Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody Review

The Atom LT from Arc’teryx is a legend. This popular synthetic piece crosses over between daily wear and backcountry use as well as anything on the market, thanks to its truly impressive balance of warmth, comfort, and styling. Arc’teryx gave the jacket a thoughtful revamp a few seasons back, and we put it to the test in a range of shoulder-season and winter-like conditions. The verdict: the latest model is as versatile as ever, but tweaks to the fit (it’s a little longer) and improved durability should only widen its appeal. Below we break down the Atom LT’s performance. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our articles on the best synthetic jackets and best midlayers.
 

Table of Contents

• Warmth
• Weather Protection
• Breathability
• Weight and Packability
• Comfort
• Build Quality and Durability
• Features: Hood and Pockets
• Fit and Sizing
• What We Like/What We Don't
• Comparison Table
• The Competition

Performance

Warmth

The Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody has synthetic insulation, so it won’t rival down fill in terms of warmth or packability. Having said that, this jacket makes a really nice fall and spring outer layer and also works great as a midlayer for snowsports and in frigid temperatures. It’s filled with 60-gram (g) Coreloft Compact insulation everywhere but the side panels, which are a stretchy midweight fleece. This low-profile design puts it on par with other leading synthetics like Patagonia’s Nano Puff and The North Face’s ThermoBall. In addition, its weather-resistant shell does a nice job cutting wind, and the tall collar, adjustable hem, and fantastic hood (more on this below) help when you need to hunker down in cold temps.

From our experiences with the new Atom as well as prior generations of the jacket, we are comfortable wearing the hoody model down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit without much in the way of layering underneath. It certainly can go lower with a warm baselayer or if you’re on the move—it was an ideal outer layer on a recent hike with temperatures hovering in the high 20s Fahrenheit. But for static use, such as sitting around camp when the sun goes down, we’re switching to a down jacket or adding a shell overtop. For a similar design with more warmth, Arc’teryx also makes the Atom AR Hoody, which ditches the stretch side panels and includes more substantial 120g Coreloft around the body and slightly less in the underarms (80g) and hood (60g).

Weather Protection

Featuring a weather-resistant shell, synthetic insulation, and excellent coverage from its collar and adjustable hood, the Arc'teryx Atom LT does a nice job in light to moderate precipitation and wind. The Tyono face fabric feels slightly more substantial than other leading synthetics we’ve worn—including the Patagonia’s popular Nano-Air—and it’s finished with a DWR treatment that effectively beads up water and snow. Fleece isn't a great wind blocker, so the side panels will let in strong gusts, but its hard face exterior repels moisture effectively. To be clear, the jacket will start to soak up water in extended rainfall, so it shouldn’t take the place of a waterproof rain jacket or hardshell. But if you do happen to get caught in a surprise storm, the jacket can hold its own for a short period of time. And if water happens to get into the insulation, the good news is that the Coreloft fill will continue to provide warmth (something duck and goose down will not do).

Breathability

One of the compromises of the Atom’s efficient warmth and decent weather resistance is breathability. Unlike active-insulation jackets like the Patagonia Nano-Air, Black Diamond First Light, and even Arc’teryx’s own Proton LT, the Atom runs fairly warm during high-output sports like ski touring. Its face fabric and lining do a good job trapping heat, and while the fleece side panels do help with releasing some hot air, overall ventilation is solidly middle-of-the-road. That being said, we’ve found the jacket excels for moderately strenuous activities like hiking and downhill skiing (it’s a near-perfect midlayer in this case), and its warmth is a benefit if the temperatures are particularly cold (we’ve used it for cross-country skiing in the Midwest). In the end, those looking for a high-performance piece will be better off with the Proton LT, but the Atom is the more versatile design if you plan to wear it casually and around town.

Weight and Packability

At 12.9 ounces for a men’s medium (the listed weight is 13.2 oz.), the Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody is reasonably light and easy to haul around in a pack. For comparison, the Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody (12.2 oz.) and The North Face Ventrix Hoodie (13.4 oz.) are similar in weight and breathe better but offer less warmth and weather protection. Some down mimickers, like the Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Hoodie (10.9 oz.), are considerably lighter but also less durable and versatile. Another popular all-rounder, the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody, weighs almost exactly the same at 12.8 ounces. Of course, you can cut weight by going with a true down jacket, many of which clock in around 10 ounces or less, but you do compromise in terms of temperature regulation, wet-weather performance, and cost.

Like prior generations of the Atom LT, the latest model does not come with a stuff sack nor is it designed to fit into one of its own pockets. We’ve always considered this an interesting choice, since many users wind up rolling the jacket into its hood to toss into a backpack or suitcase for travel. When stuffed down this way and with the hood cinched, my men’s medium is roughly the size of an American football (squeezing it in a bag will make it a little smaller). That’s a far cry from the truly tiny SuperStrand LT and down-insulated alternatives like Arc’teryx’s own Cerium LT, but it's perfectly serviceable for day hikes and typical backcountry uses.

Comfort

Of all of the categories in this review, comfort is the area where the Arc'teryx Atom LT excels most. Simply put, we never want to take this jacket off. You can wear it hiking or climbing and then to the grocery store or bar afterward, all without missing a beat. The interior lining is soft and smooth to the touch, the stretchy sides and relatively athletic cut give it fantastic mobility, and the Coreloft insulation creates a pillow-like barrier from the outside world. Tack on thoughtful touches like a fleece-like lining inside the hand pockets (for the back of your hands) and smooth cuffs, and the Atom is one of the coziest and most versatile jackets we’ve ever owned.

Build Quality and Durability

Build quality is rarely a concern with Arc’teyx products—it’s a hallmark of the brand and a key reason people are willing to pay a premium for their gear—and this holds true with the latest Atom LT Hoody. Everything from the stitching on the logo to the soft-touch lining and smooth exterior have a high-end look and feel. The main zipper is very confidence-inspiring with its large teeth, and a unique “no slip” design at the top of the collar keeps it from unzipping when on the move. Further, the cinch cord and plastic hardware for the hem and hood adjustments all appear well-made.

The Tyono face fabric has been lightly updated for improved durability, although it remains about as thin as the previous jacket at 20 denier. In using the new hoody, the shell does feel a little more substantial but the differences are minor and we still recommend being careful around sharp equipment. The good news is that previous Atoms have proven to be quite hardwearing, and we expect the same with the current model. Finally, Arc’teryx shifted to a new variation of their Coreloft insulation for the fall 2020 update, which is designed to hold its shape better over time. Following a few seasons of testing, all signs are positive that the latest jacket will have a long lifespan.

Features: Hood and Pockets

We tested the Atom LT Hoody, and the jacket also comes in a non-hooded version (more in our “Other Versions” section below). In general, we prefer hooded jackets for everyday wear—the hood comes in handy for walking around the neighborhood on chilly days, and definitely for hiking or sitting around the campfire. Moreover, Arc’teryx does hoods right: the Atom LT features a cinch around back that tightens evenly around the sides and top of the head, plus its secure design holds everything in place even in strong winds. In addition, the protection along the sides of the face is excellent, and its small brim is a great feature for providing structure and to help keep moisture from dripping down. You also get the same 60g Coreloft Compact insulation in the hood for some nice added warmth.

In terms of organization, the Atom includes two standard hand pockets and an interior zippered chest pocket. The hand pockets are a useful size—they’re large enough to fit gloves—and the fleece-like lining feels great on the back of your hands. They do sit fairly low, so access to the pockets will be mostly blocked if you plan to wear the jacket with a backpack or harness (the upside is they’re at a natural position for stuffing your hands in to protect them from the cold). And along the interior, the chest pocket sits on your left side and is plenty big to fit items like a wallet or modern cell phone. As we mentioned above, we’d prefer they included a stuff pocket for compressing the jacket, but otherwise we have zero storage-related complaints.

Fit and Sizing

We’ve found that previous Atom LT jackets fell on the short and trim end of the spectrum, and Arc’teryx made some light tweaks with the new model. To start, the Atom LT Hoody is a little longer both at the front and back (its back length is listed at 29.1 in.). It’s still a great length for wearing as a midlayer, but the extended dimensions will help for taller folks that have had sizing issues in the past (from our measurements, it’s about 0.5 in. longer at the back compared to the prior model). The cut of the jacket remains on the trim end, which is great for those that like an athletic fit. We did find that the shape around the waist is a little more accommodating, but otherwise it’s quite familiar (which is a good thing). At 5’9” and 155 pounds, I opted for my standard men’s medium and found it to be pretty much perfect.

Other Versions of the Arc'teryx Atom

In addition to the men’s jacket we tested, the Atom LT also comes in a women’s hoody that was also revised for 2020, clocks in at 11.3 ounces, costs the same at $259, and has a nearly identical build. In terms of other versions, the Atom LT is available in a non-hooded jacket that is slightly lighter at 12.2 ounces and cheaper at $239, as well as a vest that weights 8.5 ounces and costs $175. Finally, in true Arc’teryx fashion, the company also offers AR (“all round”) and SL (“superlight”) versions of the Atom, which vary in warmth, weather protection, and features.

What We Like

• The Atom LT is our favorite all-around synthetic jacket: it’s extremely versatile and toes the line nicely between everyday and performance use.
• Super comfortable liner, insulation, and shell fabric (we can’t emphasize this enough).
• Arc’teryx styling and build quality can’t be beat.
• Updated fit is a little longer and more accommodating at the waist without compromising its signature athletic cut.

What We Don't

• Not as breathable as alternatives like the Patagonia Nano-Air, The North Face Ventrix, and Arc’teryx’s own Proton LT.
• Not packable: the jacket doesn’t come with a stuff sack and doesn’t pack into one of its own pockets.
• Like most Arc’teryx products, the Atom LT is pricey.

Comparison Table

The Competition

We consider the Arc’teryx Atom LT to be the premier all-around synthetic on the market (it currently holds the top spot in our round-up), but another very popular option is Patagonia’s Nano-Air. The biggest difference here is breathability: the Patagonia uses FullRange insulation that runs cooler than Coreloft Compact during activity, plus it has a thicker yet more air-permeable 33D shell fabric. The Nano-Air also slightly undercuts the Atom LT in weight at 12.2 ounces and is packable into its own chest pocket. On the flip side, the Arc’teryx has a sleek look, better weather protection, a little more warmth, and its build quality simply can’t be topped. At the end of the day, these are two of the best synthetic jackets on the market and you can’t go wrong with either.

A more casual option from Patagonia is the ubiquitous Nano Puff. This jacket uses 60g PrimaLoft Gold Eco and has a similar 20-denier shell at the Arc’teryx, but the boxy cut and lack of breathability make it more of an everyday piece. The stretchy side panels on the Atom LT provide better mobility than the Nano Puff and help in staying cool while on the go. All in all, we prefer the comfort and versatility of the Atom LT, and particularly given the small difference in price of $10. But the roomier fit of the Nano Puff may give it the edge for some people compared to the more athletic cut of the Atom LT, plus it’s better for layering and blocking wind.

Another option to consider is The North Face’s ThermoBall. Recently updated with a new quilting pattern and light changes to the insulation, the jacket is a down-mimicking piece stuffed with lofty ThermoBall Eco insulation. Throughout testing, we found it to be slightly warmer than the Atom LT, which was a great match for both everyday use and as a midlayer for skiing. That said, the ThermoBall Eco is heavier at a listed 15.9 ounces (our men’s medium is a little more at 1 lb. 0.5 oz.), less breathable with a smooth interior that doesn’t wick moisture well, and the fit is a bit boxy. All things considered, the Atom LT is the cozier and better-looking option by a wide margin, and we prefer its trimmer cut for performance use.

Finally, within its own in-house lineup, Arc’teryx offers two intriguing alternatives: the Atom AR and Proton LT hoodies. As we touched on above, the Atom AR Hoody (also updated for fall 2020) is the warmest option in the Atom family with 120-gram Coreloft insulation in the body and less in the underarms (80g) and hood (60g). This translates to a sizable boost in warmth, and it’s also the more durable option with a 30-denier face fabric, but weight goes up to 1 pound and cost increases to $299. In the end, a final decision should come down to expected conditions: for shoulder-season trips and moderate days, the Atom LT is the more versatile piece; for true cold-weather outings, we’d step up to the AR (for more, see our Atom AR review). 

Last but not least is Arc’teryx’s backcountry-ready Proton LT. This model is designed to be more breathable than the Atom with an air-permeable shell and lining. Despite having more fill (80g Coreloft Compact in the body and 60g in the hood), this increased air flow translates to comparable warmth between the two designs. The Proton understandably gets the clear edge for high-output activities (we love it for cold days while backcountry skiing), but it makes compromises in styling (it’s far more technical than the Atom) and comfort (it can’t match the Atom’s sleeping bag-like coziness). As such, the Atom wins out as the more versatile of the two, but both are undeniably high-quality options.