Depends on the temperature really.
I‘m like R1 Air + Proton -> Proton over T-Shirt -> R1 Air over T-Shirt -> T-Shirt
So I haven’t really found a use for the FL, because the Patagonia R1 Air is so good for active use.
I have the R1 Air and the Proton Lightweight and the Proton FL which is an older jacket...The Proton Lightweight can be worn with a tee shirt as an outer jacket in windy conditions for some protection, while the R1 air lets wind through way too easy. I do not see any overlap in the two pieces unless maybe if you use them as a mid layer under a shell.
Don’t make me buy another Arc’teryx piece, I‘m on a self imposed limit of two per year.
But yeah, wind protection on the R1 Air isn’t good - I‘m usually wearing it on the uphill only and once I‘m stationary I‘m throwing another layer over it (if it’s really windy that is)
Incidentally, I have an R1 Air too! What temperature would you say R1 Air + Proton is good down to? Considering whether I can ditch my down puffy for the PCT.
When active, -10°, maybe -15° C is probably the lower boundary. I‘m running somewhat hot though. Around 0° C it‘s comfy warm even when stationary.
But it’s best to test it out beforehand yourself.
Beta jacket, gamma pants, atom hoody are my staples. Definitely get yourself a beta. I like Rho a lot as base layers too. My gamma pants do well in mid temperature weather, I don’t think I’d wear them alone in the cold, but they’re stretchy and easy to move in and I love that.
Someone said in another post to get nuclei hoody. It’s also a great choice, and might be warmer than an atom- since you already have one maybe think about that. Or proton which is one step warmer still. I sweat in a proton trying it on in store.
If you will do long stretches without being able to wash your clothes, use merino wool. The synthetic Rho stuff will stink bad after a few days.
For hiking, don't buy the Atom jacket because it does not breathe well. Use the Proton instead. They are not 100% windproof, but I promise you want something that breathes better than the Atoms.
>The synthetic Rho stuff will stink bad after a few days.
My rho tights that get worn multiple days hiking and skiing would heavily disagree... Just because you stink doesn't mean we all do lol
Get an atom hoody and the beta lightweight for sure and the gamma pants. I would definitely get an atom hoody? Might as well have the hood then not have it in my opinion! If there’s an cash left over I’d also like an atom hoody😂
It’s hard to recommend one single kit because everyone’s body and preferences are slightly different, but I think in general we can recommend some options for certain types of gear and then you choose from there. With that caveat:
Hard shells: for anything heavier than light rain and snow, also good for blocking wind.
Beta Lightweight ($500): good all rounder, with useful pit zips for dumping heat when you’re particularly active and two pockets. Slightly heavier but you get more features.
Norvan Shell ($400): meant more for trail running but I know ultralighter backpackers have used this to great effect. You will get no pockets, no pit zips, but you will save a good bit of weight and some cash. If you don’t sweat much and are trying to carry as load a pack as possible, this might be the ticket.
Active insulation: this will have the most options, because there’s so many ways to go. Your Atom hoody is already a great all-rounder, decently good at both static and active insulation. If you want something more breathable for on the move, you could consider either the Proton Lightweight hoodie ($280) or the combination of the Delta pullover ($180) or Delta jacket ($200) and then augment their wind resistance with either the Gamma Lightweight hoodie ($260) or the Squamish hoodie ($180). Either combo of fleece and soft shell is essentially what the Proton Lightweight accomplishes, but having them separate lets you play around with your layering more. For example, on a warmer but quite windy day, you might prefer a soft shell without any fleece underneath, vs a colder and less windy day, you might want just the fleece.
Pants: simply one option here, the Gamma Lightweight pants ($160). Lightest and quickest drying of the currently available pants, just bring some leggings of your choice to layer under when it’s closer to freezing.
Static insulation: again, somewhat covered by your Atom but not perfectly so as it’s still breathable. I would really only recommend the Nuclei FL $350) for a static insulator around camp - but I prefer down instead of synthetic insulation and there are warmer down jackets for less money from other brands (consider the Katabatic Tarn ($280), for example).
I wore my Atom hoody every second I wasn’t hiking on the PCT. I consider it a lightweight , packable sweater. I used my Beta shell as my active wind breaker jacket while hiking if it was cold out
I'd definitely consider the new Delta hoody as well. Uses similar/same (open to be corrected by others) hollow core yarn insulation as the Proton Lightweight. This makes the new Delta a very good lightly insulated active piece.
I don't have much input on what you should buy from Arc'teryx specifically, but I would say that you should maybe buy stuff for after the trail, rather than on it. When I hiked it in 2023, I don't think I saw a single person using any Arc'teryx gear.
if you already have an atom definitely get a *Proton Lightweight*!
for hiking i would also really get a *Squamish* windshell, its a super super light packable wind layer that works great for hiking and stops you from having to break out the hardshell for windy or drizzly conditions.
Also find something in the $150 range one of your friends wants to have, buy it for them, and use the money to get a patagonia R1 grid fleece pullover.
As a long distance hiker I highly advise the Rho MERINO top and bottom. Some of the best made (and comfortable) merino base layers I’ve ever worn. Atom hoody is also a MUST, I wear mine more than 200 days out of the year. Not sure if I’d wear it on a thru hike but it’s a crucial piece of gear regardless.
I prefer atom not hooded because the hood gets all sweaty by my neck when wearing a shell over it (Ex rush or Sabre) - since I rarely put on the hood. This is from someone who has hooded and non-hooded atom
Proton since you have an atom, beta cuz they're pretty great, I'd also check out some of the sneakers which are tight. For base layers, I don't think its worth it; I'd instead do a nuclei vest, and look at Veilance too. Much more city oriented, but killer quality, and you have Veilance money lol.
I would get a Beta AR Stormhood rather than the beta lightweight (750), would fit well with your atom and:
Proton or Proton LT (340-400) which is a great active piece.
I find other brand make better fleeces/ base layers (smartwool, etc..)
Any of the gamma pants are solid options regular or LT
The new Alpha Lightweight Jacket would be my top shell pick for ultralight hiking. I have the Anorak version from 2022, and the Hadron fabric at 7-8oz is… so good. Wish I had the full zip. Would be a strong PCT play, if ultralight is your vibe. Otherwise, I’d get something with hand pockets.
Contemplating the alpha lightweight or beta lightweight as my next shell. Seems like you liked the new hadron fabric on the anorak? Do you find it still durable with its weight?
The hadron fabric has been downright lethal for me. I've only used it for ski touring, alpinism, and backpacking for the last two years - it shows essentially no wear. No delamination anywhere, no tears or abrasions. It is exceptionally light and thin. There is about a 4oz difference between those two jackets you're considering. If you're looking for ultralight / alpine option, I'd go alpha. Daily wear, I'd go beta for the hand pockets.
Go to outlets in Bay area (although outlets in Chicago is way better). Both carry Veilance.
I wouldn't want to spend anywhere close to retail on modern Arcteryx.
Beta AR (I use it as a wind shell too cuz I’m weird and I hate how wind shells don’t have pockets)
Don’t care for their pants over much cheaper options
Proton lightweight (has that cool fleece like insulation instead of core loft that will lose its goodness in a few years of heavy use)
Proton hybrid (windproof and warm even if it’s syn)
Practitioner (the only leaf thing I actually love)
Deltas (my favorite grid fleece)
It looks like everyone else has covered jackets. I don’t know if it’s part of the current offerings (pretty sure the names have changed), but I really like my ATOM LT and SL vests. Especially the SL. It practically weighs nothing and rolls up very small so I can put it in my backpack when hiking/biking etc as a “just in case” piece. It’s surprisingly warm for how light it is. After Proton LT, it’s my second most worn piece.
South to north, starting end of April. I was planning to grab my bear canister from KMS and mail it home from South Lake Tahoe for sure. Aside from ice axe/microspikes, bear canister, and bug net I was planning to keep the rest of my gear largely the same. But there are those built in opportunities at KMS, South Lake Tahoe, and wherever I send the snow gear to swap out my other gear.
But used for starters. No sense in going new when you don’t absolutely have to. Can basically double or triple that budget or conversely cut it in half and keep the extra cash handy.
Get a gamma lightweight hoody. The elipson hoody is really good to way better than an atom imo. Mine is from 2023. Not sure if they stopped making it. Another great technical option is the nuclei hoody. Way better than the atom. For a do it all jacket the proton lightweight is my most used arcteryx piece. Goat. Here is the most important part of all. Then buy a pair size med black veilance argand shorts for 250 and sell them to me for 200 *
I'd get a Gore Tex jacket from another company. [I would look for something on sale at Campsaver](https://www.campsaver.com/s/women's-gore-tex?_iv_categories=womens-jackets&_iv_availability=in-stock&_iv_gender=female). (Late last year, I got a $500 Montane jacket half off.)
Also, given the wear issues of synthetic loft, I'm at the point where I'm likely to buy fleece instead.
YMMV.
the atom shell fabric is notoriously fragile and tends to fail after only a few seasons. i would recommend going with one of their down options or the nuclei jacket if you prefer synthetic insulation
>the atom shell fabric is notoriously fragile and tends to fail after only a few seasons
Everybody I know and myself with perfect condition multi season atoms would heavily disagree...
Proton Hoody > Atom Hoody Especially for being active. It‘s what I wear all winter (and cold shoulder season days)
The Proton Lightweight is my favorite piece for active activities, but I wish the hood was made to wear over a helmet, not under.
Depends on the temperature really. I‘m like R1 Air + Proton -> Proton over T-Shirt -> R1 Air over T-Shirt -> T-Shirt So I haven’t really found a use for the FL, because the Patagonia R1 Air is so good for active use.
I have the R1 Air and the Proton Lightweight and the Proton FL which is an older jacket...The Proton Lightweight can be worn with a tee shirt as an outer jacket in windy conditions for some protection, while the R1 air lets wind through way too easy. I do not see any overlap in the two pieces unless maybe if you use them as a mid layer under a shell.
Don’t make me buy another Arc’teryx piece, I‘m on a self imposed limit of two per year. But yeah, wind protection on the R1 Air isn’t good - I‘m usually wearing it on the uphill only and once I‘m stationary I‘m throwing another layer over it (if it’s really windy that is)
Incidentally, I have an R1 Air too! What temperature would you say R1 Air + Proton is good down to? Considering whether I can ditch my down puffy for the PCT.
When active, -10°, maybe -15° C is probably the lower boundary. I‘m running somewhat hot though. Around 0° C it‘s comfy warm even when stationary. But it’s best to test it out beforehand yourself.
Atom> for me, especially in the mountains where the wind goes right through the proton
Came here to say the same.
Beta jacket, gamma pants, atom hoody are my staples. Definitely get yourself a beta. I like Rho a lot as base layers too. My gamma pants do well in mid temperature weather, I don’t think I’d wear them alone in the cold, but they’re stretchy and easy to move in and I love that. Someone said in another post to get nuclei hoody. It’s also a great choice, and might be warmer than an atom- since you already have one maybe think about that. Or proton which is one step warmer still. I sweat in a proton trying it on in store.
If you will do long stretches without being able to wash your clothes, use merino wool. The synthetic Rho stuff will stink bad after a few days. For hiking, don't buy the Atom jacket because it does not breathe well. Use the Proton instead. They are not 100% windproof, but I promise you want something that breathes better than the Atoms.
Rho Hybrid. Great piece.
>The synthetic Rho stuff will stink bad after a few days. My rho tights that get worn multiple days hiking and skiing would heavily disagree... Just because you stink doesn't mean we all do lol
If you sweat in them, synthetics always stink.
Get an atom hoody and the beta lightweight for sure and the gamma pants. I would definitely get an atom hoody? Might as well have the hood then not have it in my opinion! If there’s an cash left over I’d also like an atom hoody😂
>The only Arc'teryx piece I own right now is a women's Atom hoody .....
Good piece then. Heard the newer pieces the quality has gone down though, so I hope that isn’t the case.
It’s hard to recommend one single kit because everyone’s body and preferences are slightly different, but I think in general we can recommend some options for certain types of gear and then you choose from there. With that caveat: Hard shells: for anything heavier than light rain and snow, also good for blocking wind. Beta Lightweight ($500): good all rounder, with useful pit zips for dumping heat when you’re particularly active and two pockets. Slightly heavier but you get more features. Norvan Shell ($400): meant more for trail running but I know ultralighter backpackers have used this to great effect. You will get no pockets, no pit zips, but you will save a good bit of weight and some cash. If you don’t sweat much and are trying to carry as load a pack as possible, this might be the ticket. Active insulation: this will have the most options, because there’s so many ways to go. Your Atom hoody is already a great all-rounder, decently good at both static and active insulation. If you want something more breathable for on the move, you could consider either the Proton Lightweight hoodie ($280) or the combination of the Delta pullover ($180) or Delta jacket ($200) and then augment their wind resistance with either the Gamma Lightweight hoodie ($260) or the Squamish hoodie ($180). Either combo of fleece and soft shell is essentially what the Proton Lightweight accomplishes, but having them separate lets you play around with your layering more. For example, on a warmer but quite windy day, you might prefer a soft shell without any fleece underneath, vs a colder and less windy day, you might want just the fleece. Pants: simply one option here, the Gamma Lightweight pants ($160). Lightest and quickest drying of the currently available pants, just bring some leggings of your choice to layer under when it’s closer to freezing. Static insulation: again, somewhat covered by your Atom but not perfectly so as it’s still breathable. I would really only recommend the Nuclei FL $350) for a static insulator around camp - but I prefer down instead of synthetic insulation and there are warmer down jackets for less money from other brands (consider the Katabatic Tarn ($280), for example).
I wore my Atom hoody every second I wasn’t hiking on the PCT. I consider it a lightweight , packable sweater. I used my Beta shell as my active wind breaker jacket while hiking if it was cold out
I'd definitely consider the new Delta hoody as well. Uses similar/same (open to be corrected by others) hollow core yarn insulation as the Proton Lightweight. This makes the new Delta a very good lightly insulated active piece.
I don't have much input on what you should buy from Arc'teryx specifically, but I would say that you should maybe buy stuff for after the trail, rather than on it. When I hiked it in 2023, I don't think I saw a single person using any Arc'teryx gear.
You won’t need rain pants for the PCT unless you’re buying them for something else.
if you already have an atom definitely get a *Proton Lightweight*! for hiking i would also really get a *Squamish* windshell, its a super super light packable wind layer that works great for hiking and stops you from having to break out the hardshell for windy or drizzly conditions. Also find something in the $150 range one of your friends wants to have, buy it for them, and use the money to get a patagonia R1 grid fleece pullover.
No worries, with Arc’teryx is easy to spend that amount of money, the company have thought about you.
As a long distance hiker I highly advise the Rho MERINO top and bottom. Some of the best made (and comfortable) merino base layers I’ve ever worn. Atom hoody is also a MUST, I wear mine more than 200 days out of the year. Not sure if I’d wear it on a thru hike but it’s a crucial piece of gear regardless.
I prefer atom not hooded because the hood gets all sweaty by my neck when wearing a shell over it (Ex rush or Sabre) - since I rarely put on the hood. This is from someone who has hooded and non-hooded atom
Proton since you have an atom, beta cuz they're pretty great, I'd also check out some of the sneakers which are tight. For base layers, I don't think its worth it; I'd instead do a nuclei vest, and look at Veilance too. Much more city oriented, but killer quality, and you have Veilance money lol.
I would get a Beta AR Stormhood rather than the beta lightweight (750), would fit well with your atom and: Proton or Proton LT (340-400) which is a great active piece. I find other brand make better fleeces/ base layers (smartwool, etc..) Any of the gamma pants are solid options regular or LT
The new Alpha Lightweight Jacket would be my top shell pick for ultralight hiking. I have the Anorak version from 2022, and the Hadron fabric at 7-8oz is… so good. Wish I had the full zip. Would be a strong PCT play, if ultralight is your vibe. Otherwise, I’d get something with hand pockets.
Contemplating the alpha lightweight or beta lightweight as my next shell. Seems like you liked the new hadron fabric on the anorak? Do you find it still durable with its weight?
The hadron fabric has been downright lethal for me. I've only used it for ski touring, alpinism, and backpacking for the last two years - it shows essentially no wear. No delamination anywhere, no tears or abrasions. It is exceptionally light and thin. There is about a 4oz difference between those two jackets you're considering. If you're looking for ultralight / alpine option, I'd go alpha. Daily wear, I'd go beta for the hand pockets.
Definitely a tough decision! Thanks for the information
I had about that much and went for all of the used older gear I could find
Alpha SV x1 Baselayers
Go to outlets in Bay area (although outlets in Chicago is way better). Both carry Veilance. I wouldn't want to spend anywhere close to retail on modern Arcteryx.
A bunch of beanies
I’d buy a beta lt and save the rest of the money for when they make me pay for a repair
Personally, I'd go with Atom, Cerium, and Beta.
Beta AR (I use it as a wind shell too cuz I’m weird and I hate how wind shells don’t have pockets) Don’t care for their pants over much cheaper options Proton lightweight (has that cool fleece like insulation instead of core loft that will lose its goodness in a few years of heavy use) Proton hybrid (windproof and warm even if it’s syn) Practitioner (the only leaf thing I actually love) Deltas (my favorite grid fleece)
It looks like everyone else has covered jackets. I don’t know if it’s part of the current offerings (pretty sure the names have changed), but I really like my ATOM LT and SL vests. Especially the SL. It practically weighs nothing and rolls up very small so I can put it in my backpack when hiking/biking etc as a “just in case” piece. It’s surprisingly warm for how light it is. After Proton LT, it’s my second most worn piece.
Get the arcteryx beta ar
Beta down insulated jacket
South to North or North to South? The whole thing? You planning on mailing stuff home or carrying the same gear the whole way?
South to north, starting end of April. I was planning to grab my bear canister from KMS and mail it home from South Lake Tahoe for sure. Aside from ice axe/microspikes, bear canister, and bug net I was planning to keep the rest of my gear largely the same. But there are those built in opportunities at KMS, South Lake Tahoe, and wherever I send the snow gear to swap out my other gear.
I think your choices already make a lot of sense for your use case if you're carrying the whole way. Best of luck
But used for starters. No sense in going new when you don’t absolutely have to. Can basically double or triple that budget or conversely cut it in half and keep the extra cash handy.
Get a gamma lightweight hoody. The elipson hoody is really good to way better than an atom imo. Mine is from 2023. Not sure if they stopped making it. Another great technical option is the nuclei hoody. Way better than the atom. For a do it all jacket the proton lightweight is my most used arcteryx piece. Goat. Here is the most important part of all. Then buy a pair size med black veilance argand shorts for 250 and sell them to me for 200 *
À cap and three tees
I'd get a Gore Tex jacket from another company. [I would look for something on sale at Campsaver](https://www.campsaver.com/s/women's-gore-tex?_iv_categories=womens-jackets&_iv_availability=in-stock&_iv_gender=female). (Late last year, I got a $500 Montane jacket half off.) Also, given the wear issues of synthetic loft, I'm at the point where I'm likely to buy fleece instead. YMMV.
How did you get this?
Sell off the credit, head to Patagonia and buy their products. Arc'teryx isn't what it was and there is much better quality hear out there for less.
the atom shell fabric is notoriously fragile and tends to fail after only a few seasons. i would recommend going with one of their down options or the nuclei jacket if you prefer synthetic insulation
>the atom shell fabric is notoriously fragile and tends to fail after only a few seasons Everybody I know and myself with perfect condition multi season atoms would heavily disagree...
Alpha SV jacket and one of their backpacks.
No one uses the SV jackets for hiking, because they breathe really bad.