Arc'teryx Covert Crew Neck
The Arc'teryx Covert Crew Neck uses 100% recycled Alpenex II polyester at 330gsm with a heathered exterior that looks like wool and a brushed interior that's softer than it has any right to be. This is the pullover version of the Covert family, no zipper, just a clean crew neckline. Priced around $120-140 with Fair Trade Certified production. Available in Atmos Heather, Bitters Heather, Midnight Frost Heather, and Black. I wear mine around the house, to coffee, and on errands during cool weather because it looks like a sweater, not a fleece.
How Does the Arc'teryx Covert Crew Neck Fit?
The relaxed cut runs true to Arc'teryx sizing and leaves room for thin baselayers underneath without feeling baggy. The articulated patterning through shoulders and arms gives you range of motion during movement. It's a pullover, so you're committed to the over-the-head entry every time.
The crew neck sits comfortably without choking. The laminated sleeve pocket on the left arm holds a phone or keys without the bulk of traditional patch pockets. Pair this under the Squamish Hoody for wind protection on cool days.
Warm Enough for 40 to 60 Degrees
The 330gsm fleece handles temperatures between 40 and 60°F for everyday activities. The brushed interior traps warm air, and the crew neck design eliminates the thermal weak point that zippers create. Light wind doesn't cut through the double-knit construction, though this isn't a windproof piece by any stretch.
I grab this for fall walks, weekend errands, and indoor-outdoor transitions where a jacket feels like overkill. It works as a midlayer under shells for colder conditions. For more technical warmth, the Delta AR offers better moisture management during active use.
The Hem Rolling Problem
The hem rolls. Every Covert product shares this issue, and the Crew Neck is no exception. Newer production runs (2023 onward) develop visible hem curling after 5-10 wears, sometimes before the first wash. The elastic edge flips outward and stays there, creating a sloppy look that undermines the sweater-like aesthetic.
Arc'teryx acknowledges this but hasn't fixed it. At $120+, the hem curling feels unacceptable. Earlier versions from 2021 and before held their shape better. If you buy used, look for older production dates.
Covert Crew Neck vs. Covert Zip Neck
Same Alpenex II fleece, same 330gsm weight, same hem problem. The difference is the zipper. The Zip Neck runs about $160 and gives you ventilation control. The Crew Neck at $120-140 has cleaner lines and no hardware to break.
If you need temperature regulation during variable activity, get the Zip Neck. If you want a casual pullover for around-town wear where you won't be working up a sweat, the Crew Neck's simpler design makes more sense. Both share the same relaxed fit and layer identically under shells. The matching Covert Beanie completes the look.
Style First, Performance Second
The Covert Crew Neck targets people who want a fleece that doesn't look like a fleece. The heathered exterior and clean crew neckline work in casual settings where a zip-front technical piece looks out of place. The recycled construction and Fair Trade certification add value for sustainability-conscious buyers.
The Patagonia Better Sweater Crew competes at a similar price with a stronger durability track record and no hem-rolling issues. If the Covert's specific aesthetic appeals to you and you can tolerate the hem problem, it's a comfortable everyday piece. If hem curling bothers you, Patagonia's alternative holds up better over time.
Check Arc'teryx for current availability.