Arc'teryx Nuclei FL

[Nuclei FL in Fluidity on top. They fit together perfectly, and sizing is perfect for the layers. Fluidity looks

**Arc'teryx Nuclei FL**: Nice lightweight (311g) synthetic puffy. Does a great job blocking wind.

However the Proton also lets wind through, so it can feel a lot colder for more mild use. The Nuclei FL is basically completely wind resistant, it is ideal for standing around, but terrible for anything active. The Atom LT is the middle ground choice, and a good compromise. 6.

I plan for the worst conditions reasonable, and with super lightweight warmth layers like the Nuclei FL its never a huge weight penalty. It has saved my butt or my laissez faire partner's a few times. I've found that the more time you spend outside the greater your comfort range becomes, kind of like a dog. They wear the same coat all year.

7. I tried on the Nuclei FL and it felt (and looked) awesome in Cinder.

Knowing nothing about Arcteryx or insulated clothing in general (I grew up in the tropics), but with limited time to take advantage of a generous employee discount, I opted to go with "the most expensive one". But after a trip to Joshua Tree in January where I froze despite my $900 jacket, I picked up more clothing through a combination of clearance, outlet, and used sales, leaving me with the following:. - Alpha IS. - Nuclei FL.

This is out in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and the Nuclei FL is one of my favorite Arc'teryx insulation pieces. It's one of my go-to jackets when it's cold. Super light, super warm, quite packable, it layers nicely, and there's even room for pizza to save for later.

I think these would be more suitable breathable insulated pieces for your hiking level, that would eliminate the heavier fleece piece during your hikes while still providing same level of comfort. Then during rest periods, you can bring out a light down jacket like Cerium or synthetic Nuclei FL, to go over your baselayer + Atom SL / Proton SL outer active insulated hiking layer.

As far as the Nuclei FL goes, it's apparently a great jacket for very specific people. Made as an ultralight layer for climbing, ski touring, etc. and has very few quality of life features you might find in other (less specialized) jackets.

The Nuclei FL is great for ski touring in the Pacific Northwest, but probably not warm enough for the static activities of winter camping in the mid teens (unless you have very warm layers beneath it). The Atom AR, on the other hand, will be better for those static conditions, but less optimized for touring. I personally would get the Nuclei SV for your intended use.