How to Choose Insulated Outerwear

Lighter than the original, the women's Arc'teryx Atom SL Insulated Hoody is one of the most useful (and packable) pieces you can own. Wear it as a standalone layer or with a waterproof shell.
Imported.
View the Arc'teryx Atom Product LineView all Arc'teryx Women's Synthetic Insulation JacketsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | Recycled 20-denier nylon plain weave weft stretch FC0 durable water repellent, 58 g/m2 |
Insulated | Yes |
Insulation Type | Synthetic |
Insulation | Comfortemp STRETCH chopped staple stretch insulation, 40 g/m2 |
Warmth | Warm |
Hood | Yes |
Back Length | Hip-length |
Back Length (in.) | Unavailable |
Gender | Women's |
Weight | 8.46 ounces |
Sustainability | Fair Trade Certified™ factory Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials |
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XS Short | S Short | M Short | L Short | XS Tall | S Tall | M Tall | L Tall | XL Tall | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 00 Short | 0 Short | 2 Short | 4 Short | 6 Short | 8 Short | 10 Short | 12 Short | 14 Short | 2 Tall | 4 Tall | 6 Tall | 8 Tall | 10 Tall | 12 Tall | 14 Tall | 16 Tall | |
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Numerical Size | 00 | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16-18 | 00 | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16-18 | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | |
Chest | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 39 | 43 | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Waist | 23.5 | 25.5 | 27.5 | 29.5 | 32.5 | 36.5 | 40.5 | 27 | 28.5 | 30.5 | 34 | 27 | 28.5 | 30.5 | 34 | 38 | 24 | 25 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 30 | 31 | 33 | 35 | 37 | 24 | 25 | 26.6 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 30 | 31 | 33 | 35 | 26.6 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 30 | 31 | 33 | 35 | 37 |
Hip | 33 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 42 | 46 | 50 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 43.5 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 43.5 | 47 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 |
Inseam | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31.5 | 32 | 32 | 28.5 | 29 | 29 | 29.5 | 33.5 | 34 | 34 | 34.5 | 35 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
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Hands down my year-round favorite insulation layer! I always reach for this, especially on shoulder-season adventures. It's super breathable, dries fast and packs small enough to fit in my mtb hip pack or running vest. I've been repping the anorak version of this for the last few years and love it even more than the original Atom!
I got the Atom SL Hoody in April this year, and it has been a staple ever since! I wear it as a casual piece every day, and also love wearing it for runs on colder spring mornings. Would highly recommend this jacket to anyone looking for a mid-weight, daily, versatile piece :)
This hoody is incredibly lightweight, breathable, and packable; a perfect go-to layer for spring runs. It’s great for keeping warm without overheating and moves well with the body. However, the fit around the front creates a slight bubble near the side pockets, especially noticeable if you're petite like me. The pockets themselves aren’t structured enough; even placing a phone inside makes it look saggy and awkward. I'd love to see improved pocket support to securely hold small essentials while keeping a clean look. That said, the overall feel and performance are excellent; it’s still one of my favorite pieces for running and light outdoor activities.
I think this is the first Arc'teryx product I've been truly disappointed in. The jacket is ok, and would probably be useful for activity when its in that 40-50 degree range, but its price point is way, way too high for this limited range of use. It is also totally lacking in the bells and whistles one should expect from an essentially unlined jacket that cost nearly $300. It has no chest pocket (interior or exterior), and the arms are made of a very thin fabric with no insulation. I expected this from the description, but expected a much sturdier fabric (this is going to tear easily, I can tell). Its neither windproof nor waterproof, too thin to wear over anything substantial and would serve no purpose as an insulating base layer. So I am just not sure what I am paying for at $280. Its only $20 less than the regular Atom which is a powerhouse that I wear constantly and is useful 3 seasons out of the year (and has a freaking chest pocket!). I'd have gladly paid $175-$190 for this but $280 is just ridiculous.
The Atom Hoody has been my go-to mid insulating layer for nearly all of my alpine climbing endeavors over the past few years. The new Atom SL is gradually becoming my new favorite, and I find myself reaching for it more and more, particularly on warmer and/or sunnier days in the mountains when I know I won't require as much insulation on the uphill. This hoody has been especially perfect for long multi-pitch rock routes where I'm trying to carry a lot less and need a layer that is easily packable but also easy to climb and move in. This layer used to be the Squamish Hoody for me, but I love that the Atom SL is quite a bit warmer while still being extremely lightweight! Very excited to get even more use out of this hoody this summer for both guiding and personal climbing.
This seriously lightweight jacket was perfect for my overnight hiking trip. Warm day, cool night made it that I needed to layer up, and leave the bulk at home. It was so light I didn't believe it would keep me warm but it really did, with no need for an extra layer. It was easy to pack really small. It can also be a middle layer if you bring it during the shoulder seasons where the weather can be a bit less predictable. I've worn it as a warm base layer for snowboarding too which was comfortable and warm for below 0 temperatures. When it comes to sizing I'd advise sizing up for comfort. I normally wear a size small or medium and the medium fits just right, a bit snug at the belly and hips, with not much room for layers under. If you don't like the snug fit - size up!
I've been wearing this as an everyday piece; a flattering fit, soft and comfortable. Now as the weather warms up I find it useful to start my hikes with. As someone who runs hot especially during high output activity, the jacket provides enough warmth and breathability to be comfortable, a reason I prefer the thinner revised sleeves (while others may find the sleeves too thin). When it's time to remove this layer, it easily packs into its own pocket, making it quick to throw in my pack.
I've been using this layer over the winter on cold days under my proton, and on warmer days as my main mid-layer. The double layer is nice as well because after lunch it often warms up enough to just use the Atom SL. It's also been great to use for winter runs. Looking forward to having this in my pack for hikes now that hiking season is around the corner, and as a lighter jacket for the summer evening chill. So far I haven't spilled on the white!
This jacket. is the perfect mid layer. The fabric is warm but also breathable and light weight. Plus I love a hood
This is a really great piece of kit if you find that the Atom hoody generally runs too warm during active output. The hood and sleeves are not insulated, and when combined with the side panels it really is a super breathable layer that still keeps you warm. I've been grabbing the Atom SL for winter/early spring runs, and tossing it into my bag as a lightweight layer for hikes with cold starts. I've found that material for the sleeves does a great job at keeping the wind from pulling away any warmth from your arms. I'm 6', 190lbs and a large fits the same as the regular Atom in the same size. I have been able to wear the SL over a Delta Hoody when a little more warmth is needed and it easily fits under a Beta shell as well.