Proton SL Hoody Women's

The Proton SL is my go-to for higher output activities (mainly ski touring and resort skiing, but sometimes biking and MTB) because of how breathable it is while still providing warmth and protection from cold and weather. The octa-loft insulation is cozy with a nice next-to-skin feel of a fleece jacket (not slippery or clammy like most puffy jackets) making it comfortable to wear with a tank top or tshirt underneath. I typically layer this piece with either a merino tshirt or a thin baselayer like the Taema for high output/cold weather ski tours and resort days. The outer material has good DWR properties and beads water if there is precipitation, and the octa-loft allows moisture to escape quickly keeping the piece breathable. Once you pop a shell jacket on, the jacket still pulls moisture away from your baselayer to keep you dry but warm. The hood is also the perfect size to wear while skinning if it is windy or precipitating to keep my ears warm and head dry. The layer is not too bulky so it fits well under a shell or under bib pants. I've washed my Proton SL quite frequently and haven't seen huge changes to the loft, with the exception of wearing a backpack I have seen some compression of the octa-loft in the shoulder area and upper back where my backpack weight is but this doesn't seem to change it's ability to keep me warm and dry. I am 5'5", 130lbs with an athletic body type and typically wear a size M in baselayers and jackets with Arc'teryx, and I have a M in this puffy jacket in the Proton SL and it fits perfect for layering. If I were to get this as a lifestyle puffy, I'd probably size up to a L for a more relaxed fit. Best mid-layer for high output activity! I hope Arc'teryx continues to make a version of this layer for many many years. Would love to see more color variety besides just the black and white.

This is my favorite piece for anything from layering to stand alone jacket for cross country skiing, touring, or snowboarding. The best attribute why I bought a second jacket is that it vents sweat at the same time it is warm. I wish Arcteryx made it in better colours than white and black. And please, no pink or other sweet colours either, is my wish. I am wondering if the next line can be in green.

It’s the perfect layering jacket for all weather! Lightweight, comfy and warm.

The clothes fit very well, I like it Now I am a loyal fan of Arc'teryx

I purchased this about a month ago and have been wearing it regularly for walks, hikes and general day to day activities. I haven’t don’t anything crazy with it or taken it on any trips. I’m giving it three stars because the functionality of this jacket is one of the best I’ve ever had from Arc’teryx. It’s lightweight but heavy enough to provide warmth on cooler days and breathes very well through activities or on warmer days. I love how light it feels overall, it’s got to be one of my favourites. The unfortunate issue with this jacket is quality. I’m the short amount of time I’ve had it, it has already started pilling on the cuffs and sleeves and has some small tears forming on the front near the zipper. I haven't worn this on any activity that might rub against the front so I’m not sure where this came from. I purchased the green colour which is very nice but also shows water marks etc that don’t go away, so it ends up looking not the best. For the cost, the quality of this is super disappointing which sucks because otherwise it’s a great piece!

I love this jacket and it’s one of my most worn items. The octa-loft lining is so soft and doesn’t wet out, and it’s pretty breathable while still being warm enough to wear without a fleece in spring/summer/autumn unless you’re sitting still for ages. You can get away with wearing it instead of a windbreaker in slightly warmer weather while static - obviously it gets too warm at high output. I’ve worn it climbing on granite and it has held up pretty well, only a few tiny snags, no tears. Range of motion is great. It’s also really nice for hiking and casual use and the build quality means it’s sleek looking enough to not scream “athleisure”, so doesn’t look out of place wearing it to work. I’ve avoided wearing it indoor climbing when the gym is freezing in winter because it’s not quite fitted enough around the torso to wear under a harness without a thick fleece, and the bulk from the 3 heavy duty zippers means it’s a bit front heavy at the bottom and will catch on holds even with the waist cord cinched in. If Arc’teryx made a quarter-zip version with a slightly slimmer fit and no hand pockets, I would buy it in a heartbeat just to use for the gym or to reduce bulk wearing it as a midlayer. It’s an attractive jacket as is, but would be more flattering if it was a bit more fitted. That being said, I would pick up a second one in another colour if it’s ever made in Vitality or Daybreak.

My wife and I have 12 Arcteryx jackets/hoodies altogether. Since the weather's becoming warmer, I decided to wash my wife's Proton and Atom because Arcteryx Kitsilano doesn't techwash non Gore-tex and Down jackets/hoodies. Please note that we are very meticulous when it comes to pricey clothing so we make it a point to use Laundry mesh bags when washing and our washer is front load. After washing, to my surprise, I noticed a rip on my wife's Proton!!! We don't go outdoors and we only use our hoodies casually around the city and whatnot. So I thought about visiting the Kitsilano Store to hopefully get a warranty since it wasn't any damage that we caused. But no, when I went to the Re-care section of the store, the guy who I dealt with, didn't really want to do anything about my case. No genuine concern that was shown. He doesn't even smile. Not sure if he's having a bad day, or he doesn't like his job. When I told him my story, he just said, "I can't do anything about it but to patch it, it's not a performance jacket and it's a wear & tear issue." To be honest, my wife has 6 Arcteryx outerwear in rotation combined with other brands and she did not use it for any outdoor activities (climbing, trekking...etc.). The production date on the care label is 03/22 and it hasn't seen much action. Then I just washed it carefully and it rips??? Not much help was offered and no customer service at all - doesn't really appeal to me. Honestly, the patch is an eye sore! I would accept the guy's solution if I have caused the issue, however I'm sure I didn't. Arcteryx should stand by their pricey products and should choose their employees better. We are not buying from Arctery anymore. Just hope this doesn't happen to anyone else.

This may be my most versatile piece. I typically wear it ski touring on the uphill in -15 C to 0 C. It’s great for high output activities and is extremely durable and breathable for an insulated layer. On days at the ski resort, I’ll throw this on underneath my shell for added warmth.

This mid-layer hoodie is excellent. I've worn it constantly. Worth every penny!!

This jacket could be super awesome if there is no word on the hood. I think it's super tacky! I actually use black dye pen to hide the word A'rcteryx on all my A'rcteryx jackets.