Arc’teryx has long been known as a premium outerwear brand.
From technical mountaineering jackets to warm down apparel, we’ve tested his-and-hers Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jackets and Cerium Hoodys and have bought many other models, too. So when it comes to springtime, we wanted to check out the newly revised Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody Men’s and Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody Women’s lightweight, hooded jackets.
Are they the perfect packable solution to help keep you dry and comfortable should conditions get cold or wet? My husband, Andy Lilienthal, and I gave the his-and-hers updated Atom SL Hoodys the ultimate shake-down test during our visit to Maui, Hawaii and beyond.
Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody Similarities and Differences
At first glance it seemed the men’s and women’s Atom SL Hoody jackets are the exact same design except for their size and proportions. However, we noticed differences once the rain hit Maui. Both jackets have hoods with a rear-mounted pull tab for tightening them. However, the Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody Men’s model has a structured hood bill to shield faces from inclement weather; the women’s iteration doesn’t. Both jackets’ StormHoods are updated: they’re now lined and but no longer stowable.
Both Atom SL Hoody jackets are revised with recycled Fortius Air 20 fabric and recycled stretch synthetic insulation. They include a FC0 DWR finish for enhanced mobility, too. The Arc’teryx logo is now embroidered, ensuring it won’t sluff off over continued, demanding use as well.
The men’s and women’s Atom SL Hoodys are breathable and weather/wind resistant. They’re ideal as a springtime standalone jacket, but they can also be worn under a waterproof shell when added warmth or movement is needed.
The Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody Men’s jacket features an oversized quilted interior lining for its torso whereas the women’s lacks this effect. Both zip-ups have stretchy Octa Fleece side panels that give increased breathability, but the men’s continues is fabric down the sleeve on both arm’s insides whereas the women’s iteration stops at the armpit and only is on either torso’s side.
Both cuffs have give, meaning the men’s version has the Octa Fleece ending at its wrists whereas the women’s model has static, non-stretching fabric that reaches this area but includes an elastic finishing band to make its wrist-area stretchy.
Both feature uninsulated, mesh lined sleeves that give light-duty protection and help regulate temperature. They also boast adjustable hem draw cords to keep wind out of jacket bottoms.
Both revised Atom SL Hoodys have hidden zippered pockets. Both lack interior storage. We wished they had a small mesh pocket or zippered pouch for necessities as many of their other jackets have.
Men’s Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody Jacket
Andy’s tester came in the Solitude color, a light silver hue. Like the women’s version, it was made with a 100% polyester synthetic Coreloft stretch insulated mid layer with a high degree of weather resistance. The men’s and women’s models have recycled content contrast and insulation material and Bluesign shell fabric. Both origin of fabric and dyeing as Tawain but were made in Fair Trade Certified facility in Bangladesh—not Canada where the company is based.
The men’s size is fitted. It’s designed to stay close to your body through the chest, waist, hips, and thighs. It’s meant to fit over your first layers or under outer layers in more extreme conditions. The Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody Men’s jacket comes in XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, and weighs 9.9 ounces and is intended for alpine sports, hiking, or everyday kind of uses.
The Men’s Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody Impressions
“The Atom SL Hoody is a great warmer-weather piece,” Andy said. “It was water-resistant enough for light showers in Hawaii, and warm enough for cooler evenings, too. It’ll be great for cooler Pacific Northwest summer nights, too.”
Andy liked its exterior pockets and said the jacket was super lightweight and great for travel, too.
“The men’s hood has a small bill to help keep rain off my glasses, which I really like. The medium size fits me perfectly, and the sizing is true to the rest of Arc’teryx’s other jackets I own.”
However, the light gray Solitude color seemed to get dirty quickly. “Thankfully, there are other darker colors available.”
Women’s Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody Jacket
The women’s Atom SL Hoody has the same features listed above, other than what I previously noted differently. My jacket arrived in a yet-to-be-released PINKGLOW color, a hue barely different than a light pastel color. While it’s not currently available on their website, I’ve been told the Pink Glow colorway is currently available in their system, and it’s likely available on Arc’teryx’s website for consumers to purchase in the next few weeks or months.
Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody Jacket Thoughts
I, too, had the same concerns of notable dirt and grime build-up with such a light color. Not sure why Arc’teryx offers barely-there pastels to its mountaineering and adventuring customers. I’d opt for the currently available Electra bright blue, Tatsu darker brown, or Black to visually keep its look clean.
No matter the colorway, both Men’s and Women’s Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody fit like a glove. They were extremely comfortable no matter if we were hiking in Maui’s Haleakalā National Park or kicking it during a relaxed evening on the beach. Both models are well-made and stylish with generous pockets, despite their pastel appearance. They pack into themselves easily (though a small stuff sack for the price would be preferred) and are great springtime travel-ready companions.
I would’ve liked the structured hood bill on the women’s model when the rain started flying and we’d both like to see future iterations have interior pockets and supplied stuff sacks. This jacket is also fitted, but it only has a mention that it has “articulated patterning for mobility and comfort.” The Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody Women’s jacket comes in XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL and weighs a feathery 8.5 ounces.
FYI: Items covered under Arc’teryx’s Limited Warranty will be replaced or repaired at the discretion of the company for its predicted normal lifespan. Essentially, take care of your gear and properly maintain it, plain and simple.
However, if there is a manufacturer’s defect, our track record shows they should take care of you with a repair or replacement as they have done with us so far. They’ve been great to work with regarding any issues. Contact the company or stop by one of their retail locations for more information. Price for Men’s and Women’s Atom SL Hoody jackets: $280.00.
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