The Best 16 Arcteryx Calvus Backpacks for a Light and Rigid Frame

The Arcteryx Calvus is a multi-season, mid-layer down jacket designed for outdoor enthusiasts who require exceptional warmth without sacrificing mobility. This article examines the jacket’s key features, including its down insulation, weather resistance, and versatile design elements, to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your outdoor adventures.

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Reviews

Arc’teryx Men’s Covert Fleece Cardigan Green XXL

Crafted from durable Alpenex II fleece with moisture-wicking properties, the Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan provides reliable insulation without bulk. The midweight construction keeps you warm during cooler autumn days while allowing for easy layering, whether you’re commuting to work or hitting the trails. The clean-lined design features thoughtful details like secure pockets and a sleek heathered finish that makes it adaptable for both urban and outdoor adventures.

Arc’teryx Bird Head Toque Edziza/Relic

Crafted from a blend of merino wool and recycled polyester, this lightweight one-size-fits-all beanie combines natural thermal properties with technical performance. The breathable 57g hat features a soft brushed polyester band that keeps ears warm while allowing some ventilation at the top. Available in a range of colors, including a striking yellow that matches many outdoor gear systems.

Arc’teryx RHO LT Hoody Men’s

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Rho LT Hoody combines exceptional moisture management with thermally efficient insulation. The precise fit hugs your body without feeling constrictive, allowing for unrestricted movement whether you’re on the slopes or hiking through the mountains. The integrated balaclava-style hood provides versatile protection, while the lightweight design ensures you stay comfortable and dry in various weather conditions.

Arc’teryx Levon Winter Weight Trousers

These versatile winter pants combine technical performance with everyday wearability. With a four-way stretch fabric that moves with you during intense activities like workout sessions or daily commutes, you’ll find these trousers offer just the right balance of comfort and restriction. The water-resistant and wind-blocking properties keep you dry and warm in varying winter conditions, making them ideal for both casual outings and active pursuits.

Arc’teryx Leaf Cold Weather Shirt

Crafted from 180gsm nylon core spun merino wool, this zip neck layering shirt combines natural odor-fighting properties with excellent temperature regulation. The quarter-zip design makes it practical for varying conditions, while gusseted armpits improve freedom of movement. Built to excel in cold weather, this durable base layer has earned praise from many who’ve put it through rigorous outdoor tests.

Arc’teryx Gamma AR Pant Men’s 34 / Yukon

These versatile pants combine premium performance with lasting durability, featuring a water-repellent double-weave fabric that stretches with your every move. From rugged mountain climbs to casual city exploration, they deliver exceptional comfort and protection in any situation. The strategic design details, like the stretchy gusseted crotch and articulated knees, ensure you maintain your freedom of movement throughout your adventure.

Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan Women’s Clothing

Arc’teryx has raised the bar for technical layering with this recycled polyester cardigan, combining impressive temperature regulation with a surprisingly relaxed fit. The feminine Atmos Heather design looks great whether you’re hiking through the woods or running errands around town. Most wearers find the sizing true to their usual fit, making it a versatile addition to any outdoor wardrobe.

Arc’teryx Leaf Cold Windproof Jacket (Gen 2)

Arc’teryx’s Leaf Cold WX Jacket LT has earned its reputation through stellar performance in various climates. The Gore Windstopper shell keeps you dry in wet conditions, while the Coreloft insulation provides impressive warmth without adding bulk. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or just running errands in sub-freezing temperatures, this jacket delivers on its promise of comfort and protection.

Arc’teryx Men’s Cerium Vest

Featuring 850-fill down insulation in a lightweight 15D nylon shell, the Cerium Vest delivers remarkable warmth for its minimal weight. The coreloft synthetic in moisture-prone areas pairs with a bio-derived liner to enhance durability while reducing petroleum use. With a fitted silhouette and generous side pockets, this versatile piece excels as both a standalone layer and a packable midlayer for varied outdoor activities in cold, dry conditions.

Arc’teryx RHO Crew Neck LS Women’s

Crafted from a soft, stretchy polyester blend with moisture-wicking polygiene, the Arc’teryx Rho women’s long-sleeve crew keeps you warm and dry during outdoor activities while allowing plenty of range of motion. The slim fit and thoughtful design details, like gusseted underarms and merrow-stitch seams, make it a comfortable layer under jackets or worn solo. The technical base layer works great for hiking, skiing, or as part of your daily layering system.

Arc’teryx Rho LT Crew

The Rho LT Crew delivers premium base layer performance with its thermal Torrent microfleece construction and moisture-wicking properties. Its soft, brush-finished interior feels incredibly comfortable next to skin, while the polygiene treatment keeps it fresh between washes. The thoughtful design features a modern slim fit with strategic length and articulation for unrestricted movement, making it an ideal partner for cool-weather activities.

Arc’teryx Gamma Pant Men’s

Combining lightweight durability with essential outdoor features, these versatile black sapphire pants from Arc’teryx’ Gamma series excel in both performance and practicality. The Fortius DW 2.0 fabric provides just the right balance of stretch and water resistance, while thoughtful details like the no-nonsense snap closure and integrated belt keep things simple yet effective. Whether you’re climbing, hiking, or just running errands, these pants deliver on comfort and functionality without any unnecessary bells or whistles.

Arc’teryx Calvus Cap

When the sun’s strongest, this breathable cap keeps you cool with its lightweight polyester construction and moisture-wicking properties. Its sleek design features a low-profile foam brim that snaps up for better vision when needed, while the adjustable strap ensures it stays put during your fastest runs or toughest hikes. With its comfortable fit and durable construction, it’s become a trusted companion for both casual walks and challenging outdoor adventures.

Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody Men’s Black

This versatile hoody combines excellent mobility with reliable protection against the elements. The stretch-woven face fabric keeps you dry and comfortable during active pursuits, while thoughtful details like the storm hood and adjustable cuffs ensure you stay weatherproof. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or exploring the great outdoors, this Arc’teryx hoody delivers exceptional performance in a stylish package.

Arc’teryx Calidum 5 Panel Yukon Cap

This Arcteryx cap combines a practical no-fuss design with surprisingly advanced features. The low-profile 5-panel construction keeps it unobtrusive whether you’re cycling around town or hitting the trails, while the durable polyester blend wicks away sweat and dries quickly after rain. The one-size-fits-all strap adjuster lets you dial in a secure, comfortable fit that stays put during even the windiest conditions.

Arc’teryx Bird Curved Brim Trucker Hat

This stylish pet trucker hat from Arcteryx combines moisture-wicking Circuit polyester with breathable mesh for comfort during outdoor adventures. The adjustable back closure and curved brim fit a range of head sizes, while the hydrophobic material keeps your pet dry in various weather conditions.

Buyer’s Guide

The Arcteryx Calvus is a versatile winter expedition jacket designed for extreme cold-weather conditions. This guide examines its key features, performance metrics, and practical considerations to help you determine if it meets your mountaineering and expedition needs.

Design and Construction

Constructed from Arcteryx’s proprietary Stormlite E material, the Calvus combines exceptional insulation with minimal weight. The jacket features a fully-sewn collar and hem for superior wind protection, while articulated sleeves enhance mobility during technical climbs.

Insulation Options

Two primary insulation options are available: synthetic (PrimaLoft BlackElite) and down (900-fill power goose down). The synthetic version offers reliable warmth without the weight of down, while the down alternative provides superior warmth-to-weight ratio but requires proper drying and storage.

Feature Analysis

Critical features include a storm-hood with helmet-compatible cables, adjustable cuffs, and a chest pocket with zippered access. The jacket also incorporates minimalistic design elements to prevent ice buildup, making it particularly suitable for alpine environments.

Fit and Layering

A proper fit is crucial, as the Calvus’s snug profile allows for optimal layering under a dry suit or harness. The jacket’s slim design helps prevent snow and water accumulation, while the articulated fit ensures comfortable movement during extended climbs.

FAQ

What makes the Arcteryx Calvus unique?

The Arcteryx Calvus stands out in the technical climbing market through its combination of warmth, versatility, and packability. This jacket integrates premium materials like G-1000 Heavy Duty for durability and PrimaLoft Black Eco insulation for exceptional cold-weather performance.

Key features include a water-resistant construction, adjustable cuffs and hem, and multiple pockets for gear organization, making it suitable for both alpine climbing and layered outdoor activities.

How warm is the Arcteryx Calvus?

The PrimaLoft Black Eco insulation provides remarkable warmth without excessive bulk, making it ideal for cold mountain environments. The synthetic insulation maintains consistent warmth down to -15°C (5°F), but performance can vary based on environmental conditions and activity level.

For reference, this jacket performs similarly to high-quality down parkas but offers better moisture resistance and quicker drying time.

What makes the Arcteryx Calvus suitable for mountain climbing?

The G-1000 Heavy Duty exterior and reinforced stitching are specifically engineered for the rigors of alpine climbing, while the PrimaLoft insulation resists compression and maintains its thermal properties even when wet.

Strategic ventilation panels and breathable membrane ensure that the jacket remains comfortable during intense climbs, while the adjustable hood and cuffs prevent wind and snow penetration.

What are the key technical specifications of the Arcteryx Calvus?

The jacket weighs approximately 800 grams and features a 10,000mm water column membrane with taped seams for enhanced weather resistance. It has a spacious 50-degree arm length and a 60-degree hem for unrestricted movement.

The packability comes from a compact design with an internal stuff sack and a cinched hood that rolls into a small ball for storage. The jacket also includes a built-in neck gaiter for additional warmth.

How does the Arcteryx Calvus compare to similar jackets?

Compared to lighter synthetic jackets, the Calvus offers superior warmth retention but with slightly less packability. It compares favorably to down parkas in terms of water resistance and compressibility.

Key competitors include the Patagonia Storm[atlas] 2 and the Mountain Hardware Hyperion, where the Calvus excels in durability and insulation quality.

How should I care for my Arcteryx Calvus?

The jacket’s technical materials require regular washing with a mild soap and cold water to maintain their performance. After each use, shake out any excess snow or dirt, and machine wash with a small amount of soap and cold water.

Air dry the jacket completely before packing it, as moisture can damage the insulation and membrane. The included stuff sack helps protect the jacket during storage and transit.

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