Arc'teryx Nuclei AR Jacket
Reviewed by
Denis Evans
+646
September 22, 2016
Light, compressible, highly water resistant, completely windproof with tape sealed seams. It's also a very good length for my long torso.
Pros
- Lighter than most competitors, 450gm
- Highly water resistant
- Completely windproof
- Taped seams
- Excellent length for my long torso
- Large model comes to just below my backside; I'm 6' 2"
- Synthetic down works well when damp
- Highly compressible for synthetic down
Cons
- Not as tough as my shorter but heavier Carinthia Alpine jacket
I recently did a review for the toughest synthetic down jacket you can buy. The Carinthia Alpine jacket. It has reinforced elbow pads and shoulder pads. However it is a little short for me and it is very heavy (940gm!).
Both of these problems are solved by Arc'teryx Nuclei AR Jacket. It weighs in at 450gm — less than half the weight. And it fits me perfectly — to just below my backside. It is about the same degree of waterproofness and both jackets are completely windproof.
The Arc'teryx is not as tough as the Carinthia — nothing else is! But I would judge the Arc'teryx to be tougher than most down or synthetic jackets on the market. So if extreme toughness is your highest priority go for the Carinthian. If lightness combined with moderate toughness is more of a priority the Arc'teryx may serve you better. It is also FAR more compressible than the Carinthian.
Most hikers and skiers would probably choose Arc'teryx whereas if you work outdoors and are constantly abrading you clothes against metal cables or rocks go for the Carinthia Alpine. Life is full of compromises, but at least we have choice!
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $280 (USD)
