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Arc'teryx Atom Hoody - Women's Review

An incredibly adaptable jacket that excels in mobility, comfort and breathability
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Arc'teryx Atom Hoody - Women's Review
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Price:  $300 List
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Manufacturer:   Arc'teryx
By Kaylee Walden and Maggie Nichols  ⋅  Apr 11, 2024
78
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 13
  • Warmth - 25% 7.0
  • Comfort - 25% 9.0
  • Weather Resistance - 20% 7.5
  • Portability - 15% 7.0
  • Breathability - 15% 8.5

Our Verdict

The Arc'teryx Atom Hoody is a unique insulated jacket that offers superior comfort and breathability. It's soft and malleable, and is great for dynamic activities with uninhibited mobility. We love wearing it on its own in mild to cold weather or as part of a layering system in frigid temps. Its unique fit and function have earned it our award for Top Pick for Versatility. It swaps out crinkly nylon fabric for sweatshirt-like comfort that allows better breathability without giving up wind and water protection. Its oversized hood is also best worn layered and can fit over most helmets. Though it doesn't stuff into its own pocket, we found ourselves happily wearing it on a wide range of adventures and everyday activities. Check out how it compares to the competition in our article on the best women's insulated jackets.
REASONS TO BUY
Soft and comfortable
Breathable
Easy to layer
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't stuff into its own pocket
Not the most wind-resistant
Editor's Note: We reviewed the latest version of the jacket and updated our findings on March 10, 2024.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Most Versatile Layer
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Insulated Jacket for Women
Best Buy Award
Best Warmth and Value
Top Pick Award
Best for Serious Breathability
 
Price $300.00 at REI
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$69.00 at Backcountry
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$300 List
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$45 List
$36.38 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
78
78
71
66
45
Star Rating
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Bottom Line An exceptionally breathable insulated jacket best for high-output cardio, or pairing with other layersWarm and comfortable with excellent compression, this continuous shell design is really hard to beatThis non-technical insulated model is offered at a great price for wear in the winterA unique model with outstanding breathability and mobility that's perfect for on-the-go adventuringA comfortable, warm baffled coat that isn't our favorite but has a great low price
Rating Categories Arc'teryx Atom Hood... Patagonia DAS Light... Columbia Heavenly H... Ortovox Swisswool P... Amazon Essentials L...
Warmth (25%)
7.0
8.0
9.0
4.5
5.0
Comfort (25%)
9.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
4.0
Weather Resistance (20%)
7.5
9.0
8.5
4.0
4.5
Portability (15%)
7.0
7.5
3.0
8.0
4.0
Breathability (15%)
8.5
6.0
3.0
10.0
5.0
Specs Arc'teryx Atom Hood... Patagonia DAS Light... Columbia Heavenly H... Ortovox Swisswool P... Amazon Essentials L...
Measured Weight (Size S) 10.5 oz 11.5 oz 22.4 oz 10.4 oz 13.3 oz
Number of Pockets 3 (2 zippered hand, 1 internal zippered chest) 3 (2 zippered hand, 1 exterior zippered chest) 3 (2 zippered hand, 1 internal zippered chest) 2 (2 zippered torso) 4 (2 zippered hand, 2 internal slip)
Hem Type Dual bungee adjustment No adjustment No adjustment Elastic No adjustment
Fit Athletic trim Relaxed Slim Athletic trim Relaxed slim
Insulation Resilient Coreloft Compact 60 (100% recycled polyester) 65g PlumaFill (100% recycled polyester) 100% polyester 88 % virgin wool (Swisswool), 12 % polylactide 100% polyester
Outer Fabric Dope Permeair 20D (100% nylon) 100% recycled ripstop nylon Storm-Lite DP II polyester Pertex Quantum (100% polyamide) 100% nylon
Lining Tyono 20D 100% nylon
Stretch fleece side panels: 94% polyester, 6% elastane
100% recycled ripstop nylon Luscious Pile Fleece Polyester 100 % polyamide 100% polyester
Hood Option Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Built-In Stow Pocket No Yes; hand No No No; included stuff sack
Cuff Construction Stretch-knit Elasticized cuffs Stretch-knit wrist-warmer cuff with thumbholes Elasticized cuffs Elasticized cuffs

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Arc'teryx Atom Hoody is a soft lightweight jacket with a helmet-compatible hood and a streamlined, athletic fit. Its exterior is made of Dope Permeair 20D (100% nylon) and has two bungee adjustments on the hem. It has two zippered hand pockets and one internal zippered chest pocket.

Performance Comparison


The Atom is a great choice as part of a layering system, or on its own in milder cold weather.
Credit: Kaylee Walden

Warmth


The Atom Hoody is a lightweight insulated jacket that proves itself warmer than it first appears. Its thin insulation is denser than down and many other synthetic options, and its soft material immediately feels warm when worn. It has good coverage as well, with a longer torso that ends in a drop hem on the back. Two adjustment points for the bungee around the hem allow you to easily cinch it closed against the wind or extreme cold. The sleeves are a good length, and are sealed with soft-knit elastic cuffs, helping to seal out the elements. However, despite these strengths, the Atom is on the thinner side overall. While warm for its weight, it's not a thick or sufficiently warm jacket to be worn on its own on very cold days.


The Atom's hood is quite large. It begs to be worn with a beanie and easily accommodates most helmets. A high chin guard helps keep your neck and face warm, whether the hood is up or down. Inside the pockets is a cozy layer of microfleece on one side, keeping the backs of your hands protected from the cold. Though the Atom is fitted in the shoulders, it's also easy to move in without feeling restricted. Its relaxed slim fit slides on easily over your underlayers. Its thinness and pliability also allow it to comfortably layer under a shell or even a parka when the temps really dip.

arc'teryx atom hoody for women - the atom hood easily fits over most helmets and beanies, and can be...
The Atom hood easily fits over most helmets and beanies, and can be cinched smaller when worn over a bare head.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Comfort


That layering ability also lends a lot of comfort to the Atom Hoody. The low profile construction makes it flexible and easy put a shell over the top. Its relaxed fit feels more like your favorite cotton sweatshirt than a puffy jacket. The stretch-knit cuffs feel silky and snug without being too tight, helping keep the sleeves in place when you lift your arms overhead. With two hem adjustment points, the Atom can be worn long, or cinched up, again adding to that sweatshirt-like vibe. The hood of the Atom is among the few jackets we tested with an adjustable bungee cord on the back, so you can cinch it down when not wearing a hat or helmet underneath, or for a better fit on your bare head.


The Atom has no baffles or seams, which is a crucial detail that pays dividends in comfort, breathability and range of motion. It eliminates a potential pinch point under your arms — even through other layers — and mobility to the shoulders that many of its competitors can't match. The whole side panels are each a single piece of stretchy, breathable, knit fabric with low-pile fleece on the inside. The Atom is built with comfort in mind and is well-designed to be an effective midlayer as part of a comprehensive layering system, or a standalone jacket in milder weather.

arc'teryx atom hoody for women - the stretch-knit cuffs of the atom hoody add even more comfort to an...
The stretch-knit cuffs of the Atom Hoody add even more comfort to an all-around comfortable jacket, making it feel more like wearing a sweatshirt than a puffy.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Weather Resistance


Though its soft fabric may not look as weatherproof as others, it performed well above average in our tests. It's thinner, and softer, than other models that out-competed it in wind resistance, but still holds its own sealing out strong gusts. A wind guard secures the entire main zipper, and the pockets even have an overhang to protect their zippers too. When the hood is tightened on a bare head, it exposes the back corners of your face, but it also leaves a slightly stiffened brim to offer a bit of protection over your eyes.


When the forecast shifted to “wintry mix,” the Atom once again performed quite well. There are no baffle seams to offer weak points, and the main fabric of this jacket easily repels light precipitation. The stretch knit cuffs seal out the wind and water fairly effectively. However, the stretch panels along the underarms are more vulnerable to letting in both wind and water, the tradeoff for this jacket's exceptional breathability. In a true downpour or exceptionally wet storms, the fabric will wet through.

arc'teryx atom hoody for women - the atom hoody has no baffles to act as weak points for water to...
The Atom Hoody has no baffles to act as weak points for water to pass through.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Portability


The size Small Arc'teryx Atom weighs in at 10.5 ounces. It's on the lighter end of all of the jackets we tested. Lighter weight means less bulk, making it one of our favorite options to stuff in a daypack or suitcase.


The Atom is one of few models in our lineup that doesn't stuff into its own pocket or come with a stuff sack. However, unless we have an overly full pack or are carrying things on a harness only, we rarely take the time to pack up a jacket — especially if we plan to need to pull it out and throw it on while we're out and about. The Atom is compact enough to be easily stuffed into a backpack or suitcase, even when you have limited space.

arc'teryx atom hoody for women - the atom cuts weight by simplifying its two hem adjustment points.
The Atom cuts weight by simplifying its two hem adjustment points.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Breathability


The Atom Hoody earns one of the top scores for breathability in our testing. The comfortable, stretchy side panels do a pretty good job of letting out too much body heat as you recreate. The stretch-knit sleeves can also be pretty easily pulled up your arms if your baselayers will allow it.


Of course, you can also unzip the jacket completely. The only way this jacket could be more breathable is by sacrificing its protective outer material for more stretch panels, or by turning the pockets into vents rather than the microfleece-lined warming stations they currently are. We're quite happy with the balance of warmth and breathability of this jacket.

arc'teryx atom hoody for women - the atom hoody kept us warm but also vent sufficiently breathable...
The Atom Hoody kept us warm but also vent sufficiently breathable for cold weather cardio.
Credit: Kaylee Walden

Should You Buy the Arc'teryx Atom?


The Atom is admittedly on the pricey side, but it's an ideal midlayer jacket for pretty much any possible use. We love wearing it alone in milder temperatures or for cardio. If you're looking for a standalone insulated jacket for very cold winter conditions, the Atom isn't the right choice. But for a versatile jacket that works well as part of a layering system, there's no model we love more than the Arc'teryx Atom, and we think this unique and comfortable coat is worth the investment.

What Other Insulated Jackets Should You Consider?


The Arc'teryx Atom Hoody is a great insulated jacket with serious comfort, top-notch breathability, and works excellently as a midlayer for a comprehensive layering system. If you'd prefer a standalone jacket that's great for both everyday conditions and adventuring through the storm, check out the Patagonia DAS Light Hoody. Or if you need a jacket with even better breathability that you can wear all day snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, the Ortovox Piz Boe is that coat.

arc'teryx atom hoody for women - we love the arc'teryx atom for a wide range of activities, and we...
We love the Arc'teryx Atom for a wide range of activities, and we think you likely will too.
Credit: Kaylee Walden

Kaylee Walden and Maggie Nichols