Males’s Arc’teryx Atom SV Overview

Backside Line

From Arc’teryx’s enduring Atom line comes the SV: probably the most insulated jacket within the Atom household. Standing for Extreme Climate, the SV’s cold-weather efficiency and talent to retain heat even when moist make it considered one of our favourite winter jackets.

Insulated with 120 grams of Coreloft polyester insulation, the Atom SV gives wonderful heat throughout varied temperatures. Examined in Alaska’s chilly, damp fall and frigid winter circumstances all the way down to single digits, the Atom SV is a flexible insulator, best for three-season use. Its artificial insulation can retain warmth even when moist, and the light-weight stretch nylon shell gives enough climate resistance for dry snow or mild rain. Weighing simply 17.3 ounces, this can be very light-weight, making it an ideal layer for shifting shortly and unencumbered within the mountains. 

Whereas extraordinarily light-weight, the Atom SV sacrifices climate and abrasion resistance to keep up its featherweight stats. The nylon shell, though DWR completed, affords solely minimal climate safety. It’s appropriate for dry snow or mild rain, however don’t depend on the Atom SV to maintain you dry in heavy or moist snow.

The 30-denier shell, whereas permitting the jacket to be ultralight, is much less sturdy and scratch-resistant than others we examined. On account of these small limitations, the Atom SV is greatest worn beneath a shell or while you don’t count on heavy rain or contact with rocks and brush. Anybody wanting a jacket that insulates when moist and wicks moisture throughout high-output actions will discover the Atom SV a sensible choice.

How We Examined

The Arc’teryx Atom SV was examined in quite a lot of late fall and winter circumstances over three months. From the damp chilly of late fall to single-digit temperatures of an Alaskan winter, the Atom SV was put by way of completely different conditions. Worn throughout over 30 hours of actions, the Atom SV was rigorously evaluated throughout skis, hikes, and cold-weather runs to completely assess its efficiency throughout varied circumstances and actions.

Heat

The Arc’teryx Atom SV is insulated with 120 grams of Coreloft polyester insulation. Whereas not the heaviest insulated jacket in our lineup, we discovered that this jacket strikes an important center floor. Examined in damp fall climate within the forties and in chilly, dry winter temperatures within the single digits, the Atom SV is greatest suited to reasonably chilly circumstances. It’s comfy at relaxation all the way down to the low twenties and through exercise all the way down to round ten levels.

The Atom SV affords versatility as a winter jacket or a three-season possibility in colder climates. Whereas it isn’t best for sitting in chilly temperatures for lengthy durations, it really works effectively as an insulating layer for energetic adventures the place elevated physique warmth helps maintain you heat. The artificial insulation additionally has the good thing about insulating even when moist, which made it a favourite throughout testing in coastal Alaska’s damp and chilly circumstances local weather.

Climate Resistance

The Atom SV has average to low climate resistance, per its meant use. It isn’t designed to be a standalone layer in heavy rain or snow; as an alternative, it’s greatest paired with a shell for optimum climate safety. The outer shell is comprised of 30-denier microripstop cloth.

Handled with a sturdy water repellent end, it might repel dry snow and lightweight rain however will take in water in sleet and heavier rain. Whereas we wouldn’t advocate utilizing this jacket as your solely possibility in extreme climate, it gives enough climate resistance for mild precipitation and dries in a short time for fast, passing rain showers storms.

Consolation & Performance

The Atom SV is a extremely comfy and well-designed jacket. With a barely relaxed match, it balances efficiency and luxury. Thermo-mapped for optimum efficiency throughout high-output exercise, the full-length stretch facet panels maximize breathability and enhance mobility throughout energetic adventures. It additionally options stretch-knit cuffs, that are comfy immediately on the pores and skin, assist seal in heat, and match easily beneath gloves. Fleece-lined hand pockets add additional consolation when naked pores and skin is uncovered. 

Whereas undoubtedly technical, the Atom SV is informal sufficient to put on round city however performs greatest within the mountains throughout high-output actions. Weighing 17.3 ounces, it’s one of many lightest jackets in our lineup. Whether or not in a backpack or in your physique, it’s hardly noticeable and excellent for shifting shortly when weight is a precedence

Options

Whereas mild on options, the Atom SV’s trim profile is a standout. Simply becoming beneath a shell, this can be a nice layer to pair along with your favourite outerwear. The helmet is hood-compatible and totally insulated, offering additional heat and climate safety. A single pull adjusts the hood for a comfortable match, serving to to dam out the chilly and components.

An inside chest pocket is right for preserving valuables secure and heat, whereas two hand pockets supply extra storage. Though it might’t be zipped into its personal pockets, the Atom SV may be very packable, making it simple to compress right into a small house in your backpack on your subsequent alpine journey tour.

Ought to You Purchase the Arc’teryx Atom SV?

The Arc’teryx Atom SV is a high-quality jacket that comes at a excessive worth. Whereas it is probably not as accessible to entry-level hikers, these prepared to spend additional will likely be rewarded with a high-performing, versatile jacket. This ultralight performer is ideal for insulating throughout high-output actions or in damp climates.

Its Coreloft 120g artificial insulation stays heat when moist and wicks sweat and moisture away from the physique. Whereas heavy sufficient for all however the coldest temperatures, the Atom SV affords three-season versatility in a really light-weight design. The skinny, stretchy 30-denier nylon shell is light-weight however lacks robust climate resistance and may be scratched simply. This jacket is greatest for these looking for mid-level insulation for energetic adventures the place weight, consolation, and wet-weather heat are essential precedence.

What Different Winter Jackets Ought to You Contemplate?

Try our full gear information for all our favourite winter jackets.

Patagonia DAS Overview: One other nice artificial insulated jacket with a barely longer lower for elevated heat.

Rab Neutrino Professional Overview: When you love the traditional heat of down, then the Rab Neutrino Professional is difficult to beat.

LL Bean Ultralight 850 Overview: The one jacket lighter than the Atom SV, the LL Bean Ultralight 850 is nice for average temperatures or three-season use.