Veste Atom SL Femme

I have to admit I have too many jackets (it is a problem) but I recently picked up the SL as I was looking for a superlight jacket (without a hood) that I could layer for spring skiing and early Spring adventures. I have owned the regular Atom Hoody (known as the LT = lightweight) for a few years and it has generally been in my rotation through Autumn to Spring (sometimes summer as well) although it did get largely replaced this year by my proton heavyweight. However, the SL is unique in its way and can be a real great addition to the wardrobe. The SL is superlight, meaning that it provides low-loft warmth, packs down into the smallest little bundle and you won't even realise your wearing it. The insulation is in the core of the body (front and back) with fleece stretch sides - there isn't insulation through the arms. I wore the SL this Saturday for spring skiing where the base was about 16C in Whistler but the peak was more like 6C and this jacket was perfect for those conditions when layered with a good base-layer (I used the Taema thermal). However, I got much too hot in it when skiing and reached the lifts like a big red tomato sweating with my shell over the top. The lesson to myself is that on a day like that, I didn't need the shell, the SL would have coped with the conditions perfectly: enough warmth and weather resistance and breathable to keep my temperature well regulated. The SL fit (I'm 5'7 and wear a UK 8-10/US 6 which is a SMALL) comes to the top of my bum providing good back coverage. There is also ability to adjust the length with the drawcord. The sleeves are quite long for me, coming down to my knuckles but so far its a non-issue as the movement keeps the cuffs around ankle length (and if I use it for running, I can cover my chilly hands til I warm up enough). I do find the collar a bit too snug for my preference and get annoyed at the zip under my chin (it rubs when I look even slightly down) so I only zip to the collar-bone. Pockets - limited pockets for this superlight design = 2 handpockets that are unlined. I feel this is important to share as my Atom (LT) has lovely fleeced pockets so don't expect the same but again this jacket does not meet the same temperature needs as the regular atom. Use case: This isn't the jacket for regular insulated warmth especially in early spring or late autumn so for that I'd recommend the Atom. This jacket will be your best friend when you are going out early in the spring/summer and need an additional layer of warmth that breathes well and can be shed/packed down when you warm enough. Think early morning/season runs, bike rides and hikes or like me, spring skiing. This is the jacket you reach for when you summit a mountain in summer but you get a slight chill eating your lunch or even the perfect jacket when sitting in your garden in summer but the shade drops/later evening and you get a chill. Also want to note that this jacket is not waterproof nor windproof but weather resistant, so if you're going out in the rain or when its windy make sure to layer with a shell jacket. This jacket will bead a light bit of rain and is a great midlayer - also this jacket dries incredibly quick, so if you do get caught in a storm like I did on my Sunday run don't fret - it'll dry in no time.

It must be used as a mid layer as it is too thin and non wind proof for a layer on its own. Not warm or insulated. Breathable but super this with no inside pocket as the non SL version had. I’m use of having a mid layer that can be worn alone but not this one.