Arc'teryx Atom LT Hooded Insulated Jacket - Men's

I've used the Hood and jacket version of this. I find it depends a bit on the type of hood on your shell. If it's a storm hood, where the collar and hood are one, the Atom LT hoody works great. I give it a couple inward rolls and it forms a soft gasket and doesn't choke me. For drop hoods where the hood and collar are seperate, a jacket is more comfy.
I prefer the hood for wearing the Atom on it's own in more mild weather or when I'm moving in chilly weather or when it's snowing.
Take note this is a synthetic insulator not down, as indicated by JP.

I've always found that a layer with a hood is a pain in the butt. In a down item like this it is easier to stuff it down. But, if this is mainly for layering, bag the hood option.

the Atom LT would be a great choice for a mid-layer and you'll be able to wear it on it's own in a huge range of conditions as well. If the medium jacket fits you well you could do the same here. For a more close fit the small would also fit you.

The Atom LT Hoody is about equivalent in warmth to a 200 wt. fleece, but with much less weight and bulk. It does have a wind/weather resistant face fabric, and a smooth fleece under the arms, which give it a much broader usability than any regular fleece. The fleece underarms will let a bit of wind come through, but helps keep the breathability good. A couple other things I like about this (I've basically retired my fleece for layering) smooth face fabric slides under shells, especially Stingray with it's fuzzy inside, and it's super packable if you don't need the insulation; about 1/3 the size of a 200wt fleece when packed. The Atom SV is more of a wear alone insulator in warmth and fit.

I'm 6'2", 75kgs and a medium fits me great. Enough room under it for a merino base later, and it's not tight or restrictive at all.

This can only be shipped in the US.

As for shipping you should check with Backcountry. They have Agreements with some brands like Arcteryx and cannot ship to some countries. Check out the list

As an all around layer I would recommend the Large for you. You may find the XL a little too wide in the shoulders and torso. This is meant to fit closer to the body. I am 1" shorter and the same weight and can fit a medium or large. The mediums tend to fit a bit too short for my liking. The arms are plenty long and the side panels have some stretch to allow for movement.
Hope this helps

ChangGyeong Jeong,

I would size up to an XL if you are unsure and for the extra coverage. Arc'teryx usually slims their jackets down and so you shouldn't have too much of an issue with excess material.

Happy trails!

@Brandon- thanks for the quick reply!

That's why I'm curious about the chest width of the Atom LT in XL or XXL with the garment laying flat- it'd allow me to compare it other garments.

I plan to use this as light outerwear and as a mid layer. My shells are pretty roomy.

The way Arc'teryx usually fits, I'm a 1.5 XL. :P Stuff on the snug side is good at XXL, stuff on the relaxed/casual side (Apache AR) is good at XL. My main concern is fit around the chest- when Arc'teryx XXL is too big, it's usually way too big around the upper chest.

It depends on how much you weigh and your height. You can check the sizing chart up by the size option drop down box. For sizing on the Atom LT Hoody, it's sized to be a layering piece, so will fit closer than a Gamma AR. Your size choice will depend on if you plan to use it as an light outerwear jacket or as a midlayer insulator, and your preference on fit.

Sorry Mads and Rev, you are quite right. I was getting confused between the Micro and Nano Puffs. The Micro Puff doesn't seem to appear on the Patagonia website anymore. Also am I right in assuming that these 60g and 100g ratings are grams per square meter?

Sorry joomington, but Mads is right on- the Micro Puff's 100g Primaloft is going to be much warmer than the Atom LT's 60g Coreloft. The Atom SV is going to be closer than the LT to the warmth of the Micro Puff.

joomington- just FYI, the Micro Puff != Nano Puff. As an aside, the Nano Puff w/ 60g Primaloft is warmer than the Atom LT w/ 60g Coreloft, due to the stretch panels on the Atom LT. That's by design- the Atom LT is not a belay jacket or camp midlayer, but an active/semi-active midlayer.

Mads you are not quite right. The Nanopuff has 60g of insulation, same as the LT.

The Atom SV is your best bet to replace the Micropuff. The Micropuff has 100g of Primaloft vs. the Atom SV with 100g of Coreloft. Coreloft and Primaloft are roughly similar in terms of warmth (there are many variables and details we could get into but that's the simple answer). The Atom LT has 60g of Coreloft which is comparable to the Nanopuff (60g of Primaloft). For an in-between option, you can try the Mountain Hardwear Compressor which has 80g of Primaloft.

From what I've read this is cut to be a mid-layer so a Large would probably work well for you. I'm a similar size.

Look at the ATOM SV jacket- it is much warmer. It uses a heavier weight primaloft insulation (100 grams compared to 70 grams) and does not have the size fleece panels. it will suit your needs. If you want something warmer still, you can move up to the Kappa series of jackets which use 133gms on the AR and 200 on the SV versions).

Probably not. It's about the same warmth as a mid-weight fleece. If you are walking around in 0 degree weather (assume you mean Fahrenheit), this will not be warm enough. In my experience, I can wear this jacket into the 30's (when I am standing still) or into the single digits (when I am working out vigorously).

Large should be good.

Yes, Large. I've used both alone and layered. I prefer the hooded one in general, and the hood can be rolled inward and forms a nice gasket under the neck of a shell. While this works better with storm hoods (not the type on the Stinger) it didn't give me the feeling of being strangled. I use the hood often when I wear the Atom LT by itself.

Large!

Puff is more of a wind proof sweater to layer with. The Atom a light weight jacket that breaths excpetionally well. I use them both as a combinded layering system to get 120g of insulation. Nano over the hooded Atom when it is cold to cut the wind.

Thanks for the insight. I am liking how the arc sounds, hopefully it will be a good belay jacket and just a good all around insulated piece.

Arc-warmer, more fitted, less outer stitching=more durable imo, 2 hand pkts (convenient) & chest pkt, breathable side panels, hood not adjustable...works best with helmet or layered under hooded hardshell (so it can take on fit that you get from hardshell)

Nano puff pull-over - lighter, more compressible, boxy cut relative to arc jkt, i treat it as more of a sweater

Both layer easily over & under other layers

This jacket is made in Asia. According to DakkaGuru who is always spot on with his answers the country is Thailand.

And it makes a great mid layer and a good outer layer for high out putactivities.

The Atom LT Hooded version runs longer than the Beta series hardshells. It would fit under the Alpha series of hardshells.

SV is a lot warmer. Think sweater on the Atom LT and a full blown jacket with the SV.

The Atom SV is a bit warmer (100gm vs. 60gm insulation) and also has full wind resistance. For your intended use I'd definitely recommend the Atom SV. It's designed as a stand alone insulator, and is still quite packable, but also will keep you warm if the weather is a bit wet. Just don't start wearing it, because it will end up being your favorite jacket and might not be in the emergency kit when you need it.

LT is not the answer in the wind. You want the warmer and wind proof SV.

I am rather warm blooded, but I live in Chicago as well and I do just fine with a stoic luft insulated sweater. It's windproof, and you can find it and the hooded version of Department of Goods, both for under $80 bucks. They're great pieces of gear, I would just be wary of the bright colors. Unless he's a serious outdoor guy, which is a hard thing to be when you live in Chicago, stuff from Arc'Teryx is going to be serious overkill.

Hi Carol,
I'd suggest looking at the Arc'teryx Kappa SV or Fission SV. The Kappa is totally windproof and very water resistant with 200gm insulation. The Fission it a totally waterproof jacket with the same insulation. both would serve him better than this Atom LT and any North Face jacket ;)

finally..great jacket btw.

Yea NOW they do. They literally just added it. I have been checking up on it almost everyday. But thanks for the..... pause... I would have appreciated something like, "Just added it!"or "Just went in stock!"

They do...

Yes on both counts but not so good in the wind with the stretch panels. It shoudl be long enough though.

I'm 6'2 and the Medium works for me. I'd say try a large to start...

You'll be better served by the Atom SV. It's longer and warmer. The Atom LT is really best as a fleece replacement that can be worn solo sometimes. Both jackets will repel snow and light drizzle

I'd think a Medium will be the best fit. If you're skiing and climbing (active) you should be comfortable in this combo to about 10F. Of course, now that I just said this, there is a huge range of factors that determine your own comfort level, and that's why temperature ratings are somewhat useless. I've worn this combo skiing in the Wasatch and was fine in a blasting snowstorm with temps about 10F.

If you are wearing these under a hardshell the Hyllus will be warmer, it's equivalent to a 300wt fleece; the Atom is more like 200wt warmth.

Thanks for the info. I guess I was more concerned with whether it would be warm enough for Jackson Hole in January. You seem to imply it would be!

Thats the beauty of layering and having a hardshell with pit zips. The Atom LT is a nice warm mid layer, and has excellent breathe-ability (is that a word?). If it gets too warm you can open your vents or easily stash it in your pack or locker (it squishes to virtually nothing). The Atom LT will be a perfect choice for your trip this winter- GO FOR IT!

The Nano Puff hoody is warmer. Raw warmth isn't what the Atom LT is for- if that is what you're after, get something without the Atom LT's stretch panels, like the Nano Puff.

I would stick with a large in this one, too.

Thanks for the response Brandon. I'm considering the Atom or the MH Windstopper tech for a mid layer and it seems that the Atom's main advantages are some water resistance and packability. Anyone know how it stands up to decent winds?

Thanks.

The Arc'teryx Atom LT has the same insulation value as a high-quality 200wt fleece. The beauty of this is that it stuff down more than twice as small as a fleece, and adds some weather resistance when it's being worn alone. For layering it slides under shells very smoothly, and never binds. I've quit wearing all my fleece jackets in favor of this.

You'd wear the same size in the Atom LT.

the Atom LT is not nearly as warm as the Kappa AR, it's got 60g insulation; the Kappa has about twice that, and a windstopper laminate. Another consideration for the best warmth to weight ratio and great packability is the Arc'teryx Solo or Dually belay jackets.

The Arc'teryx Atom LT is designed to be close fitting as a layer or stand-alone so I'd say an XL would be best unless you like a loose fit. The stretch panels under the arms keep it from being constricting.

The Gamma LT Jacket is the closest Arc'teryx to the guide jacket.

The Arcteryx Atom LT and the Patagonia Guide jacket are really very different jackets. I have no doubt that for a lightweight synthetic insulated jacket that the Atom LT is relatively durable. But if durability is the main feature you are looking for the uninsulated softshell Guide Jacket is going to win any day. The Atom LT will be warmer and lighter, but the guide jacket will be more durable. It really seems like these jackets have different intended uses - what are you looking for?

I found that this jacket runs pretty true to size. I have two other Arcteryx jackets, both in XL, and they are a little on the baggy side, but the Atom LT fits pretty much perfect for me in XL.

Hey Offyatree, I'd say it's true to size. I wear smalls in everything Arcteryx and it remains true for this jacket. This is my favorite piece in my arsenal and either size you're sure to love it. Think about your uses though, are you going to be climbing with it? If so do you have enough room in the sleeves with the small? If you're going to wear a hoodie with the small, it would make sense to wear the hoodie and go try it on one more time to see if you're still comfortable with the small and the sleeves don't feel bunched. It also wouldn't hurt to bring your shell and see how the whole system feels together. Good luck to you!

I pair my hooded Hercules with the Alpha LT for everything alpine. Match made in heaven.

Hi Chu,

I checked with the bc.com gear experts and they confirmed that none are currently on order and they do not have any estimate on when one may come into stock. I also checked the Arc'teryx website and it showed that it could not locate a Teak XXL in any of their online dealers inventories. I'd suggest running a google product search and checking from time to time if you're dead set on the color Teak, otherwise you can get that size in every other color now. Good luck!

Thanks for the response. I'm going to use it for outdoor photography -- so not much physical activity to generate heat -- and I want to be cozy in the cold pre dawn, sunset and nighttime hours at between 6,000 to 12,000 feet in the winter. At the same time, I'm sensitive about bulk. The Atom caught my attention because it fits very nicely under my shell and it's supposed to be warmer than primaloft. But will it be cozy enough in 10 degree weather plus wind chill?

I would say its in the middle of the two with the down sweater being warmest and the nano being lightest. The nano would be warm if you were doing aerobic activity and had a good base layer. If you're dying for synthetic, check out Patagonia's micro puff too.

You can compare warmth by checking the weight of insulation. The Arc'teryx Atom is designed to work as a mid-layer, as well as a light, stand-alone jacket. It's got stretch panels fleece under the arm to reduce bulk, and add some breathability. This compliments the fairly close fit, so as not to be constricting. I wear a medium in this, just like I do in nearly every other Arc'teryx item.

Seeing as it's a fine denier continuous filament insulation with the name 'loft' in it, I would assume it's probably PrimaLoft's Infinity. It's an insulation designed for compressibility. I wouldn't be surprised if Arc'Teryx asked PrimaLoft to come up with somehting, got to rebrand it as their own proprietary material and then PrimaLoft began selling it to other manufacturers under their own brand. Also Arc'Teryx uses primaloft in some of their other garments, so makes sense that they have an existing working relationship with the company.

I emailed Arc'teryx about the Atom LT and this is the response they sent me.........

Coreloft is a fabric that we have made for us. It's similar to Primaloft, but we have tweaked a few things to try to get better performance.

Core Loft is constructed of a double strand of continuous polyester filaments. The finer yarns (1 denier) are "crimped" to help trap air molecules which in turn help trap body heat while the larger yarns (3.5 Denier) provide loft and resilience from compression. The fibers are siliconized to help add resistance to moisture and decrease drying time.

The Atom is a lightweight insulated shell for more active pursuits in cold/wet weather that offers more breathability than a belay jacket while still offering enough wind/water protection.

Let me know if you have any other questions,

The Coreloft is used because it has large and small diameter insulation fibers. This adds durability, and also allows using a face fabric that breathes better, since it isn't as prone to penetrating the fabric because of the larger fibers. This compliments the Luminara which is a 20denier ripstop that has good weather resistance but breathes much better than most other nylon fabrics.

Arc Teryx searches the globe to find new materials that distinguishes them above other outerwear companies. This vigilance also costs more money, but more often than not the result is a product that is the best of class in the category.

Although I don't own an Atom Jacket, I've checked it out pretty thoroughly and am quite impressed. The outer material (Luminara Nylon) is simply a high-tenacity, tightly woven 20D material that has a great hand. It felt like it had enough durability to withstand some backcountry use, although it still needs to be treated fairly nice.

The Coreloft Insulation is something I had never heard of, but I don't think it's proprietary to ArcTeryx. There was a hang tag listing what it's comprised of, but I don't know who is making it? It's essentially a combination of Primaloft (short staple fibers) and Polarguard or Climashield (Continuous Filaments) thus giving it both the softness of down (Primaloft) but giving it the added durability that plagues Primaloft (Polarguard). The jacket also had stretch panels and had an excellent fit including articulated, curved sleeves. For an ultra-light synthetic piece, I haven't seen it's equal (the closest being Montbell's ThermaWrap Jackets).

thanks for your replies. It's an awesome jacket!

I agree, I think that this would be too warm for biking, the R1 would be a good option or a Cloudveil Run don't walk would be a little warmer. I just picked up a Mountain Hard Wear Power Stretch Zip T and have been using that, so far so good.

I would think it is much to warm for that. I would suggest the Patagonia R1 or R1 hoody, or the Backcountry.com Prime Power Stretch mid layer

I've been wearing the Medium (5'11,170) and it fits close enough to layer under shells, but loose enough to be comfy. If you want a more casual fit the Lge would also work.

I am 6'3" an went with an XL for the arm length. So you would probably be able to get by with a L.

This should be the perfect jacket for that. It will also work great as a jacket to layer on days that it is really cold. This jacket uses a synthetic insulation opposed to down so it can take a beating as far as weather is concerned.