For winter trail running, your layering game has to be just right. It’s easy to overdress, but finding that perfect mix is the stuff of dreams. With the Arc’teryx Motus AR, proper layers are a straightforward affair. It’s warm and cozy when layered-up, with a form-fitting hood that offers excellent breathability.
Arc’teryx Motus AR Hoody Features:
- Quick dry base layer for high-output adventures
- Phasic AR II material has micro-grid backing and smooth face
- Form-fitting hood
- Thumb loops
- Athletic fit
- MSRP: $99.00
Versatile adventure layer
Arc’teryx has a wide variety of layering options for all types of outdoor adventures. The Motus AR Hoody is built for trail running, hiking, climbing or winter layering. Utilizing Phasic AR II fabric, the smooth face slides smoothly under jackets and offers a little bit of wind protection. And, the micro-grid backing allows moisture to move quickly away from your skin.
Testing conditions have been almost exclusively winter trail running and hiking. I’ve used it as a base layer, mid layer and an outer layer as temperatures have varied. Tops on the list of what makes the Motus AR Hoody great is the soft fabric against the skin. While other materials have a more tell-tale grid pattern (like the Patagonia R1), you may overlook the subtle grid pattern here. What’s beautiful about that is at a microscopic level, the grid pattern is very apparent and that’s the science that water vapor follows.
Under the Rab Xenair Alpine Light Jacket, the Motus AR Hoody transfers sweat in a jiffy — so much that it tends to overwhelm that particular jacket. When temperatures are warmer, the Motus AR Hoody can be worn alone or with a vest to take the brunt of the cold air. I’ve happily worn it with the Gore Wear R7 Vest and found it to be a great combination of wind protection while maximizing the breathability of the Motus AR.
As mentioned, the sleeves do slide under outer layers quite well, but there are thumb loops on the cuffs as well to further keep the sleeves down. As with any cuffs featuring thumb loops, I always wish for a little extra sleeve length to utilize them to the fullest. That’s about the only negative with this hoody as I’d like extra hand coverage in a pinch. The sleeves are also a little loose, which is great news if you have monster biceps, but aren’t as form-fitting as I would expect.
The body of the Motus AR Hoody is form-fitting and the hem length is great. With that extra length, the hoody stays put and provides proper coverage. When needed, the hood can be pulled on for added warmth alone, under a hood or under a helmet. The hood moves well with your head and never blocks vision.
My favorite base layers are still made of Merino wool, but synthetics aren’t far behind. the only area where this one falls short is odor control. It’s definitely good for 2-3 uses, but beyond that you’ll definitely want to wash it.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs, wearing the size medium (my usual size for Arc’teryx).
The Good
- Phasic AR II micro-grid wicks away moisture
- Face fabric is smooth and doesn’t grab layers
- Form-fitting hood is great alone or under helmets
- Extra hem length for coverage
- Flat seams eliminate pressure points — especially under a backpack
The Bad
- Thumb loops should always be combined with a little extra sleeve length
- Sleeves could be a more form-fitting
The Bottom Line: Arc’teryx Motus AR Hoody
With the excellent Phasic AR II fabric, the Arc’teryx Motus AR Hoody offers cozy, soft warmth and excellent moisture management. The micro-grid pattern allows water vapor to escape in a jiffy and the fabric moves perfectly with you. It’s nice to have a form-fitting hood for added coverage and the overall package is great as a midweight base layer or as an outer layer — depending on the weather.
Buy Now: Arc’teryx Amazon Store
