All About The Arc'teryx Atom SL, LT and AR

Explaining the differences in the three different Arc'teryx Atom series jackets, How they fit, their functionality and how they can be worn layering with other Arc'teryx pieces. The Atom's are extremely popular jackets from Arc'teryx, for a good reason. They are very versatile, and they fit and feel great!
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[@District.24]

Spring - Atom LT (medium insulation) Summer - Atom SL (light insulation, evenings, nights, cooler days) Fall - Atom LT (medium insulation) Winter - Atom AR (high insulation)

[@meandmyjackets]

Agreed!

[@evanjoyal9540]

What weather would the LT or AR be good for alone if wearing a shirt underneath?

[@MyAcidDragon]

I’m thinking .. Spring/Fall - Covert Cardigan + Beta AR Summer - Covert Cardigan Winter - Atom AR + Beta AR (or should it be Atom LT .. for snowboarding)?

[@District.24]

For those who don't like to layer hoods, your hood should be on the outer layer (soft/hard shell). You can use a hat if you require insulation.

[@frankdee4579]

I was just thinking the same thing…if your base or mid layer is the hooded one and the outer layer is just a jacket with no hood then if it rains your insulating layer is the one getting wet. I personally go no hood on my base, almost always hood on my mid layer and then if it’s bad out then my waterproof gortex top layer would also be hooded

[@District.24]

Atom = synthetic insulation. SL for HIGH output activity. LT for MEDIUM output activity. AR for LOW output activity.

[@timurmokhseni9202]

Ive got AR and LT. I like both of them. I can wear switching those during the whole spring, autumn and most part of winter. Very versatile jackets. I dont have SL but Ive got Solano hoody which suits for similar conditions

[@meandmyjackets]

Cool, The AR, LT and SL are all really nice. The SL is just the lighter version of the LT. I don't have the Solano.

[@sashinger5230]

Love all my Atoms! Would like to see them making an Atom SV with around 160-180gsm as well.

[@jackwh1556]

You do realise that on the Atom SL it has a button on the back of the hood. This is to roll the hood back and put the button through the elastic hook next to the label inside the jacket. For the reason you stated, to keep the hood hidden in windy conditions.

[@meandmyjackets]

Yes, you are right. I just never think about that, as I just put on the jacket and go.

[@tommymai3062]

Buying the LT based on your review.

[@meandmyjackets]

Cool, I'm sure that you won't be disappointed. It's a really versatile jacket.

[@bmd6343]

Hugely informative. Have you done a review on the cerium sl hoody v LT? Would be very interesting. Keep up the great work!

[@meandmyjackets]

Thanks for the support, I actually just ordered the cerium SL. So I'm sure that I'll be doing a few videos about it and comparing it to the cerium LT and SV. I do have a video comparing the cerium LT to the Atom LT, and another video about all my down jackets. Also, this friday coming a video comparing down to synthetic insulation will be published. :)

[@aecet9652]

Thank you

[@meandmyjackets]

Thank you for watching, I hope the video helped you in some way.

[@user-lp5mq9vz7r]

Nice to meet you. I am Korea who likes arcteryx 😂 I will buy atom sl after watching your good video I have a question before I buy it Compared to Zeta Sl, which is the same trim fit, I wonder if Atom Sl came out smaller or similar

[@meandmyjackets]

The Atom SL will fit smaller, as the Zeta is a hardshell that is meant to be worn over the top of other layers.

[@DawnPakundo]

I have the atom LT in 24k black as well. I wear it all the time. Now I'm curious to test the MX over it but I might go with a hood.

[@meandmyjackets]

Sounds good. I'm sure that the hood on the gamma MX is big since it's helmet compatible. I don't ever wear a helmet so I would rather look at the Sawyer jacket with the smaller hood. Just my personal preference. But the gamma MX is a great jacket!

[@basiliskphoenix]

Hello! I live in the PNW and I’m looking at either the LT or AR just over a tshirt (I don’t like layering) and was wondering which one you’d recommend as a daily city jacket for 0-10 Celsius? Does the AR get hot even if I don’t have it zipped up? Thanks for your videos!

[@meandmyjackets]

The AR (Atom Heavyweight) may be a bit warm for 10C, but nice for 0C. or below. The Atom LT is nice for 10C, but a bit cool in 0C. It depends on your activity. In 0C I love my LT with the Gamma MX on top, or a fleece under it. The LT is significantly lighter than the AR. 60gram insulation as opposed to 120 grams /sq. meter. So, your 0-10c range is tough. I wish that I had an easy answer for you. You may consider the Nuclei, it's light like the atom LT, but warmer. It's a favorite of mine.

[@tammyadventures313]

Hello! I am 5’ 10” and weigh 205 lbs. I am considering the Atom LT. Would you recommend a size L or size XL? By the way, I am a new subscriber to your channel. 😊

[@meandmyjackets]

I would think that the L may be OK. Whatever size you normally wear in other shirts jackets etc. should be the same for your Atom LT. Thank you for your support!

[@tammyadventures313]

@@meandmyjackets L size it is then. By the way, is the Zeta jacket already obsolete? I cannot find it in the Japan website? Are there any substitute Arc’teryx models that you would recommend for the Zeta? I plan to use it for hiking.

[@meandmyjackets]

@@tammyadventures313 The Zeta is a couple years old, and I haven't seen it offered in a while. I would suggest any of the Betas. Maybe the Beta LT. That's a great shell, and it's really not that much "heavier" than the Zeta. It's more of an all-round do anything hardshell.

[@tammyadventures313]

@@meandmyjackets Thank you for your prompt reply.

[@michaelchoi6572]

Thanks for the very informative video on all the types and the differences between each one, I'm wondering if the LT or the SL will be more suitable for running/hiking or would the gamma series be better? Still hard to hard to tell the difference between the two Also which one would is more durable for hikes

[@meandmyjackets]

I would say that the Atom SL would be better for running as it is lighter than the LT. The Proton FL would be good too as it is very breathable. The gammas are just an Softshell, no insulation. It depends on how cold it is. Also, a good jacket to look at is the Trino SL. As Far as hiking goes, all are good. Just depends on how cold it is out, as to how much of an insulation layer you may need.

[@michaelchoi6572]

@@meandmyjackets @Me And My Jackets thank you for the reply and advice, I've tried looking for the trino sl however it does not seem to be available in Australia... I think I'll go with the atom sl Thank you for the in-depth reviews of all the arc'teryx jackets really helped with narrowing down the options

[@meandmyjackets]

@@michaelchoi6572 Thanks for your support. The Atom SL is a super nice light weight jacket. you'll like it!

[@michaelchoi6572]

@@meandmyjackets thank you for helping out making a decision, I got the atom sl a few days ago and been loving it exactly how you described and keeps me warm in the early mornings and evenings

[@mopm5188]

Very good and detailed review I wonder if you can tell me which one is warmer the Arcteryx Kole down jacket or the atom lt? Thank you ❤️from 🇮🇱

[@meandmyjackets]

I have not been able to try the Kole Jacket, but being a down jacket, I would guess that it's going to be warm. The Atom LT is a mid weight synthetic insulation jacket with fleece panels down its sides for extra breathability. You can feel a cold wind through the sides, but that's part of its versatility.

[@mopm5188]

@@meandmyjackets thanks 🙏🏻 Yesterday I bought the atom lt seem very thin but I think it would be warm because it’s very tight to my body (like slim fit) it’s definitely thinner then my Kole down jacket (that also have in the sides fleece) but I will wait and see in the winter that will come here in Jerusalem Israel 🇮🇱 Because of your great vid. I watched another five videos of you and I am very happy thanks 🙏🏻 I know to appreciate your effort

[@meandmyjackets]

Thank You@@mopm5188

[@meandmyjackets]

Awesome, Thank you!🙂@@mopm5188

[@user-ti6xs8zm4u]

I dont know if it's just my case, but i bought a 23fw atom lt hoodie jacket. And when pulled the jacket apart the zipper just came down.(the zipper was fully locked at first) Does anyone have a similar experience?

[@meandmyjackets]

Sorry, I have not had any problems with the zippers. I own two Atom LT's.

[@user-ti6xs8zm4u]

@@meandmyjackets thank you for the reply:)

[@buckleyt09]

At what temperatures could you wear the AR as a standalone? I like in the UK and would like a winter commuter jacket (wind, rain, cold as -5C)

[@meandmyjackets]

I think that the Atom AR would do a good job keeping you warm at that temperature. I think that there may be some warmer options such as the therme parka, nuclei SV, if you really wanted more warmth. I know that you asked for stand alone, but just saying.... My covert cardigan under the atom AR is great too.

[@buckleyt09]

@@meandmyjackets Great! Thanks for the fast response. I do tend to get quite warm so I think I can always layer underneath if it gets colder (like your covert cardigan!) . I would the jacket to suit the commute in the winter (fairly fast walking, getting on and off the bus, with possible rain and wind) but then maybe, standing around having a drink afterwork. I think I am wondering if the Atom AR will do this job or getting a more traditional weather resistant parka? I also have a Beta LT if the weather is particularly awful.

[@dick91p]

Would you recommend the Atom AR for resort skiing? Also, I’m 6’0”, 187 lbs., and need room for a base and second layer underneath; should I opt for large or extra large?

[@meandmyjackets]

I'm not a skier, so I can't answer your question with any kind of firsthand knowledge. It's a really warm winter jacket that seems to be pretty good at blocking the wind as well. The fit (for me ) is really good and there is some room under if I want to layer something like a covert fleece under it, but nothing too heavy. I would say to order the size that you normally wear, unless you want to layer something heavier under it, but I think at that point it would be too warm and bulky to be skiing in.

[@dick91p]

Thanks for the detailed reply. If it’s warm, good at blocking wind, and a normal size for me would accommodate a base and a second layer underneath it, you have described the perfect insulation layer for skiing. Thank you! I’ll be picking one up soon, as my insulation layers are over a decade old and need to be replaced. Your videos are incredibly helpful!

[@meandmyjackets]

@@dick91p thank you, let me know how it works for you. :)

[@tedted_123]

are you able to layer proton FL inside atom SL?

[@meandmyjackets]

Yes, I just tried it. For me, it fits just fine. The Proton FL is cut a little trimmer than the Atom SL, so it does fit comfortably.

[@Scouseking]

Is the atom sl same length as atom LT and AR

[@meandmyjackets]

Yes, They all seem to be the same length.

[@Scouseking]

@@meandmyjackets I thought the sl was little bit longer than the ar and lt

[@meandmyjackets]

Not by much, I can't really tell a difference

[@nana10221]

Worst "LIMITED" warranty from arc'teryx. Patagonia and the north face offers way better warranty coverage.

[@texantrainer81]

I love those but the no hoody version 😉

[@meandmyjackets]

Either way, hood or no hood, they are really versatile jackets.

[@danielkang7789]

What size is your atom ar? And how much u weight and how tall? Thanks

[@meandmyjackets]

6'2" 215lbs. size XL