Arc'teryx Apache AR Zip

I got an Apache AR fleece to replace an aging Columbia fleece. Arc'teryx had an excellent reputation for high quality items, reviews were positive, and I liked the style of it. Having now used it for several weeks over a few light hikes and mostly day-to-day living, my impressions are very positive. It is a thin layer compared to many other fleece tops, but insulates quite well despite it. The zip neck is surprisingly effective at moderating temperature by simply zipping up more or less. The brushed collar and flatlocked seams worked by preventing any chafing regions and I find the trim cut very comfortable overall. The chest pocket is a good place to stash a wallet, and the zipper on it (and the front zip) are both high quality and slide easily, even when pulled from strange angles. The only annoyance I have discovered with it is from the brushed fiber ends of the sleeves; the way they are stitched on makes it slightly thicker than the sleeve material itself. Thus if you rest your arms when typing (or some similar activity) it creates an uncomfortable pressure spot on your wrist, unless you pull the sleeve down or shove it up a little. Of course the Apache is designed as outdoor gear, so I doubt this was a design consideration, but just about everyone uses a fleece for day to day life too, and at this price point I expect damn near perfection. So overall, only one very minor complaint about an overall excellent product. If you don't have a gut, and are looking for a nice fleece, it gets my thumbs up.

so i took the apache on an offroading weekend trip in the mountains and if it were not for this glorious product i prolly would've froze to death! it poured down rain the entire weekend and it didn't even penetrate! i was in an '87 xj with an 8 inch lift and we went through some pretty killer deep muddy water and my window was down and it went alllll over the inside of the jeep..and me. haha..i didn't even notice. it wasnt til later on that i realized i sprayed the complete back seat and all my camping gear in the jeep and that it got all over me. i brushed it right off! super durable, breathable, and high quality. kept me warm when i was outside in the rain on top of the mountains. the buckwheat looks great and i loved the fleece so much i'm gonna order another one. i wear my stuff slim fitted and i am 6'2 168 with a long torso and i'm a skinny lad and the small fits me great. i wish it was a tad bit longer cus i ride my pants low, but it still hangs a little bit over my belt. if you like slim but not too slim and have my bodybuild then get the small..otherwise go medium. it looks great on and holds up even better. i'd recommend this to anyone!

this is a solid fleece. it is light and very warm. It is definitely a 200 weight fleece and nothing less. Very soft inside. it is cut a bit shorter than I was expecting which means it will work great under my shell. I am 5'8" and the L comes just below my belt. A medium fits me but since I weigh about 190 (all muscle of course) I usually go with a L in arc'teryx gear. I think it is worth noting that this fleece is very solid construction wise. I have had some bad experiences with cheaper fleece in the past (columbia, TNF) and I think this is worth the extra money. I was also looking for a fleece that breathes real well, windproofing was not important and I think this one does the trick very well.

This is almost the perfect mid layer. Not only is it lightweight, compressible, and warm Polertec, it has several key features in a pullover that I considered prior to this purchase. The laminated vertical zippered chest pocket keeps my ipod close to my core to preserve battery life and provides easy access under a shell even with gloves on. I also liked the reinforced elbow pads and flatlock triple stitched seams to insure long life. Looks great too. Simply put, when you want the best, go with ArcTeryx. The only brand still made in North America. ArcTeryx: next year include a hem drawcord, hand warming pockets, a curved zipper or chin guard and I'll buy 3. I rate you guys BEST IN CLASS and highly recommend due to pricing, customer service, fast shipment, and return policy. Simply Awesome. A+++

As you'd expect from a top manufacturer like Arc�tery, this is a very nicely designed garment. It has clean and simple lines, is lightweight, and looks great. It seems like it should be durable too, although I've not yet had time to assess this. My only tiny gripes are these: firstly, the sizing is a little on the small side. If you're used to generous American sizing, you might be caught out. I'm used to buying medium sizes, and the medium here turned out to be a little snug, particularly around the underarms. Secondly, the fleece was slightly thicker than I expected: thicker than a conventional lightweight fleece, but thinner than heavyweight outerwear. Still, I expect that as winter rolls in, I'll appreciate the extra warmth.

I love this gear. It fits me very well and i've had no promlems with it thus far. I'm about 6'1'' and 200lbs, athletic build, got the large and it fits pretty snug to my body, which i like. It's not like wearing under armour, but it fits snug. If you like a looser fit, go up a size. I usually wear a base layer under and have the Arc' Teryx Alpha SV and Stinger jackets to go over which works great. I am not a cold natured person, but this top breathes well and I don't get too hot or too cold. Any person that wears this gear knows its pricy, but WELL worth the price. Would def. recommend this for others.

Absolutely my favorite fleece to wear in almost any fall/winter conditions. The design is unique and the construction is top notch. It always seems to keep me warm, but never lets me get hot. It doesn't block wind in the least, but on days as cool as 30 degrees (f) this sweater and a t-shirt keep me warm. On windy and cold days, layering with a windproof jacket create the ultimate combo. We recently had double digit sub zero temperatures in Chicago and a t-shirt, this fleece and even a light wind blocking jacket (Beta) kept me warm enough to help shovel walks and dig out neighbors. Just a tremendous piece of clothing.

I got this as a gift and couldn't be happier (gf got it on sale I hope!). Usually I take a small (5'6, 150lbs), but I had to return this for a medium so definitely size up. The medium fits perfect, though, and it layers great underneath my WindStopper fleece and hardshell as a mid layer. It's Polartec Thermal Pro so don't expect it to stop even the slightest breeze - that's not what it's made for. It will keep you very warm, though, when layered with a windproof shell. I highly recommend this if you don't mind spending the money for a quality pullover that'll really keep you warm.

I love other Arc�teryx stuff I have, but have been really disappointed with the Apache AR Zip. Despite the tighter weave of the fleece, it has started to pill after only a month of normal wear. This is made even more noticeable because the fleece has a slight pattern to it. Doubt I'll buy another Arc�teryx fleece again.

Great fit and finish. Feels warm, but sent it back because the statue color that looks light gray is more blue and I have nothing in my closet that matched.