Nano Air vs Atom LT

We'll get to the Nano Air vs Atom LT.

But first, it'd probably be better for you to go ahead and read the foreword of my Atom LT vs Proton LT article. I lay out some important facts about the Arcteryx's motivation behind launching Proton LT there.

If you don't have time, then let me summarize the part that concerns you:

1. Atom LT started to lose its share when the advanced fabrics and insulation pieces were released into the market (such as Patagonia's Nano Air).
2. Arcteryx's response against these higher technologies was to release a superior replacement to the Atom LT. And that was Proton LT.

This information is important for this comparison because it might be wiser to compare the Nano Air to the Proton LT instead of the Atom LT.

But I'll still give you what you want and compare the Atom LT to Nano Air.

​In this post, compared all the popular synthetic insulated jackets of the two of most well-known manufacturers: Patagonia and Arcteryx. 

Here's the part of that article that concerns you (I'll include the Proton LT as well due to aforementioned reasons).

It reveals a lot about this comparison:

Nano Air received an update in Fall 2019. Check out this post of mine if you want to see what's new.

On Patagonia's site, this is the new hoody.

Packing

Air is packable whereas Atom LT isn't.

The differences are:

Breathability

This makes up the single biggest difference between these jackets.

Perfectly breathing FullRange insulation prevents you from overheating during any high output activity.

​Atom LT, on the other hand, was released years before the Nano Air. So it isn't equipped with one of those advanced breathable active insulation pieces. That's why its insulation can't keep up with the breathability of the cutting-edge jackets such as Nano Air or Proton LT.

But Atom LT comes with a well-known feature: Side fleece panels. Thanks to these panels under the arms, air can circulate much more and keeps you less sweaty when you're physically active.

This helps the Atom LT with its breathability, but undoubtedly not as much as that of Nano Air.

Warmth & Weather Resistance

Side fleece panels of Atom LT become a disadvantage when it's cold, windy and/or rainy. They'll let some foul weather in.

However, in spite of these notable disadvantages, Atom LT still stays slightly warmer and provides slightly more weather resistance compared to the Nano Air because of the Air's fairly "fragile" construction.

"Not having" any side fleece panels simply isn't enough for Air in this manner.

Conclusion

Yes, Atom LT is warmer and more weather resistant...

BUT...

The advantages you get from these departments are quite minor, so I'd highly doubt that it'd worth sacrificing a significant amount of breathability in return.

So, in short:

• Getting the Nano Air (2019 version) would probably be a better decision if you're looking for an athletic piece to be used for high output activities ONLY.
• If you're going to use it in the neighborhood when it's cold out as well, then I'd recommend the Atom LT - but I'd also consider getting Proton LT as well (so read on).
• You can look at Proton LT as a more durable, comfortable and weather resistant but less breathable alternative to the Nano Air. If you'll be using the jacket both in the town when it's cold out AND during high output activities, Proton LT can really be one of your best choices.

I'll make a post about Nano Air vs Proton LT as well, and will update this article when I do.

Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody Men's...

(187)

$239.00

Buy on Amazon

Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody Women's

(15)

Buy on Amazon

Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket - Men's...

(1)

Buy on Amazon

Patagonia Women's Nano-Air Jacket,...

Buy on Amazon

Arc'teryx Proton LT Hoody Men's

(3)

Buy on Amazon

Arc'teryx Proton LT Hoody Women's

(1)

Buy on Amazon

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