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The release of Alpha Parka once again revealed the reason why Arc'teryx as a brand is the Apple of the technical outerwear industry. The products they launch are so far beyond today's textile technology that their designs orient the direction of the evolution of jackets.
Alpha Parka (Men's - Women's) is the warmest jacket Arc'teryx has ever manufactured.
Its 296 grams of 800 FP down provides extreme warmth, and makes the Alpha Parka the loftiest Arc'teryx down jacket of all time, standing at 251,600 cubic inches (=296 x 800) of total fill.
On top of that, this absolute unit of a parka is also reinforced with a whooping 90 gsm of Coreloft synthetic insulation, which is extraordinary when you look at the industry standards from this point of view.
As if all these aren't enough, together with its cousin Alpha Lightweight Parka (Men's - Women's), Alpha Parka is also the only Gore-Tex down jackets Arc'teryx has ever manufactured.
I know. Just shot after shot with no pause. Hard to believe how rich this jacket is in terms of performance and capability.
Bring all these together and you get a jacket that almost looks and feels like it's from the future... and of course, a staggering price tag in return.
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No other jacket impresses me even nearly as much as the Alpha Parka (Men's - Women's). As long as it's dry and extremely cold out there, it can be counted on without any second thought. Not only is it the warmest Arc'teryx jacket of all time, it's also the only Gore-Tex Arc'teryx down jacket that Arc'teryx has ever manufactured.
It also stuffs into itself and comes with a two way zipper to allow for more comfort and mechanical venting where needed, which makes it one of the most versatile jackets out there (hiking, mountaineering, ice climbing, walking around town, you name it). The only downside to this astonishing item is its staggering price.
The superstar Alpha Parka in action. Click on image to view Alpha Parka at arcteryx.com.
Warmth
Arc'teryx Alpha Parka is the warmest jacket Arc'teryx has ever manufactured.
As if 296 grams of 800 FP down wasn't enough, this absolute unit of a parka is also reinforced with a generous 90 gsm of Coreloft synthetic insulation in moisture heavy areas.
Name | Est. Temp (F/C) | Review | Pit venting? | Stuffs into itself? | Two way zipper? | Type | Fill Power | Fill Weight (grams) | Fill Volume (FP x FW) | Synthetic Insulator (SI) | SI Amount | Face Fabric | Activity | Fit | Weight | Length (CB) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arc'teryx Alpha (Men's - Women's) | -18/-28 | Review | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 850 | 296 | 251,600 | Coreloft | 90 g/m² | N30r 2L GoreTex Infinium | Climbing | Regular | 805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz | 86 cm / 34 in |
Feathered Friends Khumbu | -17/-27 | No | Yes | No | Down | 900 | 378 | 340,200 | Primaloft Gold | 200 g | Pretex Shield XT | All Round | Regular | 960 g / 2 lb 2 oz | ? | |
Arc'teryx Ceres SV (Men's - Women's) | -15/-26 | Review | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 850 | 240 | 204,000 | Coreloft | ? | Arato 30 | All Round | Regular | 880 g / 1 lb 15 oz | 86 cm / 34 in |
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's) | -13/-25 | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 800 | 300 | 240,000 | N/A | N/A | 30D Drilite | All Round | Regular | 820 g / 1 lb 13 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | |
Rab Positron Pro (Men's) | -13/-25 | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 800 | 300 | 240,000 | N/A | N/A | 40D Pertex Quantum Pro | All Round | Regular | 740 g / 1 lb 10 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's) | -11/-24 | Review | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 211 | 158,250 | Coreloft | 60 g/m² | 2L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 oz | 96 cm / 37.75 in |
Patagonia Grade VII (Men's) | -11/-24 | No | No | Yes | Down | 800 | 335 | 268,000 | N/A | N/A | 1.2 oz 15 & 20D Perfex Quantum | Around Town | Regular | 743 g / 1 lb 10.1 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Firebee AR (Men's - Women's) | -10/-23 | Review | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 800 | 225 | 180,000 | N/A | N/A | Arato 7 & 10 | All Round | Regular | 680 g / 1 lb 8 oz | 79 cm / 31 in |
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's) | -10/-23 | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 800 | 265 | 212,000 | N/A | N/A | Nylon | All Round | Regular | 770 g / 1 lb 11.2 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | |
Arc'teryx Thorsen (Men's) | -7/-22 | Review | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 192 | 144,000 | Coreloft | 60 g/m² | 90D 2L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 1.1 kg / 2 lb 5.4 oz | 91 cm / 36 in |
Patagonia Frozen Range (Men's - Women's) | -6/-21 | Review | No | No | No | Parka | 700 | 268 | 187,600 | N/A | N/A | 4 oz 75-denier polyester | Around Town | Regular | 1.253 kg / 2 lb 12.2 oz | 84 cm / 33 in |
Mountain Equipment Li. Ec. (Men's - Women's) | -5/-20 | No | No | Yes | Down | 700 | 295 | 206,500 | N/A | N/A | 50D Drilite | All Round | Regular | 822 g / 1 lb 13 oz | 72 cm / 28 in | |
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's) | -2/-19 | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 74 | 55,500 | Coreloft | 60 + 80 g/m² | 2L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 1.1 kg / 2 lb 6.8 oz | 117.5 cm / 46.25 in | |
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's) | -2/-19 | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 800 | 212 | 169,600 | N/A | N/A | 20D Pertex Quantum Pro | All Round | Regular | 585 g / 1 lb 8.6 oz | 77 cm / 30.3 in | |
Arc'teryx Dually Belay (Men's) | 0/-18 | Review | No | Yes | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | ThermaTek | 92 g/m² | 30D Nylon | Around Town | Regular | 705 g / 1 lb 9 oz | 84 cm / 33 in |
Arc'teryx Centrale (Women's) | 0/-18 | Review | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 157 | 117,750 | Coreloft | 60 g/m² | N90p Nylon | Around Town | Regular | 885 g / 1 lb 15.2 oz | 95 cm / 37.5 in |
Arc'teryx Camosun (Men's) | 0/-18 | Review | No | No | No | Parka | 750 | 105 | 78,750 | Coreloft | 140 g/m² | N150p-X Gore-Tex | Around Town | Trim | 960 g / 2 lb 1.9 oz | 80 cm / 31.5 in |
Arc'teryx Cerium SV (Men's) | 0/-18 | Review | No | Yes | No | Down | 850 | 162 | 137,700 | Coreloft | 80 + 140 g/m² | Arato 7 & 10 | All Round | Regular | 415 g / 14.6 oz | 69.5 cm / 27.4 in |
Arc'teryx Revet (Men's) | 2/-17 | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | ? | N/A | N/A | 20d nylon/spandex double weave | Around Town | Regular | 755 g / 1 lb 10.6 oz | 91 cm / 36 in | ||
Arc'teryx Piedmont (Men's) | 3/-16 | No | Yes | Yes | Parka | 750 | 218 | 163,500 | N/A | N/A | Arato 10 | Around Town | Regular | 515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz | 82 cm / 32.25 in | |
Arc'teryx Fission SV (Men's - Women's) | 3/-16 | Review | No | No | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 90 + 65 g/m² | N80p-X Gore-Tex 2L | All Round | Regular | 890 g / 1 lb 15.4 oz | 81 cm / 31.8 in |
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's) | 3/-16 | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 850 | 117 | 99,450 | Coreloft Compact | 40 g/m² | Hadron 2L Gore-Tex Infinium | Climbing | Regular | 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz | ? | |
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's) | 3/-16 | No | No | Yes | Down | 800 | 182 | 145,600 | N/A | N/A | 30D Pertex Quantum Pro | All Round | Regular | 825 g / 1 lb 13.1 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Alessa Long (Women's) | 3/-16 | No | No | No | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft | 80 + 120 g/m² | N90p 2L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 1.015 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz | 123 cm / 48.5 in | |
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's) | 3/-16 | Review | No | No | No | Parka | 700 | 118 | 82,600 | N/A | N/A | 5.5 oz polyester | Around Town | Regular | 1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in |
Arc'teryx Radsten Parka (Men's) | 3/-16 | No | No | No | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 120 g/m² | NP100d Gore-Tex 2L | Around Town | Regular | 745 g / 1 lb 10.3 oz | 82 cm / 32.25 in | |
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's) | 5/-15 | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 800 | 180 | 144,000 | N/A | N/A | 20D Pertex Quantum Pro | All Round | Regular | 525 g / 1 lb 2.5 oz | 74 cm / 29 in | |
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's) | 5/-15 | Review | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 120 | 90,000 | Coreloft | 60 + 80 g/m² | P75d Polyester | Around Town | Regular | 991 g / 2 lb 3 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in |
Arc'teryx Macai (Men's) | 5/-15 | Review | Yes, zips | No | No | Down | 750 | 69 | 51,750 | Coreloft Compact | 60 + 100 g/m² | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Ski/Snowboard | Regular | 1 kg / 2 lb 4 oz | 76 cm / 30 in |
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Men's) | 5/-15 | Review | No | Yes | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 180 g/m2 + 90 g/m2 | Arato 15 | Climbing | Regular | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | 81 cm / 31.8 in |
Patagonia DAS Parka (Men's) | 5/-15 | No | Yes | Yes | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco | 133 + 40 g | Pertex Quantum Pro | Around Town | Regular | 555 g / 1lb 3.6 oz | 84 cm / 33 in | |
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's) | 5/-15 | Review | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 58 | 43,500 | Coreloft | 60 + 80 g/m² | 2L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Trim | 867 g / 1 lb 14.6 oz | 93 cm / 37 in |
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's) | 7/-14 | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 700 | 155 | 108,500 | N/A | N/A | 30D ripstop nylon | All Round | Regular | 442 g / 15.6 oz | 76 cm / 29.75 in | |
Arc'teryx Kappa (Men's) | 7/-14 | Review | No | No | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 140 g/m² | N70p Gore Thermium | All Round | Regular | 755 g / 1 lb 10.6 oz | 80 cm / 31.5 in |
Arc'teryx Prema Down Coat (Women's) | 7/-14 | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 92 | 69,000 | N/A | N/A | Nylon | Around Town | Regular | 794 g / 1 lb 12 oz | 117 cm / 46.1 in | |
Arc'teryx Radsten Insulated (Men's) | 7/-14 | No | No | No | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 120 g/m² | NP100d Gore-Tex 2L | Around Town | Regular | 715 g / 1 lb 9.2 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | |
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's) | 7/-14 | No | Yes | No | Down | 700 | 153 | 107,100 | N/A | N/A | 30D Pertex Quantum | All Round | Regular | 466 g / 1 lb 0.5 oz | 72 cm / 28.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Thorium (Men's - Women's) | 7/-14 | Review | No | Yes | Yes | Down | 750 | 140 | 105,000 | Coreloft | 80 + 140 g/m² | Arato 30 | All Round | Regular | 517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz | 71.5 cm / 28.1 in |
Feathered Friends Eos | 8/-13 | No | Yes | No | Down | 900 | 105 | 94,500 | N/A | N/A | Pertex Quantum | All Round | Regular | 306 g / 10.8 oz | ? | |
Arc'teryx Thorium AR (Men's - Women's) | 8/-13 | Review | No | Yes | No | Down | 750 | 130 | 97,500 | Coreloft | 80 + 140 g/m² | Arato 30 | All Round | Regular | 490 g / 1 lb 1.3 oz | 72 cm / 28.3 in |
Patagonia Macro Puff (Men's - Women's) | 8/-13 | Review | No | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | PlumaFill | 135 + 90 g | 10D Recycled nylon ripstop | All Round | Regular | 435 g / 15.3 oz | 79 cm / 31 in |
Arc'teryx Macai LT (Men's) | 8/-13 | Yes, zips | No | No | Down | 750 | 49 | 36,750 | Coreloft Compact | 60 g/m² | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Ski/Snowboard | Regular | 855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | |
Arc'teryx Seyla (Women's) | 8/-13 | No | No | Yes | Parka | 750 | 92 | 69,000 | N/A | N/A | Arato 10 | Around Town | Regular | 507 g / 1 lb. 1.9 oz. | 87 cm / 34.4 in | |
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's) | 8/-13 | No | Yes | No | Down | 800 | 128 | 102,400 | N/A | N/A | 20D Nylon | All Round | Regular | 632 g / 1lb 6.3 oz | 74 cm / 29 in | |
Arc'teryx Koda (Men's) | 8/-13 | No | No | No | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft | 80 + 140 g/m² | N80p-X Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | |
Patagonia Vosque 3-in-1 (Women's) | 10/-12 | Review | No | No | No | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | ThermoLite | 100 g | 65% nylon, 35% polyester | Around Town | Regular | 1.360 kg / 3 lb | 90 cm / 35.5 in |
Patagonia City Storm Down (Men's - Women's) | 12/-11 | No | Yes | No | Parka | 700 | 191 | 133,700 | N/A | N/A | 4.2 oz polyester | All Round | Regular | 468 g / 16.5 oz | 91 cm / 36 in | |
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's) | 12/-11 | Review | No | No | Yes | Parka | 700 | 141 | 98,700 | N/A | N/A | 3.6 oz 50D polyester | Around Town | Regular | 880 g / 1 lb 15 oz | 79 cm / 31 in |
Arc'teryx Sensa (Women's) | 14/-10 | No | No | Yes | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 120 g/m² | NP100d Gore-Tex 2L | Around Town | Relaxed | 785 g / 1 lb 11.7 oz | 86 cm / 34 in | |
Patagonia Hi Loft Down (Men's - Women's) | 14/-10 | Review | No | Yes | No | Down | 600 | 177 | 106,200 | N/A | N/A | 1.4 oz 30D polyester | All Round | Regular | 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz | 76 cm / 30 in |
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's) | 14/-10 | No | Yes | No | Down | 850 | 120 | 102,000 | N/A | N/A | Pertex mini ripstop nylon | All Round | Regular | 340 g / 13.75 oz | 74 cm / 29.25 in | |
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's) | 16/-9 | Review | No | No | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft | 80 g/m² + 120 g/m² | 2L 40D Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | ? |
Arc'teryx Atom AR (Men's - Women's) | 18/-8 | Review | Yes, mesh | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 120 g/m2 + 80 g/m2 + 60 g/m2 | 30D Tyono | All Round | Regular | 475 g / 1 lb | 74 cm / 29.1 in |
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's) | 18/-8 | No | No | No | Down | 600 | 279 | 167,400 | N/A | N/A | 4.2 oz polyester | Around Town | Regular | 1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz | ? | |
Arc'teryx Magnus (Men's) | 19/-7 | No | No | No | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft | 80 g | N60p Gore-Tex 2L | Around Town | Regular | 690 g / 1 lb 8.3 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Agrium (Men's - Women's) | 21/-6 | No | Yes | No | Down | 850 | 117 | 99,450 | N/A | N/A | Arato | All Round | Regular | 365 g / 12.9 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | |
Patagonia AlpLight Down (Men's - Women's) | 21/-6 | No | Yes | No | Down | 800 | 100 | 80,000 | N/A | N/A | 0.8 oz 10D polyester | All Round | Slim | 270 g / 9.5 oz | 74 cm / 29 in | |
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's) | 21/-6 | Review | Yes, zips | No | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 80 g/m² | 2L 40D Gore-Tex | All Round | Regular | 680 g / 1 lb 8 oz | 78.5 cm / 31 in |
Patagonia Topley (Men's) | 23/-5 | No | No | Yes | Down | 700 | 172 | 120,400 | N/A | N/A | 6 oz polyester | All Round | Regular | 1.133 kg / 2 lb 8 oz | 77 cm / 30.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Alpha IS (Men's) | 23/-5 | No | Yes | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 65 g/m² | N40p-X 2L Gore-Tex | Climbing | Regular | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | |
Rab Xenon 2.0 (Men's - Women's) | 23/-5 | No | Yes | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | PrimaLoft Silver | 60 g | 30D Pertex Quantum | All Round | Regular | 385 g / 13.6 oz | 71.5 cm / 28.1 in | |
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's) | 23/-5 | Review | No | Yes | No | Down | 800 | 150 | 120,000 | N/A | N/A | 1.4 oz 20x30D polyester | All Round | Regular | 428 g / 15.1 oz | 67 cm / 26.25 in |
Arc'teryx Ralle Parka (Men's) | 25/-4 | No | No | Yes | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft | 80 g/m² | 2L 40D Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 735 g / 1 lb 9.9 oz | ? | |
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's) | 26/-3 | Review | No | No | No | Down | 700 | 109 | 76,300 | N/A | N/A | 2.2 oz polyester | Around Town | Regular | 585 g / 1 lb 4.7 oz | 74 cm / 29 in |
Arc'teryx Therme Insulated (Men's) | 26/-3 | Review | No | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 40 g/m² | 2L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 960 g / 2 lb 1.9 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in |
Arc'teryx Cerium (Men's - Women's) | 26/-3 | No | Yes | No | Down | 850 | 113 | 96,050 | Coreloft | 80 + 100 g/m² | Arato 15 | All Round | Trim | 335 g / 11.8 oz | ? | |
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's) | 28/-2 | No | Yes | No | Down | 800 | 85 | 68,000 | N/A | N/A | 10D Ripstop Nylon | All Round | Trim | 250 g / 8.8 oz | 70 cm / 27.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Cerium LT (Men's - Women's) | 28/-2 | Review | No | Yes | No | Down | 850 | 102 | 86,700 | Coreloft | 80 + 100 g/m² | Arato 10 | All Round | Trim | 305 g / 10.8 oz | 72 cm / 28.3 in |
Arc'teryx Nuclei FL (Men's - Women's) | 32/0 | Review | No | Yes | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 65 g/m² | Arato 10r | Climbing | Trim | 325 g / 11.5 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in |
Patagonia DAS Light (Men's - Women's) | 34/1 | No | Yes | Yes | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | PlumaFill | 65 g | 0.8-oz 10-denier Pertex Quantum Pro | Climbing | Regular | 320 g / 11.3 oz | 77 cm / 30.5 in | |
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's) | 36/2 | Review | No | Yes | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | PlumaFill | 65 g | Pertex Quantum | All Round | Trim | 298 g / 10.5 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in |
Patagonia Isthmus (Men's) | 36/2 | No | No | No | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | ThermoGreen | 60 g | 4.2 oz polyester | Around Town | Regular | 895 g / 1 lb 15.6 oz | 70 cm / 27.5 in | |
Arc'teryx Proton LT (Men's - Women's) | 37/3 | Review | No | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 80 g/m2 + 60 g/m2 | Fortius Air 20 | Climbing | Trim | 375 g / 13.2 oz | 75 cm / 29.4 in |
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's) | 37/3 | Review | No | Yes | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco | 60 g | 22D Polyester | All Round | Regular | 363 g / 12.8 oz | 71.5 cm / 28 in |
Arc'teryx Norvan SL Ins. (Men's - Women's) | 39/4 | No | Yes | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 40 g/m² | Gore-Tex ShakeDry | Running | Trim | 270 g / 9.5 oz | 71.5 cm / 28.1 in | |
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's) | 41/5 | Review | No | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | FullRange | 60 g | 33D Nylon ripstop | All Round | Trim | 318 g / 11.2 oz | ? |
Arc'teryx Atom LT (Men's - Women's) | 43/6 | Review | Yes, mesh | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Continuous | 60 g/m² | 20D Tyono | All Round | Trim | 375 g / 13.2 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in |
Arc'teryx Cerium SL (Men's - Women's) | 43/6 | Review | No | Yes | No | Down | 850 | 58 | 49,300 | Coreloft | 40 + 100 g/m² | Arato 7 | All Round | Trim | 215 g / 7.6 oz | 69 cm / 27.2 in |
Arc'teryx Proton Hybrid (Men's - Women's) | 46/8 | Review | No | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 40 g/m² | Fortius™ Air 50 | All Round | Trim | 365 g / 12.9 oz | ? |
Arc'teryx Proton FL (Men's) | 48/9 | Review | No | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Octa Loft | 94 g/m² | Fortius Air 20 | Climbing | Trim | 323 g / 11.4 oz | 77 cm / 30.4 in |
Arc'teryx Atom SL (Men's - Women's) | 52/11 | Review | Yes, mesh | No | No | Synthetic | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft Compact | 40 g/m² | 20D Tyono | All Round | Trim | 245 g / 8.6 oz | 72 cm / 28.3 in |
REI Stormhenge Hybrid (Men's - Women's) | Testing | Yes, zips | No | No | Down | 850 | ? | N/A | N/A | 40D + 80D | All Round | Regular | 900 g / 1 lb 15.75 oz | 80 cm / 31.5 in | ||
Arc'teryx Monitor Insulated (Women's) | Testing | No | No | Yes | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft | 80 + 100 g/m² | 40D 3L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Oversized | 645 g / 1 lb 6.8 oz | 93 cm / 37 in | |
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's) | Testing | No | No | Yes | Parka | N/A | N/A | N/A | Coreloft | 80 + 140 g/m² | 40D 2L Gore-Tex | Around Town | Regular | 460 g / 1 lb 0.2 oz | 93 cm / 37 in |
View full table at https://outdoorcrunch.com/best-arcteryx-jacket/.
If you're confused now and don't know which jacket best corresponds to your own needs, then follow the advice given in https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/jacket-finder/.
The temperature ratings in this list are intended to represent the lowest temperatures you can wear each jacket without feeling uncomfortably cold.
Keep in mind that these are only approximate values, assuming:
- worn over a shirt only and no shell over,
- during daily use (strolls, power walks etc at most - no high output activities),
- with light wind,
- and when it's dry out.
These values applicable to your torso only. Your hands, legs and feet are still subject to their own additional insulation.
The best practice is usually to use this table for comparing each jacket to one another, rather than pinpointing their ratings.
Also, ratings will best respond to males. As most women tend to run colder than men, for women, shifting these ratings a bit is recommended.
Always opt for the warmer option when in doubt. For jackets with Atom AR level warmth and beyond, recommended is almost always the hooded models.
- Also see: Arc'teryx Shells
Name | Bottom line | Activity | Review | Breathability | Weather Res. | Durability | Packability | Temp (F/C) | Pit zips? | Two way zipper? | Stuffs into itself? | Hood? | Face Fabric | Fit | Weight | Length | Measurements |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alpha FL (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | 4/10 | 5/10 | 6/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | StormHood | Hadron 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 209 g / 7.4 oz | 76.5 cm / 30 in | [Men's / Women's] | ||
Alpha SL (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | 3/10 | 4/10 | 6/10 | 9/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | StormHood | N40p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 326 g / 11.5 oz | 77.5 cm / 30.5 in | [Men's / Women's] | ||
Alpha AR (Men's - Women's) | Go-to climbing harshell. | Climbing | Review | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 4/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 430 g / 15.2 oz | 79.5 cm / 31.25 in | [Men's] |
Alpha SV (Men's - Women's) | Strongest climbing hardshell. | Climbing | Review | 8/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 510 g / 1 lb 2 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | [Men's] |
Alpha IS (Men's) | Climbing | 7/10 | 5/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 23/-5 | No | Yes | Yes | StormHood | N40p-X 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | |||
Beta (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 5/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | N30p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 300 g / 10.6 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | |||
Beta Long (Men's) | All Round | Review | 5/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 441 g / 15.6 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in | ||
Beta Coat (Women's) | All Round | 7/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | Yes | No | StormHood | 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 320 g / 11.3 oz | ? | [Men's / Women's] | ||
Beta LT Hadron (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 5/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | Hadron 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 255g / 9 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | |||
Beta LT (Men's - Women's) | Beta AR alternative. | All Round | Review | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N40d 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 395 g / 13.9 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | |
Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's) | Best insulated shell. | All Round | 10/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 2/10 | 21/-6 | Yes | Yes | No | StormHood | N40d 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 680 g / 1 lb 8 oz | 78.5 cm / 31 in | [Men's / Women's] | |
Beta Insulated Coat (Women's) | Beta Insulated alternative. | All Round | 7/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 2/10 | 16/-9 | No | Yes | No | StormHood | N40d 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | ? | [Men's / Women's] | |
Beta AR (Men's - Women's) | Go-to all-round harshell. | All Round | Review | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 4/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N40r-X & N80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 460 g / 1 lb | 76 cm / 30 in | |
Beta SV (Men's - Women's) | Strongest all-round harshell. | All Round | Review | 8/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 495 g / 1 lb 1.5 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | [Men's / Women's] |
Alpine Guide (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 8/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80d-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 480g / 1 lb 0.9 oz | ? | [Men's] | ||
Gamma SL (Men's - Women's) | A trimmer Gamma LT. | All Round | Review | 7/10 | 2/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | Fortius 1.0 | Trim | 310 g / 10.9 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | [Men's / Women's] |
Gamma LT (Men's) | A fleeceless, trimmer Gamma MX. | All Round | Review | 7/10 | 3/10 | 7/10 | 3/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | Wee Burly | Regular | 545 g / 1 lb 3.2 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | [Men's / Women's] |
Gamma MX (Men's - Women's) | A softshell with a fleece. | All Round | Review | 6/10 | 4/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | Fortius 2.0 | Regular | 555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | [Men's / Women's] |
Rush (Men's - Women's) | Go-to ski jacket. | Skiing | Review | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p-X & N100p-X 3L Most Rugged Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz | 79.5 cm / 31.25 in | [Men's] |
Sabre (Men's) | Alternative to Rush. | Skiing | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 2/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 705 g / 1 lb 8.9 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | ||
Sentinel (Women's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 2/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 370 g / 13.1 oz | ? | |||
Macai (Men's) | Go-to insulated ski jacket. | Skiing | Review | 10/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 1/10 | 5/-15 | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 1 kg / 2 lb 3.3 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | |
Macai LT (Men's) | A lighter Macai with StormHood. | Skiing | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 1/10 | 8/-13 | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz | ? | [Men's] | |
Andessa (Women's) | Go-to insulated ski jacket. | Skiing | 10/10 | Testing | Testing | 1/10 | 8/-13 | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N40d 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 869 g / 1 lb 14.7 oz | ? | ||
Andessa Shell (Women's) | Non-insulated Andessa. | Skiing | 5/10 | Testing | Testing | 3/10 | N/A | No | No | No | DropHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 560 g / 1 lb 3.8 oz | ? | ||
Theriss Down (Women's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | Testing | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 709 g / 1 lb 9 oz | ? | |||
Rush IS (Women's) | An insulated Rush. | Skiing | 5/10 | Testing | Testing | 9/10 | 16/-9 | No | No | Yes | StormHood | Gore-Tex Infinium | Regular | 515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz | ? | ||
Sentinel IS (Women's) | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | 21/-6 | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | ? | [Women's] | ||
Ski Guide (Men's - Women's) | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 570 g / 1 lb 4.1 oz | ? | |||
Micon Heather | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | NP100-d 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | [Men's] | ||
Micon (Men's) | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | [Men's] | ||
Cassiar (Men's) | Skiing | Review | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 820 g / 1 lb 12.9 oz | 74.5 cm / 29.3 in | [Women's] | |
Cassiar LT (Men's) | Skiing | Review | 6/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 605 g / 1 lb 5.3 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | [Women's] | |
Ravenna (Women's) | Skiing | Review | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N70s-4 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 725 g / 1 lb 9.6 oz | 69.5 cm / 27.4 in | [Men's] | |
Ravenna LT (Women's) | Skiing | Review | 6/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz | 69 cm / 27.2 in | [Men's] | |
Procline (Men's) | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N70p Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | [Women's] | ||
Shashka Stretch (Women's) | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N70p Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 670 g / 1 lb 7.6 oz | 71 cm / 28 in | [Women's] | ||
Sabre AR (Men's) | Skiing | Review | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 700 g / 1 lb 8.7 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | [Men's] | |
Sentinel AR (Women's) | Skiing | Review | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz | 72.5 cm / 28.5 in | [Women's] | |
Sabre LT (Men's) | Skiing | Review | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 660 g / 1 lb 7.3 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | ||
Sentinel LT (Women's) | Skiing | Review | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 565 g / 1 lb 3.9 oz | 73.5 cm / 29 in | ||
Incendia (Women's) | Skiing | Review | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | NP100d 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | [Women's] | |
Indencia IS | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | ? | 78 cm / 30.75 in | [Men's / Women's] | ||
Norvan LT (Men's - Women's) | Go-to running jacket. | Running | 5/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | N/A | No | No | No | Standard | N13p 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 190 g / 6.7 oz | ? | [Women's] | |
Squamish (Men's - Women's) | Trimmer, lighter, packable running jacket. | Running | Review | 5/10 | 4/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | StormHood | 30D Tyono | Trim | 140 g / 4.9 oz | 77.5 cm / 30.5 in | [Women's] |
Norvan SL Ins. (Women's) | Running | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | 39/4 | No | No | Yes | Standard | Gore-Tex ShakeDry | Trim | 270 g / 9.5 oz | 71.5 cm / 28.1 in | [Women's] | ||
Cita (Women's) | Running | Review | 7/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | Lumin | Trim | 120 g / 4.2 oz | 67.5 cm / 26.5 in | [Men's] | |
Cita SL (Women's) | Running | Review | 7/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 10/10 | N/A | Yes | No | Yes | Standard | Permeair 20 | Trim | 65 g / 2.3 oz | 61.5 cm / 24.2 in | [Men's] | |
Incendo (Men's) | Running | Review | 7/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | Lumin | Trim | 125 g / 4.4 oz | ? | ||
Incendo SL (Men's) | Running | Review | 7/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | Permair 20 & Canim | Trim | 80 g / 2.8 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | [Men's / Women's] | |
Incendo Airshell | Running | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | ? | ? | ? | ? | [Men's] | ||
Norvan SL (Men's - Women's) | Running | Review | 7/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 120 g / 4.2 oz | 77 cm / 30.4 in | [Women's] | |
Trino SL (Men's) | Running | Review | 8/10 | 5/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | N/A | No | No | No | Standard | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 340 g / 12 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | [Men's / Women's] | |
Trino SL Anorak (Women's) | Running | Review | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | N/A | No | No | No | Standard | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 290 g / 10.2 oz | 65 cm / 25.5 in | [Men's / Women's] | |
Nodin (Men's - Women's) | Running | 8/10 | 5/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | 20D Tyono | Trim | 155 g / 5.5 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | [Men's / Women's] | ||
Solano (Men's - Women's) | Around Town | Review | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | No | No | No | Standard | Gore-Tex Infinium | Relaxed | 355 g / 12.5 oz | 72 cm / 28.3 in | ||
Venda Anorak (Women's) | Around Town | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | No | No | No | Standard | Gore-Tex | Relaxed | 255 g / 9 oz | 75.5 cm / 29.7 in | |||
Zeta FL (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | 4/10 | 6/10 | 4/10 | 6/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | N20r 2L Gore-Tex | Trim | 221 g / 7.8 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | [Men's / Women's] | ||
Zeta SL (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | Review | 3/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | 2L Gore-Tex | Trim | 310 g / 10.9 oz | 77.8 cm / 30.6 in | [Men's] | |
Zeta LT (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | 5/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | N40P-X 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 335 g / 11.8 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | [Men's] | ||
Zeta AR (Men's) | Hiking | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 4/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 425 g / 15 oz | 80 cm / 31.5 in |
One of the important things in here is that you don't necessarily have to be exposed to extreme colds to need an extremely warm jacket. Let's take a look at the two most common scenarios when it comes to this.
First of all, for whatever reason, every now and then, most of us tend to stay outside for long periods of time without moving. Not moving will always make you feel much colder as your body do not generate any heat as an output, and hence the jacket cannot heat you up.
There hasn't been any official statements about this so no one knows.
But more importantly, whether that was the case or not, Alpha Parka turned out to be a much superior item compared to both Ceres SV and Firebee AR (read my comparison of the two). The overall improvement is tremendous and almost completely unexpected.
Another most common instance that extremely warm jackets can come beneficial is when you stay hungry for long periods of time.
This can be because you might be on a diet and intermittent fasting, or you might be fasting for religious reasons, or maybe it's just what your daily schedule dictates.
But if you must go out when your stomach is empty for longer than, say, 3-4 hours; it's almost certain that you're going to fell colder than you usually do if you're like most people.
- 13 Mar 2023: I've been to Pfander and floodplain forests with my Nuclei SV
- 13 Dec 2022: Arc'teryx Alpha Parka Review: The most impressive jacket of all time
- 8 Dec 2022: Arc'teryx ReGEAR: OutdoorCrunch exclusive promo code!
- 7 Nov 2022: 2023 Thorium Hoody is in - as well as the new Thorium Parka (yes, parka)
- 2 Nov 2022: Beta Insulated Jacket: Pit zips AND two way zipper!
- 7 October 2022: Proton Hybrid Hoody is live! The ultimate do it all?
- 5 October 2022: DropHood vs StormHood: Pros/cons and best uses
- 5 September 2022: Reviewing Arc'teryx Fall Winter 22/23 Gear
- 5 August 2022: 5 things all Arc'teryx newbies should know
- #A sidenote here: Arc'teryx's PDF guide to jackets is GOOOLLLLDDDDD. Absolutely check that out too if you're interested in buying one.
In terms of warmth, there really are no alternatives to Alpha Parka as of now. Cerium SV (Men's - Women's - read my review) is the closest you get, though like I said it's not an alternative and hence the warmth difference will be quite noticeable there.
If we were to include parkas too, then the Therme SV Parka (Men's - read my review) would be the closest. But it's a parka and not a down jacket, so it's comparing apples to oranges. They're not the replacements of one another.
Now with all that said, there also of course are (or at least can be) some downsides to this much of warmth. Obviously, overheating is the main risk in here. If you're like me and you tend to run much warmer than the average person, then you're likely to overheat in this jacket even when it's pretty cold.
This is where the two way zipper steps in. Which brings me to my next point.
Breathability
Equipping a jacket with pit zips and/or a two way zipper are the only ways to provide mechanical venting.
When it comes to the ultimate breathability one ends up getting from a jacket, mechanical venting hands down is always a bigger factor than membrane breathability.
Excluding the Atom line (Atom SL (read my review), Atom LT (Men's - Women's - read my review) and Atom AR (Men's - Women's - read my review)), which are equipped with mesh panels and not zips in the armpits, Arc'teryx never offers pit venting in their synthetic insulated or down jackets.
This is a fact and other brands too position their catalogue similarly in this manner.
Insulated & shell hybrids like Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's - read my review) and Macai (Men's) do not count. Because they're a shell jacket first and an insulated jacket second.
It's Arc'teryx shells where you'll find a bunch of jackets with pit zips - although just like most of you I too am not 100% happy with the amount of Arc'teryx shells with pit zips and would like to see them more common.
Two way zippers in insulated jackets also aren't that common, although certainly more so than the pit zips.
It's great to finally see Arc'teryx heading towards the use of two way zippers. In addition to our Alpha Parka, the new Thorium Jacket (Men's - Women's - read my review) and Thorium Parka (Men's - Women's) (these are NOT Thorium AR (Women's - read my review), by the way) also feature a two way zipper.
Two way zipper activated. A great idea for a jacket like this. Really ups the versatility and use cases.
A two way zipper primarily makes it possible for you to vent out some of the heat you don't need.
But it's not limited to that. There are two side benefits you get with it:
- Two way zippers can make it a lot more easier for you to access the area around harness and hardware during most outdoor activities.
- It also allows for increased comfort when sitting down, as it won't bunch up if you only keep the upper half zipped.
The biggest downside of a two way zipper is that it's more difficult to work zip and unzip than the regular one way zippers. Especially with thick gloves. Other downside is that it tends to break down a bit easier, though the user also plays a role in here.
Anyways, let's get back to breathability.
The membrane itself, 2L Gore-Tex, is also pretty breathable, but mechanical venting will always account for the overwhelming majority of the total breathability of a jacket, no matter what.
So that's the primary point in here. Always look at mechanical venting first when trying to comprehend the potential breathability of a jacket.
Weather and Abrasion Resistance
It isn't ordinary for synthetic insulated jackets or down jackets to supply a Gore-Tex membrane.
We did see Arc'teryx manufacturing synthetic insulated Gore-Tex jackets in the past, such as the discontinued (and still being deeply missed) Fission SV (read my review) and Kappa jackets.
But for down jackets, this is the first time in history where Arc'teryx puts a Gore-Tex on a down jacket.
Hood, chest, shoulders, sleeves, and rear hem and equipped with Hadron 2L Gore-Tex Infinium. All the other locations are equipped with N30r 2L Gore-Tex Infinium.
If you're unaware, two-layer (2L) Gore-Tex fabric is made up of two layers - an outer layer that is typically made of a durable, abrasion-resistant material, and an inner layer that is coated with the Gore-Tex waterproof membrane.
Gore-Tex face fabric is another item that adds a lot to the versatility to the Alpha Parka. With the help of its Gore-Tex membrane, the Alpha Parka will hold up against precipitation much more than other down jackets.
But, at the end of the day, Alpha Parka is still a down jacket and will start soaking after, say, 0.5 - 1 hr under, say, average drizzle.
Momentary contact with the snow or water isn't going to be a problem at all though. The Gore-Tex outer fabric will be more than enough to combat this. On top of that, jacket is also coated with DWR and will bead water perfectly.
DWR is a coating.
It's basically sprayed on to the surface of these jackets as a finish. It stands for Durable Water Repellent - which means that water will be repelled under wet conditions instead of soaking into the fabric.
DWR also decreases dry time.
It's a good thing these jackets are coated in DWR, but pay attention to the fact that DWR is a coating - meaning that it will wear off over time.
Which is why you might want to invest in a DWR spray such as this one for after treatment.
As you see, there's a strong correlation between FP x FW and temperature ratings, but not more than, say, 80%. I explained why this happens here in this post of mine.
Pockets
2 hand warmer, 1 external chest and 2 internal drop in pockets offer plenty of storage. Probably even more than you'll need because the internal pockets are enormous.
Fit
Does this jacket really fit larger?
Well, yes, but that's limited to the torso. It does fit true to size in the arms and shoulders.
This alone should be enough to discourage you from sizing down, because you risk the jacket to come narrow in the arms and shoulders in that case, which would be a deal breaker.
I'll take a jacket that fits large in the torso over the one that fits small in the arms and shoulders everyday.
But, in addition to this, another factor you should also consider is layering and warmth. As you can also see in this article where the working principles of down jackets are explained, air makes up as an amazing insulator. And in case you would like to layer this jacket, the added warmth you'll end up getting will be much more than a more slim jacket.
Alpha Parka is like a base layer, a mid layer and a shell all put together in one piece. Still, depending on your personal needs and desires, you might want to layer it.
Best uses
Alpha Parka is marketed as a climbing jacket. But you can absolutely use it just about for anything - hiking, climbing, walking around town (casual use), etc. People even use it for skiing (speaking of which, if you're interested in Arc'teryx ski jackets, read this article).
As long as nothing more than a little protection against precipitation is expected, I really can't think of any scenario where the Alpha Parka wouldn't be ideal.
Other Arc'teryx down jackets
Check out the stance of Alpha Parka compared to other Arc'teryx down jackets in here:
Raw Name | Arc'teryx Alpha | Arc'teryx Cerium SV | Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight | Arc'teryx Thorium | Arc'teryx Cerium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Arc'teryx Alpha (Men's - Women's) | Arc'teryx Cerium SV (Men's) | Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's) | Arc'teryx Thorium (Men's - Women's) | Arc'teryx Cerium (Men's - Women's) |
Image | |||||
Temp (°F / °C) | -18/-28 | 0/-18 | 3/-16 | 7/-14 | 26/-3 |
Breathability | 8/10 | 5/10 | Testing | 6/10 | Testing |
Weather Resistance | 10/10 | 9/10 | Testing | 8/10 | Testing |
Durability | 10/10 | 9/10 | Testing | 8/10 | Testing |
Packability | 7/10 | 3/10 | Testing | 8/10 | Testing |
Best pick for | Warmest Arc'teryx jacket. | ||||
Review | Review | Review | Review | ||
Pit venting? | No | No | No | No | No |
Stuffs into itself? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Two way zipper? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Size Chart | [Women's] | [Men's / Women's] | [Men's] | ||
Type | Down | Down | Down | Down | Down |
Fill Power | 850 | 850 | 850 | 750 | 850 |
Fill Weight (grams) | 296 | 162 | 117 | 140 | 113 |
FP x FW | 251,600 | 137,700 | 99,450 | 105,000 | 96,050 |
Synthetic Insulator (SI) | Coreloft | Coreloft | Coreloft Compact | Coreloft | Coreloft |
SI Amount | 90 g/m² | 80 + 140 g/m² | 40 g/m² | 80 + 140 g/m² | 80 + 100 g/m² |
Face Fabric | N30r 2L GoreTex Infinium | Arato 7 & 10 | Hadron 2L Gore-Tex Infinium | Arato 30 | Arato 15 |
Activity | Climbing | All Round | Climbing | All Round | All Round |
Fit | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular | Trim |
Weight | 805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz | 415 g / 14.6 oz | 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz | 517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz | 335 g / 11.8 oz |
Length (CB) | 86 cm / 34 in | 69.5 cm / 27.4 in | ? | 71.5 cm / 28.1 in | ? |
arc-mens-url | https://www.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/alpha-parka | https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/cerium-sv-hoody | https://www.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/alpha-lightweight-parka | https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/thorium-hoody | https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/cerium-hoody |
arc-womens-url | https://www.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/alpha-parka | https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/thorium-hoody | https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/cerium-hoody | ||
pat-mens-url | |||||
pat-womens-url | |||||
rei-mens-url | https://www.rei.com/product/873043 | https://www.rei.com/product/209333/arcteryx-thorium-down-hoodie-mens | |||
rei-womens-url | https://www.rei.com/product/191824/arcteryx-alpha-insulated-parka-womens | https://www.rei.com/product/105020 | |||
backcountry-mens-url | |||||
backcountry-womens-url | |||||
amazon-mens-url | https://www.amazon.com/Arcteryx-Cerium-SV-Down-Jacket/dp/B00GV4IDJE | ||||
amazon-womens-url | https://www.amazon.com/Arcteryx-Cerium-SV-Hoody-Sapphire/dp/B01N8ZRDDR | ||||
image-url | https://images.arcteryx.com/F22/1350x1710/Alpha-Parka-Dynasty.jpg | https://images.arcteryx.com/F22/1350x1710/Cerium-SV-Hoody-Phenom.jpg | https://images.arcteryx.com/F22/1350x1710/Alpha-Lightweight-Parka-Black.jpg | https://images.arcteryx.com/F22/1350x1710/Thorium-Hoody-Forage.jpg | https://images.arcteryx.com/F22/1350x1710/Cerium-Hoody-Habitat.jpg |
Conclusion
If you can afford it, I can recommend the Arc'teryx Alpha Parka my eyes closed. It's a breathtaking down jacket you'll appreciate having over and over again.
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