It’s hard to believe that something you can hold in your palm can offer such powerful weather protection. But by now we shouldn’t be surprised by such tireless innovation from Arc’teryx. The new women’s Nuclei FL is a versatile jacket sparked by the repeated demands of the Arc’teryx athletes and designed specifically by women for women.

It is lighter, warmer, stronger, and offers outstanding thermal performance for remarkably little weight. The Arato 10D fabric is windproof and durable, Coreloft insulation is lightweight, efficient and resilient, and a helmet-compatible StormHood gives additional warmth.

This jacket is ideal as part of a layering system or as a standalone in cool temps. If you’re climbing or scrambling in cool weather, it serves as a standalone jacket. We also used it for high-output winter activities—XC skiing and snowshoeing—as part of a layering system.

Though it is windproof and water-resistant, on a cold/windy winter day, or in heavy rain, you will want a hardshell overtop. (And for true frigid temps, it won’t replace the warmer Fission SV, for example.) But for something so portable, you won’t find better protection anywhere. Men’s version here.

Ready for Some Winter Wonderland Activities? Arc’teryx Gear Reviewed