Tested: Arc’teryx Incendo Airshell Hoody

Fabric and Construction

The Incendo Airshell Hoody uses Arc’teryx’s proprietary Permair® fabric, which is a 15-denier double weave, ripstop nylon. The fabric weight is 42gsm. For comparison, the Patagonia Houdini uses a 1.2-ounce (~41gsm) ripstop nylon. The Permair® has a huge wow factor; it’s light as a feather. The single layer, 15d fabric is impossibly thin … and translucent. This is something I don’t love about this running jacket. Unless you’re wearing a matching color underneath, your shirt is going to show through. The materials and construction are as high a quality as I would expect from Arc’teryx, but the see-through jacket gives off disposable concert poncho vibes. I’ve received more than one comment from running partners and have even been asked about it at the trailhead. I guess it makes a good conversation piece, but I’m not a fan. My jacket is Stone Green (to match my Norvan 4 shoes, of course, which you can check out in our article) and I don’t notice the translucent fabric as long as I wear a muted green or grey shirt underneath. 

Other construction notes on the Arc’teryx Incendo Airshell Hoody:

• The main zip and pocket zips are YKK #3 hidden zippers. I love that they still have rubber pull tabs instead of small-diameter paracord. Zipper pulls and performance are something I don’t want to compromise on, even on an ultralight jacket.
• There is a single adjustment cord on the hood that allows me to keep the hood out of my eyes. More on this in the Fit section of this article.
• There is also a waist adjustment cord. The Incendo Airshell already has a fitted cut. I think Arc’teryx could drop this hardware and shave even more weight.
• The cuffs feature elastic for a close fit. Arc’teryx uses elastic on the underside of the wrist, with just binding on the top side. I like the way it feels and looks. It matches the intended uses of this performance piece.
• There is a stash pocket within the right hand warmer pocket. It is a simple enclosure and features a cord loop for hooking to a carabiner.
• The Incendo Airshell features the full Bird logo on the chest. 

Pockets

I’m somewhat torn on the inclusion of pockets on the Incendo Airshell. On one hand (pun fully intended), it makes sense that a windshell has hand warmer pockets. I’ve started some early morning mountain runs with this as an extra layer. In this context, or in general when you're out in the cold and wind, you may want to shove your hands in your pockets. On the other hand, when I’m really active I don’t use hand pockets. Ever. This isn't a piece I’d be using as all-day protection in the backcountry, or as a rain layer. You can decide what you think, but I’d prefer to drop the pockets. This is such a niche piece to begin with that I’d keep it focused on being the lightest possible wind jacket for high-output activity.

Weather Resistance & Breathability

The Incendo strikes an impressive balance between wind protection and air permeability. This jacket breathes exceptionally well during high-output activities while still providing meaningful wind resistance. In testing, it effectively blocked wind chill during alpine starts and ridge traverses, yet never felt stifling during steep ascents.

For water repellency, Arc’teryx uses its FC0 DWR treatment, which is free from intentionally added PFAS. I’ve found that the Incendo Airshell Hoody handles light precipitation and snow reasonably well for short exposures, but this isn't intended as rain gear. Moisture beads and rolls off initially, though prolonged exposure will certainly wet through. The real strength lies in its ability to maintain comfort during stop-and-go activities where traditional shells would leave you overheated.

The Incendo Airshell is tuned for movement — not for sitting around in storms. That said, in gusty, high-alpine conditions, it cuts enough wind to let you stay in motion without burning all your calories on thermoregulation. I rate this as one of the best wind jackets for trail running.

Warmth & Insulation

The Incendo provides minimal insulation value on its own — think of it as active insulation through wind protection rather than static warmth. Its primary thermal benefit comes from eliminating convective heat loss, which can be substantial in windy conditions.

I find that the jacket adds noticeable warmth when layered over a base layer in 20-30 mph winds, effectively creating a microclimate that retains body heat. However, in still conditions with temperatures below 40°F, it offers little thermal benefit unless you're generating significant body heat through activity.

The lightweight construction means it layers exceptionally well. It works beautifully over merino base layers for cool morning starts. The minimal bulk means it doesn't interfere with the fit or function of your base layer. I wouldn't wear it as a mid-layer underneath a rain shell. Again, this is a breathable running jacket for summer. This is not intended to be a versatile all-season shell. 

Fit & Feel

The Incendo Hoody has a trim, athletic fit. Arc'teryx refers to this cut as "fitted." It’s shaped to move, with articulated sleeves and a slight drop hem for coverage while you’re in motion. The hood is minimalist and unstructured, which is perfect for runners or speed hikers who want quick coverage without bulk. 

One thing I appreciate is how soft the fabric feels against the skin. It doesn’t have that crinkly, clammy feeling that some ultralight wind shells can suffer from. It almost disappears when you’re wearing it, even over a tank or short sleeves.

The hood design deserves a callout. It's well-proportioned, stays put in wind, and doesn't obstruct peripheral vision. The single-pull adjustment can be operated with gloves. I have tightened the barrel adjustment on the hood just a tad to achieve a good fit and haven't had to touch it since.

Comparisons for the Arc’teryx Incendo Airshell Hoody

Here are some jackets that are serious considerations for comparison. The Black Diamond Distance is the lightest windshell I’ve seen and has a great cut, but it's also translucent like the Incendo Airshell. The Patagonia Houdini weighs the same as the Incendo and trades the hand warmer pockets for a single chest pocket (we compare previous versions of the Houdini vs the Arc'teryx Squamish here). The Incendo Airshell is in fact the only jacket on the list with hand pockets.

I’m including the OR Helium Ultralight as an option if you need something fast and light but with a little more rain protection. I think calling it waterproof is a stretch, but it is definitely more suitable for a flash storm than the others on this list. You give up some breathability but gain more protection for wet weather.

If you need a wind shell that also provides a touch of insulation, check out our review of the Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight. It breathes incredibly well while providing a hint of warmth.