Arcteryx Atom Lt Hoody review

The Stats:
Arcteryx Atom Lt Hoody size Medium 13.95oz
5'11"       153lb      40" chest         31" waist

Quality, versatility, and weight are the three main things I look for in a garment.  I live on the east coast of the US, but travel out west to the mountains every year, so it has to function in both dry and humid environments.  I typically do summit hikes, some light climbing, mountain biking, and bush-wacking.

Conditions:

I would expect to use the Atom lt hoody in temperatures ranging from -5F - 60F.  Wind is a major down fall for this jacket.  Anything over 10 mph seems to blow right through.  Only slightly better than fleece regarding wind blocking ability. It will shed light rain and snow as long as the DWR is good, heavy or extended rain will soak the jacket. 

Layering: in good conditions
heat gear type shirt -      no movement   40 - 60F humid conditions (HC)
                                        aerobic            15 - 35F HC
Polar Tech Powder dry - no movement   30 - 50F HC
                                        aerobic            0 - 25F HC
Polar Tech Powder dry - no movement   20 - 40F HC
& 180 light wt fleece       aerobic           -10 - 15F moderate to dry conditions            
Pros:
Light weight
Anatomical fit
Can layer under and over easily
Zips effortlessly
pockets can be used with pack
Slightly long tail
moves moisture well
will dry sweat while wearing

Cons:
Mild wind blows through jacket easily  *if not wearing a backpack
Head turns in hood
Zipper won't stay in place
No hood adjustments
 

My experience:

I've wore the Atom on a few hikes and around town now.  The jacket does a good job if the wind isn't blowing.  Wind gust from 10-20 mph can make starting a hike at 35F HC very cold (wearing a base layer).  Temperatures in the 20F range can freeze you after aerobic hiking when the wind gusts.  I also worked up a good sweat in those same conditions when the wind wasn't blowing.  It never gets uncomfortably sweaty and it will dry quickly if the aerobic level is reduced.

* I've learned if your wearing a backpack 0-20 mph wind isn't to bad.  The backpack holds the jacket close to the body and doesn't allow the wind to blow around you nearly as bad.  You'll still feel the breeze, but it won't rob all your heat.

Some major pluses for this jacket, the weight and fit.  You feel like your wearing nothing yet its warmer than mid weight fleece.  I really felt like I was wearing a long sleeve shirt when I was bush-wacking.  The cut allows the Atom to move with you so your never restricted with ducking, crouching, or extending.

If the Atom Lt Hoody was more wind resistant I believe it would be the perfect mid layer/ shell.  It simply needs a wind resistant fleece for the side panels.

Conclusion:

The Atom Lt Hoody simply isn't as versatile as I would like it to be.  I feel like I always have to carry a wind breaker or a rain shell just in case its going to be windy.  If your already carrying the extra layers it functions good as a moisture controlling insulating mid layer.  Its a perfect with a base layer for moderate activity in temps from 10-25F and wind less that 10 mph.