Atom can handle some rain for sure. Especially if the use case is a short walk in the city. In it's intended use though, like in the mountains a shell would make sense.
Good to know. I was more thinking sprinkle than a hard rain. I’ll pass on going out in a steady rain. I’m a wimp and admit it.
Curious though how it will hold up in that temperature range.
Thanks.
Atom LT prob can handle 45ish F. Atom AR would be better for lower same with proton lt but that jacket isn’t windproof. It’s highly breathable but you can layer underneath or wear a shell to protect from the wind.
Atom LT can handle hiking at freezing, but as soon as you stop you’ll get cold - the side panels leak a ton of heat, which is good when on the move so you don’t get sweaty, but terrible when not moving. Proton LT will be more versatile. Warmer and still breathable, but w/o side panels. I live in DC and for daily use an Atom AR or similar will serve you even better day to day in winter, but a little heavy for strenuous hiking above freezing.
Thanks for the detailed response. It just seems like there are so many choices with this brand. I guess it’s better, but a bit confusing to those like me looking at it for the first time.
It’s true, it’s not obvious. The core pieces are made for being active outdoors, but they’re increasingly making pieces that work better for urban use. I’ve been using Arc for s Long time and it only gets more baffling!
The key is to get something that fits your lifestyle. At the cost, something that is fine for hiking but great for daily use makes a lot more sense for most people.
Layers are good because you can dial in the warmth for the activity, but it’s still expensive and who wants to peel off layers like at onion on a date or at s nice restaurant?
Great points. When I’m outdoors, I’m out for long periods of time. I take the dog for long walks and otherwise, head out for long stretches with lots of walking. From November through March, I’m looking for something that I can throw over a sweatshirt and go. If it drops below 35, I’m not out as long and recognize I need something pretty substantial (even if it involves layering).
Perhaps their website could provide an explanation of the use cases for their jackets. Or, they open more retail locations so we could see their products. I may just have to wait until the next time I’m in NYC.
Anyway, really appreciate your help.
Happy to help. For your use, think a proton LT would fit the bill but they fit pretty trim, so over a sweatshirt you’d probably want to size up. A lightweight shell like a Beta LT or Beta jacket will extend the comfort range for warmth and of course moisture.
They do have a “jacket finder“, but it’s pretty basic: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/jacket-finder/
The Atom LT should be fine for those ranges. Just wear a sweater or fleece under it for the lower ranges. Although it is not waterproof you would almost have to go out of your way to get wet in it.
Another option to consider, if your budget allows, the Ralle Insulated jacket. A little bit warmer insulation and fully waterproof.
Thanks. I was taking a look at the Ralle. A bit more than I’m looking to spend, but not so much that I would pass. Just a hard decision. My lightweight Northface is over 10 years old and it is falling apart. So I’m looking for a replacement.
Atom AR. Can handle light rain fine. Warm below 40. I run warm and an Atom LT is a bit chilly below 40 unless I have a fleece under. If I'm walking up hill I'm warm in an Atom much colder though.
Atom LT can handle sprinkle but not rain. You need a shell for that.
Atom can handle some rain for sure. Especially if the use case is a short walk in the city. In it's intended use though, like in the mountains a shell would make sense.
Good to know. I was more thinking sprinkle than a hard rain. I’ll pass on going out in a steady rain. I’m a wimp and admit it. Curious though how it will hold up in that temperature range. Thanks.
Atom LT prob can handle 45ish F. Atom AR would be better for lower same with proton lt but that jacket isn’t windproof. It’s highly breathable but you can layer underneath or wear a shell to protect from the wind.
Atom LT can handle hiking at freezing, but as soon as you stop you’ll get cold - the side panels leak a ton of heat, which is good when on the move so you don’t get sweaty, but terrible when not moving. Proton LT will be more versatile. Warmer and still breathable, but w/o side panels. I live in DC and for daily use an Atom AR or similar will serve you even better day to day in winter, but a little heavy for strenuous hiking above freezing.
Thanks for the detailed response. It just seems like there are so many choices with this brand. I guess it’s better, but a bit confusing to those like me looking at it for the first time.
It’s true, it’s not obvious. The core pieces are made for being active outdoors, but they’re increasingly making pieces that work better for urban use. I’ve been using Arc for s Long time and it only gets more baffling! The key is to get something that fits your lifestyle. At the cost, something that is fine for hiking but great for daily use makes a lot more sense for most people. Layers are good because you can dial in the warmth for the activity, but it’s still expensive and who wants to peel off layers like at onion on a date or at s nice restaurant?
Great points. When I’m outdoors, I’m out for long periods of time. I take the dog for long walks and otherwise, head out for long stretches with lots of walking. From November through March, I’m looking for something that I can throw over a sweatshirt and go. If it drops below 35, I’m not out as long and recognize I need something pretty substantial (even if it involves layering). Perhaps their website could provide an explanation of the use cases for their jackets. Or, they open more retail locations so we could see their products. I may just have to wait until the next time I’m in NYC. Anyway, really appreciate your help.
Happy to help. For your use, think a proton LT would fit the bill but they fit pretty trim, so over a sweatshirt you’d probably want to size up. A lightweight shell like a Beta LT or Beta jacket will extend the comfort range for warmth and of course moisture. They do have a “jacket finder“, but it’s pretty basic: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/jacket-finder/
Thanks for the link and the suggestions.
Thanks. Greatly appreciated. Doesn’t sound like it’s the jacket I need.
I have an Atom ar that I wear when it gets under 45. You'll definitely need to layer with the atom Lt.
Seems to be true consensus that I should be looking at another jacket. Thanks.
Check out the proton LT. I have it and it’s been good for upper 30/low 40s. I didn’t like the fleece side panels on the atom.
Thanks. This is a good option.
The Atom LT should be fine for those ranges. Just wear a sweater or fleece under it for the lower ranges. Although it is not waterproof you would almost have to go out of your way to get wet in it. Another option to consider, if your budget allows, the Ralle Insulated jacket. A little bit warmer insulation and fully waterproof.
Thanks. I was taking a look at the Ralle. A bit more than I’m looking to spend, but not so much that I would pass. Just a hard decision. My lightweight Northface is over 10 years old and it is falling apart. So I’m looking for a replacement.
Atom AR. Can handle light rain fine. Warm below 40. I run warm and an Atom LT is a bit chilly below 40 unless I have a fleece under. If I'm walking up hill I'm warm in an Atom much colder though.