Gear Review: Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoodie

I’ve spent a lot of time in the Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoodie. According to Arc’teryx, the Atom LT Hoodie is billed as an insulated, mid-layer hoody with wind and moisture resistant outer shell. Arc’teryx rarely disappoints but I was curious with this jacket. I got it as a kind of do everything piece, from riding on cold days to ski touring and even being manly around the house. But to be truthful, it felt almost too light to be a really durable jacket. At just 13.2 ounces, the Atom LT is light. And with 60g of Coreloft insulation, I had my doubts about how warm it would be, but I was looking for something that was light, breathable and offered the warmth of an insulated jacket. In terms of design, the Atom LT is lightly moisture resistant, with a breathable, non-insulated stretch piece running down under the arms on each side of the jacket. Standard zip pockets, scuba hood and Arc’teryx’s usual attention to detail complement the piece.

This piece has put up with everything I’ve thrown at it. From ski touring to using it as an outer layer on some of the warmer pow days in the Whistler area to riding the bike park in the wind, rain and mud, the Atom LT, even after several washes, has withstood almost 9 months of constant abuse. The athletic fit and uber breathability make it one of those pieces that could conceivably replace a soft-shell. It’s warm but not stuffy and you can sweat in it when it’s cold without feeling like you’re in a down parka. My only beef with the jacket is the hood is very small, the cuffs are a little too snug and the zippers are almost too light for any heavy use. I should note that none of them have broken, but they do on occasion stick and they don’t stay cinched up.

While it’s not waterproof by any means, I was pleasantly surprised at how it dealt with rain. Mild sprinklings and snow weren’t an issue at all. The Atom LT stayed dry and warm. Even when soaked through in torrential rain (I’m sure the designers are cringing a little) it maintained its warmth. If you’re looking for a good layering piece that can be used as a bit of a do everything, breathable jacket for active pursuits in colder temps, the Atom LT will fit the bill. It also comes in the straight up Atom LT jacket model, with no hood and Arc’teryx offers both a mens and womens version. For more info, visit www.arcteryx.com

Atom LT Hoodie – SPECS:

Outer Material: Polartec® Power Stretch® with Hardface™ Technology – 88% Polyester / 12% Spandex: A four-way stretch fabric that allows for excellent athletic movement and good breathability to maintain comfort, Hardface™ Technology provides a higher level of abrasion resistance. Luminara™: 100% Nylon. DWR (durable water repellant) finish

Insulation: 60 g/m² Coreloft™ insulation

Fit: Athletic Fit – Keeps in warmth without restricting movement or layering

– Articulated elbows

– Gusseted underarms

– Pockets: Internal Chest pocket with zipper

– Two Hand pockets with zippers

Additional Features:

– Insulated low profile hood adds warmth and can fit under a helmet.

– Scuba Hood™

– Full front zip with wind flap

– Stretch-knit cuffs

– Drop back hem

– Adjustable hem drawcord

– Laminated hem

Specs:

– Material: Nylon

– Insulation: Synthetic

– Fill Weight: 60g

– Powder Skirt: No

– Hood Type: Fixed Hood

– Warranty: Limited Lifetime