Arcteryx is it worth it?

[snowcamoman]

Exactly Akicita! The top tier hunting clothes manufacturers should take notes on the Arcteryx hoods and utilize that design.

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[Dobermann]

Optics Planet currently has a sale on some sizes and colors of the Atom LT LEAF hoody ... often only 1 left in stock, so you might want to jump on them. Sale prices are $157.99, plus they also have a 10% discount through 3 August (SUMSAVE), which brings these down to $142.19, which is pretty dang cheap ...

 

[bobbyrowman]

Totally worth it, have t found anything that matches their technical gear

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[Salvelinus]

Arcteryx prices have shot up so high over the last few years I'd say most of the stuff is hard to justify for the price. That being said, there seem to be more deals around then ever before, especially if you don't mind some of the hideous colors.

Most of the gear is superior to all other outdoor brands, especially with respect to durability and fit. Every peice feels tailored. This year I got my first experience with a warranty claim. I have owned a gamma mx jacket for many years and it still looked and fit like new but the fabric that held the drawcord was delaminating. Claim was slow but they sent a brand new one so they stand behind their products.

I have owned an Atom lt for quite a few years and it is hands down my favorite and most worn jacket for around town and walks. However, I think it's overrated as a piece of technical outerwear and it never comes with me hunting. I find it is not as warm as comparable 60g synthetic puffy jackets from other manufacturers since the coreloft doesn't extend through the underarms, and they use a much more breathable fabric there. This does make it somewhat better for activity but I find it is too warm for dumping heat unless it's REALLY cold out (a soft shell is superior for these conditions anyways) and not warm enough when stationary since the wind cuts through these areas. The hood is also not adjustable and way oversized for hunting.

 

[wind gypsy]

I think the nuclei AR is one of the best puffy designs out with plenty of synthetic fill and wind membrane.. That thing felt like a furnace in the store..

 

[JollyRoger]

Not sure how I missed this thread.... I've used quite a bit of Arcteryx stuff for both hunting and ice climbing. Like previously mentioned, the Atom LT is awesome. I have a bright green one for climbing and a crocodile colored one for hunting. The Nuclei AR is great also, but it's kinda loud if you're moving around. The Fortrez is a great hard face fleece. I really wish I could find a multicam or dull brown Gamma LT or MX hoody. My lime green one is great, but I dont wear it hunting.

 

[Salvelinus]

Yes, the fortrez is excellent. The fabric is the same throughout that is used on the underarms of the atom lt. The LEAF version of this jacket with the same fabric is the full zip naga hoody, except they use the cut of the covert cardigan which is a bit roomier than the fortrez.

 

[Dobermann]

Just an update on the Atom LT hoody - I picked one of the LEAF models up on the OpticsPlanet special mentioned earlier.

It's a great jacket as others have noted, but is probably NOT a good option for bowhunting ... it has some seriously loud material lining all the way around the hem of the jacket, the opening to the pockets, as well as internally at the top of the pockets. These last panels have holes in them, to allow for cord/comms ports/cables.

These panels look like some kind of thick ripstop nylon, almost like on a heavy-duty tent. They're crinkly and noisy, and I find the jacket nearly impossible to move in quietly. I'm assuming the intention was for abrasion resistance, and can see how this would work if you're constantly putting gear in and out of the pockets, and/or running comms cables through the pocket uppers ... but for bow hunting, I think it's a non-starter. Rifle might be another story, depending on your conditions and distance.

I'm not sure if these same fabric panels are found on the civilian / mass market version of the Atom LT, and that version has hunter-friendly colors come and go, depending on the year. I'd be interested from hearing from those who have that version if it has the same issues.

All up, for me, it feels like technical overkill for an around-town jacket, is probably serviceable for rifle hunting (except in bush/close-range), and worth experimenting with a general hiking jacket.

However, as Savelinus stated earlier, I think I'll be better served by either a puffy jacket or a softshell (or even possibly the new First Lite Sawtooth), rather than the Atom.

Just offering my reflections in case that helps anyone!

 

[aclawrence]

I have had an atom jacket for several years now also. I really enjoy mine but an ember burnt a hole in the front of my jacket that I Haven't repaired so the hole has gotten pretty big. Also I have heard that there is a ton of counterfeit Arcteryx gear on eBay so you might want to be careful there.


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