Compared to my other articles on Arc'teryx and Patagonia jackets, this comparison is relatively easier to get out of. Because they differ clearly in this one manner:
How you're planning to use the jacket.
So I'd recommend you to move forward considering this:
If you're looking for a warm jacket to put on out in the town when it's freezing (below 20 deg F's), get the AR as LT would be too cold for most of you. For a physically active use, get the LT as it's significantly more breathable and comfortable.
This was stated by the Arc'teryx's own staff and experts repeatedly at the questions and answers section at the bottom of both their Atom AR and Atom LT pages.
All the differences between these jackets (you can see their manuals here [PDF Guide]) can simply be listed as follows:
- LT is more breathable, lighter and more comfortable
- AR is much warmer and more weather resistant
We'll get to the details and determine how MUCH one is better than the other in terms of each of these differences - but you should know that for most of you the answer to it wouldn't be important.
Because, like I said, it's like comparing apples and oranges. The purpose of these jackets are different, and this should be your main focus. Keep that in mind as you read on.
If you're planning to get the Atom LT, you might also want to check out my Proton LT vs Atom LT post as well since Proton LT is kind of a superior revision of the Atom LT.
BUT, the chart is misleading here and there, so take the info there with a grain of salt!
For example, both jackets offer No Slip Zip feature - unlike what the comparison chart says.
I've also put this post together to compare and rate all the popular Arc'teryx and Patagonia synthetic insulated jackets, including the two in this post (as well as the Proton LT I mentioned).
So if you're interested to see how well these two jackets scored in the warmth, comfort, weather & abrasion resistance, breathability and style departments; you might want to check that out as well.
Let's get to it!
Warmth
I'm not going to explain the Coreloft insulation in detail because both jackets are equipped with it. I'll try to keep this post within the context of differences between these products.
Check this thread out if you're curious about Coreloft's technical properties and how it compares to the other insulators.
First of all, the AR does NOT have twice the insulator amount of LT.
AR is insulated with:
- 120 g/m2 of Coreloft around the torso: This is the only region AR doubles the insulator amount of LT.
- 80 g/m2 of Coreloft under the arms: They're mostly compressed anyway. Investing less insulator here not only decreases the price but also increases mobility.
- 60 g/m2 of Coreloft for the hood.
LT, on the other hand, is insulated with 60 g/m2 of Coreloft everywhere.
This makes up one of the biggest differences between the two models:
AR is significantly warmer compared to LT. If you're truly active inside the AR, you might even overheat.
Now, although it's quite difficult to pinpoint the warmth differences between these two jackets, let me do my best and at least try to give you an idea:
Generally speaking, with only a long sleeved shirt under and without a shell on top, for an average person, during daily use (strolls, power walks, etc) and with enough wind to cause an umbrella to twist in your hand:
...without feeling uncomfortably cold, the lowest temperature to wear an Atom LT would be 30 deg F (0 deg C), and AR around 10 F (-10 deg C).
With at least a moderate quality layering:
...Atom LT would be at 20 deg F (-5 deg C), and AR at -10 F (-20 deg C).
With a good base layer under and a shell jacket on top:
...Atom LT would be at 10 deg F (-10 deg C), and AR at -20 F (-30 deg C).
#Extra Note: AR would even be TOO WARM when you near 30 F's!
I've also found a gold guide about the warmth ratings for some synthetic insulated Arcteryx jackets on reddit. But like I said, warmth is a very subjective metric, so take it with a grain of salt.
Note that AR would be too warm when you near 30 F's.
Maybe this entire thing can be oversimplified into this:
If you're looking for a warm jacket to put on out in the town when it's freezing with shitty wind, do not get an LT! You'll probably feel too cold inside it!
Although it breathes poorly, AR is much warmer and wind resistant - which makes it excellent for stationary use.
Wind & Water Resistance
Although side fleece panels of LT make it much more breathable, it sacrifices wind resistance significantly.
Although both these jackets are marketed as mid layers (meaning you need an extra layer over them), with the AR, you won't need a shell unless there's heavy rain.
With the LT, though, you probably will.
Speaking of rain, both jackets come with DWR coating at the top - although they're mid layers.
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 both these jackets will "repel" water under wet conditions. Instead of soaking into the fabric, the water will be smoothly slipping down their surface. DWR also decreases dry time.
It's a good thing that both jackets are coated in DWR, but pay attention to the fact that DWR is a COATING - meaning that sooner or later, it WILL wear off over time.
...and this is why you might want to invest in a DWR spray such as Arcteryx's own DWR spray.
So the winner is AR by far.
If you're planning to get a shell on top as well, take a look at the two most compared Arcteryx hard shells post of mine.
Side panels help LT breathe perfectly during skiing as well as any other activity that requires high mobility.
Breathability
Until this point, I've repeated it many times, but for the sake of consistency let me say it one more time:
LT is much more breathable than AR due to its side fleece panels.
This is also what causes AR to overheat much easier compared to LT.
If you're active, OR it's nearing 30 F's out, AR probably will start feeling too warm, even if it isn't layered with anything else.
That said, LT still isn't the BEST in terms of breathability.
I don't want to confuse you even further, but note that in our post Patagonia Nano Air vs Arcteryx Atom LT, we found that the Air is actually more breathable - although less weather resistant and more, ugh, "frumpy" looking.
Fit and Comfort
First of all, LT comes with a trim fit and AR with a regular fit. If you have an athletic build, LT would probably look very good on you. AR, on the other hand, is more "bulky".
If you'd like to see some numbers:
Atom LT Hoody (Medium)
- Chest: 117.5 cm
- Waist: 109.5 cm
- Back Length: 74 cm
- Sleeve Length: 91.5 cm
Atom AR Hoody (Medium)
- Chest: 120.5 cm
- Waist: 112.5 cm
- Back Length: 74 cm
- Sleeve Length: 91 cm
Note: The small sizes are roughly 5 cm smaller in the chest and waist.
This is how Trim and Regular Fits are illustrated by Arcteryx:
Men's fit. LT comes with a trim fit and AR with a regular fit.
Women's fit. LT comes with a trim fit and AR with a regular fit.
Another thing about fit is that AR is thicker and more puffy going outwards:
You can almost sense from the images that the AR would be warmer.
That said, the "puffiness" difference isn't big enough to cause a difference when you're trying to layer a shell on top.
Weight
At 0.9 lbs (415 grams), LT is only 0.1 lbs lighter compared to AR's 1 lb (470 grams) of weight.
If you'll be wearing the jacket out in the town only, this won't be a noticeable difference.
However, for activities that require physical strength and endurance, this difference will make a difference for most of us.
Versatility
You can use LT pretty much doing any outdoor activity, such as:
- Skiing,
- Snowboarding,
- Trekking,
- Mountaineering,
- Fishing,
- Climbing,
- Biking,
- Snowshoeing,
- Surfing (kidding).
You name it.
*Biking & rocking LT's.
On the other hand, AR would be too warm and uncomfortable for all of these activities. It'd be more suitable for casual, frigid weather outgoings, though.
They're even marketed that way by Arcteryx themselves.
So I don't thing we can say one is more versatile than the other, since one can't replace the other's work. Just choose according to your own needs and desires.
Conclusion
So... in short:
If you're going to be physically active, absolutely get the Atom LT | Price not available (or Women's Atom LT | Price not available) since it's more breathable. For a stationary use, absolutely get the Atom AR | Price not available (or Women's Atom AR | Price not available) since it's warmer and more weather resistant.
Trekitt's reviews on these jackets also worth checking out:
Atom AR:
Atom LT:
I hope this review was helpful for you to understand which jacket would be the best choice for your needs. Feel free to ask me any questions, provide feedback and I'll be happy to respond in the comment section below if it's within my knowledge.
Thanks a lot for reading. Happy trails & travels.
References & Further reading
- https://outdoorcrunch.com/arcteryx-alpha-vs-beta/
- https://outdoorcrunch.com/nemo-riff-vs-disco/
- https://outdoorcrunch.com/nano-puff-vs-micro-puff/
- https://outdoorcrunch.com/nano-air-vs-nano-puff/
- https://outdoorcrunch.com/synthetic-insulated-jackets/
- https://outdoorcrunch.com/nano-air-2019-update/
- https://outdoorcrunch.com/nano-air-vs-atom-lt/
- https://outdoorcrunch.com/cerium-lt-vs-atom-lt/
- https://outdoorcrunch.com/cerium-lt-vs-sl-vs-sv/
- https://outdoorcrunch.com/thorsen-therme-camosun/
- https://outdoorcrunch.com/cerium-lt-vs-thorium-ar/
- https://outdoorcrunch.com/proton-lt-vs-atom-lt/
- https://outdoorcrunch.com/goretex/
- https://triplefatgoose.com/blogs/down-time/a-guide-to-down-jacket-warmth-down-fill-power-vs-down-weight
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxcmbYq_DRQ
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwTKytqrPO8
- https://www.reddit.com/r/arcteryx/comments/d0guoo/insulated_jackets_sorted_by_warmth/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EN_13537
- https://www.webtogs.com/en-UK/blog/guide-to-down-fill-power-ratings/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fill_power
- https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/14648-bushwhack/24477-flux
- https://www.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/proton-lt-hoody
- https://www.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/atom-lt-hoody
- https://www.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/cerium-lt-hoody
- https://www.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/atom-ar-hoody
- https://www.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/thorium-ar-hoody
- https://www.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/gamma-mx-hoody
- https://www.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/gamma-lt-hoody
- https://www.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/gamma-lt-jacket
- https://arcteryx.com/us/en/explore/hardshell-vs-softshell
Great page, really digging how comprehensive your info is! I’m in the market for a new winter jacket and am torn on what to get. I’ve narrowed myself down to the Fission for the extremely windy and harsh cold and wind, and considering getting an Atom AR for when it’s not as frigid and less windy, which I could also use for hiking and other high output activities since it is packable if I get too warm. I looked at the Atom LT originally, but since I tend to be on the colder side, I figured I should go AR instead of LT. And now that I’ve discovered the Proton LT, i’m torn between Proton LT vs. Atom AR.
Thank you for the kind words Josh! Glad it’s helpful for you 🙂
Could you elaborate the approximate lowest temperatures you’re planning to wear your jacket? Note that the Proton LT isn’t warmer than Atom LT – in fact, it’s even a little bit colder.