Finest Mid Layer for Mountaineering, Backpacking, and Journey (2026)

Arc’teryx’s Delta Jacket is an ultralight fleece product of Octa Fleece, one of many newer, high-tech fleeces to hit the market up to now couple of years. The identify comes from the octopus-like weaving which creates air gaps, which assist entice heat whereas additionally permitting moisture to flee. It’s very fashionable with cottage trade ultralight manufacturers, however Arc’teryx adopted it for the 2025 revamp of the corporate’s standard Delta fleece jacket.

I hesitated to place this jacket on this information as a result of, whereas I prefer it as an ultralight mid layer for summer time journeys, there’s an older, heavier model of the Delta jacket. Judging by the indignant critiques on Arc’teryx’s web site, it was very fashionable. This jacket is one thing else completely, however disgruntled followers of the older model apart, this can be a nice mid layer for summer time journeys, particularly when paired with a solar shirt hoodie. At 8.5 oz for this, and 6 oz for a solar hoodie just like the one from Kuiu beneath, you will have a combo that enables a number of layering choices and nonetheless weighs lower than many extra standard grid fleece choices. My solely gripe is that style was, um, not considered within the design of this jacket. One person evaluate on the Arc’teryx website likens it to Mr. Roger’s sweater, which is about proper. But hey, it is mild, it is purposeful—who cares about style within the backcountry?