Atomic, a company that has made skis for time immemorial, is about to enter into the highly crowded ski apparel world. We can look forward to wearing three levels: the top-of-the-line Cliffline series, the mid-level Ridgeline series and the lower (and more affordable) Treeline series. We won’t get to see Atomic-branded labels until the 2014/15 ski season, but we recently got our hands on the Cliffline Stormfold Jacket and Cliffline 3L Pants for a sneak peek, and took them on a weekend-long, backcountry skiing yurt adventure in Utah’s Uinta Mountains.
The Atomic Cliffline Stormfold Jacket uses what the company calls “Stormfold technology,” which they say is a radical new approach to layering. The jacket is actually two-in-one, an insulated midlayer covered in Pertex Endurance fabric and filled with Primaloft Silver insulation, and an outer shell made from Pertex Shield+ 2.5L. Features include:
- Sizes: S-XL
- Skiable Midlayer: Pertex Endurance with DWR Treatment, Pertex Equilibrium, Primaloft Silver
- Foldaway Storm Shell: Pertex Shield 2.5+L
- Back pocket for foldaway storm shell
- Thermaflect lining
- Strategic venting
- Fully taped seams
- Recco
- MSRP: $700
The Atomic Cliffline 3L Pant has Pertex Shield+ 3L Stretch and Pertex Equilibrium, which makes them wind resistant, waterproof and breathable. Features include:
- Sizes: S-XL
- Pertex Shield+ 3L Stretch, Pertex Equilibrium
- Removable bib and suspenders
- Snow gaiter with breathable insert
- Fully taped seams
- Recco
- MSRP: $400
My first impression is that Atomic is trying to bring back the early-90s Scott Schmidt onesie look with bright yellow and black-patch highlights. Putting it on, I thought I looked like a resort ambassador at the Canyons. But despite the bumble bee stylings, it was immediately clear that Atomic has focused on quality construction. This makes perfect sense because the apparel was created by the Atomic design team in the Arc’teryx’office, so there’s bound to be some cross-breeding there.
The mid-layer jacket is very resort oriented with goggle wipes, an overabundance of pockets, and a season pass holder. It’s also very warm and has perfectly-fitted hand gaiters with thumb loops that fit easily under gloves and does wonders to keep the cold away from the sleeves. The downside is that it’s not terribly packable and therefore only good as an in-bounds layering piece, not so much for backcountry skiing (or any aerobic winter activity for that matter.)
The outer shell is extremely thin and so light that I was afraid it would tear easily, but I was assured that Pertex is very strong. It has a nice and large hood and ventilation zippers for dumping heat during exertion.
As for the pants, I was impressed from the start. They fit great, are comfortable, and have a flexible bib and suspenders that made everything feel snug.
Up to the Uinta Mountains we went en route to the Castle Peak yurt, where I could give the Cliffline kit a thorough testing. On the skin track, I started out wearing the insulated mid-layer jacket with the pants because the morning was very cold. The outer shell was tucked away in the mid-layer’s pack pocket. This stash is meant to provide quick access to the shell when weather gets nasty fast. While it’s a good idea on paper, it feels gimmicky to me as I doubt most people will use it and instead simply throw the shell in a pack. Also, the small zipper on the back pocket is difficult to find when you are wearing the jacket. On the plus side, having the shell bunched up in my lower back provided some nice cushioning under my heavy pack.
Ten minutes up the trail, I overheated. That mid-layer really is warm. So I took it off and replaced it with the thin shell. I’ll tell you what, that shell is the bomb. It breathes like a champ, blocks the wind, is roomy enough for ample movement, and has these “pit zips” that are more forward on the chest, which allows better airflow and doesn’t put the zipper pulls under your arms which can be uncomfortable. I skinned the entire 6 miles to the yurt with the shell on and never got too cold or too hot – it’s the perfect backcountry touring piece.
As for the pants, I think they are the single greatest thing about the Atomic Cliffline kit. The cut, fit, styling and performance are all top notch. Taped seams, gaiters, and breathable/flexible material are clear advantages, as is the zippered ventilation system on the outer thighs. A mesh webbing keeps snow out while allowing heat to escape. But my favorite part of the 3L pants are the bib and suspenders. I’ve never been a fan of bibs. I always thought they were constrictive, and made my torso feel hot when my heart rate went up. But these bibs are made from a flexible material that wraps snug around the chest while still allowing freedom of movement. A series of snaps encloses it, making it easy to get on or off. Plus, if you don’t want to wear the bib, it zips right off. Also, having the bib section be independent of the pants means that you don’t have to practically undress to use the bathroom.
On the second day of the yurt trip, we explored and skied laps on Castle Peak. The day alternated between cold and cloudy and warm and sunny. I mostly just wore the outer shell when skinning, then threw the mid-layer on over the shell when atop the windy summit and when skiing down. Overall, the mid-layer is water resistant enough that it can easily be used for skiing in harsh, dry conditions – perfect for Utah’s climate. Also, I can’t stress enough how warm the mid-layer is. It kept me comfortable in the yurt as well as outside while chopping wood or building a fire in the sauna. Despite its garish looks, this jacket is really nice.
The Good: Unusual layering system that works, very warm mid-layer with nice hand gaiters and resort-oriented features, lightweight and breathable outer shell is excellent for ski touring, pants are the best I’ve ever worm thanks to removable bib system and ventilation features.
The Bad: On the ugly side of fashion, expensive, mid-layer only good for in-bounds skiing (the entire jacket kit isn’t very versatile.)
Final Word: Atomic’s upper shelf Cliffline Stormfold Jacket system is impressively built, and is all you’ll ever need to wear when skiing in bounds. The 3L pants, however, are useful for just about any winter activity and are the best performing, comfortable and good-looking technical ski pants that have ever graced my chicken legs. Atomic’s first foray into apparel is impressive, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the Ridgeline and Treeline kits have to offer.