Arc'teryx Atom SL vs Arc'teryx Proton FL

> The **Atom SL Hoody** is specifically created to hit the zone where insulation is required, but in a measured amount that suits milder conditions. Providing warmth comparable to a lightweight fleece for significantly fewer grams […].

What i find sets this jacket apart from other jack other insulated jackets - i own is just how breathable it is. So this is one of my go-to pieces for...

This jacket is so comfortable that I could wear it all day even while working in front of my computer desk.

With this hybrid construction, the Patagonia gets a boost in durability and weather protection compared to the Proton FL, and the soft interior is hard to beat in terms of comfort. On the flip side, it’s heavier at 11.9 ounces and has less of a packable build (unlike the Nano-Air, the R1 TechFace does not stuff into its own pocket). Warmth-wise, the R1 fleece offers a bit more than the Proton FL’s Octa Loft, and we’ve found its breathability to be top-notch

Despite not being half as hot as the ATOM LT (obviously), for its size and how compressible it is, this jacket is highly recommended to always be carried in a backpack, especially in spring, in the face of any unforeseen weather .

Arcteryx recently released the Proton FL, a soft-shell hoody that moves with you, sweats with you and packs away when you don’t need it. It uses a Fortius Air 20 fabric which gives it light air permeability and has good breathability from the Octa Loft, the 100% polyester breathable insulation. This good looking hoody will make a great addition to a mountain layering system.

• Even after many adventures, the jacket has retained its strength with no major cuts that need repair.

The tightly woven outer nylon fabric is wind-proof and fairly shower resistant when new and afterwards when treated with Nikwax TX Direct. It comes thankfully with 2 side pockets and 2 external chest pockets so is eminently practical to use.

And even when the shell fabric has given in and starts absorbing moisture, its thin build tends to dry out quickly (unless of course it’s stuffed away in a wet ski backpack). When it comes time to batten down the hatches, the Arc'teryx Atom SL Hoody is well-equipped for the job. The hood is climbing helmet-compatible but cinches down nicely when wearing just a ballcap or beanie, and it even stays effectively in place when going without head protection at all. Rounding out the features, the collar sits tall on the face (it reaches my lower lip when zipped up), the hem cinches securely, and the jacket’s long arms and extended panels of fabric over the back of the hands increase coverage

**Pockets:** The Proton has two chest pockets and I find myself using those a *lot* when traveling. Great for cash, random notes, hotel keys..

This jacket was such a odd weight and roll. While the fit and cut was good it just didn’t fill a roll in my layering system. A uninsulated shell like like the Sigma anorak offered better wind and weather resistance and enough breathability and warmth to be comparable .

Most noticeable are the two interior drop pockets, though functionally more significant is the switch from Coreloft 80 g/m2 to Coreloft Continuous 65 g/m2 throughout. The double-slider zipper is still, unfortunately, conspicuously absent. Thanks to several years of technological improvements, the newer Coreloft Continuous insulation is not only lighter but also warmer and more breathable. As the name implies, the key difference in the fills is the fibre construction: the original Coreloft is a clumped-fibre insulation designed to mimic down, while the newer Continuous version is more akin to a sheet that can be suspended between the inner and outer fabrics of a jacket