Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Atom SL Hoodie

This jacket is a perfect all arounder, durable enough for off trail bushwhacking, minimal lines for urban wear, weather resistant for shelter to shelter exposure, the main issue I have with the jacket is the lack of fastenable cuffs. In a size that fits me perfectly everywhere else, the sleeves are too wide/long for my arms, especially when I want to seal out moisture/cold. This issue is quickly remedied with other jackets that have adjustable cuffs, where the extra length/width is shored up with a Velcro strap fastened at the wrist, but the Gamma LT lacks any such feature. There is an elastic panel on the cuff, but it isn't tapered enough from the rest of the sleeve to have much affect. Arc'teryx, in the next iteration of this jacket PLEASE consider adding an encircled elastic cuff tapered similar to the Gamma MX, or a Velcro fasten so that those for whom the sleeves aren't anatomically matched will have a way to make them fit. Thank you!!

I've owned quite a few insulated midlayers, and use the Atom SL for trail running and Ski touring . The jacket is just warm enough if you're moving fast and small enough to pack on any trip. The fit is athletic but great for me. The only problem with it, being a jacket for high paced activities, the armpits are made of synthetic that get quite smelly after a few days in the mountains. I'm not a sweaty guy, but this jacket would be so much better if the underarms were coated antibacterial or a merino fabric. Washing the jacket is not always an option on longer trips, and it wears off the DWR too. I love that you can pull up the sleeves easily, many jackets have a complicated cuff that prevents this. Another addition I've made is fit two tiny magnets to the bottom of the zip. This way I can open the jacket and click the magnets together behind my back when I'm getting hot without having to stop to take the jacket off.

I have used this shell for XC skiing, snowboarding and hiking in temps from above freezing to about twenty degrees (with varying layers underneath. It handles light rain or snow well. The jacket breathes well and offers good range of motion. My only complaint is the lack of adjustable cuffs. I prefer to wear gloves that fit under the jacket cuff and the lack of adjustability at the cuffs makes this difficult.

I've used this jacket so far in quite varied conditions, from cold high speed winds to being caught in unexpected downpours, and I have been impressed with it. The first thing of note is the material. This is the uninsulated version of the gamma; it is just a shell, and I find this to be useful for my layering system. The fabric can withstand wind and light rain well - it's important to note it is neither wind nor rainproof being a softshell, but I have found it to be very resistant, so long as the DWR finish is fresh. That being said; it is incredibly breathable and for this reason it is now my go to jacket for dry windy days. The cut of this jacket is superb for climbing. Underarm gussets allow one to reach high without the sleeve pulling down, and the jacket is trim enough not to get snagged on rock. The size of the garment is also fantastic - as mentioned this jacket has no insulation, and I layer it with either a microfleece or a light down jacket, depending on the temperature. Both of these things fit underneath it without causing any restriction of movement. All in all this jacket fends off most weather (within reason), and is tailored to be incredibly useful for climbing.

Awesome piece for spring and fall, super lightweight and breathable, it tore pretty easily but overall a great jacket.

Ok, this review is long overdue. I've had this jacket for about 18 months now and I love it. I've used it while climbing, scrambling, trail running and commuting. Seriously, I've worn this so often it's starting to get embarrassing. So why so much use? Basically, it's so lightweight and compact that there's rarely an excuse NOT to throw it in my pack. That means it's always on hand when the temperature drops a few degrees, the wind picks up or a light drizzle starts to fall. It's a great piece for layering too. It has a comfortable feel and adds an extra little warmth just when you need it. My main criticism is that it's not ideal as a belay jacket while climbing. While it can be packed down to the size of a grapefruit, there's no easy way to clip it to a harness. Also, I find the neck protection to be a little too flimsy to offer much defense against a stiff breeze. My preference would be for the insulation to run a little higher, with a snugger fit that lets you burrow in on chillier belays. Despite these minor gripes, I've been very impressed with this jacket. It's served me well so far and will continue to be one of the first pieces in my pack on any trip.

Purchased this layer in the spring and it has served well throughout the year rock climbing, alpine climbing, and mountaineering. Perfect for early morning starts when you know you're going to be wearing a lightweight shirt or t-shirt later, or all day in cooler weather. Hood fits over a helmet and stays put, very adjustable. Insulation is lightweight and drys quickly if you start to sweat it out. Jacket is cut well for climbing: the sleeves and hem stay put when reaching over your head. Issues: pockets are not compatible with harnesses, they should be replaced with chest pockets or placed higher up. Lack of a stuff sack or stuffing pockets means it's not very useful as a pure belay sweater. This has replaced my Fortrez hoody for spring, summer, and fall.

I would describe this softshell as a thicker and more weather resistant version of the psiphon fl. If you are coming from a gamma mx this softshell will feel drastically different in materials and features, more importantly adjustable cuffs. Overall, I would not recommend this piece since i have a psiphon jacket and this is a fit between that piece and the well-known gamma mx. It has less storage pockets but gains some warmth through its thicker material. I would not consider this piece insulated but as a windbreaker it does fairly well. This piece is quality constructed, the zippers arcteryx sources are decently sized and provides ease in zipping up and starting. The zipper does not catch easy or gets jammed at the bottom and i appreciate arcteryx not using dual zippers that zip up from the bottom as those are more likely to fail. The piece is a decent wind deflector, not the best and i would layer with something to provide additional coverage. Water resistant wise its decent, not as effective as its heavier set brother the mx but this is not surprising as its meant to be light weight. The gamma lt makes a great everyday piece here in the PNW and is probably a good all season jacket. If you have a psiphon and mx i would suggest you save money and buy something else, however, if you want a piece like the psiphon, this would make a better alternative. Sizing is pretty accurate, might want to size up if you want to layer. Best is to try one on at a store.

For those looking for a lightweight shell that can take whatever mother nature dishes out in spring, summer in some parts and fall, this is the jacket for you. I did not give five stars due to the price.

I got this after trying several waist length soft shell jackets like the MX and a couple of LEAF variations... the hip length is very nice especially for larger guys. The stretch is great but it also keeps you from comfortably layering anything medium or thicker... I generally use a thin fleece or street wear. In a pinch I can get an Atom LT but the jacket looks "full". So I was hoping for a more versatile temperature range but with thinner layering options I think it's optimal high 20s - low 40s F. I'm 250# 6-0 big shoulders mesomorph long arms and it fits perfectly over streetwear. I didn't think I'd like the stretch cuffs but for the moderate temps I use this for they work fine with my thinner gloves. I see the 16-17 colors and trim are muted whereas the somewhat tactical Basalt I have from 15-16 has garish bright orange zipper pulls and hardware that I am not fond of but otherwise it is near perfect jacket for the intended range. I wish Arcteryx would bring some of the LEAF styling over to the consumer range, not everything needs to look like 1988 Chamonix ski movies.

Wore this in the fall on a windy day 3-class climb and traverse, and found out how windproof it is. Hood cinched down around face (stretchy) nicely. I like it better than Patagonia's Nanopuff, since it doesn't snag its stitching and stuffs about as well. BUT those handwarmer pockets are very small, without zippers. All in all, a good no-frills light windproof jacket with decent performance. Hey, Put some zippers on all the pockets!

So, I'm not a hater. With my wife's disdain of my fetish not withstanding, I have fallen in love with almost every piece of Arcteryx gear. I bought this as a mid point between my Gamma MX and my Fortrez (both hoodies). I really wanted a thin super thin hard shell for those days when the USA Northwest region lives up to having twice as much rain fall as most of Europe, but not have to take it off every 10 minutes due to heat. The ONLY problem I had was when over-stuffing the pockets. In different positions it caused bulges to press into the shell and start to burr holes. It only took 3 weeks. I took it back and explained my dilemma. They were understanding and I ended up getting in-store credit for a different jacket. I bought another Gamma MX! That one has a little insulation, but also very breathable. Have not been disappointed.

https://jadelittlewood.wordpress.com/2016/05/01/arcteryx-atom-sl-insulated-jacket/

The fit is good, and as an everyday jacket it is close to perfect. While the cost is high the value equation of use vs time is very high I'm sure there are a group of people that need the hood to be big enough for a helmet, I'm not one, so the extra volume in the hood is more of a negative than a positive. The internal pocket needs to be bigger to take the larger phablets on the market that are increasingly common. Lastly, the main zip needs some way to clip it in place when the jacket is fully zipped up.

This was my second insulation layer which I put on about 10,000ft on the way to Ranier summit. It did the job nicely. Would prefer an outdoor chest pocket, but thats a small gripe. Put it on in the elements, zipped up and fit like a glove with the helmet fitting nicely UNDER the hood.

My 5th arcteryx jacket and only one i have to send back and order a size up

I wanted to love this like most of my Arc'teryx pieces, but no luck. I have an Atom LT that fits perfectly; ordered the same size in this SL and the fit is WAY different - chest is super tight. It's also boxier throught the waist, so I don't want to upsize. Sadly returned.

Strangely for an Arcteryx piece, the arms have very poor articulation and low stretch. My elbows would cut caught in the sleeves bending my arms, or doing an upper cut type movement. Really weird. Took it back and swapped for a Proton FL which has a infinitely better shape/cut for climbing.

I am obsessed with the gamma non-LT versionwas my go-to all winter (Vanc). I was so excited to get the LT version for sprig/fall. The problem was the inside has no lining. So it's scratchy on the skin. I would not be able to wear with a T-shirt, which limits its use.

I live in Hawaii and this jacket is good for working outside in wet a cool weather, for backpacking, and for mountain biking. It doesn't get too hot and it offers protection against wind and rain.

So material-wise the jacket feels amazing. It's thin enough for a -5c winter running day and won't get too bulky. It works well as a daily jacket, you need an extra layer. So drawback for me (and this is more personal than it is about the jacket), as a short dude (5'3 on a good day), the sleeves are about an inch longer, and the length of the jacket itself is kinda nice with its extra longness but it bunches up when I sit. Take note my vertically challenged friends! Otherwise, great piece to have!

So material-wise the jacket feels amazing. It's thin enough for a -5c winter running day and won't get too bulky. It works well as a daily jacket, you need an extra layer. So drawback for me (and this is more personal than it is about the jacket), as a short dude (5'3 on a good day), the sleeves are about an inch longer, and the length of the jacket itself is kinda nice with its extra longness but it bunches up when I sit. Take note my vertically challenged friends! Otherwise, great piece to have!

I bought this Jacket with huge expectations to use it for everyday use. I have around 5 Arteryx jackets and I am a huge fan but this jacket the sizing is so out to lunch. I downsized as I normally buy a large as I tried on a friends for sizing. When I got mine I can believe how long the sleeves are!! It's like I need a small. How is it I'm normally a large maybe a medium sometimes in most coats and this one I need a small. Very disappointed I have to roll up the sleeves everytime I wear it:(

This jacket is very well made. Durable and light and does all the works I expected. But the thing is that the arm sleeve is just way too long. I have relatively long arms but even for me sleeves keep coming down. And there is nothing we can adjust the arm length. Seriously Arcteryx needs to add something at the end of the arms to control (either button or velcro) the length.

Fix the 2 cons - easy - and makes it easy to stow for hiking! Adds comfort on windy daysswhen hood isn't needed.