Latest Gear: The Arc’teryx Atom Series – Revised for Winter 2014 /2015

To create the Atom family of products, Arc’teryx took all the advantages of synthetic insulation and added their ‘composite’ approach to garment design by placing breathable stretch fleece panels in key areas. What started out as a range of just 3 styles quickly grew to become a range of garments with different fabrics, fill weights, features and colours across both men’s and women’s specific styles. For winter 2014 / 2015 Arc’teryx have revised the most popular product in the Atom family – the Atom LT Hoody - along with refining other styles and adding a new AR model into the range.

The original and still cornerstone of the Atom range is the LT Hoody. One of the most versatile garments you’ll ever come across, the Atom LT (stands for light weight) Hoody is brilliant to wear in the mountains across so many activities in such a variety of conditions although it’s primarily designed as a mid layer to wear under a shell for skiing, snowboarding or alpine climbing. The secret to its success lies in just the right amount of Coreloft insulation (60gm2) to preserve warmth, combined with Polartec Powerstrech side and under arm panels to vent excess heat and cut down on bulk. The result is a soft, warm, breathable piece of insulation that is incredibly light and packable. It just feels great to wear whether it’s a powder day in winter, an autumn wild camp or a chilly spring morning on the way to work. This winter Arc’teryx have improved the LT Hoody by adding a rear draw cord to the hood so it now provides a snug fit whilst still retaining good visibility.

A new piece in the range this season is the Atom AR Hoody and Jacket. The AR (stands for ’all around’) comes in a men’s and women’s specific fit and effectively replaces the Atom SV style from past years. Whereas the Atom LT garments use a 60g Coreloft fill, the Atom AR has a warmer combination of 60, 80 and 120g Coreloft. The 120g Coreloft insulation is placed in the main body of the jacket where warmth is needed most, the 80g is under the arms to cut down on bulk and the 60g is used through the hood, which can be worn under or over a helmet. By using different weights of insulation in specific areas the garment’s warmth to weight ratio is maximised and bulk is kept to a minimum. All this makes the Atom AR perfect for using either as a mid or outer layer through the winter. It’s still very light and packable though, so is an ideal jacket to carry in a pack throughout the year for a boost of warmth on the belay or whilst sitting around at camp.

Other styles in the range for winter 2014 include the Atom LT Vest and Atom Pant. The vest has a trim fit with the same Powerstretch side panels as the LT Hoody. It works great within a layering system. The Atom Pant meanwhile provides a real boost of warmth and protection for really cold conditions and is perfect for wearing under a ski pant on a cold day.

RRP's:

• Men's and women's Atom LT hoody £180
• Men's and women's Atom AR hoody £200

Find out more over on the Arc’teryx website (link top right on this page)

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