The Delta Jacket by Arc’teryx is an exceptionally lightweight fleece, crafted from Octa Fleece—one of the more recent and advanced fleece materials to emerge on the scene in the last couple of years. Its appellation derives from the unique, octopod-like weave that forms air pockets, which both aid in retaining heat and simultaneously enable moisture to dissipate. While highly favored among small-scale ultralight gear manufacturers, Arc’teryx integrated this material into the 2025 redesign of the brand’s well-regarded Delta fleece jacket.
My initial reluctance to include this jacket in this compilation stemmed from the existence of a previous, more substantial iteration of the Delta jacket, even though I personally appreciate this new version as an exceptionally light mid-layer garment for warm-weather excursions. To infer from the disgruntled feedback on Arc’teryx’s website, that older model was extremely well-received. This newer jacket, however, is a wholly different offering. Setting aside the unhappy devotees of the previous version, this indeed serves as an excellent middle layer for summertime expeditions, particularly when combined with a sun shirt hoodie. Weighing 8.5 ounces, and paired with a 6-ounce sun hoodie (such as the Kuiu one referenced below), this combination offers diverse layering possibilities while still remaining lighter than many prevalent grid fleece alternatives. My sole complaint is that aesthetics were, shall we say, not prioritized in the garment’s conception. A particular user comment on the Arc’teryx site compares it to a Mr. Rogers-esque cardigan, a description that is quite accurate. Nevertheless, it’s lightweight and practical—so, what importance does style truly hold in the wilderness?
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