When it comes to fickle weather, spring and fall take the cake. One minute it’s bluebird, the next, Mother Nature is throwing a snowy tantrum. It’s hot for a second, freezing cold a minute later. For days where the elements are as unpredictable as Miley Cyrus’ antics, the Arc’teryx Atom SL has your back.
Available through Amazon | REI |CampSaver | Mountain Gear
The jacket is minimalistic with Coreloft™ insulation in the area where you need it most: your core. The Tyono™ 20 shell material is incredibly lightweight, but retains its strength and provides some wind resistance. Stretchy fleece side panels on the Atom SL keep things breathable.
The sleeves have a shaped cuff. A dropback hem means things aren’t riding up under your backpack or your harness. The hood is helmet compatible and uninsulated. The entire jacket has been treated with DWR. The pockets are harness and waist strap compatible. The fit on the jacket is trim. Approximate weight for the jacket is 235 grams.
Once again, Arc’teryx nails it with the Atom SL. This is a stuff it in the bottom of your pack until you need it piece of clothing. Blazing hot out, but your office A/C is set to Siberia? This jacket is for you. Temps are perfect for bouldering but you maybe can’t feel your fingers? The Atom SL keeps you warm while being unrestrictive so you can send that dang project.
Slight breeze in the desert? Toss this baby on without feeling like you’re about to roast. The Atom SL is an incredibly versatile jacket that moves and breathes with you, no matter the weather. The Tyono™ 20 shell material is also damn near bulletproof. After days upon days of awkwardly flailing up rocks and cuddling with the dirt, the fabric has only a small abrasion on the front. Pretty impressive considering I’m excellent at ripping holes in everything these days.
I’d love to see thumbholes with the the fleece sleeves because the cuffs rest on my hands in a way where they’d seem just right. Not a deal breaker though; I’m just a sucker for thumbholes.
The Arc’teryx Atom SL is the piece for this spring. It’s versatile for crag days and office days and wearing in every season.
Buy the Arc’teryx Atom SL through Arc’teryx, Amazon, REI, CampSaver, and Mountain Gear for $229.
Photos by Josh Ourada.
This was sent to me for review.
I Have the Atom LT and agree thumbholes would be great – their sleeves are just the right length
I have it as well, I think the fabric on the LT is a little less forgiving for the thumbhole and I don’t find myself wishing for it as much. I’m wearing it right now actually and had to pull it down and think about it haha. The new sleeve design for the SL has the sleeve kinda curving over the top of the hand where it seems so perfect! I just want thumbholes EVERYWHERE!!!