Just some quick impressions of the Kyanite AR Tech Wool Hoody, from my visit to Arcteryx Soho NYC. Fit: Wonderful. It's a slim-ish regular in my usual size large, with great patterning and articulation. The hood and collar are divine and even superior to the revised Powerstretch Pro Kyanite AR. The zipper is buttery smooth and the collar comes up to nice and high to envelope the chin. There's two patches of extra soft fabric to provide extra comfort around the chin and cheeks, and provide some protection and wicking for sweat and face skin oil. Feel: It's so plush and svelte against the skin. The next to skin comfort is fantastic. It feels more natural than the somewhat spongy nature of the regular Kyanite AR Coverage: The hem length is long enough for technical usage, ending and the top of the fly. Raising your arms and moving around does not expose the waist or wrist. The sleeves are nice and long Flaws: One major glaring omission rather than straight flaw is the lack of thumb loops, which would be a huge win on this type of jacket. Build quality: It's impossible to know how this type of jacket will hold up over time, but the stitching and seams are top notch, and the embroidery for the logo on the sleeve and hood is first rate. There wasn't a single rogue strand or thread to be seen anywhere. The biggest competitor to the Kyanite AR Tech Wool is probably the Norrona Falketind Warmwool2. Between the two the Norrona has thumb loops, a slightly denser face fabric feel, and better sealing hem and cuffs. The Arcteryx has a much better hood and collar, and overall fit. The Norrona has better technical colors for outerwear use. Written quickly: Forgive typos and grammatical errors. More on reddit.com

Casual observations: Pull tabs are no longer sewn fabrics. Looks like a polymer tab found on other Arc products Patterning is different. Seams are in different locations. An example being across the upper back Pockets are now laminated, which is a throwback to Arc fleece like the Amaran and Arenite. The materials composition appears to be the same. 53% polyester/38% nylon/9% elastane Weight is up from 14.6oz to 15.7oz I'm sitting on enough REI points to get this piece for almost nothing so I may pick one up to see if prone to pilling has been sorted. More on reddit.com

Really wish I'd noticed this post prior to ordering lol. Was also looking at the Cormac hoody but I liked this one better.

Lets hope you just got a dud.

More on reddit.com

Finally got to take the new Kyanite AR Tech Wool Hoody out for a spin.

1. Layering system:

2. Shell: Outdoor Research Skytour Ascentshell

3. Puffy: Forward Apparel Manifest Tour Hybrid (Think Atom LT having a baby with a Practitioner AR v.1)

4. Fleece: Kyanite AR Tech Wool Hoody

5. Base top: Patagonia Capilene Mid

6. Pants: 2020 Beta AR

7. Base bottom: Capilene Air

Conditions: Snowy. Mild wind. Temps in the mid to high 20's at the base, in the teens a couple of lift rights up.

Firstly, is it warm? Warmth is just so-so, and lower than the Powerstretch Pro Kyanite AR. However Powerstretch Pro is very spongy and holds on to moisture longer than you'd like. The Tech Wool Hoody handles moisture much better and will dry out mild dampness from body heat alone with the right combo of layers.

I skied initially only with my Kyanite AR Tech Wool Hoody and Outdoor Research Skytour, and chill set in really fast. I needed my puffy after a couple of runs.

Features are minimal. You get 2 mesh lined hand pockets, fleece patches along the collar to protect the garment from beard rub and face oil. There's no adjustments anywhere. The zipper is buttery smooth with a svelte fitting collar that gives some coverage for the chin when fully engaged. The hood will not fit over a helmet.

It's not as stretchy as the Powerstretch Pro Kyanite AR, and the Tech Wool Hoody fabric drapes completely different on the body, resembling more of traditional casual hoody than technical outerwear piece.

Durability, thus far, leaves no signs of pilling from seat belt straps or backpack straps which is a huge improvement over the Powerstretch Pro Kyanite AR, which will start pilling if you look at it wrong.

Element resistance is zero. Wind cuts right through and there's no real moisture resistance to the face fabric.

Layering is easy due to the smooth face fabric, and there was no feeling of binding anywhere due to the great fit and articulation.

I would easily take the Kyanite AR Tech Wool Hoody over the Powerstretch Pro Kyanite AR for the better durability (thus far) and better moisture management. However all in all I think there's a slight edge in warmth, colors and technical usage x-factor in favor of the Norrona Falketind Warmwool2. It also has a chest pocket which is gold. However the Arcteryx Kyanite AR Tech Wool Hoody definitely fits better depending on your body type. On my physique I regard the Kyanite AR Tech Wool Hoody fit as superior.

Bottom line, if warmth s your priority, get the Powerstretch Pro Kyanite AR. If you dont mind giving up warmth for better moisture management, with an edge in casual good looks, get the Kyanite AR Tech Wool Hoody.

More on reddit.com