Gear Review: Arc’teryx Tenquille Hoody Softshell Jacket

Disclosure: the following product was donated for the purposes of review.

With an unusually late Colorado spring (and some may say, diet winter), I was granted an extended opportunity to test a slew of gear designed for cold, windy, and wet environments.  One of my favorite pieces to emerge from the crowd was the Arc’teryx Tenquille Hoody.

Pros

Comfort: My favorite feature of the Tenquille is its comfort.  Arc’teryx’s proprietary Kauss™ material feels exceptional against skin, likely the softest fabric of any shoftshell I’ve tested.  For this reason, the Tenquille is my go to piece for any 50-60 degree environment, on trail or otherwise.

Breathability: This is a great jacket for those who tend to run hot while hiking (as I do), as it’s very breathable.  I can often leave this on during the uphills, which is a rare occurrence for me when hiking in a jacket.

Windproof: As for its primary function of protecting you from the wind, it does the job.

Aesthetics: Perhaps a superficial consideration, but this is one good looking jacket.  It works as well on the trail as it does in the tavern, a definite bonus for this reviewer.

Flexibility: The underarm polyester panels allow for a good range of motion and flexibility, making it easier to grab your water bottle from your pack’s (oft-inconveniently placed) side pocket.

Weight: At 10.2 ounces, the Tenquille is on the lightweight side of the spectrum for softshell jackets, lighter than two of the most popular alternatives- the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody and Patagonia InTraverse Hybrid.

Simplicity: The Tenquille features a fitted hood, two zippered hand pockets, a drawstring at the waist, and nothing else. It’s not overburdened with bells and whistles, which I appreciate, and makes it very packable.

Cons

Price: This will likely come as no surprise, but Arc’teryx pieces come at a premium.  The Tenquille is no exception (MSRP: $175). Because it’s a newer piece, it’s hard to find at a discount, but its worth keeping your eyes on the Campsaver and Backcountry retail listings.

Breathability and warmth: Although this feature is listed as a strength above, the Tenquille might not provide enough warmth for those who don’t run quite so hot during activity.  Personally, this jacket works down to the low 50’s for me (with a light, long-sleeve underneath).  In other words, it’s suitable for the cool, not the cold.

Water resistance: The Tenquille will hold up in a shorter, light rain and not much more.  Although it’s not intended to be a rain jacket, per se, it’s worth noting that you might want to look elsewhere if you do a lot of hiking in wet weather.

Simplicity: Again, listed as a strength above, for those who are looking for a highly technical softshell, with interior pockets, drawstring hoodies, etc., this is not your piece.

Best Use

The Tenquille (or any softshell, really) is best suited for those who live in a cooler, windier climates.  Ideal for spring and fall day-hikes where torrential rain isn’t likely.

Overall

I really enjoy this piece (it’s hard not to love Arc’teryx), however, it’s probably not the most appropriate item for a thru-hike as it lacks the the waterproofness of a rain jacket or the warmth of an insulating layer.  Any drawbacks are more attributable to softshells in general rather than this piece in particular. If you you regularly hike in very wet conditions or colder temperatures, your money should probably be spent elsewhere.

For day hikes in cooler, windier conditions (down to 50 degrees for me), this is a functional and extremely comfortable piece. If you fit into this niche and are in the market for a quality softshell, the Arc’teryx Tenquille hoody is a great buy.