All-Time Great But Time For Colour Overhaul
This is the undisputed industry leader in lightweight layering and versatility. High performer from backcountry to town, travel, and beyond. Fits great and drapes beautifully. Stylish under a flannel or a Barbour but I’ve been silently enduring a major design flaw for years. The colors are unworkable . Year after year after year. I own two of these and would buy a new one every year to flesh out my wardrobe, but you need to rethink your palette. You need to “Blanket Shirt” this thing. A wider range of colors is needed. Make sure there is always a choice of three colors to go with a few fashion brands including standard shackets by Outerknown, Filson, Pendleton and even a Barbour. There should always be two neutrals on offer (one warm, one cool), a range of ... MoreThis is the undisputed industry leader in lightweight layering and versatility. High performer from backcountry to town, travel, and beyond. Fits great and drapes beautifully. Stylish under a flannel or a Barbour but I’ve been silently enduring a major design flaw for years. The colors are unworkable . Year after year after year. I own two of these and would buy a new one every year to flesh out my wardrobe, but you need to rethink your palette. You need to “Blanket Shirt” this thing. A wider range of colors is needed. Make sure there is always a choice of three colors to go with a few fashion brands including standard shackets by Outerknown, Filson, Pendleton and even a Barbour. There should always be two neutrals on offer (one warm, one cool), a range of blacks/greys, and a midnight blue (mine is Kingfisher), and an understated earth tone option every season (think chocolate smoke) for layering under a flannel. Keep one signal color per season and probably you need to add a “tactical” color, but keep it down low and change it once a year. I am literally tired of only being able to buy one of these every two or three years because the colors don’t work with street wear. When I’m in the mountains or on the water, there’s nothing that works better and I don’t give a hoot what color it is for backcountry try use. Start focusing on fashion please.I gave this advice, as a Patagoniac, to the design team at your main competitor. They ignored my advice and now they are being buried by sustainable fashion brands that have learned to craft performance pieces that actually look good on the street in London Paris or Milan. ArcTeryx is the king of technical pieces. Play it smart and you will stop driving loyalists like me away with your weird colors.... Show more
Virginien
originally posted on arcteryx.com
Atom Lt Hoody Review
To preface this, I have the LEAF version which is only available for military and other service personnel, not the regular version, however to my understanding the difference is only a slight variation that is in ways most likely irrelevant for you, so keep that in mind but overall it wont make much difference for most people reading this.Ive used this jacket extensively in the field, and I swear by it. It is an absolute gem. This garment works as a standalone or mid-layer depending on the temperature, and provides absolutely excellent insulation. Its no coincidence that the atom is extremely popular among us in the armed forces, this thing will keep you warm and cozy, but isnt so warm that the moment you start exerting you are just dying of overheating which is ... MoreTo preface this, I have the LEAF version which is only available for military and other service personnel, not the regular version, however to my understanding the difference is only a slight variation that is in ways most likely irrelevant for you, so keep that in mind but overall it wont make much difference for most people reading this.Ive used this jacket extensively in the field, and I swear by it. It is an absolute gem. This garment works as a standalone or mid-layer depending on the temperature, and provides absolutely excellent insulation. Its no coincidence that the atom is extremely popular among us in the armed forces, this thing will keep you warm and cozy, but isnt so warm that the moment you start exerting you are just dying of overheating which is really nice.It comes DWR coated so it does have some water resistance, but do not count on that. This is perfect when paired with a shell jacket, I have the Beta AR and ive found through pretty heavy use that this combo is ideal.This jacket is also very suited to day to day use, its very fashionable and a great everyday fall jacket for casual use.My single only complaint with this jacket is that draw string on the hood can be pretty uncomfortable if tightened up too much and doesnt really do anything unless you tighten it up that much, but I’ve found the hood is completely adequate when completely loosened so its pretty minor in my opinion.Overall, I think this jacket was the best $300 I ever spent I dont really have any other way to put it.... Show more
Elijah
originally posted on arcteryx.com
Fantastic jacket
Let’s get the price out of the way first, Arc’teryx is known to be pricier clothing. It’s also known to be some of the most effective and highest quality you can get for outdoor adventures. This jacket used to be called the atom LT hoodie. I got this jacket for shoulder season and winter hiking and I’m very happy with my purchase. I debated between the atom and the proton, but since the proton was not in stock at REI at the time, it made my decision easy. From reading, it seems the proton is geared towards slightly colder and more high output activity (i read this as slightly warmer but more breathable) so it is likely I will be purchasing one of those in the future, both for comparison, and as an alternative to the atom. I can say that during a mid 30s uphill, ... MoreLet’s get the price out of the way first, Arc’teryx is known to be pricier clothing. It’s also known to be some of the most effective and highest quality you can get for outdoor adventures. This jacket used to be called the atom LT hoodie. I got this jacket for shoulder season and winter hiking and I’m very happy with my purchase. I debated between the atom and the proton, but since the proton was not in stock at REI at the time, it made my decision easy. From reading, it seems the proton is geared towards slightly colder and more high output activity (i read this as slightly warmer but more breathable) so it is likely I will be purchasing one of those in the future, both for comparison, and as an alternative to the atom. I can say that during a mid 30s uphill, smaller summit winter hike, I ended up taking the jacket off partway up. At the time I was wearing a capilene Cool T-shirt and an R1 air hoodie. Perhaps that’s a testament to the effectiveness of the R1. That said, I put this jacket right back on at the summit, where it was much windier and cooler. It definitely kept me warm while resting and enjoying the views. I left it on for the less labor intensive descent and remained perfectly comfortable. This jacket is lightweight, very comfortable, very packable, and the trim fit is perfect when wearing standalone or slipping under another shell. The fit also ensures great movement while wearing it and is very flattering for those summit pics. I chose the black sapphire color which is my favorite in this brand, and my girlfriend got the Yukon which is also an awesome color in person. I will say after seeing some more real life pictures online of the chloris color I decidedly wasn’t a fan so if you’re interested in that color i suggest googling for some pictures or seeing in person. The fit, finish and quality are excellent as expected. As I said for higher output activities in the environment I was in it was a bit warm, so I ended up with just my capilene T-shirt and the R1 air but I would guess In colder weather than the mid-upper 30s, or slightly less of a labor-intensive uphill ascent i would have been fine. You can’t go wrong with the quality and versatility here. I found the hood very functional and fitted well when snugged down to my head and i also loved the feel of the fabric. Admittedly, these jackets do not have an incredibly durable or abrasion resistant shell material, but I brushed against several sharp pines on my journey with no damage or anything to the jacket and from the feel i don’t have any doubts about its durability for how I’ll use it. I just wouldn’t be surprised if those who drag their chest or back across exposed rocks see some abrasions or damage.... Show more
Jeremy
originally posted on REI
Genuinely top tier jacket.
Truly an excellent Purchase. This Atom Hoody is simply the best mid-layer all round jacket one can buy. To start off, the quality is great, zipper never fails, it's water proof to an extent and keeps me warm in regular conditions. The hood is the perfect size (usually a miss with outdoor jackets), the interior is super comfortable and warm with no extra layer needed in the inside for extra comfort, and the overall fit is perfect if your wearing it underneath, over top, or as a single layer. For a 5'9 athletic build, this jacket fits me perfectly, with the perfect amount of space to move, not too tight or loose, which gives it a very stylish and athletic look on the outside.Temperatures: Now, here it gets iffy. The jacket is meant to be worn underneath an outer ... MoreTruly an excellent Purchase. This Atom Hoody is simply the best mid-layer all round jacket one can buy. To start off, the quality is great, zipper never fails, it's water proof to an extent and keeps me warm in regular conditions. The hood is the perfect size (usually a miss with outdoor jackets), the interior is super comfortable and warm with no extra layer needed in the inside for extra comfort, and the overall fit is perfect if your wearing it underneath, over top, or as a single layer. For a 5'9 athletic build, this jacket fits me perfectly, with the perfect amount of space to move, not too tight or loose, which gives it a very stylish and athletic look on the outside.Temperatures: Now, here it gets iffy. The jacket is meant to be worn underneath an outer layer, or over-top of a hoodie, and for that it is literally perfect. Super comfortable and snug like you're getting a hug, warm, stylish and nonrestrictive, and can be worn in negative temperatures if used as a mid-layer. However, the jacket is also amazing when used on its own, as your only layer, that is under ideal temperatures. If your going on a walk, doing activities, or just talking to some buds at 10 degrees C and don't want to bundle up, this is perfect; keeps you warm, dry, doesn't make you sweat, and is very breathable and agile. However, if you are expecting this jacket to keep you warm in freezing temperatures, or in the snow, or in very windy circumstances where its 1 or 2 degrees, It simply will not. It will definitely help, and keep you somewhat warm, but not for long as it's not too thick. If used properly, it is a perfect jacket.Overall: The jacket Is perfect. I used it when I'm going on walks, scooter rides, going to eat, as an extra layer, going to school, work, while driving if its cold, at night when going out, and as a base/mid-layer when skiing, in the snow, or during the cold months of winter in freezing temperatures. Furthermore, this jacket paired with the arcteryx insulated or an arcteryx alpha or beta shell is the perfect combo to keep you agile, warm, and dry. With this very flexible and reasonable price tag, the jacket fully satisfies all my needs, and is a number one pick when going out on a regular cloudy day. Fully recommend it, and I have never been happier with this purchase.... Show more
GabeAp
originally posted on arcteryx.com
It's a keeper
This jacket brings me joy. Part of that is the Lampyre color, which is great and reminds me of saltwater taffy, but it feels so good when it slides on. It's not oppressive like you need to run out of the house before you sweat out, and it's warm enough to keep you cozy down to around 35º(F) if you keep moving.This was purchased for evaluation on demanding uphills this ski season while searching for a layering system that manages very-high-output activities well. The Tyono fabric isn't as breathable as I would have liked for that purpose, and a lofted insulation layer will always be suspect when considering the moisture-management requirements of those types of activities. Still, I like this jacket so darn much I can't bring myself to part with it. It's just so ... MoreThis jacket brings me joy. Part of that is the Lampyre color, which is great and reminds me of saltwater taffy, but it feels so good when it slides on. It's not oppressive like you need to run out of the house before you sweat out, and it's warm enough to keep you cozy down to around 35º(F) if you keep moving.This was purchased for evaluation on demanding uphills this ski season while searching for a layering system that manages very-high-output activities well. The Tyono fabric isn't as breathable as I would have liked for that purpose, and a lofted insulation layer will always be suspect when considering the moisture-management requirements of those types of activities. Still, I like this jacket so darn much I can't bring myself to part with it. It's just so comfortable.I feel like the tech is a bit outdated as a piece of active-insulation when considering alternatives like the Fortius face fabric of the Proton lineup and the Octaloft insulation (Proton lightweight hoody), with the former being more breathable, stretchy, and (in the case of the octaloft) much more capable of clearing out moisture. But I'm open to being surprised. This has earned a place in my gear closet already just for being so nice to wear. We'll see how it holds up against frigid ski ascents later in the year. Whatever the results of that test; this jacket is a keeper.... Show more
Chris
originally posted on arcteryx.com
I wear this jacket year round - it's awesome
This is my third Arcteryx Atom jacket that I've owned - it's really that great. This jacket was formerly known as the Atom LT, and only recently was it renamed just the Atom. Compared to the ones I've had in the past, the fabric and fit are identical. I really like this new Pytheus color with the turquoise trim - it goes with almost anything.I use this piece from everything to casual around-town wear, to climbing, and it works especially well as a breathable insulation layer when resort or backcountry skiing. For casual use, I'd say it's comfortable to around 35-40F for me unless I'm being active, and then it's ok down to any usual temperatures I'd encounter in the northwest where I live.I'm 5'6" and 175 lbs, with a 32 inch waist. I like my jackets fitted, and ... MoreThis is my third Arcteryx Atom jacket that I've owned - it's really that great. This jacket was formerly known as the Atom LT, and only recently was it renamed just the Atom. Compared to the ones I've had in the past, the fabric and fit are identical. I really like this new Pytheus color with the turquoise trim - it goes with almost anything.I use this piece from everything to casual around-town wear, to climbing, and it works especially well as a breathable insulation layer when resort or backcountry skiing. For casual use, I'd say it's comfortable to around 35-40F for me unless I'm being active, and then it's ok down to any usual temperatures I'd encounter in the northwest where I live.I'm 5'6" and 175 lbs, with a 32 inch waist. I like my jackets fitted, and this one is perfect for me with room for a baselayer underneath. I often have issues finding shirts or jackets that are the right length (most are too long) but that's not the case here.I included some photos that highlight some nice details on this jacket. The side pockets are a good size for putting your hands in to keep warm if you're not wearing gloves. I think there is a subtle change in fabric from previous Atoms - before, it felt more like a light fleece fabric and now it's a face fabric (the same as all the other turquoise trim). These pockets have zippers, hidden behind flaps, that gives it a streamlined look. The hood fits over my ski helmet and has a single cinch cord with a trigger for adjustment. There's an interior chest pocket that's big enough for the biggest smartphones. The wrist elastic is well designed (haven't had issues with it losing elasticity on my past Atoms and I'd expect the same here) and it's not too hard to pull it up over my watch when I want to look at it. The front zipper has a flap on the inside to help make it less drafty. Finally, the Arcteryx logo on the front is now stitched (I've had an older jacket where the logo was printed). It's a nice detail.Overall, and awesome and versatile piece that I've been really happy with. The only reason I've owned more than one is because I lost one in the past, and this particular one was sent to me free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review.... Show more
Eric L
originally posted on REI
Lightweight warmth that breathes easy
This jacket is my new go-to for drizzly PNW fall/winter. The materials are supple and light, but the water-repellant coating is enough to protect from a light shower. The insulation is warm and well-positioned, and the jacket breathes well while shedding wind during light exercise (gentle hikes, bike commutes). On top of being a perfect layer day-to-day, it has earned its place in my pack for cool-weather hiking, backpacking, backcountry skiing, and climbing.For fit, I (5'10", 145 lbs) ordered a Medium and found the torso a bit large without any layers underneath, but the waist cinch is very effective, and despite the apparent bulk, the jacket sits well under a hard shell. I enjoy that the longer dimensions cover gaps left by other jackets on folks with my build. ... MoreThis jacket is my new go-to for drizzly PNW fall/winter. The materials are supple and light, but the water-repellant coating is enough to protect from a light shower. The insulation is warm and well-positioned, and the jacket breathes well while shedding wind during light exercise (gentle hikes, bike commutes). On top of being a perfect layer day-to-day, it has earned its place in my pack for cool-weather hiking, backpacking, backcountry skiing, and climbing.For fit, I (5'10", 145 lbs) ordered a Medium and found the torso a bit large without any layers underneath, but the waist cinch is very effective, and despite the apparent bulk, the jacket sits well under a hard shell. I enjoy that the longer dimensions cover gaps left by other jackets on folks with my build. The hood is the best I've ever had: cinched down, it fits comfortably on my head, but it contains my ski helmet without issue when opened up, all with a great range of motion. The cuff elastic is wide and sits comfortably on my skinny wrists, but with room to grow.My one nitpick is with the pockets. Given how Arc-teryx markets this jacket, I expect its features to be well-considered for more technical excursions. Having experienced the brilliant design of a high jacket pocket, however, I'm disappointed to find these pockets severely inhibited by a pack hip belt or harness. Being marketed as a high-end, 'alpine-proven' jacket, I expect that every feature is well-considered and justified against the weight/complexity penalty.... Show more
skier
originally posted on REI
My go-to jacket for everyday wear and travel
By far one of the best jackets that Arc'teryx makes. It's incredibly versatile, light, packable, and still manages to be warm. I wear this comfortably at 0° C with a tee and crewneck sweatshirt. It blocks wind fairly well and works great as a standalone. I don't often wear it as a mid-layer but it definitely works well. Anytime I have to travel I bring this jacket because I'm often walking a lot during my trips so the jacket regulates my temperature exceptionally well (especially when carrying a bunch of stuff). Reminder that if you're standing still / not moving a lot this jacket will feel a tad cold.I think my only gripe about the jacket is the lack of short sizing and maybe alternate fits. I would love to have a size Small - Short version with 2 inches off the ... MoreBy far one of the best jackets that Arc'teryx makes. It's incredibly versatile, light, packable, and still manages to be warm. I wear this comfortably at 0° C with a tee and crewneck sweatshirt. It blocks wind fairly well and works great as a standalone. I don't often wear it as a mid-layer but it definitely works well. Anytime I have to travel I bring this jacket because I'm often walking a lot during my trips so the jacket regulates my temperature exceptionally well (especially when carrying a bunch of stuff). Reminder that if you're standing still / not moving a lot this jacket will feel a tad cold.I think my only gripe about the jacket is the lack of short sizing and maybe alternate fits. I would love to have a size Small - Short version with 2 inches off the length and maybe 1-1.5 inches off the sleeves. It would also be great if the jacket was offered in other fits like regular and relaxed since the fitted fit of the jacket makes it hard to wear more casual clothes underneath.I'm 5'6 and 135 lbs with a slightly athletic build. I wear size small comfortably but can't wear baggy clothes underneath (e.g., sweaters with a large sleeves).... Show more
NomadNick
originally posted on arcteryx.com
Perfect all arounder!
Excellent all-arounder! I was looking for a jacket to fill multiple purposes and this one fit the bill. I live in northern Nevada and mornings/evenings can get chilly so I wanted a jacket to ward off a lower temp that isn't overly bulky. I'd like to easily shed it when the temps warm without taking a lot of room in the stuff pack or just holding it. We don't get a ton of rainier but when we do, the hood design is nice. The pull strings draw the hood close to your head and will surely withstand windy days (which we get *often*!). Myother jackets have helmet compatible hoods so it's nice to have a normal-sized hood.My second purpose is to have a jacket that I can wear under my AlphaSV when I want something warmer in my layer strategy. I wear a base layer and a mid ... MoreExcellent all-arounder! I was looking for a jacket to fill multiple purposes and this one fit the bill. I live in northern Nevada and mornings/evenings can get chilly so I wanted a jacket to ward off a lower temp that isn't overly bulky. I'd like to easily shed it when the temps warm without taking a lot of room in the stuff pack or just holding it. We don't get a ton of rainier but when we do, the hood design is nice. The pull strings draw the hood close to your head and will surely withstand windy days (which we get *often*!). Myother jackets have helmet compatible hoods so it's nice to have a normal-sized hood.My second purpose is to have a jacket that I can wear under my AlphaSV when I want something warmer in my layer strategy. I wear a base layer and a mid layer, and I'll tweak the mid layer based on expected temps. This jacket will be a very nice "heavier" mid layer to wear on cold days.This is also my first purchased in the revised sizing. I wear a small in AT shells (traditional sizing) but in the new sizing I wasn't sure where I would land. I bought a Small and Medium expecting to return one. The revised small sizing was too snug in the chest but the Medium fit really nice. Glad I bought both!Overall I am very happy with my purchase and I plan to wear it tonight at the local beer stop... :-)... Show more
SteveInNevada
originally posted on arcteryx.com
Reliable jacket for active adventures
This might be the best Arc'teryx jacket that I have ever worn. That is mostly due to it's versatility and comfort. It's a good fit that allows for layering without feeling bulky- I wear a base layer and this jacket and am comfortable while hiking or add a midlayer while biking around town. Side panels allow it to breathe a little but the insulated front and back keep you warm. It's also designed to allow for ease of movement. Haven't had a chance to climb in it but would guess it would be solid.There are some nice design touches. The hood has enough room for a helmet. The two front hand packets are situated a little higher than you might expect which makes it easy to access while wearing a harness. It's super lightweight and packs into a bag pretty well to not get ... MoreThis might be the best Arc'teryx jacket that I have ever worn. That is mostly due to it's versatility and comfort. It's a good fit that allows for layering without feeling bulky- I wear a base layer and this jacket and am comfortable while hiking or add a midlayer while biking around town. Side panels allow it to breathe a little but the insulated front and back keep you warm. It's also designed to allow for ease of movement. Haven't had a chance to climb in it but would guess it would be solid.There are some nice design touches. The hood has enough room for a helmet. The two front hand packets are situated a little higher than you might expect which makes it easy to access while wearing a harness. It's super lightweight and packs into a bag pretty well to not get in the way.I wear it when I am out and about and have gotten several compliments based on the color (Pytheas) and that it looks nice even for being a technical jacket. It wouldn't be my first choice if I was going to be standing or not exerting much energy for a long period of time (going to an outdoor sport event or something along those lines) but anything else it has quickly become my go to jacket.I tend to like more room in my jackets so I sized up to a large when I might typically wear a medium but this jacket still fits quite well and is not boxy or bulky because of that.Overall, would recommend the Arc'teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie as a reliable and well-designed jacket that offers excellent versatility and durability for just about any outdoor activity.... Show more
exrunner87
originally posted on REI