Review of Arc'teryx Atom SL Hoodie
The Arc'teryx Atom SL Hoody is a standout midlayer for those seeking a balance between breathability, weather protection, and versatility. This jacket, available in both men's and women's versions, has become a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts for its exceptional performance and comfort.
Weighing just 9.5 ounces, the Atom SL Hoody is one of the lightest options in its category and is surprisingly packable, fitting into a pack about the size of a large grapefruit. The jacket's 20-denier (D) shell fabric is light but significantly more durable than many ultralight models, providing a good balance between weight and durability.
The Atom SL Hoody features thin, 40-gram Coreloft Compact insulation in the core, with no fill elsewhere. This design makes it suitable for temperatures down to the low 50s Fahrenheit, offering a fair amount of weather resistance that effectively repels light rain and snow. The jacket's performance intentions and the fact that there are no other storage options make the hand pockets' taller height a reasonable compromise.
The Atom SL Hoody's design caters to a wide range of activities, from backcountry skiing to climbing to wearing every day in the shoulder seasons. The jacket's StormHood, which is climbing helmet-compatible, easily adjustable with a rear cinch that tightens both around the sides and top of the forehead, adds to its versatility. The hood on the latest model has a tab at the back of the neck, which allows the hood to stow out of the way when not in use.
The jacket's interior lining is soft and cozy, and the long sections of stretchy polyester along the sides allow for exceptional mobility. The cuffs are designed with soft and stretchy knit polyester along the bottom half and longer length for added coverage at the back of the hand. The hem of the jacket cinches behind the right hip, providing an effective solution that keeps weight down, seals solidly in place, and doesn't pull the jacket to one side when tightened.
Certain colors of the jacket's liner are dope-dyed (also known as solution-dyed), which means pigment was added early on in the production process to conserve water, reduce CO2 emissions, and decrease fading over time. Additionally, the jacket's stretch fleece side panels have been certified as safe for the environment, workers, and consumers with the bluesign-approved label.
When considering midlayers that compete with the Arc'teryx Atom SL Hoody, several options stand out for their performance, comfort, and versatility. The Patagonia R1 Hoody, The North Face Thermoball Hoody, Rab Microlight Hoody, Marmot Precip Hoody, and Montane Iridium Hoody are all worthy alternatives, offering similar performance characteristics such as synthetic insulation, breathability, and versatility across various outdoor activities.
After about 5 months of consistent use, the jacket is still in fantastic shape with no tears, and the interior still looks and feels great. The Atom SL Hoody is undoubtedly an excellent investment for those seeking a versatile, lightweight, and durable midlayer for their outdoor adventures.
The Arc'teryx Atom SL Hoody is not only ideal for extreme sports like backcountry skiing and climbing, but also versatile enough for everyday use in the shoulder seasons, making it a perfect choice for travelers seeking an all-purpose midlayer. The jacket's StormHood, designed for climbing helmet compatibility, adds to its versatility by enabling activities like hiking and biking, further expanding its use in outdoor sports. Despite its light weight and compact size, the Atom SL Hoody boasts impressive durability, making it a wise investment for Individuals embarking on various outdoor adventures.
