Can I use my ArcTeryx waterproof shell jacket for cross-country skiing?
It’s certainly a good thing to have in your pack and you’ll definitely want something in the event of rain or wet snow, but even the best waterproof/breathable shells are almost certainly not going to breathe enough when XC skiing. If I’m going out for the whole day I generally keep a lightweight jacket and pants in my pack and only put them on if I’m taking an extended break or the weather turns poor. If I’m only going out for a few hours and will be sticking pretty close to home I usually skip the shells all together. If it starts to rain or the falling snow is wet as long as you keep skiing you won’t get hypothermia. You just suck it up and deal with it for a few minutes until you can get someplace warm and dry.