GEAR
FROM THE
Field
TRIED & TESTED: ARC'TERYX NUCLEI FL
OVERVIEW Pros:
• Lightweight (325g) • Easy to carry on a harness • Extremely weather resistant • Insulation doesn’t pack out
Cons:
• No double zipper/belay zip
Best for:
• Packable/rackable belay jacket • Static belays in cold climates
From the desk crag bag of VL’s resident Gear and Coffee Nerd (yes, that’s what’s in his email signature), comes this highly requested field review segment. Sule’s passionate about demystifying the technology that underpins our favourite kit, all in the name of helping climbers spend their money on the best gear option for their goals –or on more food to keep dirtbags from dumpster diving dinner, we’re not judging! One downside of being a gear nerd is that the hardest part of leaving for any trip is the challenge of picking which of my many bits of gear to bring - oh the agony of choice!
72 AUTUMN 2023
This is made slightly easier if there’s even a slim chance of the weather getting chilly, because that means Arc'teryx Nuclei FL is probably coming with me. First off it’s important to state that this is through and through, a static piece. Meaning if you’re standing still or hanging in a harness then it’s guaranteed to keep you the perfect level of toasty while you’re stationary, that’s its bread and butter. However, if you’re planning on using it in an active context such as bouldering, hiking (or god forbid walking the dog), only to complain about getting heinously sweaty, then you’ve missed the mark on what this jacket is for.
