Nuclei vs Proton: Overview
I have all 5 items:
- Nuclei line: Niche products. Very warm at an instant, incredibly wind resistant and comfortable. But also not breathable at all and come with fragile outer fabrics.
- Nuclei (aka FL): Lesser warm Nuclei.
- Nuclei SV: Warmest Nuclei.
- Proton line: Versatile all round items. Very breathable and durable. But not that warm or wind resistant.
- Proton Lightweight (aka FL): Least warm Proton.
- Proton (aka LT): Mid warm Proton.
- Proton Heavyweight: Warmest Proton.
I love them all. As long as you know what you're getting, none of them will disappoint.
Find comparisons at arcteryx.com below.
- Nuclei (aka FL) vs Proton Lw (aka FL) vs Proton (aka LT):
- Nuclei SV vs Proton Hw:
First thing to note is that Nuclei are more niche products.
They're belay jackets, meaning that they're meant to be put on when you stop moving (whatever high output activity you're performing).
They're meant to get them out of the bag and put them on quick to maintain your core temp.
That's their main purpose. That's why they come with stuff sacks, offer terrible breathability, come with fragile face fabrics that cannot resist abrasion and are cut looser.
They are however also spectacularly warm, incredibly wind resistant and extremely comfortable with a bunch of pockets. Its outstanding warmth to weight ratio is mind blowing.
You feel the warmth inside a Nuclei at such an instant that it's insane. Unlike Proton, you don't even need to wait for the warmth to pick up.
This is why I look at Nuclei as down jackets that can get wet. I use them casually as well, as long as my output is none to low.
Luckily, the SV (the warmer) does come with a two way zipper. I primarily use this for comfort reasons when sitting down or driving (keeping only the upper half zipped).
Other use of two way zipper is for dumping excessive heat. Although it's not as effective as the Atom's side fleece panels it still helps a lot.
Proton, on the other hand, are far more versatile. They're perfect for any high output activity, including climbing and heavy backpack use where lots of abrasion is expected.
Their cutting edge face fabrics are much more developed than Nuclei. They're breathable, come with a trimmer cut and shorter hem length.
They're durable and can better resist against abrasion. You can wear them during high output activities or casually.
But even the warmest Proton, Proton Hw, isn't nearly as warm as the warmest Nuclei, Nuclei SV. On top of that, you've got to wait for it to heat you.
Although Proton and Nuclei are both water resistant, when it comes to wind resistance, the Nuclei has the edge by far.
If you rarely get jackets, you might want to get one of the Protons. If warmth and weather resistance are your only concerns, and you don't care about breathability at all, get a Nuclei.
If you're looking for maximizing the breathability, then you should stop reading here and visit Arc'teryx Proton vs Atom guide instead. I've got all the most recent Atoms, too (Hw (aka AR), base (aka LT) and SL (soon to be Lw)) and they're the most breathable line.
Find comparisons at arcteryx.com below.
- Nuclei (aka FL) vs Proton Lw (aka FL) vs Proton (aka LT):
- Nuclei SV vs Proton Hw:
- Poll results: Giant Arc'teryx & Patagoina survey (Gore-Tex, pockets, hoods, fit, & more) [1000+ participated]
- Pics from outrageous discounts I ran into at Arc'teryx Parndorf Outlet
- I bought Gamma Lightweight (aka SL), Gamma (aka LT) and Gamma MX
- Patera Parka (one year update): Ain't worth the price...
- Alpha vs Beta: I bought all 4 Beta's and both Alpha's. Settling this for good
- I visited Iceland again, this time with a Nuclei (aka FL)
- Proton Hybrid: A "hidden" way to stuff it in itself!?
- Best Insulated Jackets: A hands-on Arc'teryx & Patagonia face-off
- 2024 Nano Air is in! Bought it immediately...
- I bought all 7 of Winter '24 Atom and Proton jackets
- Best Arc'teryx Ski Jackets: Rush is ideal, Sabre SV is overkill
- Arc’teryx colors: Most and least liked (poll results)
- Took my Nuclei SV to the Alps near Pfander, Austria
- Arc'teryx Alpha Parka Review: The most impressive jacket of all time
- Arc'teryx ReGEAR: OutdoorCrunch exclusive promo code!
- Beta Insulated Jacket is in: Pit zips AND two way zipper
- DropHood vs StormHood: Pros/cons and best uses
- 7 things all Arc'teryx newbies should know
Like hauntingly dark yet brilliantly brilliant electronic music? Check out my Hidden Electronic Gems playlist at Spotify.
- Macai Shell: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/macai-shell-jacket
- Nita: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/nita-down-jacket
- Epsilon: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/epsilon-insulated-hoody
- Cerium Pants (yes, seriously): https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/cerium-pant
- Liatris: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/liatris-down-jacket
- Thorium SV: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/thorium-sv-hoody
- Proton Heavyweight: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/proton-heavyweight-hoody
- Atom Shacket: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/atom-shacket
- New Nano Air: https://patagonia.com/product/mens-nano-air-insulated-hoody/84367.html
Naming changes
After changing the names of some women's jackets last season (Fall/Winter 2023), this season Arc'teryx moved on to make the same changes for men's counterparts as well.
- Nuclei FL → Nuclei
- Proton FL → Proton Lightweight (in short, Lw)
- Proton LT → Proton
- There's also a new arrival, Proton Heavyweight.
Changes are exclusive to the naming and fit. Structural designs remain the same. The fit is being updated universally, for all Arc'teryx jackets.
I'm 5'11", 165 lbs, athletic build. Size M fits me perfectly. My size is always the same. Arc'teryx, Patagonia, TNF, Salomon, Columbia, Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Zara... Doesn't matter.
Nuclei vs Proton: Warmth
Check out the table below.
You'll see not one but two different insulation thicknesses for Nuclei SV.
- Two layers of Coreloft (180 gsm) takes place at the front, back, and upper arms.
- Single layer of Coreloft (90 gsm) takes place at underarms, lower arm, sides, and hood.
Name Activity Breathability Weather Res. Durability Temp (F/C) Bottom line Review Pit zips? Two way zipper? Stuffs into itself? Hood? Face Fabric Fit Weight Length Alpha FL (Men's - Women's) Climbing 7/10 No data No data 10/10 N/A No No Yes Hadron 3L Gore-Tex Trim 209 g / 7.4 oz 76.5 cm / 30 in Yes Alpha SL (Men's - Women's) Climbing 5/10 7/10 No data 9/10 N/A No No Yes N40p 3L Gore-Tex Trim 326 g / 11.5 oz 77.5 cm / 30.5 in Yes Alpha (aka AR) (Men's - Women's) Climbing 8/10 9/10 8/10 4/10 N/A Go-to climbing harshell. Review Yes No No N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro Regular 430 g / 15.2 oz 79.5 cm / 31.25 in No Alpha SV (Men's - Women's) Climbing 8/10 10/10 10/10 3/10 N/A Strongest climbing hardshell. Review Yes No No N100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro Regular 510 g / 1 lb 2 oz 78 cm / 30.75 in No Alpha IS (Men's) Climbing 7/10 5/10 No data 8/10 23/-5 No Yes Yes N40p-X 2L Gore-Tex Regular 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz 78 cm / 30.75 in Yes Beta (Men's - Women's) All Round 6/10 7/10 7/10 8/10 N/A Streamlined all-doer shell. Review No No No N30p-X 3L Gore-Tex Trim 300 g / 10.6 oz 76 cm / 30 in No Beta Lightweight (Men's - Women's) All Round 8/10 7/10 7/10 6/10 N/A Review Yes No No N40p 3L Gore-Tex Fitted 380 g / 13.4 oz 75 cm / 29.5 in No Beta LT (Men's - Women's) All Round 7/10 7/10 8/10 6/10 N/A Review Yes No No N40d 3L Gore-Tex Fitted 395 g / 13.9 oz 76 cm / 30 in No Beta AR (Men's - Women's) All Round 8/10 9/10 9/10 4/10 N/A Go-to all-round harshell. Review Yes No No N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro Regular 460 g / 1 lb 76 cm / 30 in No Beta AR StormHood (Men's - Women's) All Round 8/10 9/10 9/10 4/10 N/A Review Yes No No N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro Regular 460 g / 1 lb 76 cm / 30 in No Beta Coat (Women's) All Round 6/10 5/10 No data 5/10 N/A No Yes No 3L Gore-Tex Regular 320 g / 11.3 oz 88 cm / 34.5 in No Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's) All Round 9/10 7/10 8/10 No data 21/-6 Go-to hybrid jacket. Review Yes Yes No N40d 2L Gore-Tex Regular 680 g / 1 lb 8 oz 78.5 cm / 31 in No Beta Insulated Coat (Women's) All Round 7/10 No data No data No data 16/-9 No Yes No N40d 2L Gore-Tex Regular 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz 86 cm / 34 in No Beta Down Insulated (Men's) All Round 9/10 7/10 8/10 No data 0/-18 Yes Yes No 2L 40D Gore-Tex Regular 760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz 79 cm / 31 in No Beta Long All Round 4/10 9/10 No data 3/10 N/A Review No No No N80p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 441 g / 15.6 oz 85 cm / 33.5 in Yes Beta LT Hadron All Round 7/10 6/10 4/10 5/10 N/A No No No Hadron 3L Gore-Tex Fitted 255 g / 9 oz 76 cm / 30 in Yes Beta SV (Men's - Women's) All Round 8/10 10/10 10/10 3/10 N/A Strongest all-round harshell. Review Yes No No N80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro Regular 495 g / 1 lb 1.5 oz 79 cm / 31 in Yes Gamma Lw. (aka SL) (Men's - Women's) All Round 7/10 2/10 6/10 5/10 N/A Review No No No Fortius 1.0 Trim 310 g / 10.9 oz 74 cm / 29.1 in No Gamma (aka LT) (Men's - Women's) All Round 7/10 3/10 7/10 3/10 N/A Go-to softshell. Review No No No Wee Burly Double Weave Regular 545 g / 1 lb 3.2 oz 76 cm / 30 in No Gamma MX (Men's - Women's) All Round 6/10 4/10 8/10 3/10 N/A Strongest softshell. Review No No No Fortius 2.0 Regular 555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz 74 cm / 29.1 in No Sabre SV (Men's) Skiing 10/10 10/10 10/10 1/10 N/A Strongest ski jacket. Review Yes Yes No N100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro Regular 595 g / 1 lb 5 oz 85 cm / 33.5 in No Sabre (Men's) Skiing 8/10 8/10 7/10 2/10 N/A Review Yes No No N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex Regular 705 g / 1 lb 8.9 oz 79 cm / 31 in No Sabre Insulated (Men's) Skiing 7/10 No data 6/10 No data No data Review Yes No No N80p 2L Gore-Tex Regular 815 g / 1 lb 12.7 oz 76 cm / 30 in No Rush (Men's) Skiing 8/10 9/10 9/10 3/10 N/A Go-to ski jacket. Review Yes No No N80p-X & N100p-X 3L Most Rugged Gore-Tex Pro Regular 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz 79.5 cm / 31.25 in No Rush Insulated (Men's - Women's) Skiing 3/10 5/10 5/10 9/10 16/-9 Review No No Yes Hadron 2L Gore-Tex Infinium Regular 515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz 79 cm / 31 in No Macai Shell (Men's) Skiing No data No data No data No data N/A Review Yes No No N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex Regular 775 g / 1 lb 11.3 oz ? No Macai (Men's) Skiing 7/10 7/10 6/10 1/10 5/-15 Review Yes No No N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex Regular 990 g / 2 lb 2.9 oz 75 cm / 29.5 in No Macai Lightweight (aka LT) (Men's) Skiing 7/10 7/10 6/10 2/10 8/-13 Review Yes No No N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex Regular 855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz ? No Theriss Down (Women's) Skiing 7/10 6/10 7/10 2/10 No data Review Yes No No N80p 2L Gore-Tex Regular 709 g / 1 lb 9 oz 63 cm / 24.8 in No Sentinel (Women's) Skiing 8/10 7/10 7/10 2/10 N/A Go-to ski jacket. Review Yes No No N70p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 640 g / 1 lb 6.6 oz 73.7 cm / 29 in No Sentinel Insulated (Women's) Skiing 8/10 No data No data No data 21/-6 Review Yes No No N80p 2L Gore-Tex Regular 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz 79.8 cm / 31.5 in No Sentinel Relaxed (Women's) Skiing No data No data No data No data N/A Yes No No N80p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 655 g / 1 lb 7.1 oz ? No Sidewinder (Women's) Skiing 8/10 8/10 7/10 2/10 N/A Yes No No N80p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 570 g / 1 lb 4.1 oz ? No Andessa (Women's) Skiing 10/10 No data No data 1/10 8/-13 Yes No No N40d 3L Gore-Tex Trim 869 g / 1 lb 14.7 oz 67 cm / 26.4 in Yes Andessa Shell (Women's) Skiing 5/10 No data No data 3/10 N/A No No No N70p 3L Gore-Tex Trim 560 g / 1 lb 3.8 oz ? Yes Micon Heather Skiing No data No data No data No data N/A Yes No No NP100-d 3L Gore-Tex Regular 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz 83 cm / 32.5 in Yes Micon (Men's) Skiing No data No data No data No data N/A Yes No No N80p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz 83 cm / 32.5 in Yes Cassiar (Men's) Skiing 8/10 7/10 8/10 3/10 N/A Review Yes No No N70p 3L Gore-Tex Trim 820 g / 1 lb 12.9 oz 74.5 cm / 29.3 in Yes Cassiar LT (Men's) Skiing 6/10 6/10 6/10 5/10 N/A Review Yes No No N70p 3L Gore-Tex Trim 605 g / 1 lb 5.3 oz 75 cm / 29.5 in Yes Ravenna (Women's) Skiing 8/10 7/10 8/10 3/10 N/A Review Yes No No N70s-4 3L Gore-Tex Trim 725 g / 1 lb 9.6 oz 69.5 cm / 27.4 in Yes Ravenna LT (Women's) Skiing 6/10 6/10 6/10 5/10 N/A Review Yes No No N70p 3L Gore-Tex Trim 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz 69 cm / 27.2 in Yes Procline (Men's) Skiing No data No data No data No data N/A Yes No No N70p Gore-Tex Infinium Trim 720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz 76 cm / 30 in Yes Shashka Stretch (Women's) Skiing No data No data No data No data N/A Yes No No N70p Gore-Tex Infinium Trim 670 g / 1 lb 7.6 oz 71 cm / 28 in Yes Sabre AR (Men's) Skiing 7/10 8/10 7/10 7/10 N/A Review Yes No No N70p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 700 g / 1 lb 8.7 oz 79 cm / 31 in Yes Sentinel AR (Women's) Skiing 7/10 8/10 7/10 7/10 N/A Review Yes No No N70p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz 72.5 cm / 28.5 in Yes Sabre LT (Men's) Skiing 7/10 8/10 7/10 8/10 N/A Review Yes No No N80p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 660 g / 1 lb 7.3 oz 83 cm / 32.5 in Yes Sentinel LT (Women's) Skiing 7/10 8/10 7/10 8/10 N/A Review Yes No No N80p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 565 g / 1 lb 3.9 oz 73.5 cm / 29 in Yes Incendia (Women's) Skiing 8/10 9/10 9/10 3/10 N/A Review Yes No No NP100d 3L Gore-Tex Trim 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz 79 cm / 31 in Yes Indencia IS Skiing No data No data No data No data No data Yes No No N80p 2L Gore-Tex Regular ? 78 cm / 30.75 in Yes Squamish (Men's - Women's) Running 5/10 4/10 7/10 9/10 N/A Go-to running jacket. Review No No Yes 30D Tyono Trim 140 g / 4.9 oz 77.5 cm / 30.5 in No Norvan Windshell (Men's - Women's) Running No data No data No data No data N/A No No Yes Permeair 20 Trim 90 g / 3.2 oz 73 cm / 28.75 in No Norvan Shell (Men's - Women's) Running No data No data No data No data N/A No No No 13D 3L Gore-Tex Trim 190 g / 6.7 oz 73 cm / 28.75 in No Nodin (Women's) Running 8/10 5/10 5/10 10/10 N/A No No Yes 20D Tyono Trim 130 g / 4.6 oz 75 cm / 29.5 in No Incendo Airshell (Women's) Running No data No data No data No data N/A No No Yes ? Trim 105 g / 3.7 oz ? No Incendo (Men's) Running 7/10 4/10 5/10 10/10 N/A Review No No Yes Lumin Trim 125 g / 4.4 oz ? Yes Norvan LT (Men's - Women's) Running 5/10 5/10 8/10 6/10 N/A No No No N13p 3L Gore-Tex Trim 190 g / 6.7 oz ? Yes Norvan SL Ins. (Women's) Running No data No data No data No data 39/4 No No Yes Gore-Tex ShakeDry Trim 270 g / 9.5 oz 71.5 cm / 28.1 in Yes Cita (Women's) Running 7/10 4/10 5/10 10/10 N/A Review No No Yes Lumin Trim 120 g / 4.2 oz 67.5 cm / 26.5 in Yes Cita SL (Women's) Running 7/10 4/10 4/10 10/10 N/A Review Yes No Yes Permeair 20 Trim 65 g / 2.3 oz 61.5 cm / 24.2 in Yes Incendo SL (Men's) Running 7/10 4/10 4/10 10/10 N/A Review No No Yes Permair 20 & Canim Trim 80 g / 2.8 oz 73 cm / 28.75 in Yes Norvan SL (Men's - Women's) Running 7/10 6/10 8/10 8/10 N/A Review No No Yes Gore-Tex Infinium Trim 120 g / 4.2 oz 77 cm / 30.4 in Yes Trino SL (Men's) Running 8/10 5/10 7/10 6/10 N/A Review No No No Gore-Tex Infinium Trim 340 g / 12 oz 74 cm / 29.1 in Yes Trino SL Anorak (Women's) Running 8/10 7/10 8/10 7/10 N/A Review No No No Gore-Tex Infinium Trim 290 g / 10.2 oz 65 cm / 25.5 in Yes Solano (Women's) Around Town No data No data No data No data N/A Review No No No Gore-Tex Infinium Relaxed 355 g / 12.5 oz 72 cm / 28.3 in No Venda Anorak (Women's) Around Town No data No data No data No data N/A No No No Gore-Tex Relaxed 255 g / 9 oz 75.5 cm / 29.7 in Yes Zeta FL (Men's - Women's) Hiking 4/10 6/10 4/10 6/10 N/A No No No N20r 2L Gore-Tex Trim 221 g / 7.8 oz 76 cm / 30 in Yes Zeta SL (Men's - Women's) Hiking 3/10 5/10 4/10 5/10 N/A Review No No No 2L Gore-Tex Trim 310 g / 10.9 oz 77.8 cm / 30.6 in Yes Zeta LT (Men's - Women's) Hiking 5/10 7/10 8/10 5/10 N/A No No No N40P-X 3L Gore-Tex Trim 335 g / 11.8 oz 78 cm / 30.75 in Yes Zeta AR (Men's) Hiking 7/10 8/10 7/10 4/10 N/A Yes No No 3L Gore-Tex Regular 425 g / 15 oz 80 cm / 31.5 in Yes
Performance data axis of synthetic jackets (table above) and shell jackets (this table) are different. Don't compare them.
Nuclei vs Proton: Packability
Unfortunately, none of the Protons offer packability.
Both Nuclei come with attached stuff sacks.
Nuclei SV is packed larger.
- Packed sizes:
- Nuclei SV: 11 in (or 28 cm) length x 7.1 in (or 18 cm) diameter
- Nuclei (aka FL): 10.2 in (or 26 cm) length x 5.1 in (or 13 cm) diameter
See images below.
Both offer a reinforced loop when packed (see packed sizes image).
Nuclei vs Proton: Pockets
Let's start with Protons.
- Proton Hw:
- Hand warmers: 9.1 in (or 23 cm) x 8.3 in (or 21 cm)
- Internal dump pockets: 7.9 in (or 20 cm) x 8.3 in (or 21 cm)
- External chest pockets: See image.
- Proton:
- Hand warmers: 9.4 in (or 24 cm) height x 7.5 in (or 19 cm) width
- External chest pocket: See image.
- Proton Lw:
- Hand warmers: 10.26 inches (or 26 cm) height x 7.1 inches (18 cm) width
- External chest pocket: See image.
Proton and Proton Lw offers 1, Proton Hw offers 2 chest pockets.
- Nuclei SV:
- Hand warmers: 11.8 in (or 30 cm) x 7.5 in (or 19 cm)
- External zippered chest pocket: 11 in (or 28 cm) x 8.3 in (or 21 cm)
- Dump pockets: 7.5 in (or 19 cm) x 10.2 in (or 26 cm)
- Nuclei (aka FL):
- Hand warmers: 7.5 in (or 19 cm) x 7.9 in (or 20 cm)
- Dump pockets: 7.5 in (or 19 cm) x 8.7 in (or 22 cm)
Nuclei vs Proton: Cuffs
Nuclei FL is different than the other four. One is not better than the other, it's simply up to you.
Poll results: Best colorways of Proton Series
Upvote your favorites.
Quick links:
Find comparisons at arcteryx.com below.
- Nuclei (aka FL) vs Proton Lw (aka FL) vs Proton (aka LT):
- Nuclei SV vs Proton Hw:
Best colors
Poll results: Best colorways of Proton Series
Upvote your favorites.
Quick links: