Spring and Fall are my favorite times of the year to take a long walk through the woods. I always seem to find myself putting on the Arc’teryx Proton Lightweight Jacket as I walk out the door. The name has changed recently, as it was known before as the Proton FL. The jacket was updated around two years ago when Arc’teryx started using the Octa Loft knit insulation lining on the inside of the jacket. This was a great improvement.


The Proton Lightweight Hoody has quickly become one of my favorite pieces for the Spring and Fall. All of the Proton jackets are designed for use in high output activities, as they are very breathable and versatile. This makes them perfect for hiking, and many other mountain/outdoor activities. The jacket is very soft and comfortable. And, the Octa Loft knit insulation adds warmth, while wicking moisture away from your body, and allowing plenty of breathability. The insulation is silky silky soft, and it is throughout the entire jacket, including the hood and sleeves.

The outer fabric is made from Fortius Air 20 , which is abrasion resistant, and helps to block some wind. Since it is very breathable, you can feel some cool air through it. If it is very windy, you may want to think about wearing a softshell over it, such as the Arc’teryx Gamma Lightweight,

This fabric helps the jacket to kind of self regulate temperature. It allows hot, humid air out, while allowing some cooler air in. All this helps with keeping you comfortable. For really high output activities, this jacket can be worn in colder conditions. But for me, on my casual hikes, this jacket is perfect for Spring and Fall when the temperatures are between 45F and 60F. If I need a light layer under it, I could wear a light weight fleece.


The hood fits great. It has a single pull chord adjustment on the back. While it is not a helmet compatible hood, there is a bit of room if needed. But what I really like about the hood, is the Octa Loft knit insulation lining inside that adds a bit of warmth. The older version of this jacket did not have any sort of insulation inside, it was just the lightweight outer fabric.
The Arc’teryx Proton Lightweight Hoody also has two nice hand pockets that feel great. There is also a nice zippered outer chest pocket, and a pull chord adjustment on the bottom hem that can help to keep cold air out.
The older name of this jacket was the Proton FL. The FL stood for Fast and Light, which basically means that the jacket was designed to be simple, lightweight and ready to go. It is exactly that, ready to move when you are.
This jacket is really great for my hikes through the woods. I enjoy wildlife photography, taking pictures of birds, butterflies, and many other animals that I may encounter. I bought this jacket in a color called ‘Conifer’, which is a darker green, so that I could “blend into” the landscape better while observing all the wildlife around me. It has been a perfect jacket for me. I also coach volleyball in the Spring and Fall, and this jacket is perfect to wear to and from practices. In the winter when the weather is colder, I use the Proton LT.
I have a video on my YouTube Channel about the Proton FL. It compares the older version to the newer version. You can see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to95bQr2EO8 I also mention it in a few other videos where I talk about some of my favorite and my most worn jackets. For more information about jackets and other outdoor apparel, check out my website: https://meandmyjackets.com/
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