Arc’teryx Atom Hoody Review

The Arc’teryx Atom Hoody (previously known as the Atom LT) has long been a staple in the outdoor market, renowned for its lightweight warmth, versatility, and sleek design. The newly updated version aims to refine an already beloved piece, incorporating updated materials and a slightly adjusted fit to stay close to the body through the chest, waist, hips, and thighs. As a trusted midlayer for activities ranging from alpine climbs to casual town wear, the Atom Hoody is often considered the gold standard for synthetic insulation jackets.

With its stellar reputation and thoughtful updates, I couldn’t wait to put this jacket to the test!

Arc’teryx Atom Hoody At-a-Glance

MSRP: $300
Weight: 13.1 oz Men’s / 10.9 oz Women’s
Insulation: Coreloft 60 100% Recycled Polyester
Use: Alpine/Rock/Hike/Everyday

Women’s Atom Hoody here

Circumstances of Review

I tested the updated Atom Hoody over the course of two months during Maine’s transitional fall season, a period marked by chilly mornings, damp afternoons, and the occasional frost-laden hike. My activities included trail running, mountain biking, hiking, and day-to-day wear around town. Temperatures ranged from 25°F to 55°F, with occasional wind and light rain.

Arc’teryx Atom Hoody Features

Coreloft Compact 60 Insulation & Tyono 20 Fabric: The Coreloft Compact 60 synthetic insulation provides exceptional warmth-to-weight performance, retaining heat even in damp conditions. It compresses more effectively than most synthetic insulations I’ve used, making it an excellent choice for lightweight warmth that you can stuff in a backpack. The Tyono Air 20 fabric, used for the outer shell, improves durability and breathability over previous iterations while maintaining light wind and water resistance thanks to a PFC-free DWR finish.

Stretch Side Panels: Strategically placed stretch side panels improve both mobility and breathability, allowing you to dump heat effectively during high-output activities like hiking, running, climbing, or biking.

Adjustable Hood: Adjustable, insulated, low profile StormHood with structured mini hood brim.

Storage: Thoughtfully designed storage includes two zippered hand pockets and an internal zippered chest pocket, offering just the right amount of space for essential items in a midlayer piece.

Weatherproofing & Sustainability: The outer fabric includes recycled materials and features a PFC-free DWR finish for environmentally conscious weather resistance. Additional details like stretch-knit cuffs and an adjustable hem drawcord help seal out drafts, ensuring comfort in windy or chilly conditions.

Arc’teryx Atom Hoody Pros

Lightweight Warmth

The Atom Hoody’s Coreloft insulation is incredibly efficient at trapping heat. Despite weighing just over 13 ounces, it provided sufficient warmth for activities down to the mid-20s° (Fahrenheit) when paired with a light base layer.  

Versatility

This jacket seamlessly transitions between different activities. I wore it on brisk hikes, windy bike rides, and even to pick up my daughter from daycare. Its minimalist design allows it to blend well into both outdoor and urban (or, in my case, rural) environments.  

Excellent Hood

The insulated, helmet-compatible hood on this jacket provides reliable warmth and weather protection without compromising peripheral vision. I was impressed by how well it fit over a bike helmet and how it stayed secure without catching wind or flopping around when worn without a helmet — a rare feature in helmet-compatible hoods. The lightly structured brim adds further functionality, keeping the hood stable and somewhat rigid in the wind.

Excellent Breathability

The side panels are a standout feature, ensuring that the jacket remains breathable during high-output activities like hiking uphill. Unlike fully insulated jackets, the Atom Hoody strikes a balance that keeps you comfortable even when working hard. Indeed, while I would almost never hike in a puffy jacket, I would reconsider if wearing the Atom. 

Arc’teryx Atom Hoody Cons

 Limited Weather Resistance: While the DWR-treated Tyono 20 fabric provides some resistance to light rain and wind, the Atom Hoody is not designed for sustained exposure to wet conditions. In heavier rain and snow, the insulation quickly wets out, making it less ideal for wetter climates without a shell.  

Price: At $300, the Atom Hoody is a significant investment. While its performance justifies the price for many, budget-conscious consumers may find similar functionality in less expensive options.  

Packability: Although lightweight, the Atom Hoody doesn’t compress as much as a down jacket. For ultralight backpackers or those with limited pack space, this could be a drawback. 

Final Thoughts

The Arc’teryx Atom Hoody remains a standout choice for anyone seeking a versatile and lightweight midlayer. Its hybrid construction strikes an impressive balance between warmth and breathability, making it a reliable go-to for a variety of activities.

While it’s not suited for prolonged exposure to heavy rain or extreme cold without additional layering, its durability, tailored fit, and outstanding performance make it indispensable for anyone who spends considerable time outdoors. In Maine’s climate, I can easily see myself wearing this jacket for nine months of the year, with only the peak of summer being too warm.

Although the $300 price tag is undeniably steep, my experience with Arc’teryx apparel consistently proves its value. The exceptional build quality and thoughtful design justify the investment, making every piece I’ve owned a long-term addition to my gear arsenal—not just an overhyped luxury.

Shop the Men’s Arc’teryx Atom Hoody

Shop the Women’s Arc’teryx Atom Hoody

Comparable Thermal Hoodies

Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody 

• MSRP: $329
• Weight: 14oz

  Mountain Hardwear Kor Stasis Hoody

• MSRP: $275
• Weight: 14.3oz

Rab Xenon 2.0 Jacket

• MSRP: $190
• Weight: 13.6oz

The Arc’teryx Atom Hoody was donated for the purpose of review.