Konseal Jacket

While these lightweight fleece jackets were designed for climbers and skiers, they also make an ideal top for any traveler. As with all Arc’Teryx clothing, the zippers are reinforced and the construction is impeccable. The big front pocket allows me to carry my passport and boarding passes securely in an easy to reach place. Big zippered hand pockets, thumb loop cuffs, gusseted underarms, and a drop back hem are the other features that I really like about the Konseal. The other reason I love the front pockets on these jackets is because I when out shooting, I’m often wearing a camera backpack and need to have easy access to my pockets. It turns out that what is good for hikers and climbers is also ideal for photographers.

The Polartec Alpha material is extremely lightweight but still keeps me nice and warm. It is not meant for cold weather situations though so look for something more robust if that’s your goal. The ideal use for me is when I’m hiking and need a lighter top that allows me to keep dry and cool when working up a sweat.  The other place that I find myself wearing this jacket all the time is when I am traveling and will be on planes and in airports for extended periods of time. I want to be as comfortable as possible when I’m traveling from one destination to another and this jacket fits the bill perfectly. The material is also quick drying which makes it ideal for washing and drying overnight when I’m on the road. The durable and breathable material is water repellent but not waterproof. The last but not least of the features of the Konseal is the micro webbing zipper pulls which allows me to open and close all of the pockets even when I’m wearing thicker gloves.

I think Arc’Teryx got one thing wrong about this jacket though. The name. It should have been the KENseal! ;-)