Advice: Arc’teryx Nuclei, Atom Ar, or Northface Thermoball (or OR Superlayer)?

If you're using it for active cold/wet conditions, the Atom LT is a staple. Fleece panels for dumping heat but light and warm. If you're using it for more stationary warmth, anything with PL1 in the 60-80g/m weight will suffice. Something without fleece panels will be lighter and warmer. Something with a pertex like fabric will be better in wind.

My synth setup is an atom lt vest, a full hoody, and a recent Rab alpine generator to throw on everything else if conditions warrant (which in the american SW is never).

Out of the one's you listed, I think the nuclei's the best. I have one and I like it a lot as a BC ski layer specifically because it also offers good protection when windy and above treeline. The insulation is continuous and the fabric is sort of stiff, which makes it very windproof. As far as pure warmth goes, primaloft 1 is warmer, but its still decently warm and very light for a hooded synthetic. For bc skiing, I'd recommend using it in conjunction with another puffy, unless its spring. If you think you'll be using it moving, the atom lt is a classic and the nano air is awesome, but a very different beast then the one's you mentioned.

"The insulation is continuous …"
No, it's not.
From their website:"Developed by Arc'teryx, Coreloft™ is a synthetic insulation made of staple fibres in mixed sizes that are crimped to trap air and retain warmth. "

I've used both the nuclei and atom.
I chose the nuclei over the atom even though I think the atom is superior in all respects apart from the side panels which robs me of too much warmth when it is windy. I used the atom in sub 20 degree weather and in the end I much preferred to put on my patagonia houdini and walk faster or over the atom. My sides were noticeably cooler…

Thanks guys, but I'm not looking at the Atom LT, since as many of you have already pointed out, the side panels drop off too much heat. I'm comparing the Atom AR (previously the Atom SV) (which has more insulation/more durable and NO side panels) to the Nuclei. So I'm debating getting a lighter less warm option to a heavier warmer option. Which one do you think will be more useful? I'm leaning towards the Nuclei because of its packability and light weight, but I don't want to discount the added warmth the Atom AR might offer. Thanks!

I have the Atom SV and though I'm not totally sure the Atom AR looked a bit smaller/lighter to me in the stores. I like that they mapped heavier/lighter insulation to different places in the garment.

For active wear in very (very) cold temps I would choose the Atom LT.
For non active, in camp or emergency stop wear, I would go with the warmer option personally. So, the Atom AR.

I have both an SV and Nuclei if I can help with any questions.

Hi Stephan,

Could you explain the pros and cons of each and describe how you use each one? Thanks!

To me neither of them have any real cons, the Atom SV is the warmer and more feature rich but at a 210g weight gain over the Nuclei. The Nuclei is a fairly bones piece.

I use the Sv teamed up with a Montbell ex light down to about 25f and with a Montbell Mirage for down to 10f.

The Nuclei is used by itself down to about 50f and teamed up with a down parka for below 1

If I had to have only one it would be a very tough pick as both are excellent.

Alok you might want to also consider the Montbell Thermawrap Pro. It's got 80g/m2 insulation, and according to a rep I asked the current model weighs 15 oz including heavy cardboard tags (think he was referring to a Men's Large), so it probably weighs in at 14 oz, probably 13 oz for a Medium. Remember that's 80g/m2 insulation torso, sleeves and hood, not just torso.

I personally like the look (and concept) of the Outdoor Research Superlayer. Anyone have more info on it?
http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/catalog/product/view/id/44349/category/2158/

Edit: not so sure, after reading this review:
http://backcountryskiingcanada.com/index.php?p=page&page_id=Outdoor-Research-Superlayer-Jacket-Review

the new primaloft silver is the old primaloft sport (or eco or synergy) … you know the lesser insulation that they try to fob out on you because they are too cheap to use PL1 (gold now), even though a discount brand like LL bean uses PL1

theres a reason why it felt less warm that TNF thermoball …

theres also a reason why they changed the branding … but didnt change the insulation … makes for better marketing !!!

;)

Silver Hi Loft = Synergy
But even Gold (=One) might be colder then Thermoball (weight for weight) when new. Only after use, we can see if it remains that way.
BTW, you know Thermoball is co-developed by Primaloft.

The Nuclei is a lighter, more wind, and water-resistant and packs smaller.

Thermoball is as efficient as 650 fill down of the same thickness (I.E. it is a poor insulator for the thickness). If you were to compare a thermoball jacket to a different synthetic jacket of comparable thickness the second piece would be warmer. The Nuclei is thicker than the North Face Thermoball jacket and I think it is a fair assumption that the North Face would not be as warm. Plus the Nuclei is not sewn through the shell making it more wind resistant.

Anthony

I thought a synthetic that is comparable to 650 fill is pretty good. What is core lofts equivalent down rating? Too bad TNF stuff fits me like junk, so it may be a moot point.