Arc’teryx Proton Hoody – Active Insulation Backcountry Skiing
If you haven’t experienced the modern world of “active insulation,” it’s more than just marketing hype. It refers to an insulated jacket that maintains air permeability. In other words, it’s breathable. The idea behind active insulation is warmth across a broader spectrum of aerobic activity than a more traditional, less breathable jacket can offer.
A jacket’s breathability comes equally from the insulation and the fabric used to make the jacket. The Arc’teryx Proton Hoody is a great example. It’s a light-and-airy insulated jacket that keeps you warm while staying breathable enough to keep you from becoming overheated and sweaty across a wide range of activities. Similar to the Patagonia Nano Air and the Outdoor Research Ascendant, the Arc’teryx Proton Hoody is a great compliment to ski touring in cold temps.
A Lightweight, Breathable Midlayer for Ski Touring
The Arc’teryx Proton hoodie is a midlayer and an outer layer. Basically, it’s low-profile enough to wear under your shell on descents and breathable enough to wear as your outer layer on the uptrack. It blends a soft, air-permeable outer material and lining with breathable synthetic insulation. It’s light, warm and very breathable. It’s also soft with a natural, easy-moving feel.
Adding breathability to a jacket that’s inherently designed to keep you warm may sound contradictory. But for cold temps and active pursuits like ski touring, breathability actually broadens a jacket’s range of use. Rather than changing layers with every uphill-downhill transition (or getting sweaty because your layers don’t breathe well enough), you can wear a jacket like the Proton for the up, down and everything in between.
Skiing in the Proton
Where does the Proton Hoody fit into a quiver of ski touring jackets? It essentially replaces a midlayer like a fleece or lightweight puffy. It bridges midlayer versatility and puffy jacket insulation value. Its breathability extends its comfort zone, especially while moving, without limiting its insulation value while standing around.
While it’s a bit warm for strenuous trail breaking in moderate winter temps, it’s well suited to high alpine touring in cold or windy conditions. I often wear it over my base layer as my uphill setup. When it’s time to descend, I throw on my shell, and off I go.
Conclusion – The Arcteryx Proton Hoody Makes the Packing List Every Time
Fit for the Proton is classic Arc’teryx – athletic and trim. And the quality is high. I’ve been running the Arc’teryx Proton Hoody for multiple seasons. It fits into a week-long hut trip as my primary uphill layer (in addition to my base layer). It can be a bit warm for continuous trail breaking, but it breathes nicely for the effort required on an existing track.
The Proton is my descent layer of choice, regardless of whether I wear it on the skin track. It’s warm enough to keep you comfortable on a sunny lunch stop in modest temps and offers even more warmth when worn under a shell. It does not replace a serious down jacket for basecamp or emergency use, but it simplifies layering.
The Proton Hoody broadens the role of the lightweight, packable puffy by adding breathability and maintaining a light, airy feel with a high level of warmth. If you have not upgraded to active (breathable) insulation, now’s the time.
Check prices and availability of the Arc’teryx Proton Hoody – $350
If you are looking for something even more minimalist, check out the Arc’teryx Proton Hybrid Hoodie. It’s basically a minimalist version of the Proton with less insulation and fewer pockets.
Support us! Offpistemag may earn a small commission from affiliate links when you shop through our links and banners.
