Arc'teryx Dallen Fleece Pullover

The Arc'teryx Dallen Fleece Pullover weighs 290 grams and uses Polartec Thermal Pro fleece blended with Tencel (80% polyester, 20% lyocell) for a fabric that feels more like a casual sweater than a technical fleece. The trim crew neck with soft collar looks appropriate at a restaurant or on a trail. I wear this constantly during cool weather because it layers cleanly under jackets, dries faster than cotton, and doesn't scream "outdoors gear" in casual settings. Priced at $120-140, it bridges the gap between Patagonia Better Sweater territory and Arc'teryx's technical midlayer lineup.

Polartec Thermal Pro with Tencel Softness

The 20% lyocell content makes the difference. Standard polyester fleece has that synthetic hand feel, but the Tencel blend creates better drape and a softer touch against skin. The polyester handles warmth, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. The Tencel adds the refined texture that makes this work in non-outdoor settings.

The engineered knit creates a subtle surface texture that resembles a traditional sweater rather than obvious fleece. It won't fool anyone up close, but from across a coffee shop, the Dallen reads as knitwear. The fabric dries quickly after light moisture exposure and breathes well enough to prevent overheating during moderate activity.

Arc'teryx Dallen vs. Kyanite, Caliber, and Covert

The Kyanite AR Half Zip uses Polartec Power Stretch Pro at the same 290g weight but targets active use. The Kyanite's compression-resistant construction makes it better for snowboarding and hard hiking, while the Dallen's softer hand feel suits everyday wear.

The Caliber Zip Neck at 308g offers Polartec Classic Micro Velour Cord fleece with a unique corduroy texture. The Caliber handles higher-output activities better, while the Dallen's smoother finish works for around-town use. The Covert Crew Neck shares the casual positioning but uses heavier 330gsm Alpenex II fleece and suffers from hem-rolling issues that the Dallen avoids.

The Strato Jacket provides more warmth with Polartec Thermal Pro Cobble fleece and actual wind resistance, making it better for cold-weather midlayer use under a shell.

Does the Dallen Work for Hiking?

Yes, within limits. I use mine for trail hiking when temperatures sit between 35 and 55°F. The trim fit prevents excess fabric from bunching under pack straps, and gusseted underarms help with arm swing. The Tencel blend wicks sweat reasonably well during moderate effort.

For sustained climbs or anything above moderate intensity, technical fleeces manage moisture better. The Dallen doesn't dump heat as effectively as a grid-backed fleece during hard efforts. It's a coffee-shop-to-trailhead piece, not a summit-push midlayer.

Coffee Shops to Cool-Weather Trails

I grab the Dallen for casual wear, travel, mild hiking, and situations where I want warmth without looking technical. The crew neck pairs with collared shirts for evenings out. The trim fit accommodates average builds comfortably for all-day wear. The soft interior fleece works well against skin or over lightweight base layers.

For serious cold or high-output activity, look at the Kyanite AR or the Delta AR. The Dallen excels at the in-between: cool mornings, light outdoor activity, and situations where you want warmth that doesn't announce itself.

Find current availability at Arc'teryx. The Patagonia Better Sweater competes directly at a similar price point with slightly better durability and wider color options.