Excellent review. Very succinct, eloquent and descriptive. I love your statement about the cuffs; “different with out distinction” Very nice my dude. Keep the reviews coming.
Hey! I really liked your review because of the various models compared and the details provided. One difference I noticed is that I have the Practitioner AR Gen 2 (size large - I’m 6’ at 210lbs) and the hood fits comfortably my ski helmet (size XL) with room to move my chin, etc. I wear a merino wool mid-weight fleece under the AR. Otherwise, I totally agree with your comments on moisture management and warmth; it breaths really well, and at temps between -5c to -10c with a shell and next to skin base layer, I’m fine when moving / active, but when stationary or below this temp range I need another mid-layer for warmth. Hope these details help grow your channel. Great work.
This review is absolutely awesome. Thorough and not just a read back of published specs - your personal opinions and take on everything is super valuable! I totally agree about the current hem adjustments being a step backwards. I would argue that none of these jackets are helmet compatible. Yeah, you make it work, but it is, like you said, a "worst case scenario." Other helmet-compatible (shell) jackets ARC'TERYX makes actually have room to move your neck and bring the brim forward to the front of your helmet... but often are huge sans-helmet. That said I like these hoods because they'll work just fine without a helmet. I prefer inside chest pockets and would gladly trade one of the Practicioner's external chest pockets for an internal one. It is THE spot for a cell phone - protected from cold and impact by keeping it close to your body. I've had many Atom LT's over the years and one of the reasons I love them so much is that they have breathable side panels. For someone who runs hot and sweats a lot, I really like this. I took a gamble on the Proton FL (currently called the Proton "Lightweight") a few years ago which has Octa Loft insulation and was blown away by how comfortable it is against the skin (though it is true that it doesn't layer as easily a jacket with a smoother lining). But I'm looking for something that is slightly warmer, but still durable and breathable. In theory this should be the standard Proton, but trying it on I felt it was a little too restrictive in the arms and body and the insulation felt bulky. I didn't like the fit and found myself wishing there was a version of the Proton FL (with its Octa Loft) that is a bit warmer and more durable. It sounds like the Practitioner AR V2 might be that jacket.
Thanks for the well thought out reply. I still maintain the Practitioner AR v.2 is the best option for people seeking durability as a priority. The insulation and face fabric make for a very tough combo without the weight of a softshell.
Thanks for the video and super comprehensive review! I have the "old" Atom LT and also the first Generation Practitioner AR (same Red Colour which I'm a huge fan of) and have always been curious about the Proton because so many people seem to like it. I've wondered if it would be better for say the backcountry b/c it seems lighter & supposedly very breathable? The Practitioner AR is also my favourite and I wear it for everything - I take it to the backcountry when backpacking, canoeing, climbing, disc golfing, skating, travel and city wear for temps down to ~ -5 to maybe -10C. It's the perfect balance of warmth and breathability in my books (somehow it's warmer AND more breathable than the Atom LT so it covers a wider range of activities and I don't get as sweaty when actually moving)! Have you any experience with any of the vests?? Any comparisons between the Atom or the Proton vest? Thanks again for your great reviews!
For the practitioner AR, what size are you wearing? And what is your height, weight, pants waist size? I have tried the medium and large and I am right in between! I'm 5'9 175lb. The fit on the medium is near perfect, except the chest can feel ever so slightly tight. The large is more roomy and comfortable, and will show for a puffy underneath. I could use your input to decide. Thank you!
Arcteryx by far. Norrona does a really good hoodless collar, but Arcteryx does the best hooded jacket collar in the business. The TNF summit series is probably the best 2nd.
Excellent review. Very succinct, eloquent and descriptive. I love your statement about the cuffs; “different with out distinction”
Very nice my dude. Keep the reviews coming.
Hey! I really liked your review because of the various models compared and the details provided. One difference I noticed is that I have the Practitioner AR Gen 2 (size large - I’m 6’ at 210lbs) and the hood fits comfortably my ski helmet (size XL) with room to move my chin, etc. I wear a merino wool mid-weight fleece under the AR. Otherwise, I totally agree with your comments on moisture management and warmth; it breaths really well, and at temps between -5c to -10c with a shell and next to skin base layer, I’m fine when moving / active, but when stationary or below this temp range I need another mid-layer for warmth. Hope these details help grow your channel. Great work.
This review is absolutely awesome. Thorough and not just a read back of published specs - your personal opinions and take on everything is super valuable!
I totally agree about the current hem adjustments being a step backwards.
I would argue that none of these jackets are helmet compatible. Yeah, you make it work, but it is, like you said, a "worst case scenario." Other helmet-compatible (shell) jackets ARC'TERYX makes actually have room to move your neck and bring the brim forward to the front of your helmet... but often are huge sans-helmet. That said I like these hoods because they'll work just fine without a helmet.
I prefer inside chest pockets and would gladly trade one of the Practicioner's external chest pockets for an internal one. It is THE spot for a cell phone - protected from cold and impact by keeping it close to your body.
I've had many Atom LT's over the years and one of the reasons I love them so much is that they have breathable side panels. For someone who runs hot and sweats a lot, I really like this. I took a gamble on the Proton FL (currently called the Proton "Lightweight") a few years ago which has Octa Loft insulation and was blown away by how comfortable it is against the skin (though it is true that it doesn't layer as easily a jacket with a smoother lining). But I'm looking for something that is slightly warmer, but still durable and breathable. In theory this should be the standard Proton, but trying it on I felt it was a little too restrictive in the arms and body and the insulation felt bulky. I didn't like the fit and found myself wishing there was a version of the Proton FL (with its Octa Loft) that is a bit warmer and more durable. It sounds like the Practitioner AR V2 might be that jacket.
Thanks for the well thought out reply. I still maintain the Practitioner AR v.2 is the best option for people seeking durability as a priority. The insulation and face fabric make for a very tough combo without the weight of a softshell.
That color of red on the Practitioner is phenomenal.
Thanks for the video and super comprehensive review! I have the "old" Atom LT and also the first Generation Practitioner AR (same Red Colour which I'm a huge fan of) and have always been curious about the Proton because so many people seem to like it. I've wondered if it would be better for say the backcountry b/c it seems lighter & supposedly very breathable? The Practitioner AR is also my favourite and I wear it for everything - I take it to the backcountry when backpacking, canoeing, climbing, disc golfing, skating, travel and city wear for temps down to ~ -5 to maybe -10C. It's the perfect balance of warmth and breathability in my books (somehow it's warmer AND more breathable than the Atom LT so it covers a wider range of activities and I don't get as sweaty when actually moving)!
Have you any experience with any of the vests?? Any comparisons between the Atom or the Proton vest? Thanks again for your great reviews!
For the practitioner AR, what size are you wearing? And what is your height, weight, pants waist size?
I have tried the medium and large and I am right in between! I'm 5'9 175lb. The fit on the medium is near perfect, except the chest can feel ever so slightly tight. The large is more roomy and comfortable, and will show for a puffy underneath. I could use your input to decide. Thank you!
Does the practioner ar jacket pair well with the atom lt or it one or the other? Cheers
No. They occupy the same role in a layering system. Get something like the Delta jacket to go under the Practitioner AR.
@@VB-3 got it sounds good - I don’t have the practitioner I have the atom… thank you!
How would you compare norrona's neck collar design to arc'teryx? Are they about the same or you prefer one over the other?
Arcteryx by far. Norrona does a really good hoodless collar, but Arcteryx does the best hooded jacket collar in the business. The TNF summit series is probably the best 2nd.
Had a very bad experience with Arcteryx. Their customer care is woeful and I’ll never buy anything from the brand again.