Arc’teryx Atom LT Jacket

Arc’teryx are often viewed as a ‘Gucci’ brand, and deservedly so, because everything they create, for either the civilian or military markets, benefits from the very best in terms of design, materials and construction and the Atom LT jacket is no exception. As part of their Law Enforcement Armed Forces (LEAF) range, this is a specialist garment designed for a very focused end-user.

It’s an exceptionally lightweight, insulated mid-layer, that retains core warmth by blocking wind and trapping warm air next to the body and can also function as a wind resistant outer layer. An insulated hood adjusts to securely fit the head and face, and this is designed to follow side to side motion without obscuring peripheral vision.

Media ports inside the hand pockets allow for internal routing of communication cables. When worn under personal protection equipment, comfortable side panels of breathable, stretch fabric prevent overheating and provide ease of movement.

The Atom LT features Coreloft™ insulation, which has a very high warmth-to-weight ratio and resists compacting, along with Polartec® Power Stretch® with Hardface® technology side panels, which are highly breathable and have excellent stretch properties for added mobility.

Arc De Triomphe

The insulated hood has a single pull adjuster and articulation in the shoulders and elbows provides room for a full range of unrestricted motion. There are two large hand pockets with media ports and one internal chest pocket. A vertically routed hem draw cord minimises interference with a duty or battle belt.

This is probably the most minimalist of the garments I’ve been testing this winter, but although it is indeed very light and packable it is really superbly warm. It’s not the cheapest option for insulated garments but given the materials used and the standard of construction I don’t find that at all strange; this is the ‘Rolls Royce’ standard of the tactical clothing world! It’s also the choice of our dearly beloved ‘tactical athlete’, so if you’re a fast mover, then this is the one for you!

The Atom LT jacket costs £205.00 is available in Crocodile