I was walking around an REI yesterday during a visit to Phoenix, AZ and couldn’t believe how many winter jackets were on the floor and then I realized we’re halfway through September and Winter will be here soon for many SSD readers.
Serendipity or not, Arc’teryx LEAF just released a video of the revised Atom LT hoody that they unveiled during January’s SHOT Show. The video gives you a great look a the features of this jacket.
I’ve owned an Atom LT for years. It’s remained my go to Insulation layer and I can wear it alone without a shell most of the time in my home area of the Tidewater of Virginia. It gets cold, wet and windy but the Atom LT keeps me very comfortable. I’ve long said that the Atom LT remains the best value for the Arc’teryx LEAF customer and if you can only afford one piece, this is the one to buy.
The Atom LT consists of three main materials. The 60g Coreloft insulation that keeps you toasty, Gossamera™ fabric softshell that is both comfortable and quiet and the Polartec® Power Stretch® underarm side panels that offer stretch and breathability while on the move. These components all work together to offer a jacket that’s not only comfortable but also looks great.
To sum up the updates to the Atom LT from earlier models:
-Two large hand pockets with media ports to allow for internal routing of communications cables; one internal chest pocket
-Vertically routed hem drawcord minimizes interference with duty belt
I prefer the hoody model but LEAF also offers a standard jacket version without a hood as well as the heavier SV model which incorporates 100g weight Coreloft for additional insulation.
Available in Black, Crocodile and Wolf sizes Small – XXLarge. Sizing is generous enough to layer.
I own a hoodless Atom LT LEAF in crocodile, and a standard Atom LT in slate avec hood. I took the LEAF Atom LT to Afghanistan, and it was without equal, performed flawlessly. I purchased two more, one for my brother and one for my dad, both in the AOR around the same time.
For a long time, the Atom LT was the jacket I always kept in my go-bag, but recently I swapped it for Beyond Clothing’s Helios Alpha Jacket.
There are aspects of each that I like. For example, I prefer the cuffs and the side stretch panels of the Atom LT, but I prefer the weight, appearance and pocket layout of the Helios.
Sounds like a VERY nice gift. o – o
Family first, always 🙂
Ha! Winter will never come in Phoenix.
Not a bad price on their discount site… Might have to pull the trigger.
Greatest. All Around. Jacket. Ever.
Planning on purchasing another this fall so I can really beat up my older one.
+1
I could live and die in this jacket and be happy.
Breathable fabric instead of Pit Zips… Thank You.
In stock at O P Tactical.
Also in stock at GSS Gear!
Do you guys have any in stock in XXL or is XL the largest you carry
Email us at optactical@yahoo.com and we can get you XXL as long as it’s available. Make sure to state color you need and I can tell you lead time.
GSS Gear has this version of the ATOM LT hooded and non-hooded in Crocodile in XXL. If you’re in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia come by for the sale this weekend as the jacket is 29% off. Otherwise email cs@gssgear.com and inquire there.
We’ve had snow twice already and I’ve had my Atom LT in use for nearly a month now. Nearly anyone that has one knows it is one of the best pieces of gear you’ll own. Warm, light, not bulky, some of the best cuffs in the biz. Yes, it looks good too. Great kit!
Winter is coming (couldn’t resist)
I have seen them, they are decent jackets- but for the price (and use in the field) my old jacket liner does just fine.
FOR ME (everyone is different), it’s not enough of a winter jacket to justify the price, and there are many cheaper layering systems. I also don’t use pockets on anything so thin- my outer will be a hardshell with pockets, my inner layers are slick, and heavier jackets have pockets that I only use to warm my hands.
I just can’t justify the price for something that is made overseas.
Comparing this to a field jacket liner is like comparing a go cart to a Ferrari; they both have wheels and that’s about it.
“like comparing a go cart to a Ferrari; they both have wheels and that’s about it.”
— I’m stealing this! AZ’s winter to Chicago’s blizzard is like..ready?
“like comparing a go cart to a Ferrari; they both have wheels and that’s about it.”
HAHA!!!
– Nelson Muntz
I wouldn’t say go cart- I think John Deere Gator is about right. Not high speed, but gets the job done!
No, go cart. There is nothing particularly special about a field jacket liner. The material is very basic and not engineered for any particular temperature range and the insulation had to be sewn in place to avoid clumping. It doesn’t close. It doesn’t stay in place. It cannot be worn alone.
It “can” be worn like as a standalone piece… I see the backwoods bumpkins with them all the time. They just look like jackasses doing it. 😉
Been looking into buying one of these for layering underneath a winter vest, happy to see it’s getting a revision before I pulled the trigger on the CC
I’m such a huge fan of the Atom LT, I’ve got two — one with the hood and one without. The hoodless one is my everyday winter coat (the mid-Atlantic can rarely throw more than that can handle with a hardshell over it). The hooded version goes with me to the mountains and has served me very well in the Pacific Northwest.
I was such a fan, I got one for my brother. He lives in a nasty part of the Northeast where people get shot for their coats, so the LEAF model without the obvious branding was perfect.
Highly recommended.
I absolutely LOVE the Atom LT. I’ve had the original for a few years now and it is my go to jacket for work, flying, hiking, chilling at home, etc. I cannot imagine being without the Atom LT.
Those who own it…Will this and one of the RHO fleece layers be good enough for the bitter Chicago winter? Or should I go with the SV model?
I don’t have the LT, but I do have the SV. I’ve paired it with the Naga hoody underneath and unless it’s snowing rather wetly, it has weathered Toronto/Ottawa winters pretty well. I’ll throw a shell on top if it’s super cold/wet.
Once on the move however, I’m usually pretty toasty.
Thanks Major