With the Atom series, Arcteryx has various jacket models in its range that are intended as an insulating, middle (or sometimes outer) layer. The in-house Coreloft filling provides high thermal performance with low weight, even when damp. The jackets are available in the light version (LT) tested here and in the somewhat more robust all-round (AR) version, as well as in a version without a hood (Atom LT).
Fit
At just over 180 cm tall, the jacket in large (men's version) is relatively large and rather baggy on me. The women's version (tried on by a friend) is cut much closer to the body, but is otherwise no different from the men's model. The sleeve length is fine for me in both the men's and women's versions.
First impression
The light jacket lives up to its name. There really isn't much to it and you can crumple it up small (either really crumple it up or put it in your own pocket or sleeve) and stuff it into your backpack to save space. The elastic cuffs fit snugly and prevent the unpleasant 'sleeve slips up because I have 5 layers on and still have to move with it' effect. Otherwise, the technical details are relatively unspectacular, but well thought out and functional. In addition to two spacious pockets (zipper), there is also a small inner pocket on the chest (also with a zipper). The waistband and hood can be tightened with an elastic band. The hood is large enough to wear over a helmet. The collar closes in the chin and mouth area with pleasantly soft material so that you don't drool into the cold zipper when you're standing in a hurricane and pull the jacket in front of your face.
Long-term gear review
I've had the Atom Hoody in use for a good two years now, pretty much constantly and in all kinds of conditions, which in itself is a testament to the general suitability of this piece. The jacket is so light that you can really always put it in your backpack, even if you wouldn't take a thicker down jacket with you for reasons of space or weight. The wind-repellent taffeta outer material shows hardly any signs of wear and is still wind-repellent. The water-repellent DWR coating has served its purpose for a relatively long time, but is no longer really effective after repeated washing - but I wouldn't seriously expect that after two years. Apart from that, neither washing nor constant, rough crumpling has noticeably damaged the jacket's thermal performance and it is still comfortable to wear even when slightly damp.
Despite the light design, the jacket has proven to be surprisingly robust. As it is rather large for me, I occasionally put it on over the hardshell jacket, for example when the weather is unpleasant and I don't want to take the latter off for 20 seconds to change. It doesn't seem to have harmed the Atom. If you wear it under the outermost layer, breathable inserts on the sides under the arms ensure that you don't feel like you're in a sauna after 10 minutes.
Conclusion
High level of satisfaction on my part. The jacket fulfills its purpose and is robust and durable despite its low weight and pack size. Apart from ski touring, it can of course also be used as a fashionable, trendy city outdoor jacket for a Christmas shopping trip or similar.
Advantages & disadvantages
+Lightweight
+High all-round suitability
+Robust&durable
- actually none...
Information
RRP: €220.-
- Moisture-resistant outer material
- Breathable
- Lined
- Lightweight
- Small pack size
- Wind-resistant
construction
- Durable water repellent finish (DWR)
- Composite materials
- Breathable, side panels for comfort and freedom of movement
- Pre-shaped elbows
- Underarm gussets
- Hood types
- Lined, helmet-compatible Storm Hood™ hood
- Scuba hood
- Full-length front zipper with storm flap
- Cuffs & Sleeve construction
- Elastic knit cuffs
Hem types
- Adjustable hem with drawcord
- Extended back
- Laminated hem
- Chest pocket on the inside
- Two hand pockets
Here is the Arc'teryx website with further information, here you can order the Atom LT from our partner store.
