Arc’teryx Atom SV Evaluation | CleverHiker

Backside Line

From Arc’teryx’s enduring Atom line comes the SV: essentially the most insulated jacket within the Atom household. Standing for Extreme Climate, the SV’s cold-weather efficiency and skill to retain heat even when moist make it one in all our favourite winter jackets.

Insulated with 120 grams of Coreloft polyester insulation, the Atom SV supplies glorious heat throughout varied temperatures. Examined in Alaska’s chilly, damp fall and frigid winter circumstances right down to single digits, the Atom SV is a flexible insulator, splendid for three-season use. Its artificial insulation can retain warmth even when moist, and the light-weight stretch nylon shell supplies enough climate resistance for dry snow or mild rain. Weighing simply 17.3 ounces, this can be very light-weight, making it an ideal layer for transferring rapidly and unencumbered within the mountains. 

Whereas extraordinarily light-weight, the Atom SV sacrifices climate and abrasion resistance to keep up its featherweight stats. The nylon shell, though DWR completed, gives solely minimal climate safety. It’s appropriate for dry snow or mild rain, however don’t depend on the Atom SV to maintain you dry in heavy or moist snow.

The 30-denier shell, whereas permitting the jacket to be ultralight, is much less sturdy and scratch-resistant than others we examined. Because of these small limitations, the Atom SV is greatest worn below a shell or once you don’t count on heavy rain or contact with rocks and brush. Anybody wanting a jacket that insulates when moist and wicks moisture throughout high-output actions will discover the Atom SV a good selection.

How We Examined

The Arc’teryx Atom SV was examined in a wide range of late fall and winter circumstances over three months. From the damp chilly of late fall to single-digit temperatures of an Alaskan winter, the Atom SV was put by means of completely different conditions. Worn throughout over 30 hours of actions, the Atom SV was rigorously evaluated throughout skis, hikes, and cold-weather runs to totally assess its efficiency throughout varied circumstances and actions.

Heat

The Arc’teryx Atom SV is insulated with 120 grams of Coreloft polyester insulation. Whereas not the heaviest insulated jacket in our lineup, we discovered that this jacket strikes an incredible center floor. Examined in damp fall climate within the forties and in chilly, dry winter temperatures within the single digits, the Atom SV is greatest fitted to reasonably chilly circumstances. It’s comfy at relaxation right down to the low twenties and through exercise right down to round ten levels.

The Atom SV gives versatility as a winter jacket or a three-season possibility in colder climates. Whereas it isn’t splendid for sitting in chilly temperatures for lengthy durations, it really works properly as an insulating layer for energetic adventures the place elevated physique warmth helps maintain you heat. The artificial insulation additionally has the advantage of insulating even when moist, which made it a favourite throughout testing in coastal Alaska’s damp and chilly circumstances local weather.

Climate Resistance

The Atom SV has average to low climate resistance, in line with its meant use. It isn’t designed to be a standalone layer in heavy rain or snow; as a substitute, it’s greatest paired with a shell for optimum climate safety. The outer shell is created from 30-denier microripstop material.

Handled with a sturdy water repellent end, it could repel dry snow and lightweight rain however will soak up water in sleet and heavier rain. Whereas we wouldn’t advocate utilizing this jacket as your solely possibility in extreme climate, it supplies enough climate resistance for mild precipitation and dries in a short time for fast, passing rain showers storms.

Consolation & Performance

The Atom SV is a extremely comfy and well-designed jacket. With a barely relaxed match, it balances efficiency and luxury. Thermo-mapped for optimum efficiency throughout high-output exercise, the full-length stretch aspect panels maximize breathability and enhance mobility throughout energetic adventures. It additionally options stretch-knit cuffs, that are comfy straight on the pores and skin, assist seal in heat, and match easily below gloves. Fleece-lined hand pockets add further consolation when naked pores and skin is uncovered. 

Whereas undoubtedly technical, the Atom SV is informal sufficient to put on round city however performs greatest within the mountains throughout high-output actions. Weighing 17.3 ounces, it’s one of many lightest jackets in our lineup. Whether or not in a backpack or in your physique, it’s hardly noticeable and excellent for transferring rapidly when weight is a precedence

Options

Whereas mild on options, the Atom SV’s trim profile is a standout. Simply becoming below a shell, this can be a nice layer to pair together with your favourite outerwear. The helmet is hood-compatible and absolutely insulated, offering further heat and climate safety. A single pull adjusts the hood for a comfortable match, serving to to dam out the chilly and parts.

An inner chest pocket is right for protecting valuables secure and heat, whereas two hand pockets provide further storage. Though it could’t be zipped into its personal pockets, the Atom SV may be very packable, making it simple to compress right into a small house in your backpack to your subsequent alpine journey tour.

Ought to You Purchase the Arc’teryx Atom SV?

The Arc’teryx Atom SV is a high-quality jacket that comes at a excessive worth. Whereas it is probably not as accessible to entry-level hikers, these prepared to spend further will probably be rewarded with a high-performing, versatile jacket. This ultralight performer is ideal for insulating throughout high-output actions or in damp climates.

Its Coreloft 120g artificial insulation stays heat when moist and wicks sweat and moisture away from the physique. Whereas heavy sufficient for all however the coldest temperatures, the Atom SV gives three-season versatility in a really light-weight design. The skinny, stretchy 30-denier nylon shell is light-weight however lacks sturdy climate resistance and will be scratched simply. This jacket is greatest for these in search of mid-level insulation for energetic adventures the place weight, consolation, and wet-weather heat are vital precedence.

What Different Winter Jackets Ought to You Contemplate?

Take a look at our full gear information for all our favourite winter jackets.

Patagonia DAS Evaluation: One other nice artificial insulated jacket with a barely longer reduce for elevated heat.

Rab Neutrino Professional Evaluation: In case you love the basic heat of down, then the Rab Neutrino Professional is difficult to beat.

LL Bean Ultralight 850 Evaluation: The one jacket lighter than the Atom SV, the LL Bean Ultralight 850 is nice for average temperatures or three-season use.