I wanted to share with you folks Arcteryx's latest offering for lightweight and breathable insulation: the Atom SL Hoody. I'll post a more more thorough video review as it finished uploading, but wanted give some details.
Arcteryx touts it as the "ultimate summer insulation layer" that "provides thermal regulation during high output activities while delivering a high degree of functionality to a broad range of activities.
My size large weights exactly 280 grams (9.88 oz) with the tags attached.
It uses a 40g Coreloft – only in the torso/back and full length fleece underarm panels. The hood has a single cinch adjustment, ala Squamish, and is uninsulated.
The new "no-slip zip" prevents accidental unzipping of the jacket is noticeably more difficult to open with one hand than the one found in the Atom LT. The laminated wind flap is also uninsulated.
It sports Dead Bird's "Trim Fit", which is slimmer than their Athletic fit garments and also has a vertical hem drawcord, akin to the LEAF variant of the Atom LT.
The arms are lined with a 'mesh' fabric that aims to increase breathability. The face fabric is the new Tyono 20 denier fabric.
It's available Spring 2016 for $200.
Some photos below.
From left to right: (Fall 2015) Patagonia UL Hoody, Atom LT Hoody (LEAF), Atom SL Hoody
Mesh sleeves of Atom SL
Notice the difference between the Polartec Powerstrech and the new fleece fabric of the Atom SL
