Girls’s Arc’teryx Atom Hoody, Examined & Reviewed

Backside Line

Of all our favourite winter coats, this one hits totally different. With over 10 years of expertise with our authentic Atom, testing this 12 months’s model proved Arc’teryx isn’t messing up an excellent factor apart from updating it with PFAS-free materials and adjusting the match. 

This tactical layer is very sturdy, packs small, and weighs simply 11.6 ounces, making it appropriate for almost each outing. In heat climates, it is likely to be the one layer wanted. For snowy winters, it’s a beloved mid-layer and outer layer for fall/spring, plus an emergency summer season layer for alpine environments. Its artificial insulation and fleece panels retain heat whereas providing breathability. Sporting it with a pack could cause a humid again, however its heat stays unaffected, which we worth.

The one warning we really feel we must always point out is that Arc’teryx makes a light-weight model (8.46 ounces) that is likely to be extra appropriate for individuals who shall be carrying it at increased coronary heart charges. Moreover, should you’re a hood hater or shall be carrying this primarily as a mid-layer, the non-hooded choice is an effective name. 

Backside line, we love this layer, and whereas many different manufacturers make an identical model, the Atom has our vote for its dependability, versatility, and wearability.

How We Examined

The Arc’teryx Atom Hoody has persistently impressed our CleverHiker gear analysts throughout years of testing, sustaining its standing as an Arc’teryx best-seller. We performed evaluations in numerous situations, together with backcountry hikes and snowy climbs in NW Montana. Moreover, laboratory testing confirmed the excellence of its insulation and water-repellency.

Heat

The Arc’teryx Atom Hoody is well-known for its wonderful warmth-to-weight ratio. The AR model might need been barely hotter, however we didn’t discover any drop in efficiency throughout use. We’ve worn it on the coast of B.C. when the wind made July really feel like January. We additionally sleep in it usually when it will get chilly at high-altitude camps. 

The mechanisms for this all-around utility come from Arc’teryx’s Coreloft artificial insulation (60g/m²). That is precisely why the Atom performs nicely as a midlayer in chilly, snowy, or spritzy climate. We are able to rely on it to maintain us heat all the way down to about 20°F when paired with correct base layers and average exercise. For our full cold-weather system, we layer over the Atom with a down puffy or shell as wanted. The insulation maintains its loft not like down because it ages, and after 10 years of smashing it into our packs and fanny packs, it nonetheless does the job.

A favourite heat function is the helmet-compatible storm hood, which is insulated and presents wonderful safety in wind or chilly situations. The hood is crucial for breezy summits or stop-and-go approaches the place you don’t want all the warmth trapped always, solely if you’re stopped. 

Whereas the Atom isn’t attempting to exchange a down puffy for “oh dang I must get heat ASAP” situations, its heat efficiency, even when the material will get damp, makes it price packing for these surprising techniques that may move over.

Climate Resistance

We’ve pushed the Atom to its outer limits, and whereas we would want we had introduced a rain or snow shell, we’re at all times glad that the Atom can nonetheless carry out if we find yourself “caught with our pants down.’ The Tyono 20 denier shell is breathable however handled with PFAS-free FC0 DWR (Sturdy Water Repellent) end.

This design sheds mild rain and snow, and the artificial Coreloft insulation retains its loft and thermal efficiency even when moist from our personal sweat as a result of we’re too lazy to cease and de-layer, or if we get a bit of precip on our treks. That is the key benefit of artificial over down. The storm hood works nicely, and the small structured brim on the hood is a pleasant function that’s new to us.

Whereas the Atom can deal with transient bouts of moisture, it isn’t a alternative for a winter hardshell or a real rain jacket. The jacket isn’t fully waterproof, and its breathable aspect panels will take up moisture and permit wind to move via should you’re uncovered to harsh climate. Our closing spotlight is that the jacket dries rapidly, particularly after we “energetic dry” (carrying your moist layers till they dry out).

The one grievance we discovered is that the extra relaxed match lets chilly air in on the hem. We by no means used the hem cinch in our outdated model, however for this 12 months’s mannequin, we use the cinch on a regular basis. If we might rebuy it, we’d in all probability simply measurement down. 

Consolation & Performance

Consolation and mobility are two of the Arc’teryx Atom’s key benefits. We usually hike, bike, scramble, climb, ski-tour, dog-walk, and forage in our Atom. Like we hold saying, it’s the layer we by no means depart the home with out. It’s not as buttery smooth because the earlier era, and it’s a bit extra crinkly (we’re splitting hairs right here, we don’t discover it whereas carrying, simply see it after we maintain the brand new one up towards the earlier model). 

The minimize can also be much less fitted than the earlier model, addressing complaints about layering, however nonetheless offers an athletic silhouette. We love the stretch fleece aspect panels, and actually don’t assume twice about feeling restricted throughout dynamic actions. The breathability of the panels additionally permits us to maintain it on throughout cardio bursts as an alternative of getting to place it on and take it off each time.

Arc’teryx Atom stands out amongst its opponents due to design options like articulated arms and gusseted underarms. This makes for extra unhindered climbing, snowboarding, and even path working. The tremendous smooth, low-profile cuffs keep in place beneath gloves and haven’t stretched out. 

The chin is simply okay, however we admit we miss the fabric of the outdated model. Nevertheless, we’re rapidly forgetting the distinction as we put on it extra. Additionally, at first, we didn’t just like the loosened collar and frightened the chin would chafe, however we rapidly forgot to look at it as soon as we wore it within the discipline.

Options

The perfect function of the Arc’teryx is its light-weight design mixed with spectacular heat. Weighing solely 11.6 ounces, it outperforms heavier jackets, which is why we are able to’t discover a motive to depart it at dwelling. It takes the sting off any nip within the air. 

Past a incredible warmth-to-weight ratio, there are two zipped hand pockets, lined for heat and enormous sufficient for gloves, snacks, or a small cellphone. The inside zip chest pocket is admittedly massive, so we are able to hold our cellphone or batteries towards our chest to maintain them heat. The helmet-compatible hood is insulated and adjustable. New to us is its calmly structured, tiny brim that gives a much less floppy match. 

The jacket might be stuffed into its personal sleeve for journey, and we usually use the elastic hem drawcord to maintain in our physique warmth (we are likely to get chilly). Elastic cuffs maintain the sleeves in place, and the collar sits at an ideal top—not too tight for consolation, however excessive sufficient to dam out the wind.

As a result of it’s synthetically insulated and has fleece aspect to armpit panels, the Atom doesn’t pack down as small as ultralight down puffies. Nonetheless, the weight-to-packability ratio works nicely in all our situations, and we frequently stuff it into exterior pouches for simple entry. The supplies used are sturdy sufficient for day by day and backcountry use, however like every light-weight technical gear, it might tear with heavy use.

Ought to You Purchase the Arc’teryx Atom Hoody?

If you happen to journey in all seasons, whatever the climate, the ladies’s Arc’teryx Atom Hoody ought to be in your gear assortment. Positive, it isn’t low cost, however after 10 years with one among these, we’re all the way down to fractions of a cent per put on. We use it for climbing, backpacking, climbing, or touring in variable climates. 

At simply over 11 ounces, we actually don’t see a motive to depart it at dwelling. In truth, we’re carrying it proper now, so it’s comfy even for indoor pc time. Whereas it won’t flip heads amongst fashionistas, we put on it to the brewery, espresso store, or BBQs. It actually is the jacket that does all of it. 

The one draw back is should you’re a sitting duck in a snow squall; it gained’t be sufficient for that. Additionally, should you’re attempting to shave ounces, ultralighters would possibly skip the artificial and simply use a down puffy and a rain shell system. If a do-it-all, one-jacket-wonder artificial puffy appeals to you (and you’ll tolerate the value), the Atom is a perennial best-in-class performer and a staple layering piece you’ll use for years, not seasons.

What Different Winter Jackets Ought to You Take into account?

The Arc’teryx Atom Hoody is a high-performance, technical piece of drugs designed for a spread of events. If that’s not fairly what you’re searching for, finest winter jackets for girls embrace a wide range of choices for each sort of winter exercise.

Arc’teryx Atom SV Evaluation: If you happen to don’t want a hood and are searching for extra core heat, it is a worthy choice. 

Arc’teryx Beta SL Evaluation: In order for you one thing even lighter, the SL is over 3 ounces lighter and incorporates a extra fitted silhouette.

CleverHiker’s High Picks for Down Jackets: If you happen to’re searching for a technical jacket however don’t want it to be appropriate for winter mountaineering situations, try our critiques of one of the best down jackets.