Breaking trail, traversing a ridge, transitioning for a descent — backcountry skiing is all about being on the move. Energy output, temperature and weather conditions constantly change, and you need to stay comfortable through it all. That’s why we praise versatile, breathable jackets — like the Arc’teryx Proton Hybrid Hoody
The Proton Hybrid Hoody balances light insulation with weather resistance, breathability and light stretch to create a jacket that meets the demands of ski touring. Light synthetic insulation provides warmth around the core, resists packing out, and allows airflow to regulate comfort. The abrasion-resistant outer fabric has a soft feel that stretches, resists wind and allows temperature-regulating airflow. The result is a lightweight jacket that easily fits under a puffy or waterproof shell and breathes incredibly well when worn as an outer layer. Like the regular Proton Hoody, it’s midlayer that walks the line between uphill versatility and warmth for layering.
During a mid-winter mixed-weather week of hut skiing, I wore the Arc’teryx Hybrid Proton all day, every day while skiing. It was my mid-layer on cold transitions and while skiing downhill and my outer layer when breaking trail or hanging out in the sun.
Lightly Insulated
What makes the Proton Hybrid Hoody so easy to wear all day is its very light insulation and focus on breathability. It’s not a stay-warm-while-you-stand-around jacket. It’s a stay-comfortable-while-you’re-active jacket. It falls somewhere between a shell and puffy that’s well balanced for activities like breaking trail and hiking uphill.
Unlike a more insulated jacket like the Proton, the hybrid edition is only insulated in the core. It’s just enough to cut the chill, block the wind and shed light precipitation on the uptrack while letting your body breathe and regulate its temp so you don’t get too sweaty.
How To Use It
In testing, I found that I could wear the Proton Hybrid Hoody over my base layer all day long in moderate to cold winter temps. It became my go-to mid-layer. At top transitions, I pulled on a down puffy or a waterproof shell, depending on the weather conditions, skied the run, and then stripped back down to the Proton for the next skin track lap. On milder spring ski days, the Proton could easily be the primary jacket you wear on the descent and pack on the uptrack.
It’s a Super Versatile Midlayer for Backcountry Skiing
While the Arcteryx Proton Hybrid Hoody is designed with backcountry skiing in mind, it matches any outdoor activity where a lightweight, breathable mid-layer makes sense. It’s a versatile jacket for anyone living the outdoor adventure life. It won’t replace your puffy jacket, but it will very likely become a go-to layer for moving uphill.
Arc’teryx Proton Hybrid Hoody – $280
365grams / 13 oz – men’s size M
Read More
Down vs. Synthetic Insulation
What’s the Best Mid Layer for Backcountry Skiing
Read our Arcteryx Proton Hoody review
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