BreathabilityĬompared to classics in the lightweight jacket category, the Atom LT Hoody is impressively breathable. Low-profile elastic cuffs not only trap precious heat, but prevent the sleeves from riding up. The two front-zippered pockets are lined with soft-to-the-touch nylon that’ll keep your hands toasty. It’s unbelievably warm for the weight,” and, “It’s light enough to layer under a shell and warm enough to wear on its own in shoulder seasons. writes, “I was a little hesitant of buying this due to its price however I’m very glad I did get it. The helmet compatibility is excellent for climbing, biking, and snow sports. Because the hood is helmet-compatible, it does fit large however, a drawstring on the back and an elastic liner around the face makes it easy to tighten and secure in place. The outer face is also treated with a water-resistant DWR-coating in light showers, water droplets will simply bead off your jacket like rain on a windowpane.įor maximum heat retention, pull up the Atom LT’s Storm Hood, also filled with Coreloft 60. The outer face of the jacket is made from their proprietary Tyono 20D polyester, which does a great job of keeping wear and tear at bay. Because the insulation used in Coreloft is cut to varying sizes, it manages to maintain its loft surprisingly well. For context, that’s warmer than the Atom SL (Coreloft 40), but not as warm as the Atom SV (Coreloft 100). Coreloft 60 is a hydrophobic, synthetic insulation with a density of 60g/m2. The Atom LT Hoody is insulated with Arc’teryx’s own Coreloft 60. What really stands out about it, though, is its hybrid construction, which allows for maximum warmth, breathability, weather-resistance, packability, and a functional minimalist chic. In the case of the Atom LT Hoody, its Product Family is Atom, which Arc’teryx describes as, “Versatile synthetic-insulated midlayers with a high degree of weather resistance.” The Product Modifier-you guessed it-is LT, described as, “High performance, minimalist design that is durable for its weight.” Find out more about the Arc’teryx naming scheme.Īs you’ve likely gathered, the Atom LT Hoody meets all the criteria of a lightweight, versatile, and insulated shell. Much like the Linnaean Classification system you may recall from high school biology, each garment model is named to reflect its taxonomy.

One of the things we love about Arc’teryx is their naming scheme. Versatile or Specific?Īre you looking for something specially designed for one activity, or do you plan on using your shell for a variety of activities in a diverse range of conditions? Specialized features are great for single-purpose use, but can cost more when compared to a more versatile, general-purpose shell. There’s also the question of the ethical treatment of animals however, many outdoors companies today follow socially conscious and rigorous protocols. Synthetic insulations may weigh more, but they dry faster when wet and maintain their loft better. And yes, while down is still number one when it comes to warmth-to-weight ratio, synthetics have come a long, long way. It’s an age-old question among outdoorspeople. In less extreme temperatures, you’ll likely want a jacket that retains heat when you’re not moving and is breathable during periods of exertion-think trail running or bouldering. What kind of activities do you do?įor frosty activities like skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering, you’ll want to choose a midlayer that is both insulating and comfortable, that also fits easily between your baselayer and outer layer. How important is weight and compressibility?Īre you fixated on the ultralight ethos? Is your backpack already too stuffed to sacrifice more space? If you’re going to be tramping around with your gear on your back, a lighter and more compact option is advantageous. The Atom LT Hoody is a piece that can be easily layered. While colder climates demand warmer garments, keep in mind that certain jackets can serve both as an outer shell and midlayer depending on the situation. Of course, before buying a lightweight, insulated shell jacket, you should ask yourself a few pertinent questions: How warm does it need to be? Likewise, for those seeking a specialized jacket designed for a specific activity or for a particularly harsh climate, the Atom LT Hoody isn’t it. That said, if you’re simply looking for an urban jacket and are on a budget, there are more affordable options out there, like the Patagonia Houdini ( women’s men’s). That’s why having a lightweight, insulated shell is an essential piece of your kit. Layers give you the freedom to make micro-adjustments to your body temperature. There’s almost no question that layering is the way to go when dressing for the outdoors.

Arcteryx atom lt