Overview

The Arc’teryx Nuclei AR is a highly water-resistant synthetic insulated belay jacket for alpine climbing. Its low weight, highly water-resistant shell, and highly compressible insulation make it perform very well for use on multi-day technical climbs.

Our overall highest rated windproof synthetic insulated jacket is the Nunatak Skaha Apex, which offers a higher warmth to weight ratio, customizable fit, customizable pockets, and costs $150 to $200 less than the Nuclei AR.

Features & Specifications

• Seam-taped 20-denier Gore Thermium fabric is windproof and highly water resistant;
• Three-way adjustable hood, parka-length cut, and interior stash pocket;
• 3.5 oz (100 g) Coreloft insulation with 1.4 oz (40 g) insulation in the hood;
• Packs into a narrow stuff sack for clipping to a harness.

Review Context

We tested this jacket as part of our Synthetic Insulated Jacket State of the Market Report (to be published on March 25, 2018), which compared fifteen of the best jackets over two years of hiking, climbing, mountaineering, packrafting, backcountry skiing, and ski mountaineering.

Description of Field Testing

We tested this jacket for six months of hiking, climbing, ski mountaineering, nordic skating, and ultralight ski touring. This jacket was put through the wringer. Here are two trips we used it for:

• A climbing, skiing, and packrafting expedition in the Alaska Range
• Alaska Winter Wilderness Ski Classic race

Performance Assessment