Arc’teryx Allium Insulated Jacket | First look at the new freeride softshell

Of all the Winter 2024 products Arc'teryx released in early October, the brand new Allium Insulated Jacket is one of the most intriguing. Arc'teryx positions the hoodless softshell Allium as a midlayer or standalone option for skiers and snowboarders. It's certainly comfortable, and its clean, straightforward design works as well off the slopes as on. But if you already own a quality Arc'teryx synthetic insulated layer - perhaps an Atom or Proton - where does (or even should) the Allium Insulated Jacket fit in your closet? 

First, here’s how Arc’teryx compares the Allium to some of those aforementioned models, including the Atom SL, the Atom Jacket, the Proton Hybrid Hoody, and the Proton Hoody: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000009161/X000006731/X000005409/X000007349/X000008436

Warmth / Insulation

Most Arc'teryx jackets that use synthetic insulation feature the brand's proprietary Coreloft insulation. This is what you'll find in best-selling Arc'teryx product lines like the Atom and Proton (read our Atom vs Proton review). Interestingly, the new Allium Insulated Jacket features a synthetic insulation called Comfortemp Stretch, a recycled polyester chopped staple insulation produced by Freudenberg Performance Materials. 

Similar to how Arc'teryx employs different weights of Coreloft insulation in different areas of a jacket, so too is the case with the Allium. Arc'teryx uses a Comfortemp Stretch 40gsm in the core body area, and a Comfortemp Stretch 25gsm in the Allium's sleeves. The difference in insulation weight isn't noticeable when wearing the Allium, for what it's worth.  

One of the biggest advantages of synthetic insulation, be it Coreloft, Comfortemp, Primaloft, etc., is that it doesn't lose its insulating properties when wet. This is why brands like Arc'teryx often employ synthetic insulators in their activewear clothing. So whether your jacket gets wet from snow, rain, or your body's own perspiration, synthetic insulation will continue to do its job and keep you warm. This is not the case with down insulation, which is why it's less frequently used in jackets and layers worn during high-output activities. 

Another note about the warmth of the Allium Insulated Jacket: as mentioned above, it is cut noticeably larger than other popular Arc'teryx midlayers. That more relaxed fit certainly makes it comfortable to wear and easy to layer, but it may be off-putting to those who prefer their activewear to have an athletic, or trim, fit. We should note that a roomier fit also allows more air to be trapped between your body and the Allium Insulated Jacket, adding to its insulating effect. 

We've worn the Allium as a midlayer while snowboarding in conditions ranging from snowy and downright frosty (low teens Fahrenheit) to sunny and moderate (temps in the 30s). In combination with a good merino wool baselayer and a weatherproof shell - we've tested the Allium under the Arc'teryx Sabre SV, Arc'teryx Rush, and Stio Environ ski jackets - the Allium Insulated Jacket has kept us comfortable. 

If you want to learn more about the relative warmth of synthetic insulators and how we use their CLO value to assign temperature ratings: https://outdoorcrunch.com/clo-values/

Our extensive temperature ratings of Arc’teryx jackets is below:

Breathability & Ventilation

A jacket's breathability is typically determined by a few factors: the type of face fabric used, the type of liner used, the kind and amount of insulation, and mechanical venting options like zippers, pit zips, fleece side panels, etc. 

The Arc'teryx Allium Insulated Jacket's face fabric is a 50-denier recycled stretch nylon in a plain weave. While nylon itself is not a very breathable material, the use of a stretchy plain weave will help with the circulation of air, and the choice of a 50-denier fabric means it will better stand up to abuse the Allium might take when worn as an outer layer (ski edges, rogue branches, metal chairlift backs, etc.). The jacket's lining is a 20-denier recycled nylon, also stretchy and in a plain weave. 

Mechanical ventilation on the Allium is limited. There are no armpit zippers to help dump heat, and the jacket's main zipper is one-way only. There are no fleece side or back panels, either. Stick with the Atom SL or Proton Hybrid Hoody if you require maximum breathability.

Considering the Allium Insulated Jacket's intended use - skiing and snowboarding - it's not ideal for high-output activities like running or even ski touring. Its sweet spot is days riding lifts at your favorite resort. 

Allium Insulated Jacket: Fit

As mentioned above, the Allium is cut with a noticeably more relaxed fit, which makes it easier to wear on top of baselayers without being so bulky as to not fit cleanly under your preferred shell. But it's a little too loose for my liking. I prefer the slightly trimmer fit of the Atom and Proton lines, which both still allow for a next-to-skin baselayer. 

We like that Arc'teryx skipped the hood on the Allium. A hood just isn't typically necessary - and often simply adds bulk without benefit - for ski and snowboard midlayers. Our shells almost always have helmet-compatible hoods, anyway. 

It also works that Arc'teryx made the collar on the Allium Insulated Jacket looser-fitting than collars on many of other midlayers. Why? Because a looser collar makes it easier and more comfortable to wear high-necked baselayers when skiing and snowboarding. My Smartwool 250-weight merino wool baselayer, which rises to mid-neck, fits great under a fully-zipped Allium with no noticeable neck restriction. 

Allium Insulated Jacket: Features

Pockets

The two zippered handwarmer pockets are spacious and feature hidden zippers, which add to the clean look of the Allium when its worn as a standalone outer layer. The jacket also has a single zippered chest pocket, which fits your smartphone or other small valuables. There are no internal pockets on the Allium Insulated Jacket. 

Adjustable hem draw cord

Perhaps more so than with other midlayers, the Allium's dual hem adjustment cords are a welcome touch. Why? Because that roomier fit means more space for wind, cold air, and snow to sneak in. Snugly cinch up the hem when you're on the slopes, and thank us later.  

Is the Allium Insulated Jacket worth it?

Should you drop $300 on the Arc'teryx Allium Insulated Jacket? If you lack a reliable midlayer for skiing or snowboarding and you don't mind spending the money on a jacket that isn't particularly well-suited for other high-output sports and activities, the Allium is a perfectly good choice. Truth is, we've come to like this jacket more each time we wear it, and it's become a go-to for resort days. 

But, if you already own a good, hoodless synthetic insulated midlayer (say, an Atom or Proton, for example), the Allium is probably superfluous.