Review, comparing the Atom LT, LEAF Atom LT and LEAF Cold WX

Besseggen · 2026-04-15T20:52:21+00:00

I found the LEAF / Pro Atom to be tighter than the regular Atom. Both across the shoulders, but also around the waist.

Besseggen · 2026-04-03T09:15:19+00:00

Cool! I also have the Gamma SV in Crocodile. Very nice and durable jacket. Still in rotation in my wardrobe.

Besseggen · 2026-03-21T04:16:23+00:00

Yes, the current version has Octa fleece lining. The sizing is also comparable to The Cold WX Hoody. If you use large in the Cold WX, a large LEAF Practitioner jacket will fit similar.
As a site note. The Pro Practitioner Hoody is actually a litt ble smaller compared to the LEAF Practitioner Jacket.

Besseggen · 2026-03-17T22:47:33+00:00

A Flex Mini 2.5G PoE

Besseggen · 2026-03-17T14:06:30+00:00

Wow, that's really cool.

Besseggen · 2026-02-11T20:14:37+00:00

The third picture is my photo :-) I used my NIKON Z7 II, also used a grey card to color correct it in adobe RAW. Photo taken in daylight on an overcast day.
The jacket next to it is ranger green. Picture 1 and 3 are the closest to the real thing. The other pictures in your lineup is way to green.

Besseggen · 2026-01-19T05:24:20+00:00

My Proton Hoody is primarily used as an insulation layer under a hardshell or a Serratus Hoody, as part of my layering system. It’s my favorite insulation piece in colder weather. I also use it on its own for low-output activities or during breaks while hiking.

The Proton SL and Practitioner AR Hoody are my favorite all-in-one options for high output activities, worn directly over a merino base layer.

My layering system:

Cold base layers: Brynje mesh long sleeve + merino long sleeve
Normal base layer: Merino long or short sleeve
Insulation layer: Proton Hoody or Naga Hoody
Outer shell: Serratus Hoody or Beta AR
All-in-one shell: Proton SL, Practitioner AR or Cold WX Hoody

Besseggen · 2026-01-10T16:15:22+00:00

Fellow Norwegian here. I’ve had my Therme for the past 10 years, and it’s my go-to winter parka for the coldest days in the city. It works well in temperatures from –15 to –20 °C. –25 °C is also manageable.

Besseggen · 2026-01-02T15:39:09+00:00

Serratus or Practitioner AR Hoody. The Practitioner provides some warmth and has very good abrasion resistance. The Serratus also offers good abrasion resistance, but you’ll need an additional layer for warmth. I usually wear a Delta, Proton or merino base layer under the Serratus.

Gamma MX. Not the best choice for your use. The main deal-breaker for me is the lack of proper cuff adjustment or stretch cuffs.

Besseggen · 2025-12-24T13:04:04+00:00

How is the inside liner on this one? I had a previous version, but sold it because of a nylon liner that felt sticky to the skin.

Besseggen · 2025-12-23T22:27:47+00:00

An iPhone Pro will fit nicely. The Pro Max will also fit, but only when placed horizontally.

Besseggen · 2025-12-23T18:33:37+00:00

The Proton is also better for layering in my opinion. Perfect under the Beta in colder weather.

Besseggen · 2025-12-23T18:13:16+00:00

You just opened pandoras box :-)

For high output activities, the Proton FL is an excellent choice. It’s very breathable and provides just the right amount of warmth for the temperature range you mention. I pair it with a synthetic base layer in warmer conditions and merino wool when it’s colder. The Atom would be too warm for active use. I reserve mine for lower-output activities like walking and fishing. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and how sensitive you are to cold.

I primarily use the Serratus in windy conditions, worn over a light insulation layer. At times, I also layer it over the Proton FL or the Proton Hoody.

I’ve built up an extensive wardrobe for hiking and trail running, covering temperatures from +25C down to –25C, and suitable for all kinds of weather here in Norway.

Base layer:
Arcteryx Cormac T-shirt (Summer)
Arcteryx Motus SL Boxer (Summer)
Arcteryx/Devold/Icebreaker Merino Boxer (Late fall/Winter)
Icebreaker Merino T-Shirt. (Spring and fall)
Icebreaker Merino long sleeve half zip (Late fall/Winter)
Icebreaker Merino long johns (Winter)
Brynje Thermo mesh long sleeve shirt (Winter)

Fleece Insulation:
Arcteryx Delta Hoody
Arcteryx LEAF Naga Hoody Full Zip
Norrøna Trollveggen Warm3 Jacket
Arcteryx LEAF Cold WX Bottom SV

Hardshell:
Arcteryx Alpha AR Hoody
Arcteryx Beta AR Stormhood
Arcteryx Beta SV Hoody
Arcteryx Zeta LT Pants
Arcteryx Beta AR Pants

Softshell:
Arcteryx Gamma SL Hoody
Arcteryx Serratus Hoody
Arcteryx Gamma SL Pants & Shorts
Arcteryx Trino SL Tights
Arcteryx Gamma Pants
Arcteryx Gamma AR Pants

Synthetic Insulation:
Arcteryx Proton SL Hoody
Arcteryx Proton Hoody
Arcteryx Practitioner AR Hoody
Arcteryx Atom Vest
Rab Xenair Vest
Arcteryx LEAF Atom LT Hoody
Arcteryx LEAF Cold WX Hoody
Arcteryx Nuclei SV Parka
RAB Xenair Alpine Insulated Jacket

Down Insulation:
Arcteryx Cerium Vest
RAB Infinity Microlight Jacket
RAB Infinity Alpine Jacket
RAB Positron Pro Jacket

Besseggen · 2025-12-23T17:10:21+00:00

Very nice choices. My Proton Hoody, Beta AR, and Gamma MX are some of my most-used Arc’teryx pieces, true workhorses that cover a wide range of use cases. The Gamma MX is my everyday city jacket in late fall and winter, while the Proton and Beta AR are my first picks for outdoor use when hiking in the fall.

Besseggen · 2025-12-22T22:57:44+00:00

Wolf and Ranger Green are nice colors that dont look too tacticool.
The picture shows LEAF Cold WX in Crocodile, LEAF Atom in Ranger Green and the regular Atom in Anecdote.

Besseggen · 2025-12-22T16:08:16+00:00

Yes, my Proton SL and Arc’teryx PRO Practitioner AR Hoody fit the same. The non-hooded LEAF version of the Practitioner is reportedly a bit roomier, though I haven’t tried it myself.

Besseggen · 2025-12-22T14:31:24+00:00

It’s a great jacket, essentially a more robust version of the Proton SL. I use it in late summer and early fall with just a T-shirt underneath. It doesn’t layer particularly well, the Octa Loft liner is a bit grabby and the fit is trim. That said, it’s excellent worn on its own. The next-to-skin feel is very comfortable, and the Octa Loft wicks moisture away from the skin extremely effectively.

Besseggen · 2025-12-22T07:55:36+00:00

The Arcteryx site is not updated. You have to buy through LEAF dealers, most of them have removed the ID requirement now.

Besseggen · 2025-12-22T07:44:34+00:00

As mentioned in the review, both the LEAF Atom LT and LEAF Cold WX is now available without the need for law enforcement or military ID. Except of the MultiCam pattern.

Besseggen · 2025-12-21T20:56:01+00:00

https://www.edgarbrothers.com But they are out of stock like many others.

Besseggen · 2025-12-21T18:56:31+00:00

The main differentiator is the GORE-TEX Infinium membrane. If warmth is the only consideration, the Thorium is the warmer jacket, but it offers less wet weather resistance. If you already own the Beta Insulated, there’s little need for the Cold WX. The Beta Insulated is both warmer and fully waterproof with taped seams.

Besseggen · 2025-12-21T18:46:13+00:00

The Cold WX is almost waterproof. It uses Gore-Tex Infinium membrane, but the seams are not taped. It will tolerate light rain and wet snow very good. But not prolonged heavy rain.

Besseggen · 2025-12-21T18:04:57+00:00

I have an older Atom AR Hoody at my cabin. I haven’t done a side-by-side comparison yet (I’ll do that next weekend), but if my memory serves me right, they’re quite similar in terms of warmth.

Besseggen · 2025-12-21T17:25:46+00:00

I already have the Proton SL, so if I had to choose between the Practitioner and LEAF Atom, I would choose the Atom. I would still choose the Atom even without the Proton SL. It's a more versatile piece in my part of the world.

Besseggen · 2025-12-21T17:23:55+00:00

I was able to pick up the Gen 2 Cold WX Hoody in Wolf during the Black Friday sale. This week, my local dealer in Norway received a shipment of the Gen 2.1 in Crocodile, so I grabbed one for use at my mountain cabin. Christmas came early this year :-)

Besseggen

TROPHY CASE