Inside Look: Arc'teryx Nuclei FL

[@thdjjfsfh]

I have the older (2016) version, I also notice that the sleeve length is longer than my other Arc'teryx stuff. It makes a great summer and shoulder seasons summit piece or a warm-up piece for xc-skiing. I layer it with the Atom SL. It looks like they made some modification e.g. drop pockets and shorten the sleeve and length.

[@trekitt]

The Nuclei is indeed a tuly versatile jacket, and the recent mods have really improved it!

[@realblackbetty2204]

This is super warm, I love it. when it gets super cold and im stationary, I wear the atom lt under it and its perfect.

[@kevinbungles]

Nice and another good well presented review

[@trekitt]

Glad you liked it!

[@Anakena3]

great review! was considering also for city use/ motocycle as an inner layer...

[@bazmanj]

Great vid as always. Hope you're all ok down in Hereford. Looking forward to finally getting down for a visit when things improve.

[@trekitt]

Hi Barry, thanks for your comments. We are all safe and well in Hereford and looking forward to getting the shop open again once all this madness is over. We are still managing to operate the online business. Paul.

[@Dylan-dm8oz]

Just ordered mine in black 🙌🏽

[@trekitt]

Hi Dylan, thanks for the order, I'm sure you're going to love it. Paul

[@NewAdventuresChannel]

Thanks for the good review

[@trekitt]

You're welcome. Harry

[@peterw3474]

My atom sl will keep the wind off but still allow me to dump lots of heat when working hard in the Arenigs etc. I'm also fine with using it to keep light rain off without overheating. I run warm! This piece, for me and the way I do my walks, looks like a piece for much colder weather, more like a montane prism alternative. I'm sure it would be great in light rain as well as when it's cold enough for the ground to be snowy / frosty (again, I run warm, everyone is different!) Of course it is a lovely and well designed thing, it's made by Arc'teryx! :)

[@trekitt]

Hi Peter. You're absolutely right, the Nuclei works best in really cold conditions. I too use, and love, an Atom LT, but I was really surprised at how much lighter and more packable the Nuclei is. Paul.

[@andrewyi6671]

I wish this had a 2 way zip. It'd be a perfect light synthetic belay jacket then

[@trekitt]

That's a good point, but I think that Arcteryx were totally focused on pack size and weight with the Nuclei.Paul.

[@tristanasT]

Nice review! Thanks

[@carsten927]

Looks very light!

[@trekitt]

It is! Paul.

[@stevemcgee99]

Excellent review.

[@trekitt]

Thanks for watching!

[@grahamriley8124]

As I understand it Coreloft Continuous is actually Climashield Apex.

[@trekitt]

Graham, I can neither confirm nor deny that Coreloft Continuous is Climashield Apex. However, one must assume that Arcteryx buy their insulating material from a specialist manufacturer and it would therefore be reasonable to make the connection. Paul.

[@grijalba214]

Thanks Paul once again for these reviews. I've got an Atom LT, Which are the main differences between these two jackets?

[@EssPhour]

?You watched the review, yes?... He directly compared them. The main differences he mentioned are the exterior material used, The Nuclei has a material called Arato(it has ripstop nylon interwoven in it), he said it is similar to Gossamer, a thinner, lighter, and more compressible material when compared to the Atom LT's, yet it is windproof. It has an ever so slightly trimmer fit than the LT, yet he found that his range of motion within the jacket was fine. He said based on the Arato material, that Nuclei was more of an outer layer jacket and wouldn't work as well as an Atom LT as a mid layer because it lacks the breathability of the LT. .................A few things he didn't directly mention is that the LT has Coreloft 60 and the Nuclei has Coreloft 65, also the LT has the stretch panels down the side of the jacket where as the NuClei has no stretch panels and maintains the Arato and Coreloft materials, So based on the above info, I'd surmise that Nuclei is slightly warmer than the LT but not as versatile in a wider range of temperatures or in its ability to be used as a mid-layer.....Two questions I have yet to find the answers to myself are the durability of the Arato material compared to the Atom LT's, it is a thinner thread and it has ripstop interwoven into it, it's most likely woven very tightly thus why it's windproof, then the second question is how water resistant is the Nuclei? he mentioned it was water-resistant but wouldn't replace a hard shell, but how does it compare to the LT? the LT is DWR treated, I find no mention of the Nuclei being DWR treated, maybe it's unnecessary and redundant?

[@trekitt]

Hi everyone, Ess Phour has highlighted the main differences as mentioned in the video and to answer the DWR question, the Nuclei alss has a DWR treatment on the outside providing water repellency. Like any DWR this will wear off over time and need to replenished with Grangers Performance Wash and Repel products. As far as durability, goes the Ataro 10r fabric is a 10 denier ripstop nylon fabric that is durable for it's weight, but as this is a lightweight alpine climbing belay jacket, it design to be used as a stationary piece and wouldn't be best suited for all day mountain use. The Nuclei also used Coreloft Continuous 65 insulation where the Atom LT uses standard Coreloft. Coreloft Continuous bounces back quicker after being compress as the majority of time it will live in your pack or clipped to your harness in it's stuff sack so the quicker insulation can loft the faster it can trap the maximum amount of warmth. All the best, Will

[@marielp.843]

hi trekkit, thank you for your in depth reviews, keep ‘em coming :) for this particular jacket, would this be ideal to wear at basecamp? or would the atom lt suffice for stationary conditions??

[@trekitt]

HI, that's a really difficult question to answer definitively as there are so many variables concerned. However, out of the two jackets you mention, the Nuclei would be warmer than the Atom LT when stationary. Paul.

[@marielp.843]

thank🙂you, footflaps!

[@ThatEssentialAttire]

How does this compare to the atom lt & proton lt? Warmth/durability?

[@simeezee123]

Very interested in the warmth comparison as well. Perhaps add Atom AR in the mix as well. Thank you.

[@TheVitriolicSword]

I have all three of them. The Nuclei is not breathable at all, and completely wind proof. Definitely warmer than Atom LT and Proton LT, both of which breathe quite a bit more. For reference, the Nuclei is designed as a warmth layer for being stationary, where Atom and Proton are more active layers.

[@trekitt]

HI, both Chase and Fabian (previous replies) have answered your question superbly. The Nuclei is far warmer and more weather resistant then the Atom or the Proton, but less breathable. Paul

[@Fun_Dealer]

Hi Paul, awesome review! I currently have the Atom LT which I love. However, it’s too small for me so I’m in the market for a new jacket. I’m wondering weather to get the Nuclei FL or the Atom LT. I hike mainly in the UK and tend to be very hot. I usually put on this layer when I get to camp or when I reach a windy summit. I have found the Atom LT a little cold in the winter but it’s been great for everything else. I’m worried that the Nuclei will be too warm. What do you think?

[@trekitt]

The Nuclei seems like the better option for you if it's mainly for static/slow moving use. It's far more wind and water resistant, so it will offer more warmth when you reach the summit. The Atom is a better active piece but as you've mentioned above, can be a little cold when not moving. Harry

[@Fun_Dealer]

@@trekitt excellent! Thank you for the reply!!

[@kevinstarski1598]

Well, I bought one, looks better in person ...just like Trekitt says, good emergency jacket to have due to weather resistance/warmth/low weight combo. Im just not sure if I can keep it compressed (not like super compresssed) for longer periods of time without diminishing the properties of the jacket...?

[@trekitt]

Compressing the down for longer periods of time will diminish its warmth slightly, but it's not an irreversible process. We met up with Matt Fuller from Mountain Equipment a while ago and asked him the same thing; I'll pop a link to the interview below. Kind regards, Harry. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5fMkIKhmbSBgtU

[@danieledilonardo4255]

for which temperature range would you recommend it in winter? for example after a trekking with -6/7 degrees can it be fine or would it be too light?

[@trekitt]

It's a hard one to answer as it depends on so many variables, ranging from how warm you are as a person, which other layers you're wearing, how fast you're moving, etc. We actually made a video about why jackets don't have temperature ratings: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqfYnKl5r9B6jZI

[@kevinstarski1598]

I already have Atom AR? Besides being maybe more compressible, what can this jacket offer that Atom AR does not have?

[@trekitt]

Hi Kevin, the new Nuclei has better weather resistance, is lighter, will pack down smaller and has less bulk than the Atom AR. However, the Atom AR has a heavier g/m2 Coreloft filling in the main body, so it'll be warmer. I suppose in the ideal world you'd have both! The Nuclei is the perfect "emergency" insulation layer, keep it in your pack until you need it, or as a super lightweight insulated jacket for active use in cold and wet conditions.

[@danceswithbadgers]

So, made from materials suitable for over-layering but sized as a mid layer? Hmm, try before you buy, then! I'm guessing as a usually size S that I'd need an M. Probably. Looks the business as an over-layer apart from the lack of a two-way main zip, the sizing confusion and the usual eye-watering Arcteryx price tag. On my shortlist, but I'll need to find a shop I can get to to try one on.

[@peterjensen159]

I’ve had mine for a month now, and I use it as an outer layer in my usual size and it’s not tight at all. However, it has another huge problem - because it’s very weather resistant, it’s terrible at breathing. So when you sweat just a little bit, the inside of the jacket will get dripping wet. 😮

[@TVinmyEye]

I love your reviews Paul! I’m from California and frequent The Sierras (Our Version of The Alps) Peaks in this range rise well above 4000 meters. Temps regularly get as low as 0°C and lower even in The Summer. So i need something warm. What’s your favorite? The Nuclei FL, Atom AR or Thorium AR? Conflicted between all three

[@trekitt]

Nulcei is great for providing warmth in adverse conditions (rain, snow, wind) as it's more weather-resistant than the other two. It's not as warm though as it sits in the 'FL' category. Atom is a good all-rounder and provides more warmth with good breathability. Thorium is the warmest of the three but won't provide warmth if it gets wet. Harry

[@bmurray330]

Great review but I’m on the fence between the Proton LT and the Nuclei FL. I’m an golfer (I don’t walk) and am looking for something when it is 50 degrees (F) out. I have the Atom LT and the Atom AR and was looking for something in between. Thoughts between the Proton and the Nuclei?

[@trekitt]

Proton - wind permeable (air passes through), suitable for high-intensity activities where breathability is paramount. Nuclei - highly wind and water resistant, suitable for activities that require more protection from wind & rain with less breathability. Atom - sits in between. There isn't really a product that sits in between an Atom LT & AR; the two others above will offer different properties for different activities.

[@AnthonyJohnson1]

Hi Paul. Thanks for another excellent review. Is the face fabric tough enough when wearing a 30L backpack if I wanted to wear this as an outer layer to fully block out the wind on really cold days?

[@trekitt]

Hi Anthony, thanks for watching. The face fabric is a lightweight, yet tough nylon so will be able to cope with a light daypack. Paul.

[@Fun_Dealer]

Hi Paul, do you know if the cinder colourway is the darkest for this jacket? Or do they have a black?

[@trekitt]

Cinder is the darkest colour. Thanks for watching. Paul.

[@saunamchan2908]

I'm a bit confused. The Arcteryx site seems to categorize this as a static insulating piece ("Fast and light alpine travel’s static phases require you stay warm while protecting yourself from chilling winds."), which contrasts your opinion that it's functional as an active warm layer. Which one is it really at the end of the day? Looking to get either this or the Atom LT as a static layer. Thanks!

[@trekitt]

Hi, the Nuclei is not really a jacket that you can pigeon hole into just one category, it's so versatile! The choice between the Atom and the Nuclei will depend on how desperate you are to keep the weight and pack size to a minimum. The Nuclei is lighter and less bulky and has increased weather resistance.

[@saunamchan2908]

@footflaps Thanks for the insight! I've been looking at getting a new static layer so this is helpful.

[@NPow94]

Hey Trekkit! Are you considering the Nuclei SV for a review any time soon?

[@trekitt]

Afraid not, sorry.

[@SamWize.]

Could you compare this to the atom AR? Would really help with my decision

[@trekitt]

Nuclei - more weather resistant, ideal for alpine climbing, mountaineering, etc. Atom - warmer, more comfortable, less weather resistant, more of an all-rounder.

[@emilechabot6940]

Good for skiing under a goretex lawer ?

[@trekitt]

You'd be better off with either the Proton or Atom. The Nuclei works best as an outer layer. Harry

[@sankalpsingh5619]

Which color are u wearing please tell is this the dynasty color

[@trekitt]

It is indeed Dynasty. Kind regards, Harry.

[@martinclennon4640]

@@trekitt the dynasty color, in the video, appears to have a little orange in it. How would you describe it? Would you say that it is a true red or does it have some orange in it?

[@SK-or8kc]

How bulky is it compared to atom lt and ar?

[@trekitt]

Similar to an Atom LT.

[@icychap]

What size is your ME Switch jacket? Thanks.

[@icychap]

Great review by the way! Comprehensive and clear! I'm a Rab guy for sure, but you have me strongly considering this piece.

[@trekitt]

Hi, my M.E Switch jacket is a size large. Paul.

[@trekitt]

The Nuclei is an amazingly light and warm jacket, definitely worth considering, especially as it packs up so small too. Paul.

[@icychap]

@@trekitt I pulled the trigger! And it was on sale at BC! As for the Switch, I've had my sights on it for awhile, too, but ME sometimes doesn't fit me well (too tight under the arms and across the back; seems to be made for skinny, not athletic). How did you find it?

[@bahlaouiy]

How is it compare to the atom lt? Or the proton?

[@trekitt]

Proton: The most breathable option, will allow light amounts of air through to keep you cool during high-intensity activities Atom: The most versatile option, offers good water & wind-resistance and can be used for both slow moving and moderate-intensity activities Nuclei: By far the most water and wind resistant, designed for gnarlier activities such as alpine climbing, belaying, mountaineering, etc.

[@bahlaouiy]

@@trekitt thanks for those answers 🙏🏽 Definitely gonna choose between the nuclei and atom lt... my use of them will be : travel, hiking, skying. I love how compact the nuclei. But love how the breathable the atom lt is...

[@trekitt]

@@bahlaouiy For what you've described, I'd go for the Atom LT - you'll never want to take it off!

[@bahlaouiy]

@@trekitt thanks a lot... I’ll follow your advice :) By the way love your channel and the energy you put on the videos... And thanks for your time :)

[@milesfathi]

Does this work in say -10 to -15 c degree weather standalone?

[@trekitt]

Hi, wow, that's a tough question to answer as there are so many variables to consider. Check out this video which may help - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqfYnKl5r9B6jZI So, it all depends on what you're doing, what you're wearing underneath, how much you weigh, how fast your metabolism is, what age you are, what the weather conditions are and where you are geographically! But having said all that, in my personal experience I'd be happy to wear the Nuclei over a good base layer and a light mid-layer in temperatures around -10 to -15 c, provided I was active.

[@sammboogie]

Always look at your reviews before I buy a jacket spot on bough this and the atom because of your reviews next stop alpha s v