Arc’teryx Atom SL vs LT Jacket Comparison

Finding the Right Arc’teryx Atom Insulated Jacket for Your Adventures

When it comes to staying warm and protected during your favorite outdoor activities, having the right insulated jacket makes all the difference.

Arc’teryx offers two great options with their Atom SL Hoody and Atom LT Jacket, but which one is right for you? I’ve taken a close look at both to break down the key differences and help you decide.

Both jackets rock Arc’teryx’s signature style and quality with durable weather resistant fabric and insulation. But the SL leans more toward breathable mobility while the LT focuses on warmth.

Let’s get into the details so you can gear up for your next adventure!

Atom SL Hoody – Built for Motion

The Atom SL Hoody caught my eye right away with its sleek design and versatility. Don’t let its lightweight feel fool you – this jacket packs a punch.

Arc’teryx built the Atom SL for freedom of movement with features like gusseted underarms and stretch fleece side panels. I never feel restricted twisting, reaching, and scaling in this jacket. It moves with you while keeping your core warm thanks to strategically placed insulation.

Speaking of insulation, the SL uses a lighter 40g/m2 Coreloft Compact in the body. Don’t sweat it though, that combined with the fleece stretch panels retains heat perfectly for high output activities. I stay toasty warming up on crisp morning hikes and cool down quickly when the tempo increases.

The shell fabric resists wind and light moisture to keep the elements off your back. I like wearing the SL from summer right into fall as temperatures start dropping. It’s become my grab-and-go for everything from camping trips to walking the dog.

For travel and hiking I dig how easily the SL packs down in its own pocket. Less bulk is always better when you’re packing light. Plus it layers smoothly under a heavier shell when winter sets in.

The SL’s slim fit has also been a winner for me. No boxy bagginess here. Everything from the helmet compatible hood to the cuff design is dialed in.

So if you want a jacket with stretchy dexterity that still insulates, check out the Atom SL. Just don’t be shocked if it becomes your favorite year-round piece. I never leave home without mine!

Atom LT Jacket – Cold-Weather Capability

When bone-chilling conditions hit, I reach for the bulked up insulation and weather protection of the Atom LT Jacket. With 60g/m2 of Coreloft wrapping your core, this jacket means business.

The LT uses a slightly heavier 20D shell that really does a number on blocking wind and light precipitation.

I stay remarkably dry hiking through misty fog and coastal squalls that tend to soak other jackets. The coating also resists collecting dirt and oil so even after a muddy trek it cleans up nicely.

Of course too much weatherproofing can leave you sweaty mess when you’re active. No worries there – the fleece side panels vent well and the overall design never restricts movement. For such a warm jacket, the LT breathes incredibly well.

That said, the LT does pack more heft than the SL. But I’ll gladly carry a few extra ounces for the ample warmth it provides. I’ve made snowy winter hikes way more enjoyable just wearing the LT over a light base layer. It laughs off cold, wet, and windy conditions that sideline lesser jackets.

For frigid mountain adventures, around town use, or layering under a heavy shell, the LT quickly becomes a staple piece. The fit allows base and mid-layers underneath without looking like the Michelin man.

Overall if you want serious warmth and weather resistance without compromising mobility, get the LT. Just know once you try it, your other jackets may start collecting dust!

Key Features and Technologies

Both Atom jackets incorporate some impressive design features and innovations that enhance their performance. Let’s look at some of the standouts:

• Gore-Tex Fabric
• Coreloft Insulation
• Athletic Fit Patterning
• Helmet Compatible Hood
• Zippered Pockets
• Carbide Tip Drawcords
• HemLock Insert

These well-executed technical features really complete the functionality of both Atom jackets. Arc’teryx nails the details.

Fabric Technologies

The innovative fabrics and materials used in the Atom series also set these jackets apart:

• Tyono 20 Denier Shell
• Hardface Technology
• Bluesign Approved Materials
• Permeair Liner

Warding Off The Elements

When you’re spending long days outdoors in uncertain conditions, weather protection becomes critical. Wet and wind can sap the joy from any adventure when your gear falls short.

Both Atom jackets stand tall against the elements, but the LT really excels here. Its slightly beefier shell and heavier Coreloft insulation provide an extra buffer when cold rains blow in unexpectedly.

I’ll never forget the time I got caught hiking out in an autumn downpour wearing the LT. While other jackets would have soaked through in minutes, the LT just beaded up the endless torrential rain as I scrambled back to the trailhead. Sure I was damp by the end, but nothing fully penetrated the jacket.

The DWR coating also wicked away an impressive amount of moisture during a fiery encounter with some fully laden blackberry bushes. Any other jacket would have come away shredded and sopping – but the LT shed both the rain water and branches admirably.

Meanwhile the SL has endured its share of unexpected squalls and trailside abrasions in stride as well. One brisk October I underestimated how quickly the sun sets in the high peaks and got benighted halfway down a switchback descent.

With only my SL between me and hypothermia, its low profile insulation and wind shedding exterior kept me warm enough overnight to make it back to camp safely at first light. A stouter jacket may have provided more warmth sure, but likely at the cost of mobility. The SL struck a perfect balance to see me through.

For resisting the worst Mother Nature dishes out, while retaining next-to-skin comfort no matter how long you’re out there, both these jackets have you covered. Just know the LT offers that extra degree of elemental protection when you really need it.

All Day Comfort

A jacket can be as weatherproof and warm as possible, but if it’s not comfortable you won’t want to wear it for long. Discomfort can even cut a trip short if it distracts you from the task at hand.

I’ve tested my share of jackets over the years that felt great for about an hour on the trail. But get a few miles deep into the backcountry and suddenly they are either too hot and restrictive or not warm enough.

Not so with the Atom series. Both SL and LT models balance insulation, stretch, and breathability so well that I often wear them all day through a range of conditions and exertion levels. The fleece panels ensure I never feel restricted when reaching high or moving briskly.

Yet there are no cold zones either when I stop to take a break and the sweat starts evaporating. The strategic synthetic insulation keeps my core toasty without overheating too quickly.

I also appreciate how lightweight both jackets feel even though they offer robust protection. Lesser jackets sometimes seem to double in weight once you layer up properly. But the Atoms maintain a nimble feel and freedom of motion at all times.

The trim athletic cut is also miles away from bulky expedition-weight coats meant for belay duty. For active pursuits like hiking, climbing, and backcountry skiing, you want reliable insulation without unnecessary bulk. Both Atom jackets deliver in spades.

Hitting the Town

While the Atom jackets shine bright in the outdoors, they pull double duty just as well strolling city streets and kicking around town. The casual athletic fit layers smoothly over anything from graphic tees to button-downs.

I like wearing my Atom SL running errands on blustery fall days. The wind-blocking exterior and light insulation takes the bite out of those first cold fronts. Yet it still breathes well enough that I don’t have to shed it immediately upon entering a heated shop or café like some jackets.

In the depths of winter, busting out the Atom LT for everyday use gives me that puffy jacket warmth without looking like the kid stuffed in a marshmallow in A Christmas Story. Even with just a t-shirt underneath, the LT locks in body heat for walking the dog on frigid nights.

The ripstop shell fabric also shrugs off abrasions from urban life admirably. Scrapes from bike locks, getting bumped into on crowded trains, rubbing against brick walls – the Atom in both forms rolls with routine rough-and-tumble abuse.

So don’t hesitate to break out your Atom in the city as well as the slopes and trails. With its tailored look and feel, you get out-there performance without looking like an urban Yeti. The jackets smartly span both environments.

Atom SL vs. LT – Which is Right for You?

Now that we’ve gone hands-on with both jackets, let’s recap some of the key differences to help you decide which model fits your needs:

Weather Protection

• Atom SL: Wind resistant and shed light precipitation
• Atom LT: More weatherproof and water-resistant

Insulation and Warmth

• Atom SL: 40g/m2 Coreloft Compact, lighter insulation
• Atom LT: 60g/m2 Coreloft Compact, warmer insulation

Breathability and Mobility

• Atom SL: Optimized for high exertion and maximum mobility
• Atom LT: Retains warmth well even during aerobic activity

Weight and Packability

• Atom SL: Ultra light 12.9 oz, stuffs down smaller
• Atom LT: Light but slightly heavier 16.3 oz

Ideal Use Cases

• Atom SL:
• High energy pursuits in cool weather
• Ultralight layering
• Atom LT:
• Cold weather
• Around town
• Everyday/any activity warmth

Jacket	Weight	Insulation	Weather Protection	Breathability	Packability
Atom SL	12.9 oz	40g/m2 Coreloft	Wind/Water Resistant	Excellent	Very Good
Atom LT	16.3 oz	60g/m2 Coreloft	Weatherproof	Very Good	Good

For me, the Atom SL Hoody is my go-to for hiking, climbing, and staying active in cooler conditions when breathability and mobility are crucial. It’s treated me well from summer right into late fall here in the Pacific Northwest thanks to its dexterity.

Once winter digs in its heels for the long haul, that’s when the Atom LT Jacket starts earning its keep daily. Snowshoeing, winter camping, even just errands around town, the LT locks in heat and fends off wetness and wind like a pro. I reach for it anytime cold and precipitation enter the picture without hesitation.

But as usual, your needs may vary depending on your climate and how you plan to use either jacket. Think critically about when you would utilize the extra warmth and weather resistance of the LT versus times the SL’s nimbleness and packability would be an advantage.

There’s really no wrong choice between these two jackets – unless you exclusively hike desert peaks year-round! Determine which strengths align closer with your typical adventures and go with that model.

Either way, you’re getting a high-quality Arc’teryx jacket that will give you seasons of comfortable protection in the elements. And that peace of mind is what really matters when you’re deep in the wilderness.

Stay cozy out there this year and I hope this info helps you gear up with confidence. Let me know if you have any other jacket questions before hitting the trails or streets this season. I’m always happy to help fellow outdoor enthusiasts get outfitted properly.