The Arc'teryx Sniper Zip (2006 release) uses Polartec Wind Pro textured herringbone fleece to deliver 4x more wind resistance than standard fleece while maintaining 85% breathability. Weighing 400 grams in medium, it provides Polartec 200-weight warmth (approximately 288 gsm) with a brushed herringbone exterior and soft fleece interior. The half-zip design includes articulated elbows, a laminated sleeve pocket, stretch-knit cuffs, and flatlocked seams. Available in Slate, Redwood, and Cobalt colors. Sizes S-XXL. Originally $150, now discontinued. Made in Canada. Best for 20-40°F with wind.
Does the Arc'teryx Sniper Zip Work for Snowboarding?
Yes, particularly as a midlayer under shells when temperatures drop, and wind picks up on chairlifts. The Polartec Wind Pro fabric blocks gusts while breathing well enough to wear all day without overheating. I wear this under shells when the wind becomes an issue, and the tight weave prevents cold air penetration without creating moisture traps that Windstopper laminates can cause. During spring sessions above freezing, I can wear the Sniper Zip on its own. The exterior gets damp from wet snow but dries quickly, handling light precipitation better than standard fleece, while the articulated elbows allow a full range of motion.
How Does Polartec Wind Pro Compare to Windstopper?
Polartec Wind Pro uses a tight weave rather than a laminate membrane, blocking wind without trapping moisture. Windstopper creates a barrier that reduces breathability during high-output activities. Wind Pro breathes so well that moisture appears on the exterior rather than soaking base layers. I notice this snowboarding when temperatures sit in the 20s - the Sniper Zip moves sweat outward while blocking wind, whereas Windstopper pieces trap moisture against my skin. The 200-weight warmth matches the standard Polartec 200 fleece thickness and is sufficient for most conditions when paired with proper base layers. Durability exceeds the standard, as the brushed exterior resists snags and abrasion and shows no pilling after years of use.
What Temperature Range Works Best?
The Sniper Zip performs best in 20-40°F conditions with wind. I've used it down to 15°F during high-output snowboarding when layered over a merino base, and up to 45°F during exposed hiking when wind justifies the protection. Below 15°F, you'll need additional insulation. Above 45°F, standard fleece provides adequate warmth. The 4x wind resistance translates to approximately 10-15°F of perceived warmth in windy conditions.
Does the Arc'teryx Sniper Zip Work for Hiking?
Absolutely, especially on exposed ridges or coastal trails, regardless of whether the wind is constant. The breathability prevents overheating during cli,mbs, while wind resistance helps retain heat. I unzip the half-zip during climbs to dump heat, then close it on exposed sections to retain warmth. It packs down to about the size of a water bottle and fits easily in daypacks, with th 400-gram weight being a reasonable range for the protection provided.
What Makes the Fit and Construction Special?
Regular trim-fit layers slide easily under shells without excess bulk, and articulated elbows provide a full range of motion. The half-zip provides ventilation control while the laminated sleeve pocket holds small items. Stretch-knit cuffs seal without restricting wrists and layer well under gloves without bunching. Made in Canada, when Arc'teryx is produced domestically, flatlocked seams lie flat, preventing hot spots under pack straps. The hem sits at hip length, working well with technical pants without gaps forming.
How Does It Compare to Modern Fleece Midlayers?
The 2006 Sniper Zip delivers the wind protection modern fleece midlayers lack. Current Arc'teryx fleeces prioritize stretch over wind resistance, with the Covert line focusing on warmth but blocking less wind. Wind Pro fabric disappeared from most Arc'teryx midlayers after 2010 as the brand shifted to softshells for wind protection and pure fleece for breathability. This gap makes the Sniper Zip valuable. At $150 original retail, discontinued units resell for $80-150, depending on condition. The herringbone texture distinguishes it from smooth modern fleece.
What Colors and Sizing Are Available?
The Sniper Zip debuted Fall/Winter 2006 in three colorways: Slate (gray), Redwood (rust red), and Cobalt (deep blue). Sizing runs true to Arc'teryx standards from that golden era - at 6 feet and 165 pounds, medium works perfectly with room for a base layer. Available in S-XXL originally, though finding specific sizes on resale requires patience. Check eBay, Grailed, or Arc'teryx resale groups.
Is the Sniper Zip Worth Buying on Resale?
For wind protection and breathability together, yes. The Sniper Zip delivers a combination that is hard to find in current products. Modern midlayers either prioritize wind resistance with laminates that reduce breathability, or maximize breathability with fleece offering no wind protection. The 2006 release marks almost 20 years of proven performance, with wind-blocking, breathability, and durability justifying purchase in good condition. Limited availability makes it harder to recommend than in-production pieces from Arc'teryx's current lineup, but it's worth the hunt for conditions where both matter. Compare to the Patagonia R1 TechFace Ho, fa a or similar wind-resistant fleece currently in production.
