Arc’teryx A2B Commuter Shell Jacket

The A2B Commuter Hardshell is very understated which adds to is versatility as a piece of casual apparel. While it is packed full of features you need, they are all very well designed and work together in harmony rather than competition. All of the zippers are WaterTight (highly water resistant, not waterproof) YKK zippers. The front zip is obviously a full zip. The hood is secured behind a smaller YKK zipper. A detail here that I do love is that not only is the hood zipper well hidden behind what looks like a natural seem, the zipper pull itself is stowed behind a flap when not in use. The A2B Commuter Hardshell includes what Arc'Teryx calls a StowHood. This is a low profile hood that fits under the helmet without restricting movement or peripheral vision. This is important as it helps keep you completely dry in foul weather without sacrificing your field of view when it's already going to be limited. From my experience the hood does fit and work well and being under the helmet means the hood catches a lot less wind and rain inside. However, hoods that fit over your helmet keep your helmet dry which say if you're riding in the rain in the morning means you won't have a wet helmet to ride home in later. Each has the advantages. For visibility, Arc'Teryx has added reflective patches on the sleeve cuffs and on a tail extension on the back. The sleeves have a cuff that can be rolled down to exposure large patches of reflective ink.