Arc'teryx Rho LT Hoody (Men's)

The Rho LT Hoody is Arc'teryx's go-to synthetic base layer for cold-weather and lower-output use. It's not a fleece mid-layer and it's not a thin wicking tee — it sits in the space between, doing the job of both well enough that a lot of skiers, ski tourers, and alpinists reach for it as a standalone piece as often as they layer it.

The fabric is Torrent 190, a brushed 84% polyester / 16% elastane blend that's soft against the skin, stretchy enough that it doesn't restrict movement, and warm enough to handle sustained cold without requiring a mid-layer on top. It wicks and dries faster than merino at this weight, and it outlasts merino too. Polygiene odor treatment does enough work that you can get multiple days out of it on a mountain trip without problems. Better Trail tested it through ski touring in the teens to mid-20s Fahrenheit and rated it among the best synthetic base layers available for cold conditions.

The hood is the feature that makes the Rho LT worth knowing about. It functions as a neck warmer, a standard hood, or a full balaclava depending on how far you pull it up. Zippered chest pocket fits a phone. Flatlock seams throughout. Trim fit sits close enough to layer efficiently under a shell without bunching. Articulated patterning keeps it from pulling across the shoulders under a pack.