Top Benefits of the Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody Reviewed

Finding the right balance of jackets for mountain adventures is a difficult task. A waterproof jacket is an essential item of clothing and a warm down jacket helps when the cold weather bites back. But hiking is active and dynamic with different temperatures, weather and terrains to tackle. A reliable breathable and warm mid-layer jacket prepares you for whatever is thrown at you. For years, I used cheap quarter zip fleeces but needed a better fitting, breathable and weather-resistant upgrade. I was willing to invest in the right choice and my research led me to the Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody.

Introducing: Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody

The Proton Hoody is part of Arc’teryx’s Proton range designed for climbing and high output activities. These products are air-permeable and insulating mid-layers with a toughened and weather-resistant outer. The Arc’teryx Atom Hoody is a very similar model with higher breathability and less abrasion resistance. The Proton Men’s Jacket range used to include the Proton Hoody (Base), Heavyweight (Winter), Hybrid (ski-focused) and Lightweight/LT Hoody (Summer & Spring) variants. However, they streamlined by combining the Base & LT into 1 jacket to create the Proton Hoody. The Proton is ideal as a versatile high-performance jacket for varying conditions and activities. Since purchasing it in 2022, this jacket serves as my go-to outer layer when hiking, climbing or trekking or as a mid-layer when the weather is near freezing under a down-jacket or waterproof hardshell. Unsurprisingly, the Proton features in both of my Ultimate Trekking and Hiking Packing Lists.

Tip: Use the Arc’teryx Jacket Finder to help narrow down the options!

Arc’teryx Proton: Selling Points

Insulation

• The warmth of this jacket is surprising given how thin the insulation feels. An advantage of synthetic insulation over down feathers is the higher warmth when wet. The Proton uses 80g CoreLoft Compact in the body and 60g CoreLoft in the hood as construction. As this is an active jacket, it’s not designed to be super toasty when standing around but when moving, it will keep you from freezing. It adds great warmth as a mid-layer in winter months and as a top layer in warmer conditions which adds to its versatility. The Dope Permeair outer keeps the wind chill factor the a minimum.

Comfort

• The softness of the CoreLoft knit inner insulation is one of my favourite features. The jacket has an athletic fit which suits the high-output activities designed for. There is a good amount of stretch to the fabrics which helps not feel stiff or hold you back when climbing. The inner lining is incredibly comfortable against the skin and does not become annoying when sweating a little. I appreciate the stretch knit cuffs which keep close to the wrist and prevent any cold air or rain from getting in.

Breathability

• The primary job of an active mid-layer is to help manage the body temperature. And this jacket despite being warm has excellent ventilation to prevent overheating. I have used this jacket on steep ascents in gusty winds and when on Via Ferrata treks, and so far it has reliably kept me at a comfortable temperature and protected from the elements. The Dope Permeair outer is effective at letting air ventilate out of the jacket in cool temperatures without the need for armpit vents.

Weather Resistance

• The Proton is not a waterproof jacket but with the DWR coating, it holds up to a shower or light rain. For worse weather, a waterproof shell is required but the impressive water resistance means it performs well in unpredictable spring, summer and autumn conditions. The hood has a draw cord on the rear and can be adjusted to keep the weather out and the warmth in.

Design

• From the first time I tried on the Proton Hoody, I loved the trimmed fit and feel of the jacket. The Phenom Orange colour stands out on the trail and is distinctive in photos. The 2 handwarmer side pockets and chest pockets are high quality and have deep pockets with soft lining. As mentioned, the knit cuffs keep the sleeves close to the body for an athletic look. And on the chest pocket is the Arc’teryx logo with the hood having a small Arc’teryx script written across it. The overall fit is true to size and does not have excess material to worry about.

Robustness

• I was unsure how durable this jacket would be however it has handled weather, scraps with rock faces and trekking with 50L backpacks with ease. As it’s designed for climbing and backcountry, the outer materials have good abrasion resistance and I’ve not had any tears when climbing or hiking. The zips have never stuck and there is no discolouring from the elements.

Arc’teryx Proton: Considerations

Price

• It’s an investment of over £200 for a mid-layer but the versatility of the jacket helps justify it. With Arc’teryx, there is a premium price tag to go but the materials are high quality and will last many years of use. It’s a simple minimalist design for the money but is similarly priced to the competition.

Packability & Weight

This is a lightweight jacket with impressive warmth and ventilation but there are lighter jackets on the market. If having the minimum weight possible, there’s a trade-off for warmth or using down instead of synthetic insulation. The Proton is comparable to the Atom LT Hoody (370g) but is heavier than the Cerium Down Hoody (306g). Even though there is no integrated stuff sack, the Proton LT packs down very well but can’t compete with a down jacket.

Summer Warmth

• Warm in summer conditions – The CoreLoft Compact insulation is very effective and as mentioned has great weather resistance. But once the sun comes out and the weather is above 15°C, the jacket can run warm even with good ventilation.

Kit Ratings

Category	Weighting	Scoring
Warmth	20%	7
Ventilation	20%	8
Comfort	20%	9
Weather Resistance	20%	7
Durability	10%	8
Value & Versatility	10%	7
Overall Score (/10)	7.7	Star Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐

Final Thoughts

The final piece of the jigsaw for my climbing and hiking wardrobe was the Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody. This active insulation jacket is warm, breathable, and has great weather protection to tackle mountain challenges. It joins me on every hike and trek as well as casually around town in shoulder seasons. At first, spending £225 on a mid-layer jacket seemed like a lot however after Canada, Dolomites and Zermatt, the investment has been justified. It’s a minimalist jacket but well designed and manufactured so that it excels at regulating body temperature, weather resistance and comfort. I would highly recommend the Proton LT Hoody over the Atom purely for the added durability and ventilation. If you’re looking for an alternative, my research found the Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody as the next closest with very similar features and specifications but less abrasion resistance than the Proton LT Hoody.

What is our favourite mid-layer jacket? Please share this blog post with fellow backpackers looking for an excellent addition to their kit rooms.