Gear Review: Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoody

Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoody

MSRP:$299

Description:

If you’re looking for a jacket that is insulated, breathable and weather resistant then let me introduce you to this gem. The Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoody, know for its hybrid ability and features that include secure wrist cuffs and a hood that tightens securely. The mid layer jacket is super warm and dries quickly when wet. Further, it retains warmth in humid conditions and when faced with cool, windy conditions. This jacket does it all.

Specs:

• Three layers of Coreloft Insulation 120, 80, 60 g/m²
• 14.6 oz
• DWR finish
• Retains warmth in humid/wet conditions
• Dries quickly if wet

Circumstances of Review:

During the spring and early summer months of my AT thru-hike I carried the Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoody and fell in love with this jacket. After hiking up a windy mountain, the Atom AR Hoody  jacket was the first thing out of my pack.. ok maybe a snack first but it gets cold up at high elevations and rocky mountain tops. I used it during early morning hikes in the spring and during summer nights. I loved the jacket’s stretchability, warmth and wind resistance features.

Roses

“All the comfort of a sleeping bag, but it feels weightless”-Arc’teryx

Warmth: The fabric was warm, snuggly as down and really held up with its weather resistant finish. It’s super warm and could be used as a mid layer from 20°F-60°F depending on activity. I used my Arc’teryx as my mid and insulating layer because of its versatility in different temperatures at the start of my thru-hike. To add warmth, I’d throw on my rain jacket for insulation.

Versatility: The Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoody is awesome for cold weather adventures, mild climates and hanging around camp. The jacket honestly was as snuggly as a sleeping bag and kept me warm when at camp. Also, it’s really easy to wash which is important considering the stank acquired during a thru-hike.

Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoody Notable features:

See Images Below. (1) the wrist cuffs and (2) the hood kept out all wind and was so comfortable. The jacket’s hood and its adjustable pull in the back kept it snug. In fact, the hood may be my favorite part of the Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoody. The hood stayed put on my head at all times when hiking in inclement weather, including 60 mph wind gusts.

                                                                                                

Thorns

Weight: The saying goes ounces to grams to pounds and this is particularly true when carrying everything in a backpack. The Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoody weighs in at 14.6 oz, which  a little on the heavy side for a mid layer. In comparison Patagonia’s Nano-Air, weighing in at 11.8 oz, which is 2.8 oz lighter.

Packability: For packability, the jacket couldn’t fix into a pocket like the Nano-Air; however, the packability is great if you consider using the cloud back pack packing method aka stuff it all in.

Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoody Value:

The jacket retails anywhere from $150-$259. I was able to find the jacket in black at a ski store closing for $98, score. Its worth it to buy discounted jackets or in colors that are on sale to save money which can go towards other purchases in your thru-hike fund. I’d recommend purchasing the jacket in a darker color because it hides the dirt and other stains from thru-hiking .

Yes, this is a heavy  mid layer but its worth it. I carried this jacket, using it as a mid layer and as my insulating layer to reduce the amount of clothing I had. The Arc’teryx Atom AR, unlike the lighter Patagonia Nano-Air,  is truly wind resistant and is a warmer jacket. It kept me warm during cold early Spring mornings and on top of windy summits. I used the jacket as an insulating layer/puffy and carried a mid layer as well.

During July I swapped out my Atom AR for my Nano-Air because it was so hot out (thanks heat waves of 2016) but ended up switching back to the Atom AR for the White Mountains and Maine. Overall, I cannot say enough good things about the Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoody and its versatility, making it a prime mid/insulating layer for hikers on the Appalachian Trial.

Buy theArc’teryx Atom AR Hoody Here