How to Wash an Atom Lt Hoody Review

April 17, 2022 Post a Comment

After spending the last few months adventuring with the Arc'teryx Atom LT hoody, information technology's time for the review!

If you're a regular here, you lot've probably heard me harping on about how important it is to discover the right insulated jacket, and that'southward because it's true. These babies are the courage to your packing list, the foundation to your outdoor gear and the item nigh likely to become your adventure favourite. Basically, unless you're going scuba diving, you should probably invest in a adept insulated jacket.

Arc'teryx, an outdoors make from British Columbia, has been setting the benchmark with their serious sleek gear that performs when it matters nearly. Their reputation seems to be: if you can hack information technology, and then tin the gear, with one of their most popular products being the Atom LT: a flexible, completely vegan insulated jacket that weighs in just over 400g whilst packing a thermal punch.

Because their vegan range is damn crawly we go along a close eye on their new products and were pretty stoked when they asked if we'd take the new update to their classic Atom LT for a spin. I won't give away as well many spoilers but I will say I've barely taken it off since it arrived – Sarah has been pretty gutted she didn't get to review this i!

Keep reading to find out:

The Atom LT and me (how it was tested)
The Atom LT product features and overview
Field results (comfort and fit, in the elements, breathability, durability and practicality)
Things we dig & room for improvements
Is information technology worth the money?
Where to get your hands on i

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Man sitting in woods wearing Arc'teryx LT jacket — Put to the examination beyond the French Alps

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The Arcteryx Atom LT and Me

I've rocked the Atom LT hoody throughout the nineteen/20 winter period in the French Alps. Unfortunately, it'southward been pretty mild overall but has withal given me 15°C to -15°C, 60+ mph winds, heavy rain and snow, amounting to some varied testing. The hoody even kept me warm through a whiteout, precariously trying to navigate the Jura Mountains.

From hiking and backpacking trips, climbs, bicycle tours, snowshoeing routes, around the house and all over town, it's safety to say I've worn information technology in enough conditions to actually go to know ane and other. And, over the space for four months, we've grown pretty much inseparable. The bulk of my winter has been spent in a base layer, the Atom LT and a waterproof over the top.

The Atom LT in a nutshell

A seriously comfortable insulated hoody with bang-up mobility and versatility in a lightweight package
Designed as a thermal mid-layer or as an outer layer in milder conditions
Uses Coreloft synthetic insulation (ace warmth to weight ratio) that continues to continue you warm when wet
Recommended for skiing and snowboard, ice/alpine or regular climbing, hiking and Trekking (and I oftentimes use information technology for cycle touring also)
Impressive all-rounder with a sleek design
Vegan-friendly

Hoody variations

The Atom LT is one of the many insulated hoodies from Teryx, with the LT meaning lightweight. It's as well available for both men and women, with unhooded and belong options.

If yous're looking for more or less insulation/weight at that place's the Cantlet SL (superlight) and the heavier Atom AR (all circular) which cater for the other ends of the spectrum. The Atom LT is the perfect compromise: lightweight, warm, versatile and robust.

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Arcteryx Atom Features at a glance

Feature	Spec	Stance
Weight	415g (Men's Atom LT L)	415g is a comfortable weight for the warmth information technology maintains. Information technology still has a significant experience to information technology which is nice in colder conditions merely is light enough to accept on trips where weight is a peak priority.
Insulation	Coreloft™ lx (lx g/m²) insulation.	The Coreloft synthetic insulation is lightweight, breathable, and thermally efficient, what's more, it'southward 100% vegan-friendly too. Compressibility is okay merely the loft retentivity is impressive, really capturing warm air and making it super comfy.
Shell & Lining	Tyono™ 20D beat	A definite strong indicate. The 20D shell is DWR treated and performs seriously well in cold, wet and windy conditions.
Pockets and zipper	2 outer manus pockets, 1 internal chest pocket	Total front No Sideslip Zip™ which glides nicely and hasn't snagged once. Zippered hand pockets with a generous size and zippered inner pocket with enough room for a telephone or GPS plus extra.
Hood	Attached adaptable, low contour, insulated StormHood™	Fitted hood seems slightly large with a bare caput just easily tightens and is secure in high winds. Helmets to be worn under the hood, working well with climbing helmets but bike helmets are better worn over the pinnacle.
Fit	Standard	Advertised as Trim Fit only I'd say information technology's adequately standard with typical sizing.
Adjustments	Stretch knit cuffs, adjustable hood and waist drawcords	Hood adjusts comfortably and the stretch cuffs allow plenty movement whilst seeming pretty durable. Waist drawcords non and so easily on the move (more info further down).
Stowing	N/A	No stowing options. Reasonably high compressibility but not 'small-scale'.
How to launder	Car wash	Synthetic materials are machine-washable – practical and more sustainable than dry out clean.
Warranty	Lifetime warranty	Not had to utilize it but bully to have.

Atom LT Field Results

1. Comfort and fit

Man, in that location's no denying it: this jacket is damn comfortable. The unquilted insulation means, despite its calorie-free weight, information technology'southward airy and cushioned whilst being stretchy enough to move with your torso. The inner cloth is soft besides and a welcome addition underneath outer shells or for warmth wrapped up in a sleeping bag. Altogether, it makes it very hard to have off.

Arc'teryx actually advertises the Atom LT as Trim Fitjust I'd say it's a fairly standard, which I've enjoyed. The waist is relatively direct cut from the shoulders which means the jacket doesn't ride up or hug your torso besides tightly, making layering like shooting fish in a barrel. Even with the extra room, the waist drawstrings are a good compromise and continue warm air inside.

I'm 6ft 1 with wide shoulders and normally opt for L or XL jackets; the Cantlet LT in XL has been a prissy choice to use as a looser midlayer or comfortable outer layer in drier conditions with layering underneath. For all activities, including climbing and cycling, the jacket allows actually great mobility without any backlog textile or bunching.

ii. In the elements

This jacket actually shines when the weather condition takes a plow for the worst!

2.1 Temperature and insulation

It's not sold equally an insulated jacket simply for active use it can hands manage some pretty nasty conditions. I establish in temperatures down to -fifteen°C when layering with thermals, a base layer, the Atom LT and a heavy outer beat it was fine whilst on the move. Closer to 0°C and you're comfortable moving in merely a base layer and the hoody, with warmer layers to add when stopped.

Under the arms has thinner and non-insulated stretch panels which allow out some warmth and make it more breathable. Cheers to this, o northward the warmer end of the scale you're skillful upwards to almost 10°C, as long every bit you lot're not moving too fast or hard.

Altogether, for a winter mid-layer or a 3-season base layer, it's a wicked selection.

2.two Current of air

The unquilted design really gives constructive protection from the wind. Fifty-fifty in strong, frosty gusts you lot don't feel much coming through the materials which is a actually strong signal to the jacket.

2.3 Rain and moisture

The Coreloft constructed insulation maintains warmth when it's moisture, making it squeamish and versatile, plus, the DWR finish does a sugariness job repelling moisture from lighter patches of rain. In one case it is wet (I had i particularly wet snowshoeing trip with a naff waterproof) the insulation stays warm and the inner material doesn't stick to your skin when damp.

I also noticed on trips when I've sweated heavily it did a surprisingly good job of wicking moisture abroad and then drying off quickly – nice ane Arc'teryx!

3. Breathability

It's not the strongest indicate of the jacket simply it's nonetheless pretty damn efficient. The slightly roomier cutting allows air to ventilate and the thinner, stretchy sides let for decent ventilation. Overall, the Atom LT still does an okay job for an all-rounder.

iv. Durability

After 4 months of apply it's been perfect so far. The 20D material feels strong and despite some major rock rubbing and bush grazing, in that location are no snags at all. I've been throwing it around all over the place, yanking on the zipper and cramming thickly-gloved hands through the cuffs and information technology'southward all fairing a treat.

I aspect which has kept me and especially Sarah happy is the scent, or lack of. I've used the Atom LT for some gruelling tasks, covered it in sweat, left information technology wet in backpacks, crammed it in a pannier full of muddied bikes tools and spilt enough of beer on it – it however smells nice. Or am I just immune to the odour now?

five. Practicality and usability

The practicality is pretty amazing and that's 1 of its selling points. The Coreloft insulation with the addition of sweet weather resistance, breathable side panels, stretchy materials and a comfy fit ways information technology will fit right in for almost adventures. A spring and fall outer layer or winter midlayer – it's a super stiff contender for both In terms of usability.

My just slight error is the cinch cords on the waist. Whilst moving, I institute I was occasionally pulling on the wrong part of the tog. Loosening it whilst moving was as well wearisome and mostly needed both easily. As the cinch cords are quite far round, this meant quite a big shoulder rotation to loosen with both hands – not then easy with a big backpack or if yous're cycling.

Also, the compressibility isn't as good as other jackets which ways I'm less eager to stash information technology in my pocketbook when things heat up. Maybe stowing in the pocket characteristic would be prissy?

Atom LT for hiking and backpacking

Brilliant. It's safe to say, the Atom LT is the perfect hiking partner for cooler days out and if information technology does warm upwardly the breathability is expert enough. For backpacking, information technology's a real safe bet to keep with you and its effectiveness in poor atmospheric condition is besides handy, so yous don't take to get darting for your waterproof at the first sight of dark clouds.

Cantlet LT for climbing

Another really strong indicate. The stretchy materials allow a total range of movement and the jacket doesn't ride up, even with the strangest of moves, all finished upwardly with a hood that fits nicely over helmets. Combined with the strong durability means you've institute a prissy jacket to wear effectually the crag, belay on milder days or as a midlayer for alpine action.

Cantlet LT for cycling

Yeah, I know it'due south not designed for cycling but it'southward still pretty good in the saddle or to use for tours. The breathability probably isn't skillful enough for a proper cycling jacket but information technology'south my showtime choice when touring every bit a warm layer to throw on when stopped or to warm up with in the morning.

Atom LT for camping ground and general utilize

If you're only a full general outdoors fan, want something for camping trips or just a throw-around for dwelling house, this hoody is a smart choice if it's in your upkeep. The clean, smart design means yous can wear information technology casually or to piece of work too. This is another reason information technology's been a struggle to take off.

Things I dig

Comfort and design – this is one cosy hoody that looks pretty damn cool!
Fit – opting for more of a relaxed fit was definitely a proficient choice, making it much more adaptable for layering
Versatility – an awesome 3-flavor option that performs well with heaps of outdoor options

Room for improvement?

The waist adjustments – not and so easy to use on the motility
Compressibility – for a lighter jacket, maybe pocket stowing would be convenient
Sustainability – with other brands moving towards recycled or mail service-consumer materials, this would be an awesome step for Arc'teryx

Is the Atom LT worth the coin?

Arc'teryx products are sometimes on the upper stop of the price scale with the general understanding: you get what you lot pay for. The Atom LT hoody costs £140 in the UK and $128 in the US which is actually pretty competitive, and, y'all're getting a much higher performing piece of kit than many similar priced options.

Prior to this, I was using The North Confront Thermoball hoody, which is slightly cheaper, merely a quick test of the elements shows the difference in quality, specially with weather condition resistance, flexibility and versatility. The Atom LT is well rounded, reliable and high-performing.

On top of this, the lifetime guarantee and good customer support mean it'll likely be your go-to jacket for an incredibly long time.

Is information technology worth the money?As long every bit it tin stand the test of fourth dimension – hell yeh!

Where to buy the Cantlet LT?

In the market for a vegan insulated jacket or some vegan hiking boots? Bank check out our detailed heir-apparent's guides!

Dowling Rewhe1974