The Arc’teryx Hallam Hoody is a winter-to-shoulder season mid-layer that epitomizes the lifestyle direction the Canadian outdoor gear brand has taken in recent years.

Arc’teryx Hallam Hoody Review

Kate Agathon

Constructed from ultra-fine Merino wool, the Hallam Hoody combines exquisite craftsmanship with an abundance of technology to create a wardrobe staple that is equally appropriate in both urban and mountain settings.

 

Since 2020 (some would argue the shift really occurred around 2009 or 2012), Arc’teryx has been expanding its lifestyle offerings by making its high fashion debut on the runway and participating in several fashion collaborations (Jil Sander, Palace, etc.). The Hallam Hoody definitely leans more towards the lifestyle/fashion end of the spectrum.

 

Let’s talk about how it looks.

 

The trim fit Hallam Hoody mid layer is not constrictive. Instead, Arc’teryx’s articulated patterning and 3D knit technology creates an extraordinary fit that not only drapes beautifully, but stays in place.

 

It does follow the current trend of longer tunic lengths that can be worn on its own over a pair of leggings while providing some coverage (or ample coverage if you’re petite like me) over your rear.

 

Unlike other wool base and mid layers that I have worn in the past, the Hallam Hoody’s material isn’t too thin and doesn’t scream “layering piece”. What I mean by that is that I have found many wool base or mid layers are either too tight or too loose on me.

 

So far, the Hallam Hoody has maintained its shape. It doesn’t even look like a mid layer. In fact, I would say it’s almost too pretty to keep covered up with an outer layer (it always elicits compliments when I wear it).

Technology

Raise your hand if you’ve ever worn a conventional sweater (i.e. one lacking in technology that outdoor gear companies utilize) that is either itchy or doesn’t regulate body temperature.

 

The incorporation of Arc’teryx’s outdoor gear technology in its lifestyle clothing will convince you to ditch conventional sweaters for good.

 

Thanks to its seamless construction, the versatile Hallam Hoody does not itch, nor does it bunch up in weird places, but somehow provides just the right amount of stretch (thanks, underarm gussets!).

 

The strategically mapped Merino wool eliminates hot spots and controls odor. The addition of Sorona® polyester in its zonal knit design provides breathability and eliminates restrictive movement. Who wouldn’t want that in a wear anywhere and everywhere mid layer?

 

Finally, its low profile hood is helmet compatible, should you choose to wear it ice climbing.

The Final Word

While Arc’teryx has managed to successfully blur the line between fashion and outdoor gear, as strange as it may sound, I was hesitant to wear such a stylish looking hoody while doing cardio-focused nordic skiing and other outdoor activities.

 

Worn alone, the soft hoody kept me warm without overheating on a bluebird day that later turned overcast. The Hallam Hoody stayed in place while I did long strides and skied up and down hills without getting uncomfortable.

 

Later in the week, the Hallam Hoody worked overtime as a fashionable hoody when I wore it out to eat and to do errands.

In the past, I basically had two closets. One with lifestyle clothing, and the other for outdoor gear; both easily differentiated by style, function, and technology. However, now that Arc’teryx is leading the way in creating versatile clothing appropriate for multiple settings, I get to slim down my wardrobe to only key pieces that will get worn often. Definitely a bonus!

 

How nice it is to have lifestyle clothing packed with the technological features previously reserved for outdoor gear! The versatility and thoughtful construction makes the Hallam Hoody worth the asking price. Due to its appropriateness in any setting, it will absolutely become a wardrobe staple.

 

Customer reviews do claim that it runs large, but I opted to size up anyway as the fit is described as fitted. I’m still puzzled as to why the reviews say that it runs large, unless they all have stick thin bodies (I, the middle aged average person does not). The Hallam Hoody is available in two colors -Black and Boxcar- and seven sizes (XXS to XXL).

 

If you’re going to invest in a versatile piece of clothing to take you from winter to spring, the Arc’teryx Hallam Hoody mid layer  is the way to go.

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers.

 

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.