If you read more of my blogs, you’ll notice a pattern about me and cold weather.  I live in Orlando, Florida because I really hate being cold.  That’s why I love the Arc’teryx Atom AR Jacket; it lets me love the mountains. I took the Arc’teryx Atom AR to the Grand Tetons back in May.  Forgetting that May in Wyoming is nothing like May in Florida!  In Florida, in the month of May, the population doubles from tourists seeking refuge in the warmth.  In Wyoming, in the month of May, kayak rentals are closed because the water is still dangerously freezing.

We eventually found a kayak rental outside the park and I took the Atom AR out kayaking on Jenny Lake in the Grand Tetons.  The DWR finish kept the water gliding right off, though the synthetic fill is designed to maintain warmth even if it does get damp.   The Arc’teryx Atom AR is rated one of the warmest puffies on the market with 120 fill down in the torso and between 60-80 fill synthetic down in the sleeves and sides.  This design kept my torso and organs warm without overheating my arms.

Designed for climbing and mountaineering, the hood is compatible with helmets, or when paddling on Jenny Lake, extra beanies.  There are two drawstrings around the hips for best use within a harness. 

My singular complaint with the Arc’teryx Atom AR was the lack of sustainable initiatives enforced by Arc’teryx as they publicize a priority in quality gear.  Being a big supporter of ethical consumerism, I’d like to see improvements in this area.

Quick pro tip: A few folks have complained that the jacket doesn’t stuff into its own pocket like many recently-released puffies do.  Though it doesn’t stuff into its own pocket, it will stuff into its own sleeve.  For the simplest release, start by packing the hood, then stuff the jacket, and the other sleeve last.