Arc'teryx have designed this jacket to be used as a mid layer in the winter and an outer insulating layer in warmer conditions. The insulation is provided by 60g/m2 Coreloft throughout (a standard weight for lightweight insulation), which is Arc'teryx's prefered synthetic insulation. The windproof and water resistant Luminara woven face fabric has a matt appearance (unlike many lightweight fabrics which are shiny), is very strong and glides easily under other fabrics. It is coated with Arc'teryx's proprietary DWR treatment for shedding light snow and rain.
© ©Arc'teryx
© ©Arc'teryx
When the Atom LT Hoody differs from many similar designs is its wide side panels which run from the hem to just past the armpit. These are made from Polartec's Power Stretch which as the name would suggest is a very stretchy and warm fleece fabric. Power Stretch doesn't fare well with repeated abrasion, so Polartec's Hardface treatment is used to greatly reduce its suceptability to snagging and improve its water repellency. These panels allow you to move as easily as if you were wearing a fleece and also help to dump excess heat, where most insulated jackets just allow it to build and build.
The front zipper is unusual in that it runs very freely. After much testing Arc'teryx found this non-locking design to be much more durable and also more practical in a jacket of this kind. You can quickly and easily open and close the jacket with one hand when belaying. This means you are more likely to wear it more of the time, allowing it to be a part of a layering system rather than taking up valuable pack space. As is so often the case with Arc'teryx, the cut is excellent and the lightly elasticated stretch-knit cuffs just work. The close fitting scuba-style hood requires no complex tightening systems and easily slips under a helmet.
We have a limited amount of stock of the Men's and Women's Atom LT Hoody at just £89 (RRP £180) with free UK delivery!
© ©Arc'teryx
© ©Arc'teryx
"That's it! I've thrown out all the fleeces as I don't need them any more. This jacket does everything. It keeps me warm even when I'm damp. Packs down to nothing and weighs so little I feel I have to anchor it down. It's beautiful to climb in, is unsurpassed in mountaineering and hill-walking situations and I cut a dashing figure down the pub in it. The only thing better in my opinion would be the Atom LT Hoody!"
UKC review by Dave Sarkar on the Atom LT Jacket
"The Atom LT Hoody is possibly the most versatile, comfortable, well loved, near perfect piece of alpine wear I've ever had the pleasure to use."
Chris Simrell, OutdoorGearLab
- Weight: 375g (Men's Medium), 365g (Women's Medium)
- Athletic hip length fit
- Drop tail hem with laminated strip to prevent riding up
- Articulated elbows
- Gusseted underarms
- Internal chest pocket (not designed for packing jacket)
- DWR finish
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