Arc'teryx Atom SL Hooded Insulated Jacket - Men's for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

9.6
out of 10
20 Positive, 0 Mixed & 0 Negative
from 20 Reviews
Retail Price:
$229.00
Used Value:
$137.40
Sale Value:
$206.10

Building off the legendary versatility of the Atom LT Hooded Jacket, the Arc'teryx Men's Atom SL Hooded Insulated Jacket retains the LT's multi-use functionality, all while shaving 20-grams of Coreloft insulation to achieve a lightweight layering piece that's ideal for summer adventures. In fact, you'll find the Atom SL Hooded Insulated Jacket saves approximately 3.5-ounces over the LT, making it better suited for lightweight alpine hikes and minimalist peak-bagging missions in the summertime. Coreloft Compact 40 synthetic insulation retains body heat on those chilly summer mornings and evenings. This insulation is highly compressible, lending itself to easy storage within your pack.

Specifications

Brand:
Center Back Length:
29in
Claimed Weight:
9.2oz
Fit:
slim
Hood:
StormHood
Insulation:
[torso/back] Coreloft Compact 40 (40 g/m²)
Length:
hip
Manufacturer Warranty:
limited lifetime
Material:
[shell] Tyono 20 (100% nylon), DWR treatment, [side panels] Torrent fleece stretch (84% polyester, 16% elastane), Polygiene antimicrobial treatment, [sleeve lining] 100% polyester mesh
Pockets:
2 zippered hand
Recommended Use:
backcountry skiing, backcountry snowboarding, backpacking, casual, hiking, mountaineering

Full Reviews

10
I have a jacket, or 2, for everything and I'll say this is my favorite because of it's versatility. It's ideal for high output activities in my opinion, though I suppose it would be fine for casual use too. I use as an outer layer because it breathes well and adds just the right amount of warmth for what I do (climb steep-a$# mountains) and seems to shed moisture fairly well too... though I have 100+ days in the field with this piece, I've only tested in light snow storm...if real moisture is in forecast, I grab a different piece. Satisfies it's intended purpose very well! I'm 5'7", 150, and size Small fits perfectly over a performance tight-fitting base layer. It's a slim/tight fit, but movement is not restricted in any way due to the stretch panels. Ideal for liking.
Ryan G., backcountry.com
December 12, 2020
10
A jacket with a very wide temp range, whether it's used for layering in the winter or a late night summer bbq. When wet, it dries fast and doesn't bunch like down jackets. It packs small and is definitely my favorite.
Chad Nelson, backcountry.com
March 31, 2019
10
A little tight to my chubby belly. Used it in 70 degree with a slight gust. Kept me warm. Very breathable. Good standalone jacket. Great quality. But 1 might be enough.
Victor M., backcountry.com
March 6, 2019
10
Love this thing. One of my favorite purchases.Holds warmth, keeps me comfortable, and works as a fantastic durable piece.
taylor, backcountry.com
February 19, 2019
10
This was the best item I own, not supper warm (obviously cause it's the SL version). But holds in warmth and vents super well.
Kevin Kinghorn, backcountry.com
January 5, 2019
8
When you only want just enough.
William Bowen, backcountry.com
January 4, 2019
10
I run in this and plan to try it out on my nordic outings this winter. It's an awesome coat that protects against the wind and rain.
Ryan Kelling, backcountry.com
November 23, 2018
10
Atom SL fits great, is light enough to wear at basically all times and has been my go-to jacket this fall. I wear it basically every day to work, use it for mountain biking and hiking and only take it off when cooking. Highly recommend.,
Louie, backcountry.com
October 29, 2018
10
Looking for a jacket that isn't too hot, but will keep you warm on a spring or fall day? here you go, the Atom SL hooded jacket is your best option. Lightweight at 9 oz, stretch side panels for breathe-ability, and 40g of compact coreloft make this your favorite jacket you own. The fit is slim, but don't size down. It is very durable and holds well in variable conditions
Corbin Ekblad, backcountry.com
September 5, 2018
8
I used to love Arcteryx because it had a more European fit, and for someone with my build it fit perfectly. I'm 6' 3", 185 lbs with long arms, and I could consistently buy Arcteryx XL and have a perfect trim fit. Now, Arcteryx has gone the way of Patagonia, sizing larger and larger for American chub on the waist. Now almost anything in XL fits in the shoulders and arms but is baggy and sloppy in the torso. If I order Large the sleeves are too short and the waistline rides too high. Therefore I pretty much can't buy Arcteryx anymore. Bummer because I have loved and worn the brand for a long time. I ordered this jacket in both sizes and neither fit.
Colin C., backcountry.com
March 8, 2018
10
The Arcteryx Atom SL is my go to piece for a running or any sort of exercise where i just need a little bit of extra protection from the wind or elements.
Marshall Allen, backcountry.com
November 25, 2017
10
I wanted this jacket for months and found it on sale here at backcountry. I had hoped that this would help cover the gap from windbreaker to light winter jacket like atom lt or patagonia nano puff hoodie and it does that and more. More breathable than my light weight windbreaker but softer and not crinkly feel of windbreakers with a hint of insulation in the body and the arms have a venting strip. This thing is awesome to run in from 20deg F to 50deg F. It is the best high activity jacket I have ever owned or used. This jacket shows its strength with activity and as it becomes colder with less activity you would be better off with something else or add insulation under it. Because it lets just the right amount of air through it I would not choose it for extreme winter environments where a proper shell is required but for everyday chilly morning runs I am loving this jacket. I bought a XL to be a little roomy to add light base layer insulation. Also love the hood, my ears get cold easy so some mountain bike rides I put it on just for my ears.
john L., backcountry.com
November 24, 2017
10
This is the perfect mid weight jacket. Perfect for when the temps are right on the boarding of being to hot, but to cold for a t-shirt. This jacket packs down to nothing, so its perfect for keeping in your day hike pack or in your hydration pack for biking to pull out when the temps drops. I am 6'1" 195 lbs and the large fits perfect even with my long arms. I love this thing!!!! If you have any questions about this or any other gear shoot me an email at jasjones@backcountry.com or give me a call at 801-523-4053
Jason, backcountry.com
October 30, 2017
10
The SL has excelled at everything I have used it for. From Fly Fishing, Biking, Rafting, Hiking.
Jeremy H., backcountry.com
August 6, 2017
8
Bought the medium. I’m 5-11” 155lbs 39” chest and 29” waist. The fit is pretty slim fitting especially in the torso. The torso is also short. I wouldn’t recommend sizing up because the sleeves are very long and no way to cinch them. I use this as a base layer under my fleece since it’s pretty wind resistant but tight fitting.
dubayaB, backcountry.com
April 2, 2017
10
Email me with all your Arc'teryx questions - jelam@backcountry.com The heftier Atom LT is my favorite mid-weight synthetic jacket of all time. For years now I've wanted to find a similar jacket that I can do my cold weather runs in, that provides just as much comfort and reliability as the LT. Well, it's here! The Atom SL is the little brother of the Atom LT. It's silly light, breathable, and the perfect piece to add to your quiver if you're into self-propelled pursuits like trail running or mtn biking.
Jimmy Elam, backcountry.com
March 21, 2017
8
This is a jacket that everyone should have for high aerobic cold weather pursuits or as a summer emergency piece. It's ideal for touring, climbing, trail running, backpacking, and any number of other endeavors. Basically, this piece has replaced all of my fleece and lightweight insulation pieces and is the main staple in my layering kit. The fit is trim but not tight, the insulation is perfectly mapped out, and the fabric feels great and breathes well. My favorite feature is the hood - it cinches up perfectly when wearing without a helmet and fits nicely under a helmet. It's also fantastically designed for mobility, making it a great option for climbing. Fit is true to size but you can size up if you prefer a little more length and a slightly looser fit (I did).
Geoff Conner, backcountry.com
February 8, 2017
10
I spent about two weeks deliberating what lightly insulated jacket I should get for my husband for Christmas. I waffled between jackets for what felt like forever, but I always kept coming back to this one. So, this is what he ended up with and since there's powder to be had, I figured he should end up with the jacket early. This is his feedback: "I'm a pretty small person but I run warm on the skin track, and until I figured that out about myself and my physiology I was having a helluva time trying to figure out my layering system. Last season, on the coldest days I was trying to wear my Atom LT-- and it was nice from the car for about the first 4 minutes and then I was sweating bullets. Eventually I just realized that it's best to start cold and wear gloves because my core would warm up pretty quickly. Then the Nano Air came out and I thought that was the solution to my problem but it wasn't (still too much insulation for touring-- at least on the ascent). Then I fell in love with wearing a vest of equivalent insulation because I wouldn't have to take it off at any point in the day. However, then my arms were totally exposed to the elements and I'd often end up with numb arms, which is less than pleasant. But....after much debate over lightly insulated mid layers my wife and I landed on the Atom SL because there's almost no insulation anywhere other than the front and back torso. The arms feature a mesh-lining that wicks away moisture, making it ideal for aerobic activities. And the side panels run from the length of your wrist to the hem and they consists of a stretchy breathable material that allows your pits to dump excess heat. Meanwhile, the exterior fabric is definitely mobility oriented, and sheds water and wind really well. So far this season it's still been a little warm for me to wear this layer the whole day, but it also packs down small enough to not be a burden, making it great for on-the-fly protection and warmth. I intend to use this layer as my cold weather mid layer, paired with a thin long sleeve merino baselayer. Honestly, I don't think this layer could be beat-- especially in wet/windy areas like New England or the PNW. Bottom line: if you're familiar with the nuances of layering and full on midweight jackets were always a little bit much for you, give this layer a whirl. And to boot, I know it's going to be a major asset to my summer camping/hiking setup as well as my cold weather running layers. As far as sizing goes-- if you're somewhere between sizes, don't hesitate to size up. I'm a small in most things, but I got the medium, because I remember Arc'teryx jackets traditionally being pretty short in the torso. The medium works totally fine but the small would have worked really well too-- it's not as short as I thought it was going to be. Either way, I'm happy. And least importantly, but worth mentioning-- I'm pretty pale and super blonde, so yellow colorways rarely look good on me. However, the Bourbon looks awesome when I wear it casually and doesn't make me look like a washed out and washed up goober- so, so far this thing has yet to let me down and yet to be taken off."
Monique Seitz-Davis, backcountry.com
December 16, 2016
10
I have a handful of jackets for different uses, but the lightweight, technical fall/spring jacket was a niche I hadn't filled....until now. The stretch panels on the side have been a welcomed addition for riding my bike to the bars or scrambling up to the crag. I also really like the drop hem on the cuff. Again, for riding a bike or climbing you get a little extra coverage but still full usability of your hands. I have this in the bourbon color which has gotten a handful of compliments.
Rich F, backcountry.com
September 27, 2016
10
Yes, that's right people, this is the perfect insulated jacket for Summer. Why? Well, fist off, because that's what it was designed for. More importantly, the Atom SL is a perfect insulated jacket for Summer because it only has a tiny amount of insulation in the body, and none in the arms - it has stretchy fleece vent panels on the side that increase venting, and a soft taffeta interior liner. I have found myself grabbing this almost every morning, and most nights so far this summer, as it's just the right amount of jacket for temps in the 50s and 60s F. I wear it around town and have also worn it on a couple early morning mountain bike rides so far this season, and it has been excellent.
Rob Wykoff, backcountry.com
June 27, 2016

Men's Synthetic Insulation Jackets Reviews