Backfill · 2023
#23 of 420Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody
Press shot: An Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody in matte black on a white background, shown from the front with the hood up, slim fit visible, and the small Arc'teryx logo on the left chest.
Arc'teryx Atom LT is a synthetic insulated jacket that weighs less than a pound and compresses into its own hood pocket. I want one because the warmth-to-weight ratio means I can wear it as a mid-layer under a shell in winter or as a standalone jacket in spring without ever feeling bulky. Coreloft insulation stays warm even when wet, which is the main advantage over down for a campus environment where I walk through rain between buildings. Face fabric has a slight stretch and a DWR coating, and the side panels are a breathable fleece that vents heat during movement. At $260 the price is high but the jacket has been in production since 2009 with minor updates. Consistent positive reception across 14 years suggests the design is right.