How to Choose Insulated Outerwear

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Breathable yet wind-resistant, the men's Arc'teryx Atom insulated vest is great for fall and winter adventures when you want a lightweight layer that won't slow you down.
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View the Arc'teryx Atom Product LineView all Arc'teryx Men's Synthetic Insulation Vests| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Tyono shell: 20-denier nylon; side panels: polyester |
| Lining Fabric | Dope Permeair: 20-denier nylon (bluesign approved) |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Synthetic |
| Insulation | Coreloft 60 (60 g): 100% recycled polyester (bluesign approved) |
| Hood | No |
| Packable | Yes |
| Back Length | Hip-length |
| Back Length (in.) | Unavailable |
| Gender | Men's |
| Weight | 8.1 ounces |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria |
| XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | XS Short | S Short | M Short | L Short | XL Short | XXL Short | S Tall | M Tall | L Tall | XL Tall | XXL Tall | 28 | 30 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 36 | 38 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest | 33 | 35 | 37 | 40 | 43 | 47 | 51 | 54.5 | 35 | 37 | 40 | 43 | 47 | 51 | 37 | 40 | 43 | 47 | 51 | |||||||
| Sleeve Length | 30 | 31.5 | 32.5 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | |||||||
| Waist | 27 | 29 | 31 | 34 | 37 | 40.5 | 44.5 | 48.5 | 29 | 31 | 34 | 37 | 40.5 | 44.5 | 31 | 34 | 37 | 40.5 | 44.5 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 |
| Hip | 32.5 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 39.5 | 42.5 | 46.5 | 50 | 54 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 39.5 | 42.5 | 46.5 | 50 | 36.5 | 39.5 | 42.5 | 46.5 | 50 | 35.5 | 37.5 | 39.5 | 40.5 | 41.5 | 43.5 | 45.5 |
| Inseam | 31 | 31 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33 | 29 | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 34.5 | 35 | 35.5 | 36 | 36 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32.5 | 33 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
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I'm a thorough Arc'teryx fanboy and have many of their jackets and other gear which generally fit great and I love. This vest however is a bit odd: the fit is one size smaller than I typically wear in their other garments. Additionally the armholes are structured in such a way that they stand up and away from your body creating a weird looking gap. You can kind of see this condition in the photos on the model. I'd strongly recommend that you try this on in person before purchasing and that you can't take fit of other Arc'teryx clothing as an indication that this will work for you.
I saw a friend with this vest and I thought it would be a good fit and mid-layer for work, driving or hiking. I do not like sweaters because they are difficult to wash. I can wash this vest, throw it in the dryer and I am done. I use this as my mid-layer. I got this vest especially becaue it had no sleeves and it provides me with so much movement while driving in winter. I can wear only this vest as an outer layer for the Spring and Fall.
I purchased the Atom Vest as an alternative to my Cirium vest which is currently away having a new zipper fitted, having used the Atom daily, I now wonder why I didn’t buy one sooner, the level of insulation is spot on for this time of year and the fit for me is excellent. The Saphire Black is a fabulous colour, but I now need to buy another to give me an option lol.
I'm a thorough Arc'teryx fanboy and have many of their jackets and other gear which generally fit great and I love. This vest however is a bit odd: the fit is one size smaller than I typically wear in their other garments. Additionally the armholes are structured in such a way that they stand up and away from your body creating a weird looking gap. You can kind of see this condition in the photos on the model. I'd strongly recommend that you try this on in person before purchasing and that you can't take fit of other Arc'teryx clothing as an indication that this will work for you.
I bought this vest for work initially (I’m an ER nurse). I liked how lightweight it was, while still keeping me warm. The updated version also has an inside pocket now, which is where I like to keep my pen, phone, and other small medical gear. The best thing about this vest though is that I can use it for work and leisure - plan to do some travelling in the future, and its perfect for layering. The only downside is the fit. It feels like it was made for a taller slender person. I am neither, but am glad that I can cinch the bottom. It works!
Only worn once due to warm autumn, nevertheless it met my expectations. I have two Arc'teryx Atom Jackets which I have had for many years and they still look new. The vest is expensive but it will last a long time and keep its shape and simple style - great value for money. I have had other brand jackets and vests made of synthetics and disliked them as they didnt breathe. Arc'teryx is different - it breathes, is warm, lightweight, comfortable, not bulky and in a simple style.
Great as mid or outer layer in the Mediterranean, all seasons. I bought this product in 2020 and now again in 2024. For myself and my crew. In 2020 the sizes were perfect M for me and S for my crew. This year I bought the same and both feel like a sack of potatoes hanging off us. I now use his S and I have had to buy an XS for him. The smaller sizes fit us much better. But I am never an S in any clothes and I did not expect this at all.
I'm not sure if it's quality control or on purpose but I'm swimming in this vest compared to the SL version. Both in XXL. The shoulders are too wide, stick out past shoulders and gives a boxy look. Bizarre that the same fit and size are dramatically different between the two weights. Too bad must return. When they fit, these are the best vests I have worn.
Bought this vest for my beau as an anniversary gift but will be returning. Believe the reviews that say the arm hole/shoulder fit is off. The material stands up and away/gapes on the back of his shoulders. Disappointing since the Atom Insulated Hoodie fits him beautifully. Love the navy/black sapphire color though! Fingers crossed for better future design.
The current version of the Atom Vest is perfect. Just the right amount of insulation and a good fit. Use it over a shirt or t-shirts on chilly mornings when hiking, or as a casual vest at work. Would love to see others colors, a dark green like tatsu or anecdote would be nice. Please make a similar vest with the same fit in the Proton line.