Arcteryx Atom LT vs Patagonia Nano Air

[Patrick G]

If you HAD to choose one, which one would you choose?

[Jeff Jeff]

Am I walking or standing still?

[Patrick G]

All. You just get to pick one.

[Serge Giachetti]

I’d pick the nano air. It’s just a really useful all around piece. While the arc has breathable panels, the whole nano air breaths well. It also stretches and moves with you well. While I’m often a size large the medium nano fits me great partly because of the stretch. That said, my main use for this piece is backcountry skiing. I use it to start cold tours and on the way down, where it works surprisingly well to help dry out my base layers while I’m still warm on transitions and descents. It’s also great for windy ridges and intermittent activity like photography and climbing. I’d also opt for the nanos extra breathability, since it’ll layer better under a shell when it’s really gnarly out. It’s also held up quite well, with only one hole in a few years use. Not much heavy bushwacking or climbing in it though. It’s easily one of my favorite pieces and works brilliantly in a cold weather layering system.

[Garrett]

I have no experience with the Atom, however my Patagonia Nano Air is a versatile piece of clothing. I can use it for active use and throw my Houdini over it while at camp. I like having the option of active and inactive.

[Doug G]

I use both the Atom LT and AR.  I love them.    The LT breathes just fine, although I run warm, so if moving in the snow i usually don’t have it on, unless it is really cold or I am moving slow.  I can’t comment on the Nano.

[jared h]

Nano Air is more versatile than the Atom LT. but…

Better comparison is the Proton LT v Nano Air. While the Atom uses standard synthetic insulation and nylon face fabric, the Proton uses a more breathable insulation and more breathable face fabric (like the Nano Air). Noticeably more breathable than the Atom. In this case, kind of a toss up–depends on your climate/feature preference. Proton is slightly more weather/wind resistant, a bit warmer, and more coverage at the hem/hood. Beyond that, Proton has a better hood (helmet compatible, awesome adjustability), better front zipper, better cuffs. But the Nano-Air can be found cheaper (same MSRP though).

If I had to pick one? Proton LT because more versatile.

[Armand C]

I own both and more often than not I wear my Atom LT. Generally I find it more comfortable and easier to layer under and over due to the slicker fabrics. The fit is just perfect as well.

Both are solid though.

[Bruce Tolley]

I love my Atom LT. I have no experience with the Nano Air although I own several other Patagonia synthetic insulated jackets with hoods.

The fit of the Atom LT is superlative and the hood is excellent.  I the hood and fit of my Patagonia Nano Puff and Das Parka are OK but not great.  I find the Atom LT very breathable, it blocks wind well enough to mitigate heat loss from convection, and when the weather turns nasty, it is easy to pull my Goretex shell over the Atom LT.  I also got the Atom LT at an end of season on line sale at a very cost effective price.

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