- Don't miss out on REI's current sale - shop now and save on all your outdoor gear needs!
Atom SL and LT are both very breathable synthetic insulated jackets. They're best suited to high output activities.
In summary, their main differences are:
- Atom LT (Men's - Women's) is A LOT warmer, and also a little bit more weather resistant. It's designed for both during high output activities and casual outgoings
- Atom SL (Men's - Women's) is A LOT lighter, and also a little bit more breathable and packable. Designed more for warm weather (during the summer and/or spring) use in the upper alpines.
You can see this in Arc'teryx's Naming Scheme Page here as well - for both "LT" and "SL", as well as "Atom".
- 13 Mar 2023: I've been to Pfander and floodplain forests with my Nuclei SV
- 13 Dec 2022: Arc'teryx Alpha Parka Review: The most impressive jacket of all time
- 8 Dec 2022: Arc'teryx ReGEAR: OutdoorCrunch exclusive promo code!
- 7 Nov 2022: 2023 Thorium Hoody is in - as well as the new Thorium Parka (yes, parka)
- 2 Nov 2022: Beta Insulated Jacket: Pit zips AND two way zipper!
- 7 October 2022: Proton Hybrid Hoody is live! The ultimate do it all?
- 5 October 2022: DropHood vs StormHood: Pros/cons and best uses
- 5 September 2022: Reviewing Arc'teryx Fall Winter 22/23 Gear
- 5 August 2022: 5 things all Arc'teryx newbies should know
- #A sidenote here: Arc'teryx's PDF guide to jackets is GOOOLLLLDDDDD. Absolutely check that out too if you're interested in buying one.
The only scenarios I'd recommend the SL over the LT would be professional climbing, ultralight summer hiking and/or traveling since SL is extremely light and packable.
For all the other folks, (casual use when it's chilly or usage during various high output outdoor activities such as climbing, skiing, fat biking, etc.), then my recommendation would absolutely be the Atom LT.
Now let's take a closer look.
- Arc'teryx Jacket Finder: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/jacket-finder
Warmth
Let's take a look at Arc'teryx's warmth ratings first.
Name | Est. Temp (F/C) | Review | Pit venting? | Stuffs into itself? | Two way zipper? | Type | Fill Power | Fill Weight (grams) | Fill Volume (FP x FW) | Synthetic Insulator (SI) | SI Amount | Face Fabric | Activity | Fit | Weight | Length (CB) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arc'teryx Alpha (Men's - Women's) | -18/-28 | Review | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 850 | 296 | 251,600 | Coreloft | 90 g/m² | N30r 2L GoreTex Infinium | Climbing | Regular | 805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz | 86 cm / 34 in |
Feathered Friends Khumbu | -17/-27 | No | Yes | No | Down | 900 | 378 | 340,200 | Primaloft Gold | 200 g | Pretex Shield XT | All Round | Regular | 960 g / 2 lb 2 oz | ? | |
Arc'teryx Ceres SV (Men's - Women's) | -15/-26 | Review | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 850 | 240 | 204,000 | Coreloft | ? | Arato 30 | All Round | Regular | 880 g / 1 lb 15 oz | 86 cm / 34 in |
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's) | -13/-25 | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 800 | 300 | 240,000 | N/A | N/A | 30D Drilite | All Round | Regular | 820 g / 1 lb 13 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | |
Rab Positron Pro (Men's) | -13/-25 | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 800 | 300 | 240,000 | N/A | N/A | 40D Pertex Quantum Pro | All Round | Regular | 740 g / 1 lb 10 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's) | -11/-24 | Review | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 211 | 158,250 | Coreloft | 60 g/m² | 2L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 oz | 96 cm / 37.75 in |
Patagonia Grade VII (Men's) | -11/-24 | No | No | Yes | Down | 800 | 335 | 268,000 | N/A | N/A | 1.2 oz 15 & 20D Perfex Quantum | Around Town | Regular | 743 g / 1 lb 10.1 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Firebee AR (Men's - Women's) | -10/-23 | Review | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 800 | 225 | 180,000 | N/A | N/A | Arato 7 & 10 | All Round | Regular | 680 g / 1 lb 8 oz | 79 cm / 31 in |
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's) | -10/-23 | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 800 | 265 | 212,000 | N/A | N/A | Nylon | All Round | Regular | 770 g / 1 lb 11.2 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | |
Arc'teryx Thorsen (Men's) | -7/-22 | Review | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 192 | 144,000 | Coreloft | 60 g/m² | 90D 2L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 1.1 kg / 2 lb 5.4 oz | 91 cm / 36 in |
Patagonia Frozen Range (Men's - Women's) | -6/-21 | Review | No | No | No | Parka | 700 | 268 | 187,600 | N/A | N/A | 4 oz 75-denier polyester | Around Town | Regular | 1.253 kg / 2 lb 12.2 oz | 84 cm / 33 in |
Mountain Equipment Li. Ec. (Men's - Women's) | -5/-20 | No | No | Yes | Down | 700 | 295 | 206,500 | N/A | N/A | 50D Drilite | All Round | Regular | 822 g / 1 lb 13 oz | 72 cm / 28 in | |
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's) | -2/-19 | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 74 | 55,500 | Coreloft | 60 + 80 g/m² | 2L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 1.1 kg / 2 lb 6.8 oz | 117.5 cm / 46.25 in | |
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's) | -2/-19 | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 800 | 212 | 169,600 | N/A | N/A | 20D Pertex Quantum Pro | All Round | Regular | 585 g / 1 lb 8.6 oz | 77 cm / 30.3 in | |
Arc'teryx Dually Belay (Men's) | 0/-18 | Review | No | Yes | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | ThermaTek | 92 g/m² | 30D Nylon | Around Town | Regular | 705 g / 1 lb 9 oz | 84 cm / 33 in |
Arc'teryx Centrale (Women's) | 0/-18 | Review | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 157 | 117,750 | Coreloft | 60 g/m² | N90p Nylon | Around Town | Regular | 885 g / 1 lb 15.2 oz | 95 cm / 37.5 in |
Arc'teryx Camosun (Men's) | 0/-18 | Review | No | No | No | Parka | 750 | 105 | 78,750 | Coreloft | 140 g/m² | N150p-X Gore-Tex | Around Town | Trim | 960 g / 2 lb 1.9 oz | 80 cm / 31.5 in |
Arc'teryx Cerium SV (Men's) | 0/-18 | Review | No | Yes | No | Down | 850 | 162 | 137,700 | Coreloft | 80 + 140 g/m² | Arato 7 & 10 | All Round | Regular | 415 g / 14.6 oz | 69.5 cm / 27.4 in |
Arc'teryx Revet (Men's) | 2/-17 | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | ? | N/A | N/A | 20d nylon/spandex double weave | Around Town | Regular | 755 g / 1 lb 10.6 oz | 91 cm / 36 in | ||
Arc'teryx Piedmont (Men's) | 3/-16 | No | Yes | Yes | Parka | 750 | 218 | 163,500 | N/A | N/A | Arato 10 | Around Town | Regular | 515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz | 82 cm / 32.25 in | |
Arc'teryx Fission SV (Men's - Women's) | 3/-16 | Review | No | No | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 90 + 65 g/m² | N80p-X Gore-Tex 2L | All Round | Regular | 890 g / 1 lb 15.4 oz | 81 cm / 31.8 in |
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's) | 3/-16 | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 850 | 117 | 99,450 | Coreloft Compact | 40 g/m² | Hadron 2L Gore-Tex Infinium | Climbing | Regular | 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz | ? | |
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's) | 3/-16 | No | No | Yes | Down | 800 | 182 | 145,600 | N/A | N/A | 30D Pertex Quantum Pro | All Round | Regular | 825 g / 1 lb 13.1 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Alessa Long (Women's) | 3/-16 | No | No | No | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft | 80 + 120 g/m² | N90p 2L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 1.015 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz | 123 cm / 48.5 in | |
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's) | 3/-16 | Review | No | No | No | Parka | 700 | 118 | 82,600 | N/A | N/A | 5.5 oz polyester | Around Town | Regular | 1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in |
Arc'teryx Radsten Parka (Men's) | 3/-16 | No | No | No | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 120 g/m² | NP100d Gore-Tex 2L | Around Town | Regular | 745 g / 1 lb 10.3 oz | 82 cm / 32.25 in | |
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's) | 5/-15 | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 800 | 180 | 144,000 | N/A | N/A | 20D Pertex Quantum Pro | All Round | Regular | 525 g / 1 lb 2.5 oz | 74 cm / 29 in | |
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's) | 5/-15 | Review | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 120 | 90,000 | Coreloft | 60 + 80 g/m² | P75d Polyester | Around Town | Regular | 991 g / 2 lb 3 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in |
Arc'teryx Macai (Men's) | 5/-15 | Review | Yes, zips | No | No | Down | 750 | 69 | 51,750 | Coreloft Compact | 60 + 100 g/m² | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Ski/Snowboard | Regular | 1 kg / 2 lb 4 oz | 76 cm / 30 in |
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Men's) | 5/-15 | Review | No | Yes | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 180 g/m2 + 90 g/m2 | Arato 15 | Climbing | Regular | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | 81 cm / 31.8 in |
Patagonia DAS Parka (Men's) | 5/-15 | No | Yes | Yes | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco | 133 + 40 g | Pertex Quantum Pro | Around Town | Regular | 555 g / 1lb 3.6 oz | 84 cm / 33 in | |
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's) | 5/-15 | Review | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 58 | 43,500 | Coreloft | 60 + 80 g/m² | 2L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Trim | 867 g / 1 lb 14.6 oz | 93 cm / 37 in |
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's) | 7/-14 | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 700 | 155 | 108,500 | N/A | N/A | 30D ripstop nylon | All Round | Regular | 442 g / 15.6 oz | 76 cm / 29.75 in | |
Arc'teryx Kappa (Men's) | 7/-14 | Review | No | No | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 140 g/m² | N70p Gore Thermium | All Round | Regular | 755 g / 1 lb 10.6 oz | 80 cm / 31.5 in |
Arc'teryx Prema Down Coat (Women's) | 7/-14 | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 92 | 69,000 | N/A | N/A | Nylon | Around Town | Regular | 794 g / 1 lb 12 oz | 117 cm / 46.1 in | |
Arc'teryx Radsten Insulated (Men's) | 7/-14 | No | No | No | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 120 g/m² | NP100d Gore-Tex 2L | Around Town | Regular | 715 g / 1 lb 9.2 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | |
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's) | 7/-14 | No | Yes | No | Down | 700 | 153 | 107,100 | N/A | N/A | 30D Pertex Quantum | All Round | Regular | 466 g / 1 lb 0.5 oz | 72 cm / 28.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Thorium (Men's - Women's) | 7/-14 | Review | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 750 | 140 | 105,000 | Coreloft | 80 + 140 g/m² | Arato 30 | All Round | Regular | 517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz | 71.5 cm / 28.1 in |
Feathered Friends Eos | 8/-13 | No | Yes | No | Down | 900 | 105 | 94,500 | N/A | N/A | Pertex Quantum | All Round | Regular | 306 g / 10.8 oz | ? | |
Arc'teryx Thorium AR (Men's - Women's) | 8/-13 | Review | No | Yes | No | Down | 750 | 130 | 97,500 | Coreloft | 80 + 140 g/m² | Arato 30 | All Round | Regular | 490 g / 1 lb 1.3 oz | 72 cm / 28.3 in |
Patagonia Macro Puff (Men's - Women's) | 8/-13 | Review | No | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | PlumaFill | 135 + 90 g | 10D Recycled nylon ripstop | All Round | Regular | 435 g / 15.3 oz | 79 cm / 31 in |
Arc'teryx Macai LT (Men's) | 8/-13 | Yes, zips | No | No | Down | 750 | 49 | 36,750 | Coreloft Compact | 60 g/m² | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Ski/Snowboard | Regular | 855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | |
Arc'teryx Seyla (Women's) | 8/-13 | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 92 | 69,000 | N/A | N/A | Arato 10 | Around Town | Regular | 507 g / 1 lb. 1.9 oz. | 87 cm / 34.4 in | |
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's) | 8/-13 | No | Yes | No | Down | 800 | 128 | 102,400 | N/A | N/A | 20D Nylon | All Round | Regular | 632 g / 1lb 6.3 oz | 74 cm / 29 in | |
Arc'teryx Koda (Men's) | 8/-13 | No | No | No | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft | 80 + 140 g/m² | N80p-X Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | |
Patagonia Vosque 3-in-1 (Women's) | 10/-12 | Review | No | No | No | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | ThermoLite | 100 g | 65% nylon, 35% polyester | Around Town | Regular | 1.360 kg / 3 lb | 90 cm / 35.5 in |
Patagonia City Storm Down (Men's - Women's) | 12/-11 | No | Yes | No | Parka | 700 | 191 | 133,700 | N/A | N/A | 4.2 oz polyester | All Round | Regular | 468 g / 16.5 oz | 91 cm / 36 in | |
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's) | 12/-11 | Review | No | No | Yes | Parka | 700 | 141 | 98,700 | N/A | N/A | 3.6 oz 50D polyester | Around Town | Regular | 880 g / 1 lb 15 oz | 79 cm / 31 in |
Arc'teryx Sensa (Women's) | 14/-10 | No | No | Yes | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 120 g/m² | NP100d Gore-Tex 2L | Around Town | Relaxed | 785 g / 1 lb 11.7 oz | 86 cm / 34 in | |
Patagonia Hi Loft Down (Men's - Women's) | 14/-10 | Review | No | Yes | No | Down | 600 | 177 | 106,200 | N/A | N/A | 1.4 oz 30D polyester | All Round | Regular | 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz | 76 cm / 30 in |
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's) | 14/-10 | No | Yes | No | Down | 850 | 120 | 102,000 | N/A | N/A | Pertex mini ripstop nylon | All Round | Regular | 340 g / 13.75 oz | 74 cm / 29.25 in | |
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's) | 16/-9 | Review | No | No | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft | 80 g/m² + 120 g/m² | 2L 40D Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | ? |
Arc'teryx Atom AR (Men's - Women's) | 18/-8 | Review | Yes, mesh | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 120 g/m2 + 80 g/m2 + 60 g/m2 | 30D Tyono | All Round | Regular | 475 g / 1 lb | 74 cm / 29.1 in |
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's) | 18/-8 | No | No | No | Down | 600 | 279 | 167,400 | N/A | N/A | 4.2 oz polyester | Around Town | Regular | 1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz | ? | |
Arc'teryx Magnus (Men's) | 19/-7 | No | No | No | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft | 80 g | N60p Gore-Tex 2L | Around Town | Regular | 690 g / 1 lb 8.3 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Agrium (Men's - Women's) | 21/-6 | No | Yes | No | Down | 850 | 117 | 99,450 | N/A | N/A | Arato | All Round | Regular | 365 g / 12.9 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | |
Patagonia AlpLight Down (Men's - Women's) | 21/-6 | No | Yes | No | Down | 800 | 100 | 80,000 | N/A | N/A | 0.8 oz 10D polyester | All Round | Slim | 270 g / 9.5 oz | 74 cm / 29 in | |
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's) | 21/-6 | Review | Yes, zips | No | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 80 g/m² | 2L 40D Gore-Tex | All Round | Regular | 680 g / 1 lb 8 oz | 78.5 cm / 31 in |
Patagonia Topley (Men's) | 23/-5 | No | No | Yes | Down | 700 | 172 | 120,400 | N/A | N/A | 6 oz polyester | All Round | Regular | 1.133 kg / 2 lb 8 oz | 77 cm / 30.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Alpha IS (Men's) | 23/-5 | No | Yes | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 65 g/m² | N40p-X 2L Gore-Tex | Climbing | Regular | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | |
Rab Xenon 2.0 (Men's - Women's) | 23/-5 | No | Yes | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | PrimaLoft Silver | 60 g | 30D Pertex Quantum | All Round | Regular | 385 g / 13.6 oz | 71.5 cm / 28.1 in | |
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's) | 23/-5 | Review | No | Yes | No | Down | 800 | 150 | 120,000 | N/A | N/A | 1.4 oz 20x30D polyester | All Round | Regular | 428 g / 15.1 oz | 67 cm / 26.25 in |
Arc'teryx Ralle Parka (Men's) | 25/-4 | No | No | Yes | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft | 80 g/m² | 2L 40D Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 735 g / 1 lb 9.9 oz | ? | |
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's) | 26/-3 | Review | No | No | No | Down | 700 | 109 | 76,300 | N/A | N/A | 2.2 oz polyester | Around Town | Regular | 585 g / 1 lb 4.7 oz | 74 cm / 29 in |
Arc'teryx Therme Insulated (Men's) | 26/-3 | Review | No | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 40 g/m² | 2L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 960 g / 2 lb 1.9 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in |
Arc'teryx Cerium (Men's - Women's) | 26/-3 | No | Yes | No | Down | 850 | 113 | 96,050 | Coreloft | 80 + 100 g/m² | Arato 15 | All Round | Trim | 335 g / 11.8 oz | ? | |
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's) | 28/-2 | No | Yes | No | Down | 800 | 85 | 68,000 | N/A | N/A | 10D Ripstop Nylon | All Round | Trim | 250 g / 8.8 oz | 70 cm / 27.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Cerium LT (Men's - Women's) | 28/-2 | Review | No | Yes | No | Down | 850 | 102 | 86,700 | Coreloft | 80 + 100 g/m² | Arato 10 | All Round | Trim | 305 g / 10.8 oz | 72 cm / 28.3 in |
Arc'teryx Nuclei FL (Men's - Women's) | 32/0 | Review | No | Yes | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 65 g/m² | Arato 10r | Climbing | Trim | 325 g / 11.5 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in |
Patagonia DAS Light (Men's - Women's) | 34/1 | No | Yes | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | PlumaFill | 65 g | 0.8-oz 10-denier Pertex Quantum Pro | Climbing | Regular | 320 g / 11.3 oz | 77 cm / 30.5 in | |
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's) | 36/2 | Review | No | Yes | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | PlumaFill | 65 g | Pertex Quantum | All Round | Trim | 298 g / 10.5 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in |
Patagonia Isthmus (Men's) | 36/2 | No | No | No | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | ThermoGreen | 60 g | 4.2 oz polyester | Around Town | Regular | 895 g / 1 lb 15.6 oz | 70 cm / 27.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Proton LT (Men's - Women's) | 37/3 | Review | No | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 80 g/m2 + 60 g/m2 | Fortius Air 20 | Climbing | Trim | 375 g / 13.2 oz | 75 cm / 29.4 in |
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's) | 37/3 | Review | No | Yes | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco | 60 g | 22D Polyester | All Round | Regular | 363 g / 12.8 oz | 71.5 cm / 28 in |
Arc'teryx Norvan SL Ins. (Men's - Women's) | 39/4 | No | Yes | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 40 g/m² | Gore-Tex ShakeDry | Running | Trim | 270 g / 9.5 oz | 71.5 cm / 28.1 in | |
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's) | 41/5 | Review | No | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | FullRange | 60 g | 33D Nylon ripstop | All Round | Trim | 318 g / 11.2 oz | ? |
Arc'teryx Atom LT (Men's - Women's) | 43/6 | Review | Yes, mesh | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 60 g/m² | 20D Tyono | All Round | Trim | 375 g / 13.2 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in |
Arc'teryx Cerium SL (Men's - Women's) | 43/6 | Review | No | Yes | No | Down | 850 | 58 | 49,300 | Coreloft | 40 + 100 g/m² | Arato 7 | All Round | Trim | 215 g / 7.6 oz | 69 cm / 27.2 in |
Arc'teryx Proton Hybrid (Men's - Women's) | 46/8 | Review | No | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 40 g/m² | Fortius™ Air 50 | All Round | Trim | 365 g / 12.9 oz | ? |
Arc'teryx Proton FL (Men's) | 48/9 | Review | No | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Octa Loft | 94 g/m² | Fortius Air 20 | Climbing | Trim | 323 g / 11.4 oz | 77 cm / 30.4 in |
Arc'teryx Atom SL (Men's - Women's) | 52/11 | Review | Yes, mesh | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 40 g/m² | 20D Tyono | All Round | Trim | 245 g / 8.6 oz | 72 cm / 28.3 in |
REI Stormhenge Hybrid (Men's - Women's) | Testing | Yes, zips | No | No | Down | 850 | ? | N/A | N/A | 40D + 80D | All Round | Regular | 900 g / 1 lb 15.75 oz | 80 cm / 31.5 in | ||
Arc'teryx Monitor Insulated (Women's) | Testing | No | No | Yes | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft | 80 + 100 g/m² | 40D 3L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Oversized | 645 g / 1 lb 6.8 oz | 93 cm / 37 in | |
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's) | Testing | No | No | Yes | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft | 80 + 140 g/m² | 40D 2L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 460 g / 1 lb 0.2 oz | 93 cm / 37 in |
View full table at https://outdoorcrunch.com/best-arcteryx-jacket/.
If you're confused now and don't know which jacket best corresponds to your own needs, then follow the advice given in https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/jacket-finder/.
The temperature ratings in this list are intended to represent the lowest temperatures you can wear each jacket without feeling uncomfortably cold.
Keep in mind that these are only approximate values, assuming:
- worn over a shirt only and no shell over,
- during daily use (strolls, power walks etc at most - no high output activities),
- with light wind,
- and when it's dry out.
These values applicable to your torso only. Your hands, legs and feet are still subject to their own additional insulation.
The best practice is usually to use this table for comparing each jacket to one another, rather than pinpointing their ratings.
Also, ratings will best respond to males. As most women tend to run colder than men, for women, shifting these ratings a bit is recommended.
Always opt for the warmer option when in doubt. For jackets with Atom AR level warmth and beyond, recommended is almost always the hooded models.
- Also see: Arc'teryx Shells
Name | Bottom line | Activity | Review | Breathability | Weather Res. | Durability | Packability | Temp (F/C) | Pit zips? | Two way zipper? | Stuffs into itself? | Hood? | Face Fabric | Fit | Weight | Length | Measurements |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alpha FL (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | 4/10 | 5/10 | 6/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | StormHood | Hadron 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 209 g / 7.4 oz | 76.5 cm / 30 in | [Men's / Women's] | ||
Alpha SL (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | 3/10 | 4/10 | 6/10 | 9/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | StormHood | N40p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 326 g / 11.5 oz | 77.5 cm / 30.5 in | [Men's / Women's] | ||
Alpha AR (Men's - Women's) | Go-to climbing harshell. | Climbing | Review | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 4/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 430 g / 15.2 oz | 79.5 cm / 31.25 in | [Men's] |
Alpha SV (Men's - Women's) | Strongest climbing hardshell. | Climbing | Review | 8/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 510 g / 1 lb 2 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | [Men's] |
Alpha IS (Men's) | Climbing | 7/10 | 5/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 23/-5 | No | Yes | Yes | StormHood | N40p-X 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | |||
Beta (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 5/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | N30p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 300 g / 10.6 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | |||
Beta Long (Men's) | All Round | Review | 5/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 441 g / 15.6 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in | ||
Beta Coat (Women's) | All Round | 7/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | Yes | No | StormHood | 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 320 g / 11.3 oz | ? | [Men's / Women's] | ||
Beta LT Hadron (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 5/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | Hadron 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 255g / 9 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | |||
Beta LT (Men's - Women's) | Beta AR alternative. | All Round | Review | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N40d 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 395 g / 13.9 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | |
Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's) | Best insulated shell. | All Round | 10/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 2/10 | 21/-6 | Yes | Yes | No | StormHood | N40d 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 680 g / 1 lb 8 oz | 78.5 cm / 31 in | [Men's / Women's] | |
Beta Insulated Coat (Women's) | Beta Insulated alternative. | All Round | 7/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 2/10 | 16/-9 | No | Yes | No | StormHood | N40d 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | ? | [Men's / Women's] | |
Beta AR (Men's - Women's) | Go-to all-round harshell. | All Round | Review | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 4/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N40r-X & N80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 460 g / 1 lb | 76 cm / 30 in | |
Beta SV (Men's - Women's) | Strongest all-round harshell. | All Round | Review | 8/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 495 g / 1 lb 1.5 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | [Men's / Women's] |
Alpine Guide (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 8/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80d-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 480g / 1 lb 0.9 oz | ? | [Men's] | ||
Gamma SL (Men's - Women's) | A trimmer Gamma LT. | All Round | Review | 7/10 | 2/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | Fortius 1.0 | Trim | 310 g / 10.9 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | [Men's / Women's] |
Gamma LT (Men's) | A fleeceless, trimmer Gamma MX. | All Round | Review | 7/10 | 3/10 | 7/10 | 3/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | Wee Burly | Regular | 545 g / 1 lb 3.2 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | [Men's / Women's] |
Gamma MX (Men's - Women's) | A softshell with a fleece. | All Round | Review | 6/10 | 4/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | Fortius 2.0 | Regular | 555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | [Men's / Women's] |
Rush (Men's - Women's) | Go-to ski jacket. | Skiing | Review | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p-X & N100p-X 3L Most Rugged Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz | 79.5 cm / 31.25 in | [Men's] |
Sabre (Men's) | Alternative to Rush. | Skiing | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 2/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 705 g / 1 lb 8.9 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | ||
Sentinel (Women's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 2/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 370 g / 13.1 oz | ? | |||
Macai (Men's) | Go-to insulated ski jacket. | Skiing | Review | 10/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 1/10 | 5/-15 | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 1 kg / 2 lb 3.3 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | |
Macai LT (Men's) | A lighter Macai with StormHood. | Skiing | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 1/10 | 8/-13 | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz | ? | [Men's] | |
Andessa (Women's) | Go-to insulated ski jacket. | Skiing | 10/10 | Testing | Testing | 1/10 | 8/-13 | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N40d 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 869 g / 1 lb 14.7 oz | ? | ||
Andessa Shell (Women's) | Non-insulated Andessa. | Skiing | 5/10 | Testing | Testing | 3/10 | N/A | No | No | No | DropHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 560 g / 1 lb 3.8 oz | ? | ||
Theriss Down (Women's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | Testing | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 709 g / 1 lb 9 oz | ? | |||
Rush IS (Women's) | An insulated Rush. | Skiing | 5/10 | Testing | Testing | 9/10 | 16/-9 | No | No | Yes | StormHood | Gore-Tex Infinium | Regular | 515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz | ? | ||
Sentinel IS (Women's) | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | 21/-6 | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | ? | [Women's] | ||
Ski Guide (Men's - Women's) | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 570 g / 1 lb 4.1 oz | ? | |||
Micon Heather | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | NP100-d 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | [Men's] | ||
Micon (Men's) | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | [Men's] | ||
Cassiar (Men's) | Skiing | Review | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 820 g / 1 lb 12.9 oz | 74.5 cm / 29.3 in | [Women's] | |
Cassiar LT (Men's) | Skiing | Review | 6/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 605 g / 1 lb 5.3 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | [Women's] | |
Ravenna (Women's) | Skiing | Review | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N70s-4 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 725 g / 1 lb 9.6 oz | 69.5 cm / 27.4 in | [Men's] | |
Ravenna LT (Women's) | Skiing | Review | 6/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz | 69 cm / 27.2 in | [Men's] | |
Procline (Men's) | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N70p Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | [Women's] | ||
Shashka Stretch (Women's) | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N70p Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 670 g / 1 lb 7.6 oz | 71 cm / 28 in | [Women's] | ||
Sabre AR (Men's) | Skiing | Review | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 700 g / 1 lb 8.7 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | [Men's] | |
Sentinel AR (Women's) | Skiing | Review | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz | 72.5 cm / 28.5 in | [Women's] | |
Sabre LT (Men's) | Skiing | Review | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 660 g / 1 lb 7.3 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | ||
Sentinel LT (Women's) | Skiing | Review | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 565 g / 1 lb 3.9 oz | 73.5 cm / 29 in | ||
Incendia (Women's) | Skiing | Review | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | NP100d 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | [Women's] | |
Indencia IS | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | ? | 78 cm / 30.75 in | [Men's / Women's] | ||
Norvan LT (Men's - Women's) | Go-to running jacket. | Running | 5/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | N/A | No | No | No | Standard | N13p 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 190 g / 6.7 oz | ? | [Women's] | |
Squamish (Men's - Women's) | Trimmer, lighter, packable running jacket. | Running | Review | 5/10 | 4/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | StormHood | 30D Tyono | Trim | 140 g / 4.9 oz | 77.5 cm / 30.5 in | [Women's] |
Norvan SL Ins. (Women's) | Running | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | 39/4 | No | No | Yes | Standard | Gore-Tex ShakeDry | Trim | 270 g / 9.5 oz | 71.5 cm / 28.1 in | [Women's] | ||
Cita (Women's) | Running | Review | 7/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | Lumin | Trim | 120 g / 4.2 oz | 67.5 cm / 26.5 in | [Men's] | |
Cita SL (Women's) | Running | Review | 7/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 10/10 | N/A | Yes | No | Yes | Standard | Permeair 20 | Trim | 65 g / 2.3 oz | 61.5 cm / 24.2 in | [Men's] | |
Incendo (Men's) | Running | Review | 7/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | Lumin | Trim | 125 g / 4.4 oz | ? | ||
Incendo SL (Men's) | Running | Review | 7/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | Permair 20 & Canim | Trim | 80 g / 2.8 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | [Men's / Women's] | |
Incendo Airshell | Running | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | ? | ? | ? | ? | [Men's] | ||
Norvan SL (Men's - Women's) | Running | Review | 7/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 120 g / 4.2 oz | 77 cm / 30.4 in | [Women's] | |
Trino SL (Men's) | Running | Review | 8/10 | 5/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | N/A | No | No | No | Standard | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 340 g / 12 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | [Men's / Women's] | |
Trino SL Anorak (Women's) | Running | Review | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | N/A | No | No | No | Standard | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 290 g / 10.2 oz | 65 cm / 25.5 in | [Men's / Women's] | |
Nodin (Men's - Women's) | Running | 8/10 | 5/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | 20D Tyono | Trim | 155 g / 5.5 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | [Men's / Women's] | ||
Solano (Men's - Women's) | Around Town | Review | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | No | No | No | Standard | Gore-Tex Infinium | Relaxed | 355 g / 12.5 oz | 72 cm / 28.3 in | ||
Venda Anorak (Women's) | Around Town | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | No | No | No | Standard | Gore-Tex | Relaxed | 255 g / 9 oz | 75.5 cm / 29.7 in | |||
Zeta FL (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | 4/10 | 6/10 | 4/10 | 6/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | N20r 2L Gore-Tex | Trim | 221 g / 7.8 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | [Men's / Women's] | ||
Zeta SL (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | Review | 3/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | 2L Gore-Tex | Trim | 310 g / 10.9 oz | 77.8 cm / 30.6 in | [Men's] | |
Zeta LT (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | 5/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | N40P-X 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 335 g / 11.8 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | [Men's] | ||
Zeta AR (Men's) | Hiking | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 4/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 425 g / 15 oz | 80 cm / 31.5 in |
Now there are 4 main things that make Atom LT warmer than the SL:
1) 40 g/m2 (Atom SL) vs 60 g/m2 (Atom LT) insulation density
Coreloft Compact 40 g/m2 of Atom SL is Arc'teryx's lowest density (1.2 oz/yd2) Coreloft insulation.
This is also one of the things that make SL exceptionally light - especially compared to the Atom LT {9.2 ounces (260 grams) vs 14.6 ounces (415 grams)}.
Atom LT'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).
The sleeves and hood of the jacket AREN'T INSULATED. They only cut the wind.
Atom LT is much warmer than the SL.
Whereas Atom LT is insulated everywhere.
This also causes a big warmth difference.
3) Coreloft (Atom LT) vs Coreloft Compact (Atom SL)
Besides these differences, another difference here is that SL comes with Coreloft Compact whereas the LT with the basic Coreloft.
Coreloft of Atom LT is more thermally efficient and less air-permeable. Which means that it's warmer but also breathes less.
4) Atom LT is a little baggier than the SL
This helps the LT trap more air between the jacket and your body. 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.
Combine all these and you get...
I'd say, generally speaking, when it's dry out, with only a long sleeved shirt under and without a shell on top, with a mild wind and very low to no activity level...
The approximate lowest temperatures an average person can wear these jackets without feeling cold would be around:
- Atom SL: 50 deg F (10 deg C)
- Atom LT: 23 deg F (-5 deg C)
If you think you run hotter or colder than the average person, then shift these temperatures accordingly.
Atom SL is slightly more breathable than the Atom LT.
Breathability
Now for the 3 main reasons listed under the warmth heading, you'd expect the SL to be breathable, and that's not incorrect, but there's a caveat here.
Unlike Proton LT or Patagonia's Nano Air, Atom line doesn't use highly breathable advanced insulation technology.
Most of its breathability comes from the side fleece panels.
That's why, the insulation differences laid out above actually make up the smaller chunk of this breathability department.
That's why, in the end, SL really IS more breathable, but it's by a much, much smaller amount than it's colder than the LT.
Weather Resistance
Atom SL isn't designed to be waterproof. Its Nu water repellent treatment does a mediocre job at best - can only protect you from very light rain and moisture - nothing more.
LT's DWR coating noticeably does a better job than the SL, but it still isn't anywhere near others such as the Atom AR or even the Proton LT.
DWR is a coating.
It's basically sprayed on to the surface of these jackets as a finish. It stands for Durable Water Repellent - which means that water will be repelled under wet conditions instead of soaking into the fabric.
DWR also decreases dry time.
It's a good thing these jackets are coated in DWR, but pay attention to the fact that DWR is a coating - meaning that it will wear off over time.
Which is why you might want to invest in a DWR spray such as this one for after treatment.
As you see, there's a strong correlation between FP x FW and temperature ratings, but not more than, say, 80%. I explained why this happens here in this post of mine.
I'd recommend both jackets with the hood. SL isn't even available without the hood anyway.
No products found.
Would you recommend the LT as a mid layer under a hard shell for active sports such as resort skiing?
You seem to have little understanding of the products or the materials used. (1) The Atom LT uses Coreloft Compact, too. (2) The difference between Coreloft and Coreloft Compact is about the nature of the fibers, not the density at which they are found in the jackets. Either material can be packed at any density. What worse than having no information is having very misleading information as is found here.