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    • Arc'teryx Nuclei FL Jacket

    Arc'teryx Nuclei FL Jacket

    Backcountry Skiing Canada Gear of the YearThe Nuclei FL jacket's warmth-to-weight ratio, and its ability to keep you toasty when wet, are benefits befitting our Gear of the Year designation. It also works year-round in all kinds of weather. Big jacket with a small name!

    The Backcountry Skiing Canada Team.


    We are always happy to share our near-evangelical enthusiasm for Arc'teryx apparel and gear. The new Arc'teryx Nuclei FL jacket is another in a long line of well made, highly functional, intelligently featured insulation pieces. I've enjoyed it across three seasons and I'm keen to share my impressions with you here.

    We have been reviewing Arc'teryx items for more than a decade. In fact our first apparel review featured the Arc'teryx Theta SV bibs. If you are curious and want to see more of our reviews from Arc'teryx over the years, the Arc'teryx Rush LT Jacket and Pants, Arc'teryx Alpha IS Jacket, and Arc'teryx Procline Hybrid Hoody and Procline FL Pants are fine examples.
    Arc'teryx Nuclei FL Jacket

    Here, below, is a little video from Arc'teryx showcasing some of the Nuclei FL features. Take a look then click on the orange bar below the video to read the full review.

    SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEOS

    The new and improved Nuclei FL jacket is positioned as a climbing jacket or for, more specifically, "alpine travel’s static phases"—in other words, when you are standing or sitting still. I've had the Nuclei for the late fall and winter seasons. Because it weighs in at 325g only, it gets chucked in my pack for lunch breaks, long and cold transitions or if the shit should hit the proverbial fan. It accompanies the Arc'teryx Proton LT as a mid/uptrack layer and the Arc'teryx Rush LT jacket and Pants on the outside. This works for me really well here in the Kootenays as a complete, all-conditions ski touring system.

    Arc'teryx-Nuclei-FL-Jacket

    This is a size large and, though I often go for the medium, this works well as a layer to put over all the others you might have on. I am about 6'2" and weigh 178lbs, FYI. To keep the weight down on the Nuclei, there are few bells and whistles. See for yourself with the front and back photos below. 

    Arc'teryx-Nuclei-FL-Jacket
    Arc'teryx-Nuclei-FL-Jacket

    The hood is helmet compatible but not super big and floppy like it can get on some hardshells. It's elasticized around your face and features a single drawcord at the back to cinch up if you need to. Note the seams in the bottom photo here—three of them perfectly placed to cradle your noggin. It's very comfortable if you are running a ball cap or toque. 

    Arc'teryx-Nuclei-FL-Jacket
    Arc'teryx-Nuclei-FL-Jacket
    Arc'teryx-Nuclei-FL-Jacket

    Here, in the open kimono shot, you can see the simplicity of the Nuclei FL at work. No little zip-up pocket for your iPhone; just two giant dump pockets suitable for gloves, skins or what-have-you. I am constantly rotating gloves/mitts and keep the ones I am not using next to my body to get warm and dry. The Nuclei FL inside pockets are perfect for this. 

    Arc'teryx-Nuclei-FL-Jacket

    Simple, elasticized piping around sleeves. It's the same material as what is used around the hood opening. Not too much, not too little.

    Arc'teryx-Nuclei-FL-Jacket

    Simple hem adjuster that tucks up under the jacket's hem when not in use. Note the zip-up hand warmer pockets (one to port and one to starboard). Like the internal dump pockets, these are voluminous, and they zip up to protect your valuables. 

    Arc'teryx-Nuclei-FL-Jacket

    The Arato 10D nylon ripstop face fabric is entirely windproof and remarkably low weight. In the right light, you can see the Coreloft fabric (Arc'teryx's own) underneath. I really like this fabric. Lightweight, cozy, and still warm when wet. 

    Arc'teryx-Nuclei-FL-Jacket

    Curious about Coreloft? — let the guy whose name I can't make-out tell you all about it. 

    Features:

    • Adjustable StormHood™ with soft brim gives added protection when needed
    • Two hand pockets with zippers
    • Two internal dump pockets
    • Coreloft™ synthetic insulation provides warmth with minimal weight and bulk
    • Articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility
    • Gusseted underarms for mobility and comfort
    • Adjustable harness compatible hem

    Verdict:

    The Nuclei FL has been my trusted companion on several overnight backpacking trips, many many day-long ski tours and two hut trips. I like it. I like it a lot. I have a down jacket but that seems like overkill here in the Kootenays because our winters are comparatively mild. One day that it was particularly cold, I tried the Nuclei FL as a mid layer on the uptrack and it got too hot—no surprise there. I don't run particularly hot and I always warm up when ascending.

    This jacket works as advertised. It's best when you are at rest (or on your way to the brew pub). It has held up very well for the few months I've had it. As I posit in the CONS below, it might tear if you catch a branch. I haven't tried this experiment and the same goes for any light-weight jacket: down, synthetic or whatever.

    The other advantage of the Nuclei is the warm-when-wet characteristic of Arc'teryx's proprietary Coreloft fabric. On wet days, I have tested this claim and can verify its validity. I haven't been in a total wet-out situation (largely because I pair the Nuclei FL with a GoreTex overlayer) but it's good to know. Like many bits of gear, the "there-when-you-need-it" aspect brings a lot of comfort to my adventures. 

    PROS:

    • Cool colours
    • Packs down small
    • Super light
    • Outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio

    CONS:

    • Spendy
    • It'd tear if you hook a branch

    SPECS:

    Price: $350CAN / $299US
    Colours: ​​​​​Paradigm, Nucleus. Dynasty, Cinder
    Sizes: XS - XXL
    Weight: 325 g / 11.5 oz

    RATING: 9/10

    Fit:              2/2
    Packability   2/2
    Warmth:       1.5/2
    Features:      2/2
    Quality/Price 1.5/2

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    Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. You'll need to login or register before you can comment but it only takes a few seconds, then you're good to go.

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