The spearhead of versatility:Arc’teryx Atom LT tested by Louis

The first snowfall of 2010 was the perfect opportunity to take a hike and try out Arc’teryx’s Atom LT Hoody. The air was windy and cold, around 0ºC. The sky was overcast and grey; it threatened to snow again. What a way to spend a day in nature’s playground!

I left with the basics (all by Arc’teryx): the Tau Pullover, the Alpha LT jacket, the Atom LT Hoody, and a LT lunch (LT means light in Arc’teryx language). I move fast and generate a lot of heat when I hike so I kept on the Tau Pullover and put the other two jackets in my bag. The first thing I noticed about the Atom LT Hoody was its compressibility. It takes up about 30% less space than a fleece of the same warmth.

When I got to the top, the wind was blowing from all sides and snowflakes were swirling all around me. I reached for my Atom LT for extra warmth. It fit perfectly over top of my base layer, and the underarm side panels made of Polartec® Power Stretch® and Hardface® Technology increased movement and breathability. The outside material, Luminara™, broke the wind, and the water repellent coating shed any melting snowflakes.

After some time, I put up my hood to keep my ears from turning to ice. (My toque was also LT!) The hood was quite big, but I wasn’t sure there would be enough room for a small helmet, such as the one I have, the Elios by Petzl. The Atom’s hood is not adjustable: it didn’t move with my head and the wind came roaring in at the sides. Arc’teryx’s adjustable hoods are the spearhead of their company, and I have to admit, I was a little disappointed.

I stayed at the top for half an hour. Although it wasn’t necessary, I put on my Alpha LT over top of my Atom to see how the two layered together. It was a perfect match. The same went for the two hoods. By adjusting my Alpha hood to my head, I made up for the lack of adjustment on the Atom. Is this what Arc’teryx had in mind? I’m not sure, but I was satisfied with the results. You should note that Arc’teryx hoods differ from one model to another (Beta, Theta, and Alpha), so take the time to test the Atom with your jacket.

When it was time to hike down, I put my Alpha LT back in my bag but left on the Atom. It kept me warm and comfortable the whole way.

At home I inspected the seams on the Atom. Although it’s made in Thailand, Arc’teryx’s signature quality is still there. The zippers are easy to use even with gloves on. I also tried it on while wearing my climbing helmet. I was surprised to discover it fit perfectly under the Atom’s hood!

The Atom is a great alternative to a fleece because it is more compressible, warmer, and wind resistant. I am still a huge fan of down, but Arc’teryx’s Coreloft™has the undeniable advantage of keeping you warm even when wet – the great disadvantage of down. Coreloft™also dries faster. What’s more, if it rips, feathers won’t go flying everywhere! There are certain disadvantages, however. I can’t get over the fact that the hood is not adjustable. Honestly! Also, instead of a small, inside pocket, they should have added a larger, mesh pocket for toques and gloves. I would also like to have a stuff sack to protect the jacket when it’s inside my bag. This kind of material tears easily on climbing gear, for example. I also prefer light insulation layers without hoods (Arc’teryx makes a version of the same jacket without a hood: the Atom LT jacket). They are less bulky to wear underneath an outside layer, such as a Gore-Tex shell. And, it’s hard to beat wearing your favourite toque. I wonder if Arc’teryx will start making insulated layers with down?

Despite any critiques I may have, the Atom LT Hoody is an excellent jacket that I will wear without a doubt on any number of adventures.

Final Score: 8.5/10

-Louis

Louis was a sales help at Altitude-sports.com for many years. Now "retired", his free time is mostly spent climbing, hiking, travelling and doing yoga. Although he isn't on the boutique floor helping out customers anymore, he keeps an eye out for new gear and technology. He's always had a critical and well-informed outlook. He remains an external ressource for our activities and is a proud Altitude-sports.com ambassador.

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