Arc'teryx Sniper Zip
The Arc'teryx Sniper Zip (2006 release) uses Polartec Wind Pro textured herringbone fleece to deliver 4x more wind resistance than standard fleece while maintaining 85% breathability. Weighing 400 grams in medium, it provides Polartec 200-weight warmth (approximately 288 gsm) with a brushed herringbone exterior and soft fleece interior. The half-zip design includes articulated elbows, a laminated sleeve pocket, stretch-knit cuffs, and flatlocked seams. Available in Slate, Redwood, and Cobalt. Sizes S-XXL. Originally $150, now discontinued. Made in Canada. Best for 20-40°F with wind.
Does the Sniper Zip Work for Snowboarding?
Yes, particularly as a midlayer under shells when temperatures drop and wind picks up on chairlifts. The Polartec Wind Pro fabric blocks gusts while breathing well enough to wear all day without overheating. I wear this under shells when wind becomes an issue, and the tight weave prevents cold air penetration without creating moisture traps that Windstopper laminates can cause. During spring sessions above freezing, I wear the Sniper Zip on its own. The exterior gets damp from wet snow but dries quickly.
Polartec Wind Pro vs. Windstopper
Polartec Wind Pro uses a tight weave rather than a laminate membrane, blocking wind without trapping moisture. Windstopper creates a barrier that reduces breathability during high-output activities. Wind Pro breathes so well that moisture appears on the exterior rather than soaking base layers. I notice this snowboarding when temperatures sit in the 20s. The Sniper Zip moves sweat outward while blocking wind, whereas Windstopper pieces trap moisture against my skin.
Best Between 20-40°F
The Sniper Zip performs best in 20-40°F conditions with wind. I've used it down to 15°F during high-output snowboarding when paired with a merino base, and up to 45°F on windy hikes. Below 15°F, you'll need additional insulation. The 4x wind resistance translates to approximately 10-15°F of perceived warmth in windy conditions.
Fit, Construction, and Made in Canada Details
Regular trim fit layers easily under shells without excess bulk. Articulated elbows provide full range of motion. The half-zip offers ventilation control while the laminated sleeve pocket holds small items. Stretch-knit cuffs seal without restricting wrists and layer well under gloves. Made in Canada with flatlocked seams that lie flat, preventing hot spots under pack straps. The hem sits at hip length, working well with technical pants.
How Does the Arc'teryx Sniper Zip Compare to Modern Fleece?
The 2006 Sniper Zip delivers wind protection modern fleece midlayers lack. Current Arc'teryx fleeces prioritize stretch over wind resistance, with the Covert line focusing on warmth but blocking less wind. Wind Pro fabric disappeared from most Arc'teryx midlayers after 2010 as the brand shifted to softshells for wind protection and pure fleece for breathability. This gap makes the Sniper Zip valuable on resale at $80-150 depending on condition.
Resale Value and Alternatives
For wind protection and breathability together, yes. Modern midlayers either prioritize wind resistance with laminates that reduce breathability, or maximize breathability with fleece offering no wind protection. The Sniper Zip delivers both. Sizing runs true to Arc'teryx standards from that era. At 6 feet and 165 pounds, medium works perfectly with room for a base layer. Check eBay, Grailed, or Arc'teryx resale groups. Compare to the Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody for a similar wind-resistant fleece currently in production, or browse Arc'teryx's current midlayer lineup.
