Really tempted. I'm 5'11", 182lbs, usually wear an XL because of my shoulders.
Really tempted. I'm 5'11", 182lbs, usually wear an XL because of my shoulders.
#RESIST
FWIW, both US Elite and another big Arcteryx LEAF distributor, Tactical Distributors, have both the unhooded and hooded versions of this on sale ($215 for the hooded). If you're on the fence on sizes I saw something about free returns on the TD site--no experience, so I'd read the terms carefully.
I've had both an early Atom LT and a Nano Puff for several years--will try to post some thoughts here in a bit. Putting the Atom on and taking the dog out now...
Here's a good current resource:
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topic...field=#compare
I have an older Atom LT (about 10 years) and a Nano Puff (about 8 years), both without hoods and in size medium (5'10" 175 lbs). Both Patagucci and Arcteryx have introduced a number of newer variants since then, like @Norville 's Nano Air. Some of those might be better fits for certain types of intended use, so definitely worth a look at the comparison on the review site I posted previously.
For me (and this is definitely subjective), the Nano Puff has been better as a standalone piece--it is a bit warmer and more wind resistant (it doesn't have the breathable side panels that Atom does), and I'd say it has a bit more water resistance (you'd need a shell over either pretty quickly in heavy rain). The Atom is better under a shell, and when you are more active (the Nano Puff lining gets kind of slimy/sticky when you start sweating). The Nano Puff has a much boxier fit and a shiny finish, and a draw cord adjustable waist...the Atom is matte finished and more fitted, with a gathered waist. The Atom has nice lined pockets and good arm cuffs. The collar on the Atom is a bit lower than than the Nano Puff, and has a nicer lining. Both have internal chest pockets that are pretty useless--the external pocket on the Gen 2 Atom will be a lot more useful.
Both have been great, but I've gotten a lot more use out of the Nano Puff (my wife has one as well, and loves hers). I've always wished I could combine the features of the two--there likely are jackets out now that come pretty close to that, but both of these are still going strong (I did catch the Nano on something and rip it, but Patagonia repaired it for free).
Last edited by Gater; 11-21-2020 at 10:19 AM.
Here's another review site with a comparison including Atom LT and Nano Puff:
https://www.switchbacktravel.com/bes...ulated-jackets