Arc'teryx Covert 1/2 Zip
The Arc'teryx Covert 1/2 Zip uses the same 100% recycled Alpenex II polyester (330gsm) as the rest of the Covert family, with a deep front zip for ventilation and a tall collar that covers your neck. The heathered exterior mimics wool while performing like synthetic fleece. Available in Void Heather, Smoke Bluff Heather, Boxcar Heather, Tui Heather, Binary Heather, and Sequoia Heather. Priced at $150-160 with Fair Trade Certified production. This shares all the strengths and weaknesses of other Covert pieces: great casual aesthetics, annoying hem curl, and zero wind resistance.
Sizing Runs Inconsistent
The regular fit varies depending on your body type. One reviewer at 6'1" and 185 pounds followed the size chart for a medium and described it as "tight as a babydoll T-shirt." He had to try a large in-store to find the right fit. Another reviewer at 5'11" and 165 pounds found the medium comfortable. At just over 6 feet and 165 pounds, I wear a medium with room for a thin baselayer.
The gusseted underarms help with arm mobility, and the articulated patterning gives you range of motion that standard fleece construction can't match. The tall collar adds neck coverage without the commitment of a full balaclava. If you're between sizes, size up.
How Warm Is the Covert 1/2 Zip?
The 330gsm Alpenex II fleece handles cool fall days and mild winter conditions between 40 and 60°F. The brushed interior traps warm air effectively. One reviewer in Vancouver called it perfect for the city's wet, cold climate.
Recycled polyester holds warmth when damp better than cotton or merino, which matters in drizzly Pacific Northwest conditions. The tall collar adds meaningful neck warmth beyond what crew neck designs provide. For colder temperatures, layer this under the Beta SL Jacket or pair with the Atom LT for more insulation.
The Hem Curling Problem
Same issue as every Covert product. The elastic hem curls outward after 5-6 wearings, sometimes before the first wash. This isn't a care problem, it's a construction problem. The edge piping rolls and creates a baggy, unfinished look at the waistline.
The fabric itself resists pilling and maintains its heathered appearance through regular wear. The laminated details and stitching hold up well. But that hem curl undermines the sophisticated aesthetic that justifies the $150+ price. If you can live with it, the rest of the fleece performs fine. If rolled hems bother you, the Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4 Zip doesn't have this issue.
Grips Baselayers When You Pull It Off
The brushed interior clings to base layers aggressively. When you pull the Covert off, your baselayer comes with it. This is annoying on trail and worse when you're trying to adjust in a confined space like a tent. Multiple reviewers flag this as a real flaw during outdoor use.
The deep front zip helps with ventilation but doesn't solve the cling problem since you're still pulling it over your head. For technical climbing or skiing where quick layer changes matter, the Kyanite AR Half Zip layers more smoothly.
Covert 1/2 Zip vs. Covert Crew Neck and Cardigan
The Crew Neck at $120-140 has cleaner lines and no zipper hardware. The Covert Cardigan at $180-200 provides full-zip ventilation with a heavier 530g build. The 1/2 Zip sits in the middle: more ventilation than the crew, less bulk than the cardigan.
All three share the same Alpenex II fleece, the same hem-rolling problem, and the same casual-first positioning. The 1/2 Zip's tall collar and deep zip give it the best temperature regulation of the three for indoor-outdoor transitions. The matching Covert Beanie completes the set.
Style Over Substance at $150
The Covert 1/2 Zip targets people who want a technical fleece that doesn't look technical. The heathered face and clean half-zip design work in offices, restaurants, and casual settings. For urban and lifestyle use with occasional light outdoor activity, it delivers.
For actual mountain use, the limitations add up. No wind resistance. Hem curling. Baselayer cling. These aren't deal-breakers for around-town wear, but they matter on trail. Check Arc'teryx for current availability.
