- REI is on a rare sale. Don't miss. Patagonia's are like up to 70% off...
Atom LT's name was changed to Atom for Winter 2024. The design remains the same, but the fit is impacted for sizes other than size M. Atom SL will soon be called Atom Lightweight.
Atom SL vs Atom LT: Overview
I've got the newest versions of both of these jackets. I've got the Atom Heavyweight and all Proton's, too. If your main use is climbing, check out this Arc'teryx Atom vs Proton review.
In summary, their main differences are:
- Atom (Men's - Women's) is warmer, offers one more pocket (internal zippered chest pocket) and also a little bit more wind resistant. It's designed for both during high output activities and casual outgoings
- Atom SL (Men's - Women's) is more breathable. Designed for warmer weather (during the summer and/or spring) use in the upper alpines. It's a more niche product.
You can see this in Arc'teryx's Naming Scheme Page here as well - for both "LT" and "SL", as well as "Atom".
Atom SL is much more of a niche product. If you rarely get jackets, get an Atom and don't look back.
The only scenarios I'd recommend the Atom SL over the Atom would be ultralight hiking or climbing during chilly spring/summer mornings.
For all the other folks, my recommendation would absolutely be the Atom.
Now let's take a closer look.
- Arc'teryx Jacket Finder: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/jacket-finder
- Poll results: Giant Arc'teryx & Patagoina survey (Gore-Tex, pockets, hoods, fit, & more) [1000+ participated]
- Pics from outrageous discounts I ran into at Arc'teryx Parndorf Outlet
- I bought Gamma Lightweight (aka SL), Gamma (aka LT) and Gamma MX
- Patera Parka (one year update): Ain't worth the price...
- Alpha vs Beta: I bought all 4 Beta's and both Alpha's. Settling this for good
- I visited Iceland again, this time with a Nuclei (aka FL)
- Proton Hybrid: A "hidden" way to stuff it in itself!?
- Best Insulated Jackets: A hands-on Arc'teryx & Patagonia face-off
- 2024 Nano Air is in! Bought it immediately...
- I bought all 7 of Winter '24 Atom and Proton jackets
- Best Arc'teryx Ski Jackets: Rush is ideal, Sabre SV is overkill
- Arc’teryx colors: Most and least liked (poll results)
- Took my Nuclei SV to the Alps near Pfander, Austria
- Arc'teryx Alpha Parka Review: The most impressive jacket of all time
- Arc'teryx ReGEAR: OutdoorCrunch exclusive promo code!
- Beta Insulated Jacket is in: Pit zips AND two way zipper
- DropHood vs StormHood: Pros/cons and best uses
- 7 things all Arc'teryx newbies should know
Like hauntingly dark yet brilliantly brilliant electronic music? Check out my Hidden Electronic Gems playlist at Spotify.
- Macai Shell: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/macai-shell-jacket
- Nita: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/nita-down-jacket
- Epsilon: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/epsilon-insulated-hoody
- Cerium Pants (yes, seriously): https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/cerium-pant
- Liatris: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/liatris-down-jacket
- Thorium SV: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/thorium-sv-hoody
- Proton Heavyweight: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/proton-heavyweight-hoody
- Atom Shacket: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/atom-shacket
- New Nano Air: https://patagonia.com/product/mens-nano-air-insulated-hoody/84367.html
Warmth
Let's take a look at Arc'teryx's warmth ratings first.
Name | Activity | Breathability | Weather Res. | Durability | Temp (F/C) | Bottom line | Review | Pit zips? | Two way zipper? | Stuffs into itself? | Hood? | Face Fabric | Fit | Weight | Length | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alpha FL (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | 7/10 | No data | No data | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Hadron 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 209 g / 7.4 oz | 76.5 cm / 30 in | Yes | |||
Alpha SL (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | 5/10 | 7/10 | No data | 9/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | N40p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 326 g / 11.5 oz | 77.5 cm / 30.5 in | Yes | |||
Alpha (aka AR) (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 4/10 | N/A | Go-to climbing harshell. | Review | Yes | No | No | N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 430 g / 15.2 oz | 79.5 cm / 31.25 in | No | |
Alpha SV (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | 8/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Strongest climbing hardshell. | Review | Yes | No | No | N100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 510 g / 1 lb 2 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | No | |
Alpha IS (Men's) | Climbing | 7/10 | 5/10 | No data | 8/10 | 23/-5 | No | Yes | Yes | N40p-X 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | Yes | |||
Beta (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 6/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | N/A | Streamlined all-doer shell. | Review | No | No | No | N30p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 300 g / 10.6 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | No | |
Beta Lightweight (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N40p 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 380 g / 13.4 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | No | ||
Beta LT (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N40d 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 395 g / 13.9 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | No | ||
Beta AR (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 4/10 | N/A | Go-to all-round harshell. | Review | Yes | No | No | N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 460 g / 1 lb | 76 cm / 30 in | No | |
Beta AR StormHood (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 4/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 460 g / 1 lb | 76 cm / 30 in | No | ||
Beta Coat (Women's) | All Round | 6/10 | 5/10 | No data | 5/10 | N/A | No | Yes | No | 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 320 g / 11.3 oz | 88 cm / 34.5 in | No | |||
Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | No data | 21/-6 | Go-to hybrid jacket. | Review | Yes | Yes | No | N40d 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 680 g / 1 lb 8 oz | 78.5 cm / 31 in | No | |
Beta Insulated Coat (Women's) | All Round | 7/10 | No data | No data | No data | 16/-9 | No | Yes | No | N40d 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | 86 cm / 34 in | No | |||
Beta Down Insulated (Men's) | All Round | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | No data | 0/-18 | Yes | Yes | No | 2L 40D Gore-Tex | Regular | 760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | No | |||
Beta Long | All Round | 4/10 | 9/10 | No data | 3/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 441 g / 15.6 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in | Yes | ||
Beta LT Hadron | All Round | 7/10 | 6/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | Hadron 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 255 g / 9 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | Yes | |||
Beta SV (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 8/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Strongest all-round harshell. | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 495 g / 1 lb 1.5 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | Yes | |
Gamma Lw. (aka SL) (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 7/10 | 2/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | No | Fortius 1.0 | Trim | 310 g / 10.9 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | No | ||
Gamma (aka LT) (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 7/10 | 3/10 | 7/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Go-to softshell. | Review | No | No | No | Wee Burly Double Weave | Regular | 545 g / 1 lb 3.2 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | No | |
Gamma MX (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 6/10 | 4/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Strongest softshell. | Review | No | No | No | Fortius 2.0 | Regular | 555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | No | |
Sabre SV (Men's) | Skiing | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 1/10 | N/A | Strongest ski jacket. | Review | Yes | Yes | No | N100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 595 g / 1 lb 5 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in | No | |
Sabre (Men's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 705 g / 1 lb 8.9 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | No | ||
Sabre Insulated (Men's) | Skiing | 7/10 | No data | 6/10 | No data | No data | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 815 g / 1 lb 12.7 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | No | ||
Rush (Men's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Go-to ski jacket. | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p-X & N100p-X 3L Most Rugged Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz | 79.5 cm / 31.25 in | No | |
Rush Insulated (Men's - Women's) | Skiing | 3/10 | 5/10 | 5/10 | 9/10 | 16/-9 | Review | No | No | Yes | Hadron 2L Gore-Tex Infinium | Regular | 515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | No | ||
Macai Shell (Men's) | Skiing | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 775 g / 1 lb 11.3 oz | ? | No | ||
Macai (Men's) | Skiing | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | 1/10 | 5/-15 | Review | Yes | No | No | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 990 g / 2 lb 2.9 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | No | ||
Macai Lightweight (aka LT) (Men's) | Skiing | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | 2/10 | 8/-13 | Review | Yes | No | No | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz | ? | No | ||
Theriss Down (Women's) | Skiing | 7/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | No data | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 709 g / 1 lb 9 oz | 63 cm / 24.8 in | No | ||
Sentinel (Women's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | N/A | Go-to ski jacket. | Review | Yes | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 640 g / 1 lb 6.6 oz | 73.7 cm / 29 in | No | |
Sentinel Insulated (Women's) | Skiing | 8/10 | No data | No data | No data | 21/-6 | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | 79.8 cm / 31.5 in | No | ||
Sentinel Relaxed (Women's) | Skiing | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | Yes | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 655 g / 1 lb 7.1 oz | ? | No | |||
Sidewinder (Women's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 570 g / 1 lb 4.1 oz | ? | No | |||
Andessa (Women's) | Skiing | 10/10 | No data | No data | 1/10 | 8/-13 | Yes | No | No | N40d 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 869 g / 1 lb 14.7 oz | 67 cm / 26.4 in | Yes | |||
Andessa Shell (Women's) | Skiing | 5/10 | No data | No data | 3/10 | N/A | No | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 560 g / 1 lb 3.8 oz | ? | Yes | |||
Micon Heather | Skiing | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | Yes | No | No | NP100-d 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | Yes | |||
Micon (Men's) | Skiing | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | Yes | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | Yes | |||
Cassiar (Men's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 820 g / 1 lb 12.9 oz | 74.5 cm / 29.3 in | Yes | ||
Cassiar LT (Men's) | Skiing | 6/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 605 g / 1 lb 5.3 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | Yes | ||
Ravenna (Women's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N70s-4 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 725 g / 1 lb 9.6 oz | 69.5 cm / 27.4 in | Yes | ||
Ravenna LT (Women's) | Skiing | 6/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz | 69 cm / 27.2 in | Yes | ||
Procline (Men's) | Skiing | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | Yes | No | No | N70p Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | Yes | |||
Shashka Stretch (Women's) | Skiing | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | Yes | No | No | N70p Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 670 g / 1 lb 7.6 oz | 71 cm / 28 in | Yes | |||
Sabre AR (Men's) | Skiing | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 700 g / 1 lb 8.7 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | Yes | ||
Sentinel AR (Women's) | Skiing | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz | 72.5 cm / 28.5 in | Yes | ||
Sabre LT (Men's) | Skiing | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 660 g / 1 lb 7.3 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | Yes | ||
Sentinel LT (Women's) | Skiing | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 565 g / 1 lb 3.9 oz | 73.5 cm / 29 in | Yes | ||
Incendia (Women's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | NP100d 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | Yes | ||
Indencia IS | Skiing | No data | No data | No data | No data | No data | Yes | No | No | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | ? | 78 cm / 30.75 in | Yes | |||
Squamish (Men's - Women's) | Running | 5/10 | 4/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | N/A | Go-to running jacket. | Review | No | No | Yes | 30D Tyono | Trim | 140 g / 4.9 oz | 77.5 cm / 30.5 in | No | |
Norvan Windshell (Men's - Women's) | Running | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | No | No | Yes | Permeair 20 | Trim | 90 g / 3.2 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | No | |||
Norvan Shell (Men's - Women's) | Running | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | No | No | No | 13D 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 190 g / 6.7 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | No | |||
Nodin (Women's) | Running | 8/10 | 5/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | 20D Tyono | Trim | 130 g / 4.6 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | No | |||
Incendo Airshell (Women's) | Running | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | No | No | Yes | ? | Trim | 105 g / 3.7 oz | ? | No | |||
Incendo (Men's) | Running | 7/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | Yes | Lumin | Trim | 125 g / 4.4 oz | ? | Yes | ||
Norvan LT (Men's - Women's) | Running | 5/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | N/A | No | No | No | N13p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 190 g / 6.7 oz | ? | Yes | |||
Norvan SL Ins. (Women's) | Running | No data | No data | No data | No data | 39/4 | No | No | Yes | Gore-Tex ShakeDry | Trim | 270 g / 9.5 oz | 71.5 cm / 28.1 in | Yes | |||
Cita (Women's) | Running | 7/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | Yes | Lumin | Trim | 120 g / 4.2 oz | 67.5 cm / 26.5 in | Yes | ||
Cita SL (Women's) | Running | 7/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 10/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | Yes | Permeair 20 | Trim | 65 g / 2.3 oz | 61.5 cm / 24.2 in | Yes | ||
Incendo SL (Men's) | Running | 7/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 10/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | Yes | Permair 20 & Canim | Trim | 80 g / 2.8 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | Yes | ||
Norvan SL (Men's - Women's) | Running | 7/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | Yes | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 120 g / 4.2 oz | 77 cm / 30.4 in | Yes | ||
Trino SL (Men's) | Running | 8/10 | 5/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | No | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 340 g / 12 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | Yes | ||
Trino SL Anorak (Women's) | Running | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | No | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 290 g / 10.2 oz | 65 cm / 25.5 in | Yes | ||
Solano (Women's) | Around Town | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | Review | No | No | No | Gore-Tex Infinium | Relaxed | 355 g / 12.5 oz | 72 cm / 28.3 in | No | ||
Venda Anorak (Women's) | Around Town | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | No | No | No | Gore-Tex | Relaxed | 255 g / 9 oz | 75.5 cm / 29.7 in | Yes | |||
Zeta FL (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | 4/10 | 6/10 | 4/10 | 6/10 | N/A | No | No | No | N20r 2L Gore-Tex | Trim | 221 g / 7.8 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | Yes | |||
Zeta SL (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | 3/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | No | 2L Gore-Tex | Trim | 310 g / 10.9 oz | 77.8 cm / 30.6 in | Yes | ||
Zeta LT (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | 5/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | N40P-X 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 335 g / 11.8 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | Yes | |||
Zeta AR (Men's) | Hiking | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 4/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 425 g / 15 oz | 80 cm / 31.5 in | Yes |
Performance data axis of synthetic jackets (table above) and shell jackets (this table) are different. Don't compare them.
- REI is on a rare sale. Don't miss. Patagonia's are like up to 70% off...
Now there are 3 main things that make the Atom (aka LT) warmer than the SL:
1) 40 g/m2 (Atom SL) vs 60 g/m2 (Atom) insulation density
Coreloft Compact 40 g/m2 of Atom SL is Arc'teryx's lowest density (1.2 oz/yd2) Coreloft insulation.
The only Arc'teryx jackets insulated with 40 gsm Coreloft are the Atom SL and the Proton Hybrid (Men's - Women's - read review). The latter is much newer (released for Winter 2023). Before then, Atom SL was long the only holder of this title.
This is also one of the things that make SL exceptionally light - especially compared to the Atom {9.2 ounces (260 grams) vs 14.6 ounces (415 grams)}.
Atom's Coreloft 60 g/m2, on the other hand, obviously makes it more insulated but also naturally heavier.
2) Atom SL is only core-insulated
The Atom SL is only insulated in core area of the jacket (kind of like a vest). It feels like you're wearing a vest + a windbreaker on top.
Whereas the Atom is insulated everywhere.
This also causes a big warmth difference.
3) Atom is a little baggier than the SL
This helps the Atom trap more air between the jacket and your body. It also offers hem drawcords, so you can cinch it to prevent the heat to escape.
That's why, in the end, more air gets heated by your body and works as insulation.
But the fit difference isn't big, and hence it doesn't cause a big warmth difference.
Poll results: Best colorways of Atom Series
Upvote your favorites.

Void

Canvas

Black

Solace

Heritage

Fika/Black Sapphire

Kingfisher

Serene

Black

Canvas

Jungle Maze

Sprint

Solitude

Techno

Atmos

Sprint

Black

Orca

Solace

Fika/Spark
