Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket Review – 2025 Update

The ultralight hardshell has been having a moment over the past few seasons, with multiple brands offering their take on uber minimalist, packable protection from the elements. This corresponds with the massive surge of interest in trail running, and if you’re at a trail event in the PNW you are likely to see one of the handful of offerings being worn by 40% of the runners. You’re almost certain to see pieces from the Arc’teryx Norvan lineup on a wet Seattle day, and today we’re focusing on the updated-for-2025 Norvan Jacket.

Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket Features (2025 Update):

• GORE C-KNIT™ backer makes for soft next-to-skin
• Lighter and more durable GORE-TEX ePE
• Low-profile hood with single-pull adjuster
• Vents under the arms and at the back yoke
• Integrated watch windows in each sleeve
• Laminated cuffs with elastic to seal out drafts
• Zippered hip pocket doubles as a stash pocket
• Reflective elements increase visibility in low light
• RECCO® reflector for emergency situations
• Eco-friendly construction throughout with dyes, membranes, recycled content, bluesign, etc.
• MSRP: $450

Ultralight protection

The Norvan Jacket has been around for roughly two summers, but this year it received a glow-up from Arc’teryx. Specifically, they redesigned the venting, redesigned the sleeves for running watches, provided some splashy new graphics and rolled out the GORE-TEX ePE fabric. We’ll cover these in turn.

The total weight of the Norvan is 7.58oz, so less than half a pound. For comparison, their Beta SL is 12oz and the competing Outdoor Research Helium is 7oz. There are other ultralight running outerwear options available like the Patagonia Houdini, and I think sometimes consumers get confused between water resistant and waterproof; the Houdini clocks in at just 3.7oz but isn’t waterproof like these other options. You’ll get soaked on a wet day.

What makes the Norvan stand out is that it’s one of very few ultralight waterproof running shells that uses a GORE-TEX fabric. By comparison, the Patagonia Storm Racer is just a touch lighter at 7.2oz, but doesn’t use GORE. I have used probably a dozen waterproof/breathable fabrics over the years, and while there are some great alternatives out there I haven’t found one that couples durability with performance as well as GORE-TEX membranes. They just seam to last longer than their competitors.

So the Norvan is built with the newest generation GORE-TEX ePE 3-layer membrane. It’s made with GORE’s C-Knit interior liner, which helps to reduce the plastic-y feeling of most three-layer membranes. I’m familiar with the C-Knit backer from using it in dozens of other shells, and I love it. It really adds a lot to the jacket’s comfort level, particularly if you’re exerting yourself in the jacket.

The new ePE fabric has been a solid performer for me in the past 2-3 seasons that I have tested it in. I will say that the newer PFC-free DWR is not quite as robust as the older technology. For me, I think the environmental benefits from an industry perspective outweighs the modest reduction in initial water beading. What hasn’t changed is the total waterproofness of the actual membrane. It’s still impermeable to water, but breathable. If you get wet in this jacket, it’s ultimately going to be because you sweat out the fabric and clogged the doors. That will always happen in the best three-layer membrane jackets if you’re sweating hard.

Wearing the jacket is a real treat, and it’s the intangible part of Arc’teryx’s design that keeps them at the top of the game. The Norvan has a drop hem which hangs down over your butt and stays in place while you run. There’s a small phone/gummy pocket in the back right hem which is zippered. I was worried my phone was going to jangle around in there, but in actuality it hung down perfectly and kept the hem of the jacket down. I noticed the phone, but only insofar as I noticed how nicely it was staying in place.

Another feature which makes this great for runners and mountain bikers is the baffled window in each sleeve that lets you see and interact with your watch screen. Theoretically water could get in here, but I never had trouble with this and when you run in the rain you tend to get wet wrists anyway just from wicking.

The sealed main zipper is ultralight and not what I’d call durable, but it pulls easily. The hood isn’t helmet compatible, but it has a single adjustment that opens up your peripheral vision and helps the hood stay in place while you move.

Venting happens via baffles in the back yolk and under the arms. If you’re running, and especially if there’s a breeze, you get a nice little bit of airflow to cool you off. Lastly, the big fat Arc’teryx bird and logo are reflective. It’s flashy, and I like it.

Fit: I’m 5’11” and 185 lbs, wearing the size large 2025 Norvan Jacket.

Buy now: Available from REI.com