impression is the Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan. This fleece provides wearers a great amount of warmth while still looking and fitting great. This technical fleece uses clean lines and the relaxed fit people are looking for along with the classic look of wool to give those who buy it the look and feel they are hoping for. Using the Arc’teryx engineered Alpenex heathered fleece, the Covert Cardigan is a technical jacket that looks and feels like wool. Those who’ve purchased this jacket love the way it feels when they wear it and the versatility this mountain-inspired cardigan provides. In this review, we will discuss both the good and the bad of the Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan in hopes of helping you determine whether this jacket is the one you want to purchase for your cool weather activities.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Warmth
  • Versatility
  • Comfort
Cons
  • Lack of Features
  • Wind and weather resistance isn’t impressive
See How
Reviews were analyzed here:
We read, analyze and sort reviews into positive & negative categories to give you the complete picture.
What are buyers saying?

We have spent 3 hours analyzing a total of 231 reviews.

These reviews are then categoried into "Positive" and "Negative" feedback.

Below you will read a summary of them:

Positive
  • This cardigan is recommended by most buyers as a great versatile fleece that can be worn as an outer on cool days and a mid layer on cold days.
  • The cut is a nice blend of athletically trim and relaxed fit.
  • The quality design looks good for outdoor activities as well as going out in the city.
  • The materials are high quality, soft, and comfortable.
  • Worn alone, this works well for crisp spring and fall weather as well as cool indoor settings.
  • The craftsmanship is impressive.
  • It is decently warm without being bulky or heavy.
  • The materials and construction are durable.
  • The cut is comfortable and doesn't restrict movement.
  • Many buyers agree that this cardigan is worth its price.
  • The logo is discreet.
  • The quick-drying material performs well.
  • The neck height is comfortable and warm.
  • It has a great balance of function and style.
  • Some buyers who have tried fleeces from other performance brands say this one has the best quality.
Negative
  • Most complaints focus on the changes Arc'teryx has made from earlier versions of the Covert Cardigan.
  • The material is slightly different than previous versions. Some buyers note that it catches more easily on long-sleeved under layers.
  • The cut has also been slightly changed. While some buyers like the current fit, a few say the old fit was more comfortable.
  • There are mixed reviews on the sleeve length.
  • Limited colors are available internationally.
  • Some buyers find that the sizing is a little inconsistent with other Arc'teryx clothing.
  • Although rare, there are a few reports of some pilling over time.
  • The arm pocket could be made a little bigger for easier use.
  • Not all colors are available in all sizes.
  • This cardigan is not as packable as some other options on the market.
Reviewmeter
The Reviewmeter shows you an overall score that you can easily refer to. The highest rating is 10 (100% positive feedback)
Of the 231 reviews we found in total, 10% were negative, and 90% were positive.
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Warmth

When choosing the right jacket, warmth is one of the first things you must consider. The Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan offers the warmth one would expect from an everyday fleece. The heathered fleece Arc’teryx has designed known as Alpenex provides this jacket with the warmth one would expect from a lightweight jacket for everyday use. It is important to keep in mind that the Covert Cardigan isn’t designed for those areas where brutal winter temperatures may take hold. For those who live in areas like these, using this jacket as a layer underneath a warmer shell is their best option for staying warm and toasty no matter what activities you find yourself taking part in. If you are a lover of staying warm while hiking or backpacking in mild temperatures, this jacket is great by itself and will offer you the protection you are looking for.

Comfort

Is there anything more comfortable than snuggling up in a warm fleece on a cool evening? If you are among those who believe the answer to this question is no, then the Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan is the jacket you’ve been looking for. The Covert Cardigan offers a relaxed fit and a sleek design. The breathable, flatlock materials used in the design of this jacket offers those who wear it great next to skin comfort. This makes this jacket an ideal purchase for those who want to stay warm while out and about on a mountain trek or taking a stroll through town on a cool fall evening.

Weight

A technical fleece that feels like wool would be expected to weigh quite a bit. That isn’t the case with the Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan. Yes, this fleece provides those who wear it with great warmth, but it does so without adding extra weight for users to carry around. Many people who have purchased this jacket rave about the lightweight feel and the ease in which they can layer it with another shell for added protection in colder weather. If you are in the market for a fleece that doesn’t weigh you down while taking part in activities such as hiking or backpacking on cooler days, the Covert Cardigan is a great option for you to consider.

Breathability

Another advantage of the Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan is the materials it is constructed from. These materials are quite breathable. This means, when you are being active, issues like perspiration and built-in heat will not be an issue. This jacket breathes on its own, helping you shed this moisture when needed. If you are on a climb, hike, or even biking expedition and find yourself getting a bit overheated, the Covert Cardigan will aid you in this situation and help shed the excess. It is important, however, to keep in mind that the Covert Cardigan isn’t the most breathable jacket on the market, but it should rank up at the top when it comes time to make a decision on which one you wish to purchase.

Flexibility

Being a lightweight fleece means the Covert Cardigan has the ability to easily move with you when you are taking part in the things you enjoy. Active people will love this feature. Whether you are on a hike or a climb, having a lightweight jacket that not only keeps you warm on cool days and nights but moves freely while you are reaching or bending offers quite the advantage to adventure seekers. This means whether you are an outdoors enthusiast or wearing the Covert Cardigan out for a night of dancing, you’ll find yourself covered.

Durability

The Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan may not be a go-to jacket when it comes to strenuous outdoor activities, but reviewers have stated that it will hold up great to the test of time. This is thanks in part to the design provided by Arc’teryx. As a company many have come to trust, Arc’teryx ensures the design and construction of their products is of the best quality possible. This is why many reviewers have claimed their Covert Cardigan has stood up to continued use for years at a time.

Protection

One area in which the Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan may be slightly lacking is the protection it provides. As a fleece jacket, the Covert isn’t exactly what you would consider weather resistant. Yes, if you are in the rain, this jacket will get wet if you are caught out in heavy rain or snow. Luckily, when it comes to light rains or mists, the Covert Cardigan is able to shed a bit of moisture and help keep you dry. When your jacket does get wet, it is quick to dry which will allow you the opportunity to get back to your normal activities quickly.

Size

When it comes to finding the proper size, many reviewers suggest going up one when choosing your Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan. This is due to the streamlined fit this jacket is designed to offer. If you like a jacket that fits snuggly, then choosing your normal size is an option but if you want to take full benefit of the mobility the Covert Cardigan provides, taking the advice of those who’ve already made their purchase may be your best bet.

Another benefit of the sleek design and great fit of the Covert Cardigan is its ability to be layered when needed. The Covert is designed for light winter days and cool fall evenings. When worse weather becomes an issue, you may find yourself in need of an added outer shell to keep you warmer on those days when you want to take part in your normal hikes and climbs in arctic temperatures.

Style

Possibly the biggest draw people have to the Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan is its style and design. This jacket looks great whether you are out on your next adventure or wearing it as a casual jacket for a get-together or party. Many reviewers have admitted to buying this streamlined fleece jacket on looks alone and found themselves loving the bonus warmth and comfort it provided. If you want to look great while doing whatever it is you, love, this jacket is a great addition to your winter wardrobe.

Color

Beyond the amazing style of the Covert Cardigan, Arc’teryx also provides customers with several options when it comes to colors. No matter where you plan on wearing your Covert Cardigan, you’ll find a color that suits your needs and shows your true fashion sense. The available colors are Black Heather, Pilot, Caribou, Kingfisher, and Hecate Blue. With these options, you’ll find yourself looking great while facing the mountain or a blind date.

Versatility

One of the things Arc’teryx pushes when marketing the Covert Cardigan is its versatility. This jacket can be used on mild winter days for several different activities. If you are a fan of hiking, this jacket will keep you warm against the cool morning air. If you are a climber, you’ll find this jacket moves easily with you while you take on your next challenge. Backpackers can even rest assured this lightweight jacket will not cause issues with the weight you are carrying along with your pack. If you simply want to purchase the Covert Cardigan because you like the style and want to look fashionable while at work or out and about in town, that is also an option, showing just how versatile this jacket can be.

Wind Protection

The Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan is good at standing up to a cool wind. The thick fleece offers warm protection, but the lack of a hood and high collar does allow a person to be a bit vulnerable in this area. When added protection is needed, as stated above, an additional layer can be added to ensure maximum protection against the elements.

Terrain

Thanks to the versatility of this fleece jacket, the Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan can be used in quite a few different terrains. It is important, however, to keep in mind that it is not intended to be a stand-alone jacket in severely cold temperatures. If your love of all this arctic takes you into areas where the wind and cold drop quite a bit, adding an additional layer over your Covert Cardigan is quite easy and may make for an easier adventure.

Features

The Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan isn’t loaded down when it comes to features. This allows it the sleek design many people find themselves loving. The features the Covert Cardigan does provide are quite functional and designed to offer the wearer more comfort and control. Below we will discuss these features and give you a look at both the pros and cons of each.

The first feature is the no-lift gusseted underarms. This feature allows those who wear the Covert Cardigan easy movement without the worry of the long-hemmed sleeves sliding back and allowing air to slip inside.

When it comes to zippers and pockets, the Covert Cardigan offers only the simplest design. This jacket features a full, front zipper and two hand pockets with a laminated zipper. This lamination makes the zippers easy to operate. On the sleeve, you will also find another pocket with a laminate zipper used for storing items or gear you may need later. Some reviewers did feel that inner pockets would be beneficial to the Covert Cardigan but in most cases, it wasn’t considered a deal breaker.

Price

The Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan is a decently priced fleece jacket in comparison to some of the other available on the market. With the versatility this cardigan offers, it is easy to consider it a value. You can wear it for fun, cold weather activities or around town and to the office when needed. This all-around jacket is good for an everyday style and will leave you feeling fashionable, comfortable, and warm no matter the situation.

Best Applications

There are quite a few places where you’ll find yourself using the Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan. As stated above, this stylish jacket is great as a single layer fleece to wear around town. For those who are looking for a jacket that offers mobility and warmth for activities such as skiing or hiking, you’ll also find this jacket applies to those situations as well. When cold weather becomes your enemy, you can also layer this jacket to help you retain more heat and face the elements when needed.

The Bottom Line

When talking about the Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan, one must think about versatility. Although this jacket doesn’t offer the best in weather and wind protection, it does offer warmth on mild winter days and comfort thanks to its design and breathability. If you are in the market for a stylish, yet versatile jacket that works great for the office and for the mountain, the Covert Cardigan may be the one you’ve been hoping to find.