The new Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody jacket offers a lightweight insulated jacket for wearing as an outer or mid-layer. It uses lightweight synthetic insulation Coreloft with air permeable side panels.
What I like about the Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody jacket
It’s “Trim fit”: This means it has been sized as a base layer and offers a neat fit. I really like the fit of Arc’teryx clothing because they suit longer, slimmer physiques. I am a UK10 and the small trim fit Atom jacket is an excellent fit for me.
Lightweight: It weighs 235g and it feels very light. This means you can pop it into a rucksack and hardly feel the weight. When it’s on it feels as light as a feather. It’s a good replacement for a fleece layer (and it’s lighter).
Still warm: Yet despite being lightweight, the jacket still offers a good level of warmth. It’s amazing how well the Coreloft keeps the core body temperature up.
Women’s Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody.
Breathability: The insulation is fairly breathable and the breathability rating is even better thanks to the fleecy side panels.
Freedom of movement: The side panels are stretchy and they extend up the torso and along the underneath of the arms. The design includes articulated sleeves and gusseted underarms. It’s such an easy jacket to wear and great for doing all kinds of activities.
The hood: The StormHood fits well and has the useful addition of a lightly wired peak. Thoughtfully, the hood is DWR treated (Durable Water Repellent) and non-insulated, which makes it ideal for minimising windchill and providing protection in light rain.
Water repelling: The jacket has been treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) so it keeps light rain out. The Coreloft Compact insulation works to keep you warm even when it does get wet.
Side panel of the Arc’teryx Atom SL hoody jacket
Great year round: The jacket works as an outer layer on chilly summer mornings and evenings and as a mid-layer when the conditions are colder. I have worn a similar style of Arc’teryx jacket for years and all year round.
Durable: All my Arc’teryx kit has proved to be very long-living. The Atom is made with a Tyono 20 shell material that uses fine denier yarns to make a surprisingly strong fabric even though it is so lightweight. The outer fabric does feel very robust.
Highly packable: The Coreloft Compact is very compressible and packs into the size of a pocket.
Thoughtful extra features: The sleeves are lined with a comfortable mesh fabric plus the design extends freedom of movement.
Men’s Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody.
Nice colours: Arc’teryx clothing is usually made in bright colours, as well as black. I like the colour range of the Atom hoody jacket.
What I’m not so keen on
The price!: £170 for a lightweight jacket. It is useful and versatile but I think that Arc’teryx charge a lot for their clothing.
Specific fit: While the slim fit is great for me but it’s not so brilliant for people who are on the wider and heavier side. And let’s face it, fewer people are slimsters these days.
Weight: I’d actually prefer a bit more weight in the jacket. I would find it more useful. My favourite Arc’teryx jacket (I’ve had it for years) is heavier but has proved amazingly useful.
Pockets: I’d prefer a bit of warmth inside the zipped pockets. Maybe a bit of soft fleece lining.
Conclusion
Overall this is another great jacket from a brand that really knows about technical kit for outdoors fans. If you can find it at a discounted price somewhere snap it up!
See Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody jacket. There is a men’s version, too.