Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta: I own ALL six models (with photos)

Y'all know this is just my opinion... right?

Table of Conents: Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta

Overview

Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta: Typical buyer profiles

Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta: Gore-Tex membranes

Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta: Breathability

Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta: Hoods

Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta: Cuffs

Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta: Pockets

Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta: More photos

Summary

Rho Hybrid + Atom Heavyweight (aka AR) + Beta AR.

For context, I own all three Betas (Beta AR, Beta SL, Beta) and two of the three Alphas (Alpha SV, Alpha).

I love hiking, skiing, cycling and running with my Beta AR. It's probably my all-time favorite Arc'teryx hardshell. It layers perfectly with my Atom Heavyweight (aka AR) and Proton (aka LT) as well. I also like the DropHood better than the StormHood, mostly because I don't use a hood that often. I find the collar to be extremely comfortable. I also love the Beta AR's pocket placements and pocket sizes.

When I'm skiing with lots of items inside the pockets of my Proton or Atom Heavyweight, though, I do tend to wear my Alpha (aka AR) or Alpha SV more than my Beta AR. I think it's because the Alpha line offers chest pockets instead of hand pockets. I just don't like all my pocketed items bunching up around my waist.

I also tend to ski for long times (six-plus hours) once I'm in the mountains. When I'm riding chairlifts, I find chest pockets more convenient with easier access to their contents. They also feel safer to me for smaller items because it's easy to drop something from your hand pockets (although I've yet to drop and lose anything off a chairlift).

One super nerdy detail to note: When wearing goggles it's more difficult to see chest pockets. But because I only need to operate with them when I'm sitting or standing still, I take off my goggles.

I believe all Beta AR, Alpha (aka AR) and Alpha SV are great for these reasons. They're also the only Gore-Tex Pro items in here, so they have the edge over the others in terms of durability and breathability.

I wear my Beta LT and Beta Lightweight the least. Truth be told, I almost always reach for my Beta AR instead. I suspect it's because of the premium Gore-Tex Pro membrane on the Beta AR. I also find the collar and zippers on the Beta LT and Beta Lightweight to be less convenient. If I didn't own the other 3 superior models, they's suffice just fine.

The base Beta is a strange item but I do wear it pretty often. It doesn't offer pit-zips and it fits very trim. When it's not that cold but I need wind or water resistance it's feels like the perfect choice. I should note that I also own a Rho LT Zip Neck in Edziza, so the color match also makes for a nice pairing.

Overview

Arc'teryx hardshells in Edziza, Blue Tetra, Void and Smoke Bluff colors.

Winter '24 colors.

Colors in photos:

Beta: Edziza,
Beta Lightweight: Void,
Beta LT: Smoke Bluff,
Beta AR: Blue Tetra,
Alpha (aka AR): Edziza & Black Sapphire,
Alpha SV: Bordeaux.

Here's how Arc'teryx compares the Alpha vs Beta jackets (all 7 items - 4x Beta & 3x Alpha):

https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000007726/X000009681/X000007082/X000007301/X000006454/X000007728/X000007319

And here's my take:

3L Gore-Tex Pro, buy it for life items: Alpha SV, Alpha (aka AR) and Beta AR.
- Alpha SV's outer fabric of 100 denier is the thickest Arc'teryx ever manufactured. It resists abrasion, wind and water so well it's insane. Expect years, if not decades, of reliable performance. Because the Alpha SV is a climbing-specific jacket, the hand warmers are placed higher on the chest, allowing for crossover access only. I don't climb, but I like this placement better for cycling, too.
  - https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/alpha-sv-jacket
  - https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/alpha-sv-jacket
- Just like the Alpha SV, the Beta AR and the Alpha (aka AR) also come equipped with the 3L Most Rugged Gore-Tex Pro membrane. But instead of N100d face fabric, they're both equipped with N40d & N80d face fabric thickness. This makes them less weather and abrasion resistant and less durable (but still more than enough for almost most all use cases). On the plus side, the thinner face fabric also makes both jackets lighter and quieter than the Alpha SV. If Arc'teryx hardshells were cars, the Alpha SV would be a Lamborghini whereas these two would be Mercedes.

Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta: Gore-Tex Pro items

Gore-Tex Pro items. The Alpha SV is an absolute unit of a jacket. Extremely stiff and robust. It may be overkill unless you plan to wear it almost weekly for decades.

3L Gore-Tex, very long lasting items: Beta, Beta Lightweight and Beta LT.
- I'd base my decision just as much on the looks and color as on the performance because they're not that different. Here's how Arc'teryx compares these three: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000007725/X000007726/X000007301. All of them offer 3L Gore-Tex membranes. But at 30 denier, the Beta offers the thinnest face fabric, in comparison to the 40 denier thickness of the Beta Lightweight and Beta LT. The Beta is also the most streamlined: No pit zips, thinnest face at 30d, no collar drawcords, no DWR (durable water repellent) finish, no helmet-compatible hood, and smaller internal pocket. The Beta LT, on the other hand, is the only one of these three that doesn't offer an internal zippered security pocket and is the only one that offers a tricot backer instead of C-Knit backer. The former is generally regarded as more durable but also less breathable, less stretchy and less comfortable.

Arc'teryx Beta vs Beta Lightweight vs Beta LT. All are very long lasting, Gore-Tex items.

Gore-Tex items. There's a horizontal "band" or "tape" like lane that passes through the middle and cuts the Beta LT in half. One more photo down below in this write-up. I think it affects its looks.

There is also the women's-only Beta Coat. I don't have much information about it.
- https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/beta-coat
The primary insulated option is the Beta Insulated. The warmer option for men is the Beta Down Insulated (offers 126 g of 850 FP down in addition to the same 80 gsm synthetic fill in Beta Insulated). For women it's the below-hip length Beta Insulated Coat, which offers 120 gsm reinforcements in addition to 80 gsm synthetic fill.

Sleeves of all are too long, but that's intentional. They're meant to cover your entire arms when they're up. So don't size down.

Nobody dislikes too long sleeves more than I do. In this case, however, I love them because all offer velcro cuffs for easy adjustment, unlike the softshell Gamma line.

Here is a great article from Arc'teryx talking about their partnership with Gore-Tex and the development of sustainable fabrics.

Keep in mind that Alpha line is centered around climbing and alpine activities whereas the Beta line around versatility.

Verify the source to this on Arc'teryx's own Naming Scheme Page here, for both Alpha and Beta, as well as suffixes such as LT, AR and SV.

Fit

Canberk is 5'11" and 165 pounds, with an athletic build. Size Medium fits him perfectly across almost all brands and product lines.

Arc'teryx's 2024 men's fit revision

Here's what Arc'teryx says about its most recent fit revision:

Source: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/help/sizing/mens/tops/new

Not all jackets come with the revised fit - only the ones with following statement:

Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta: Typical buyer profiles

Horizontal line that goes through the Arc'teryx Beta LT.

"I want to stay active throughout the winter. A lot of winter hikes, outdoor hockey, skiing, cycling, climbing and more; as well as everyday use. I don't expect wearing my new jacket for 10+ years. To me comfort is more important than durability."

Beta, Beta Lightweight or Beta LT is your jacket.

I'd base my decision just as much on the looks and color as on the performance.

Here's how Arc'teryx compares these three: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000007725/X000007726/X000007301.

All of these are 3L Gore-Tex but Beta offers the least thickness of 30d in comparison to 40d thickness of the other two.

Beta LT is the only one of these three that offers a tricot backer instead of a C-Knit, which is more durable but also less breathable, less stretchy and less comfy.

Lastly, if you have no plans using these jackets with the helmet, then take a long look at the Beta. It's the only one that doesn't offer a helmet compatible hood.

This is an advantage because otherwise the hood is huge when you put it on. On top of that when the hood is down it just looks too big and funny.

"Our winters are very cold in my city. But I want to stay active throughout the winter. A lot of winter hikes, outdoor hockey, skiing, cycling, climbing and more; as well as everyday use. Lifespan and weather resistance of my new jacket is crucial for me."

Absolutely go for the Beta AR.

Temperature ratings of Arc'teryx jackets

Name	Est. Temp (F/C)	Review	Pit venting?	Two way zipper?	Stuffs into itself?	Type	Fill Power (in3/oz)	Fill Weight (g)	Fill Volume (in3)	Synthetic Fill	Synth. Fill Weight	Face Fabric	Activity	Fit	Weight	Length (CB)
Arc'teryx Alpha Parka (Men's - Women's)	-18/-28	Review	No	Yes	Yes	Down	850	296	8,875	Coreloft	90 g/m²	N30r 2L GoreTex Infinium	Climbing	Regular	805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz	86 cm / 34 in
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's - Women's)	5/-15		No	Yes	Yes	Down	850	117	3,508	Coreloft Compact	40 g/m²	Hadron 2L Gore-Tex Infinium	Climbing	Regular	540 g / 1 lb 3 oz	79.5 cm / 31.25 in
Arc'teryx Atom (aka 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 Atom Heavyweight (aka 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
Arc'teryx Atom Lightweight (aka 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	270 g / 9.5 oz	72 cm / 28.3 in
Arc'teryx Beta Down Insulated (Men's)	0/-18		Yes	Yes	No	Parka	850	126	3,778	Coreloft	80 g/m²	2L 40D Gore-Tex	All Round	Regular	760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz	79 cm / 31 in
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's)	21/-6	Review	Yes, zips	Yes	No	Parka	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
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)	16/-9	Review	No	Yes	No	Parka	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	86 cm / 34 in
Arc'teryx Cerium (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)	26/-3	Review	No	No	Yes	Down	850	113	3,388	Coreloft	80 + 100 g/m²	Arato 15	All Round	Trim	335 g / 11.8 oz	72 cm / 28.3 in
Arc'teryx Cerium Hybrid (Women's)	44/7		No	No	Yes	Down	850	44	1,319	Coreloft	40 + 100 g/m²	Arato 15 + Fortius Air 50	All Round	Trim	260 g / 9.2 oz	70 cm / 27.5 in
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's)	14/-10		No	Yes	No	Parka	N/A	N/A	N/A	Coreloft	98 g/m²	40D 2L Gore-Tex	Around Town	Regular	435g / 15.3 oz	70 cm / 27.5 in
Arc'teryx Liatris (Women's)	5/-15		No	No	No	Parka	850	93	2,788	Climashield	80 g/m2 + 60 g/m2	70D 3L Gore-Tex	Around Town	Regular	890 g / 1 lb 15.4 oz	75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Liatris Parka (Women's)	2/-17		No	No	No	Parka	850	136	4,078	Climashield	80 g/m2 + 60 g/m2	70D 3L Gore-Tex	Around Town	Regular	1.093 kg / 2 lb 6.6 oz	109 cm / 43 in
Arc'teryx Nuclei (aka FL) ( Men's - Women's)	32/0	Review	No	No	Yes	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	Coreloft Continuous	65 g/m²	Arato 10r	All Round	Regular	325 g / 11.5 oz	75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Women's)	5/-15	Review	No	Yes	Yes	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	Coreloft Continuous	190 g/m2 + 90 g/m2	Arato 15	All Round	Regular	600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz	81 cm / 31.8 in
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's)	21/-6	Review	No	Yes	No	Parka	750	67	1,773	Coreloft	60 + 80 g/m²	2L Gore-Tex	Around Town	Trim	867 g / 1 lb 14.6 oz	99 cm / 39 in
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's)	0/-18		No	Yes	No	Parka	750	204	5,397	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
Arc'teryx Proton Lightweight (aka FL) (Men's - Women's)	48/9	Review	No	No	No	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	Octa Loft	94 g/m²	Fortius Air 20	Climbing	Trim	343 g / 12.1 oz	75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's)	5/-15	Review	No	Yes	No	Parka	750	120	3,175	Coreloft	60 + 80 g/m²	P75d Polyester	Around Town	Regular	991 g / 2 lb 3 oz	85 cm / 33.5 in
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's)	-11/-24	Review	No	Yes	No	Parka	750	211	5,582	Coreloft	60 g/m²	2L Gore-Tex	Around Town	Regular	1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 oz	96 cm / 37.75 in
Arc'teryx Thorium ( Men's - Women's)	12/-11	Review	No	Yes	Yes	Down	750	140	3,704	Coreloft	80 + 140 g/m²	Arato 30	All Round	Regular	517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz	71.5 cm / 28.1 in
Arc'teryx Thorium Parka (Women's)	-2/-19	Review	No	Yes	No	Down	750	209	5,529	Coreloft	80 + 140 g/m²	Arato 20	Around Town	Regular	610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz	115.8 cm / 45.6 in
Arc'teryx Thorium SV (Men's)	3/-16		No	Yes	Yes	Down	750	169	4,471	Coreloft	80 + 140 g/m²	Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex Infinium	Around Town	Regular	645 g / 1 lb 6.8 oz	73 cm / 28.75 in
Arc'teryx Thorium SV Parka (Men's)	0/-18		No	Yes	No	Down	750	195	5,159	Coreloft	80 + 140 g/m²	Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex Infinium	Around Town	Regular	685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz	85 cm / 33.5 in
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's)	7/-14		No	Yes	Yes	Down	700	155	3,827	N/A	N/A	30D ripstop nylon	All Round	Regular	442 g / 15.6 oz	76 cm / 29.75 in
Feathered Friends Eos(Men's - Women's)	8/-13		No	No	Yes	Down	900	105	3,333	N/A	N/A	Pertex Quantum	All Round	Regular	306 g / 10.8 oz	?
Feathered Friends Khumbu (Men's)	-17/-27		No	No	Yes	Down	900	378	12,000	Primaloft Gold	200 g	Pretex Shield XT	All Round	Regular	960 g / 2 lb 2 oz	?
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's)	-10/-23		No	Yes	Yes	Down	800	265	7,478	N/A	N/A	Nylon	All Round	Regular	770 g / 1 lb 11.2 oz	79 cm / 31 in
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's)	-13/-25		No	Yes	Yes	Down	800	300	8,466	N/A	N/A	30D Drilite	All Round	Regular	820 g / 1 lb 13 oz	76 cm / 30 in
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's)	28/-2		No	No	Yes	Down	800	85	2,399	N/A	N/A	10D Ripstop Nylon	All Round	Trim	250 g / 8.8 oz	70 cm / 27.5 in
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's)	3/-16		No	Yes	No	Down	800	182	5,136	N/A	N/A	30D Pertex Quantum Pro	All Round	Regular	825 g / 1 lb 13.1 oz	85 cm / 33.5 in
Patagonia AlpLight (Men's - Women's)	36/2		No	No	Yes	Down	800	100	2,822	N/A	N/A	0.8 oz 10D polyester	All Round	Slim	270 g / 9.5 oz	74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia AlpLoft (Men's)	-10/-23		No	Yes	Yes	Down	800	295	8,325	N/A	N/A	Pertex Quantom	All Round	Regular	680 g / 1 lb 8 oz	81 cm / 31.8 in
Patagonia DAS (Men's - Women's)	10/-12	Review	No	Yes	Yes	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco	133 + 40 g	Pertex Quantum Pro	All Round	Regular	555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz	84 cm / 33 in
Patagonia DAS Light(Men's)	34/1	Review	No	Yes	Yes	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	PlumaFill	65 g	10D Pertex Quantum Pro	All Round	Regular	320 g / 11.3 oz	77 cm / 30.5 in
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's)	23/-5	Review	No	No	Yes	Down	800	150	4,233	N/A	N/A	1.4 oz 20x30D polyester	All Round	Regular	428 g / 15.1 oz	67 cm / 26.25 in
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's)	18/-8		No	No	No	Down	600	279	5,905	N/A	N/A	4.2 oz polyester	Around Town	Regular	1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz	?
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's)	14/-10		No	No	Yes	Down	800	128	3,612	N/A	N/A	20D Nylon	All Round	Regular	632 g / 1lb 6.3 oz	74 cm / 29 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
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's)	12/-11	Review	No	Yes	No	Down	700	141	3,482	N/A	N/A	3.6 oz 50D polyester	Around Town	Regular	880 g / 1 lb 15 oz	79 cm / 31 in
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parks ( Women's)	7/-14		No	No	No	Parka	700	218	5,383	N/A	N/A	50D Polyester	Around Town	Regular	1.142 kg / 2 lb 8.3 oz	?
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's)	37/3	Review	No	No	Yes	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	PlumaFill	65 g	Pertex Quantum	All Round	Regular	298 g / 10.5 oz	75 cm / 29.5 in
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's)	39/4	Review	No	No	Yes	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	FullRange	60 g	33D nylon ripstop	All Round	Trim	401 g / 14.14 oz	?
Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid (Men's - Women's)	50/10		No	No	No	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	FullRange	40 g	20D nylon ripstop	All Round	Trim	335 g / 11.8 oz	?
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's)	41/5	Review	No	No	Yes	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
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's)	26/-3	Review	No	No	No	Down	700	109	2,691	N/A	N/A	2.2 oz polyester	Around Town	Regular	585 g / 1 lb 4.7 oz	74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia Stormshadow (Men's)	0/-18		No	No	No	Parka	700	259	6,395	N/A	N/A	75D Polyester	Around Town	Regular	1.182 kg / 2 lb 9.7 oz	?
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's)	8/-13	Review	No	No	No	Parka	700	118	2,914	N/A	N/A	5.5 oz polyester	Around Town	Regular	1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 oz	85 cm / 33.5 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
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's)	5/-15		No	Yes	Yes	Down	800	180	5,079	N/A	N/A	20D Pertex Quantum Pro	All Round	Regular	525 g / 1 lb 2.5 oz	74 cm / 29 in
Rab Infinity Alpine (Men's)	5/-15		No	Yes	Yes	Down	800	175	4,938	N/A	N/A	30D & 13D Gore-Tex Infinium	All Round	Regular	551 g / 1 lb 3.4 oz	76.5 cm / 30.1 in
Rab Infinity Microlight (Men's - Women's)	19/-7		No	No	Yes	Down	700	146	3,605	N/A	N/A	13D Gore-Tex Infinium	All Round	Regular	452 g / 15.9 oz	74 cm / 29.1 in
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's)	7/-14		No	No	Yes	Down	700	153	3,778	N/A	N/A	30D Pertex Quantum	All Round	Regular	466 g / 1 lb 0.5 oz	72 cm / 28.5 in
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's)	-2/-19		No	Yes	Yes	Down	800	212	5,982	N/A	N/A	20D Pertex Quantum Pro	All Round	Regular	585 g / 1 lb 8.6 oz	77 cm / 30.3 in
Rab Positron Pro (Men's)	-13/-25		No	Yes	Yes	Down	800	300	8,466	N/A	N/A	40D Pertex Quantum Pro	All Round	Regular	740 g / 1 lb 10 oz	85 cm / 33.5 in
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's)	14/-10		No	No	Yes	Down	850	120	3,598	N/A	N/A	Pertex mini ripstop nylon	All Round	Regular	340 g / 13.75 oz	74 cm / 29.25 in

Assumptions: Worn over a thin shirt, no output, no precipitation, light to no wind. Values are always for size M and for men's, except for women's-only items.

Primary use of this spectrum is for comparison, rather than figuring out absolute temp ratings.

Working principles of insulated jackets: https://outdoorcrunch.com/jackets/
CLO Values: https://outdoorcrunch.com/clo-values/
Best Arc'teryx jackets: https://outdoorcrunch.com/best-arcteryx-jacket/
Best sellers (new pages)
- https://arcteryx.com/us/en/c/mens/p/best-sellers
- https://arcteryx.com/us/en/c/womens/p/best-sellers

Performance ratings of Arc'teryx synthetics

Name	Est. Temp (F/C)	Review	Pit venting?	Two way zipper?	Stuffs into itself?	Type	Fill Power (in3/oz)	Fill Weight (g)	Fill Volume (in3)	Synthetic Fill	Synth. Fill Weight	Face Fabric	Activity	Fit	Weight	Length (CB)
Arc'teryx Alpha Parka (Men's - Women's)	-18/-28	Review	No	Yes	Yes	Down	850	296	8,875	Coreloft	90 g/m²	N30r 2L GoreTex Infinium	Climbing	Regular	805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz	86 cm / 34 in
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's - Women's)	5/-15		No	Yes	Yes	Down	850	117	3,508	Coreloft Compact	40 g/m²	Hadron 2L Gore-Tex Infinium	Climbing	Regular	540 g / 1 lb 3 oz	79.5 cm / 31.25 in
Arc'teryx Atom (aka 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 Atom Heavyweight (aka 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
Arc'teryx Atom Lightweight (aka 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	270 g / 9.5 oz	72 cm / 28.3 in
Arc'teryx Beta Down Insulated (Men's)	0/-18		Yes	Yes	No	Parka	850	126	3,778	Coreloft	80 g/m²	2L 40D Gore-Tex	All Round	Regular	760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz	79 cm / 31 in
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's)	21/-6	Review	Yes, zips	Yes	No	Parka	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
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)	16/-9	Review	No	Yes	No	Parka	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	86 cm / 34 in
Arc'teryx Cerium (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)	26/-3	Review	No	No	Yes	Down	850	113	3,388	Coreloft	80 + 100 g/m²	Arato 15	All Round	Trim	335 g / 11.8 oz	72 cm / 28.3 in
Arc'teryx Cerium Hybrid (Women's)	44/7		No	No	Yes	Down	850	44	1,319	Coreloft	40 + 100 g/m²	Arato 15 + Fortius Air 50	All Round	Trim	260 g / 9.2 oz	70 cm / 27.5 in
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's)	14/-10		No	Yes	No	Parka	N/A	N/A	N/A	Coreloft	98 g/m²	40D 2L Gore-Tex	Around Town	Regular	435g / 15.3 oz	70 cm / 27.5 in
Arc'teryx Liatris (Women's)	5/-15		No	No	No	Parka	850	93	2,788	Climashield	80 g/m2 + 60 g/m2	70D 3L Gore-Tex	Around Town	Regular	890 g / 1 lb 15.4 oz	75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Liatris Parka (Women's)	2/-17		No	No	No	Parka	850	136	4,078	Climashield	80 g/m2 + 60 g/m2	70D 3L Gore-Tex	Around Town	Regular	1.093 kg / 2 lb 6.6 oz	109 cm / 43 in
Arc'teryx Nuclei (aka FL) ( Men's - Women's)	32/0	Review	No	No	Yes	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	Coreloft Continuous	65 g/m²	Arato 10r	All Round	Regular	325 g / 11.5 oz	75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Women's)	5/-15	Review	No	Yes	Yes	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	Coreloft Continuous	190 g/m2 + 90 g/m2	Arato 15	All Round	Regular	600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz	81 cm / 31.8 in
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's)	21/-6	Review	No	Yes	No	Parka	750	67	1,773	Coreloft	60 + 80 g/m²	2L Gore-Tex	Around Town	Trim	867 g / 1 lb 14.6 oz	99 cm / 39 in
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's)	0/-18		No	Yes	No	Parka	750	204	5,397	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
Arc'teryx Proton Lightweight (aka FL) (Men's - Women's)	48/9	Review	No	No	No	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	Octa Loft	94 g/m²	Fortius Air 20	Climbing	Trim	343 g / 12.1 oz	75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's)	5/-15	Review	No	Yes	No	Parka	750	120	3,175	Coreloft	60 + 80 g/m²	P75d Polyester	Around Town	Regular	991 g / 2 lb 3 oz	85 cm / 33.5 in
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's)	-11/-24	Review	No	Yes	No	Parka	750	211	5,582	Coreloft	60 g/m²	2L Gore-Tex	Around Town	Regular	1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 oz	96 cm / 37.75 in
Arc'teryx Thorium ( Men's - Women's)	12/-11	Review	No	Yes	Yes	Down	750	140	3,704	Coreloft	80 + 140 g/m²	Arato 30	All Round	Regular	517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz	71.5 cm / 28.1 in
Arc'teryx Thorium Parka (Women's)	-2/-19	Review	No	Yes	No	Down	750	209	5,529	Coreloft	80 + 140 g/m²	Arato 20	Around Town	Regular	610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz	115.8 cm / 45.6 in
Arc'teryx Thorium SV (Men's)	3/-16		No	Yes	Yes	Down	750	169	4,471	Coreloft	80 + 140 g/m²	Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex Infinium	Around Town	Regular	645 g / 1 lb 6.8 oz	73 cm / 28.75 in
Arc'teryx Thorium SV Parka (Men's)	0/-18		No	Yes	No	Down	750	195	5,159	Coreloft	80 + 140 g/m²	Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex Infinium	Around Town	Regular	685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz	85 cm / 33.5 in
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's)	7/-14		No	Yes	Yes	Down	700	155	3,827	N/A	N/A	30D ripstop nylon	All Round	Regular	442 g / 15.6 oz	76 cm / 29.75 in
Feathered Friends Eos(Men's - Women's)	8/-13		No	No	Yes	Down	900	105	3,333	N/A	N/A	Pertex Quantum	All Round	Regular	306 g / 10.8 oz	?
Feathered Friends Khumbu (Men's)	-17/-27		No	No	Yes	Down	900	378	12,000	Primaloft Gold	200 g	Pretex Shield XT	All Round	Regular	960 g / 2 lb 2 oz	?
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's)	-10/-23		No	Yes	Yes	Down	800	265	7,478	N/A	N/A	Nylon	All Round	Regular	770 g / 1 lb 11.2 oz	79 cm / 31 in
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's)	-13/-25		No	Yes	Yes	Down	800	300	8,466	N/A	N/A	30D Drilite	All Round	Regular	820 g / 1 lb 13 oz	76 cm / 30 in
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's)	28/-2		No	No	Yes	Down	800	85	2,399	N/A	N/A	10D Ripstop Nylon	All Round	Trim	250 g / 8.8 oz	70 cm / 27.5 in
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's)	3/-16		No	Yes	No	Down	800	182	5,136	N/A	N/A	30D Pertex Quantum Pro	All Round	Regular	825 g / 1 lb 13.1 oz	85 cm / 33.5 in
Patagonia AlpLight (Men's - Women's)	36/2		No	No	Yes	Down	800	100	2,822	N/A	N/A	0.8 oz 10D polyester	All Round	Slim	270 g / 9.5 oz	74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia AlpLoft (Men's)	-10/-23		No	Yes	Yes	Down	800	295	8,325	N/A	N/A	Pertex Quantom	All Round	Regular	680 g / 1 lb 8 oz	81 cm / 31.8 in
Patagonia DAS (Men's - Women's)	10/-12	Review	No	Yes	Yes	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco	133 + 40 g	Pertex Quantum Pro	All Round	Regular	555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz	84 cm / 33 in
Patagonia DAS Light(Men's)	34/1	Review	No	Yes	Yes	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	PlumaFill	65 g	10D Pertex Quantum Pro	All Round	Regular	320 g / 11.3 oz	77 cm / 30.5 in
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's)	23/-5	Review	No	No	Yes	Down	800	150	4,233	N/A	N/A	1.4 oz 20x30D polyester	All Round	Regular	428 g / 15.1 oz	67 cm / 26.25 in
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's)	18/-8		No	No	No	Down	600	279	5,905	N/A	N/A	4.2 oz polyester	Around Town	Regular	1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz	?
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's)	14/-10		No	No	Yes	Down	800	128	3,612	N/A	N/A	20D Nylon	All Round	Regular	632 g / 1lb 6.3 oz	74 cm / 29 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
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's)	12/-11	Review	No	Yes	No	Down	700	141	3,482	N/A	N/A	3.6 oz 50D polyester	Around Town	Regular	880 g / 1 lb 15 oz	79 cm / 31 in
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parks ( Women's)	7/-14		No	No	No	Parka	700	218	5,383	N/A	N/A	50D Polyester	Around Town	Regular	1.142 kg / 2 lb 8.3 oz	?
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's)	37/3	Review	No	No	Yes	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	PlumaFill	65 g	Pertex Quantum	All Round	Regular	298 g / 10.5 oz	75 cm / 29.5 in
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's)	39/4	Review	No	No	Yes	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	FullRange	60 g	33D nylon ripstop	All Round	Trim	401 g / 14.14 oz	?
Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid (Men's - Women's)	50/10		No	No	No	Synthetic	N/A	N/A	N/A	FullRange	40 g	20D nylon ripstop	All Round	Trim	335 g / 11.8 oz	?
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's)	41/5	Review	No	No	Yes	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
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's)	26/-3	Review	No	No	No	Down	700	109	2,691	N/A	N/A	2.2 oz polyester	Around Town	Regular	585 g / 1 lb 4.7 oz	74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia Stormshadow (Men's)	0/-18		No	No	No	Parka	700	259	6,395	N/A	N/A	75D Polyester	Around Town	Regular	1.182 kg / 2 lb 9.7 oz	?
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's)	8/-13	Review	No	No	No	Parka	700	118	2,914	N/A	N/A	5.5 oz polyester	Around Town	Regular	1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 oz	85 cm / 33.5 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
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's)	5/-15		No	Yes	Yes	Down	800	180	5,079	N/A	N/A	20D Pertex Quantum Pro	All Round	Regular	525 g / 1 lb 2.5 oz	74 cm / 29 in
Rab Infinity Alpine (Men's)	5/-15		No	Yes	Yes	Down	800	175	4,938	N/A	N/A	30D & 13D Gore-Tex Infinium	All Round	Regular	551 g / 1 lb 3.4 oz	76.5 cm / 30.1 in
Rab Infinity Microlight (Men's - Women's)	19/-7		No	No	Yes	Down	700	146	3,605	N/A	N/A	13D Gore-Tex Infinium	All Round	Regular	452 g / 15.9 oz	74 cm / 29.1 in
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's)	7/-14		No	No	Yes	Down	700	153	3,778	N/A	N/A	30D Pertex Quantum	All Round	Regular	466 g / 1 lb 0.5 oz	72 cm / 28.5 in
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's)	-2/-19		No	Yes	Yes	Down	800	212	5,982	N/A	N/A	20D Pertex Quantum Pro	All Round	Regular	585 g / 1 lb 8.6 oz	77 cm / 30.3 in
Rab Positron Pro (Men's)	-13/-25		No	Yes	Yes	Down	800	300	8,466	N/A	N/A	40D Pertex Quantum Pro	All Round	Regular	740 g / 1 lb 10 oz	85 cm / 33.5 in
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's)	14/-10		No	No	Yes	Down	850	120	3,598	N/A	N/A	Pertex mini ripstop nylon	All Round	Regular	340 g / 13.75 oz	74 cm / 29.25 in

Performance data axis of synthetic jackets (this table) and shell jackets (table below) are different. Don't compare them.

Best synthetic insulated jackets: https://outdoorcrunch.com/synthetic-insulated-jackets/

Performance ratings of Arc'teryx shells

Name	Activity	Temp (F/C)	Breathability	Weather Res.	Durability	Packability	Bottom line	Review	Pit zips?	Two way zipper?	Stuffs into itself?	Face Fabric	Fit	Weight	Length	Discontinued?
Alpha (aka AR) (Men's - Women's)	Climbing	N/A	8/10	9/10	8/10	4/10	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	N/A	8/10	10/10	10/10	3/10	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
Beta (Men's - Women's)	All Round	N/A	6/10	7/10	7/10	8/10	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 AR (Men's - Women's)	All Round	N/A	8/10	9/10	9/10	4/10	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	N/A	8/10	9/10	9/10	4/10		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	N/A	6/10	5/10	No data	5/10			No	Yes	No	3L Gore-Tex	Regular	320 g / 11.3 oz	88 cm / 34.5 in	No
Beta Down Insulated (Men's)	All Round	0/-18	9/10	7/10	8/10	No data			Yes	Yes	No	2L 40D Gore-Tex	Regular	760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz	79 cm / 31 in	No
Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's)	All Round	21/-6	9/10	7/10	8/10	No data	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	16/-9	7/10	No data	No data	No data			No	Yes	No	N40d 2L Gore-Tex	Regular	600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz	86 cm / 34 in	No
Beta Lightweight (Men's - Women's)	All Round	N/A	8/10	7/10	7/10	6/10		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	N/A	7/10	7/10	8/10	6/10		Review	Yes	No	No	N40d 3L Gore-Tex	Fitted	395 g / 13.9 oz	76 cm / 30 in	No
Gamma (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)	All Round	N/A	7/10	3/10	7/10	3/10	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)	All Round	N/A	6/10	4/10	8/10	3/10	Strongest softshell.	Review	No	No	No	Fortius 2.0	Regular	555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz	74 cm / 29.1 in	No
Norvan Shell (Men's)	Running	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data			No	No	No	13D 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	190 g / 6.7 oz	73 cm / 28.75 in	No
Rush (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	8/10	9/10	9/10	3/10	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 (Women's)	Skiing	16/-9	3/10	5/10	5/10	9/10		Review	No	No	Yes	Hadron 2L Gore-Tex Infinium	Regular	515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz	79 cm / 31 in	Yes
Sabre (Men's)	Skiing	N/A	8/10	8/10	7/10	2/10		Review	Yes	No	No	N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	705 g / 1 lb 8.9 oz	79 cm / 31 in	No
Sentinel (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	8/10	7/10	7/10	2/10	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	21/-6	8/10	No data	No data	No data		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	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data			Yes	No	No	N80p 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	655 g / 1 lb 7.1 oz	?	No
Sidewinder (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	8/10	8/10	7/10	2/10			Yes	No	No	N80p 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	570 g / 1 lb 4.1 oz	?	No
Solano (Men's - Women's)	Around Town	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data		Review	No	No	No	Gore-Tex Infinium	Relaxed	355 g / 12.5 oz	72 cm / 28.3 in	No
Squamish (Men's - Women's)	Running	N/A	5/10	4/10	7/10	9/10	Go-to running jacket.	Review	No	No	Yes	30D Tyono	Trim	140 g / 4.9 oz	77.5 cm / 30.5 in	No
Theriss Down (Women's)	Skiing	No data	7/10	6/10	7/10	2/10		Review	Yes	No	No	N80p 2L Gore-Tex	Regular	709 g / 1 lb 9 oz	63 cm / 24.8 in	No
Alpha FL (Men's - Women's)	Climbing	N/A	7/10	No data	No data	10/10			No	No	Yes	Hadron 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	209 g / 7.4 oz	76.5 cm / 30 in	Yes
Alpha IS (Men's)	Climbing	23/-5	7/10	5/10	No data	8/10			No	Yes	Yes	N40p-X 2L Gore-Tex	Regular	610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz	78 cm / 30.75 in	Yes
Alpha SL (Men's - Women's)	Climbing	N/A	5/10	7/10	No data	9/10			No	No	Yes	N40p 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	326 g / 11.5 oz	77.5 cm / 30.5 in	Yes
Beta SV (Men's - Women's)	All Round	N/A	8/10	10/10	10/10	3/10	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 SL (aka lightweight) (Men's - Women's)	All Round	N/A	7/10	2/10	6/10	5/10		Review	No	No	No	Fortius 1.0	Trim	310 g / 10.9 oz	74 cm / 29.1 in	Yes
Incendia (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	8/10	9/10	9/10	3/10		Review	Yes	No	No	NP100d 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz	79 cm / 31 in	Yes
Incendo (Men's)	Running	N/A	7/10	4/10	5/10	10/10		Review	No	No	Yes	Lumin	Trim	125 g / 4.4 oz	?	Yes
Incendo Airshell (Men's	Running	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data			No	No	Yes	?	Trim	105 g / 3.7 oz	?	Yes
Incendo SL (Men's)	Running	N/A	7/10	4/10	4/10	10/10		Review	No	No	Yes	Permair 20 & Canim	Trim	80 g / 2.8 oz	73 cm / 28.75 in	Yes
Macai (Men's)	Skiing	5/-15	7/10	7/10	6/10	1/10		Review	Yes	No	No	N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	990 g / 2 lb 2.9 oz	75 cm / 29.5 in	Yes
Macai Lightweight (aka LT) (Men's)	Skiing	8/-13	7/10	7/10	6/10	2/10		Review	Yes	No	No	N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz	?	Yes
Macai Shell (Men's)	Skiing	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data		Review	Yes	No	No	N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	775 g / 1 lb 11.3 oz	?	Yes
Micon (Men's)	Skiing	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data			Yes	No	No	N80p 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz	83 cm / 32.5 in	Yes
Micon Heather	Skiing	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data			Yes	No	No	NP100-d 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz	83 cm / 32.5 in	Yes
Nodin (Men's - Women's)	Running	N/A	8/10	5/10	5/10	10/10			No	No	Yes	20D Tyono	Trim	130 g / 4.6 oz	75 cm / 29.5 in	Yes
Norvan LT (Men's - Women's)	Running	N/A	5/10	5/10	8/10	6/10			No	No	No	N13p 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	190 g / 6.7 oz	?	Yes
Norvan SL (Men's - Women's)	Running	N/A	7/10	6/10	8/10	8/10		Review	No	No	Yes	Gore-Tex Infinium	Trim	120 g / 4.2 oz	77 cm / 30.4 in	Yes
Norvan SL Ins. (Women's)	Running	39/4	No data	No data	No data	No data			No	No	Yes	Gore-Tex ShakeDry	Trim	270 g / 9.5 oz	71.5 cm / 28.1 in	Yes
Norvan Windshell (Men's	Running	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data			No	No	Yes	Permeair 20	Trim	90 g / 3.2 oz	73 cm / 28.75 in	Yes
Procline (Men's)	Skiing	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data			Yes	No	No	N70p Gore-Tex Infinium	Trim	720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz	76 cm / 30 in	Yes
Ravenna (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	8/10	7/10	8/10	3/10		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	N/A	6/10	6/10	6/10	5/10		Review	Yes	No	No	N70p 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	540 g / 1 lb 3 oz	69 cm / 27.2 in	Yes
Sabre AR (Men's)	Skiing	N/A	7/10	8/10	7/10	7/10		Review	Yes	No	No	N70p 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	700 g / 1 lb 8.7 oz	79 cm / 31 in	Yes
Sabre Insulated (See related products)	Skiing	No data	7/10	No data	6/10	No data		Review	Yes	No	No	N80p 2L Gore-Tex	Regular	815 g / 1 lb 12.7 oz	76 cm / 30 in	Yes
Sabre LT (Men's)	Skiing	N/A	7/10	8/10	7/10	8/10		Review	Yes	No	No	N80p 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	660 g / 1 lb 7.3 oz	83 cm / 32.5 in	Yes
Sabre SV (Men's)	Skiing	N/A	10/10	10/10	10/10	1/10	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
Sentinel AR (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	7/10	8/10	7/10	7/10		Review	Yes	No	No	N70p 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz	72.5 cm / 28.5 in	Yes
Sentinel LT (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	7/10	8/10	7/10	8/10		Review	Yes	No	No	N80p 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	565 g / 1 lb 3.9 oz	73.5 cm / 29 in	Yes
Shashka Stretch (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data			Yes	No	No	N70p Gore-Tex Infinium	Trim	670 g / 1 lb 7.6 oz	71 cm / 28 in	Yes
Trino SL (Men's)	Running	N/A	8/10	5/10	7/10	6/10		Review	No	No	No	Gore-Tex Infinium	Trim	340 g / 12 oz	74 cm / 29.1 in	Yes
Trino SL Anorak (Women's)	Running	N/A	8/10	7/10	8/10	7/10		Review	No	No	No	Gore-Tex Infinium	Trim	290 g / 10.2 oz	65 cm / 25.5 in	Yes
Venda Anorak (Women's)	Around Town	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data			No	No	No	Gore-Tex	Relaxed	255 g / 9 oz	75.5 cm / 29.7 in	Yes
Zeta AR (Men's)	Hiking	N/A	7/10	8/10	7/10	4/10			Yes	No	No	3L Gore-Tex	Regular	425 g / 15 oz	80 cm / 31.5 in	Yes
Zeta FL (Men's - Women's)	Hiking	N/A	4/10	6/10	4/10	6/10			No	No	No	N20r 2L Gore-Tex	Trim	221 g / 7.8 oz	76 cm / 30 in	Yes
Zeta LT (Men's - Women's)	Hiking	N/A	5/10	7/10	8/10	5/10			No	No	No	N40P-X 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	335 g / 11.8 oz	78 cm / 30.75 in	Yes
Zeta SL (Men's - Women's)	Hiking	N/A	3/10	5/10	4/10	5/10		Review	No	No	No	2L Gore-Tex	Trim	310 g / 10.9 oz	77.8 cm / 30.6 in	Yes

Performance data axis of synthetic jackets (table above) and shell jackets (this table) are different. Don't compare them.

Patagonia and Arc'teryx are like up to 70% off at REI rn...
- https://www.rei.com/h/deals

"More than half the time I'll be climbing with my new jacket."

Go for the Alpha or Alpha SV, depending on your own outer fabric needs and desires.

Alpha's are cut short in the front and longer in the back compared to Beta's. This not only allows for better leg mobility but also for better weather resistance when the climbing harness is on.

Also the higher chest pockets are more central around your body and hence don't mess with your center of gravity. They don't get blocked off when wearing the jacket with a climbing harness either.

Lastly the longer collar configuration covers your entire chin when you're looking up, although it might also chafe into your jaw and feel annoying in return.

Feed

Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta: Gore-Tex membranes

Alpha SV is absolutely the most stiff, followed by Alpha (aka AR) and Beta AR. Beta Lightweight and Beta LT come up next and lastly the Beta.

All come with DWR.

What is DWR by the way?

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 at arcteryx.com 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.

Together with the new arrival ski beast Sabre SV (Men's) and discontinued Incendia (Women's), the outer fabric of Alpha SV (100 denier) is the thickest Arc'teryx ever manufactured. It resists abrasion, wind and water so well that it's insane. Expect 20+ years of use.

Not only the thickness is 100d. It's 100d everywhere. This is another thing that makes the Alpha SV stand out.

Because most other jackets like Beta AR and Alpha (aka AR) are equipped with lighter and weaker face fabrics where resistance isn't needed as much.

You do get weight, breathability and cost savings in return with this strategy however. This obviously doesn't happen with the Alpha SV.

Alpha line has climbing specific features

Alpha line offers chest pockets that allows for crossover access even when the harness is on, Beta line offers hand warmers,
Alpha line offers slightly longer in the back and shorter in the front (better for leg mobility & weather protection when the harness is on).

Going from these 3L Gore-Tex Pro models to base 3L Gore-Tex models (Beta, Beta Lightweight and Beta LT), let's take a look at what kind of difference the Gore-Tex Pro makes and in the end plays out in practice.

Beta Lightweight feels somehow softer compared to other models in here.

Beta Lightweight in Void.

So all 3L Gore-Tex membrane contain following layers, regardless of Gore-Tex Pro or not:

Outer Layer: This is typically a durable fabric that is designed to withstand the environment and provide protection against wear and tear. It is often treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) to ensure water beads up and rolls off the surface.
Middle Layer: This is the actual Gore-Tex membrane, which is what makes the fabric waterproof and breathable. The membrane contains over 9 billion pores per square inch; these pores are too small for water droplets to pass through but large enough to allow water vapor (sweat) to escape (< 0.02 µm in diameter).
Inner Layer: Usually a backer material that is designed to protect the membrane and provide comfort against the skin. It can also help wick moisture away from the body.

0.02 µm in diameter is a very fine line. The size difference between molecules are microscopic. The difficulty in achieving such membrane is pretty much what makes Gore-Tex special and expensive.

As you can imagine, the subject pores vary in size. Getting each and every one of the pores the same diameter would skyrocket the manufacturing costs. So the efficacy here isn't 100%, not even close to it.

Compared to Gore-Tex, Gore-Tex Pro offers a better "hit rate", by achieving more accurately sized pores. This doesn't only make the Gore-Tex Pro more waterproof without compromising breathability. It also ensures a longer life at the same time. Because just like anything else these pores are prone to wear, tear and aging too.

The difference doesn't just lie in consistency of pore size, though. The inner Gore Micro Grid Backer technology and the outer rugged face are all causes of superior quality of Gore-Tex Pro. Read more about it here: https://www.gore-tex.com/pressroom/press-release/original-gore-tex-products/the-new-gore-tex-pro-membrane-technology.

Also check out: https://www.porellemembranes.com/our-technologies

As you see, you can't tell the differences between c-knit of Beta Lightweight (left) and tricot of Beta LT (right) just by looking at the photos. Yes it's the Beta Lightweight that comes with the LT tag on top of the internal zippered pocket.

Now let's get to the differences between Beta, Beta Lightweight and Beta LT.

The Beta does come with 30d thickness whereas the other two with 40d.

But I don't think that's equally as important as the differences in backer (i.e the inner layer mentioned above).

Beta LT comes with tricot technology, whereas the other two are C-Knit. This difference isn't visual.

Tricot is woven nylon. It's the classic and most common backer used in non-Pro Gore-Tex jackets. It's more durable than the C-Knit but not that smooth to skin.
The C-Knit, on the other hand, is made of a circular knit pattern, hence the prefix "C". It's lighter, more comfortable (stretchy) and less noisy. But also less durable. It also wicks.

Some people argue that Gore-Tex patches cannot be used with C-Knit backers. But I don't get it. I never needed to use one before, but I see no reason why it wouldn't work.

Lastly, the remaining three insulated models ("Beta Insulated" line) come with 2L Gore-Tex. The missing layer is the inner layer.

Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta: Breathability

Keep in mind that breathability differences that occur because of membrane differences mostly aren't that noticeable in practice. The thing that matter the most is the mechanical venting, i.e pit zips.

Beta is the only one that doesn't offer pit zips. If you rarely get hardshells then I'd strongly recommend you to think twice before getting one without them.

Name	Activity	Temp (F/C)	Breathability	Weather Res.	Durability	Packability	Review	Pit zips?	Two way zipper?	Stuffs into itself?	Face Fabric	Fit	Weight	Length	alphabeta	Status	Discontinued?
Alpha (aka AR) (Men's - Women's)	Climbing	N/A	8/10	9/10	8/10	4/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro	Regular	430 g / 15.2 oz	79.5 cm / 31.25 in	alphabeta	Revised	No
Alpha SV (Men's - Women's)	Climbing	N/A	8/10	10/10	10/10	3/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro	Regular	510 g / 1 lb 2 oz	78 cm / 30.75 in	alphabeta	Revised	No
Beta (Men's - Women's)	All Round	N/A	6/10	7/10	7/10	8/10	Review	No	No	No	N30p-X 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	300 g / 10.6 oz	76 cm / 30 in	alphabeta	None	No
Beta AR (Men's - Women's)	All Round	N/A	8/10	9/10	9/10	4/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro	Regular	460 g / 1 lb	76 cm / 30 in	alphabeta	Revised	No
Beta AR StormHood (Men's - Women's)	All Round	N/A	8/10	9/10	9/10	4/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro	Regular	460 g / 1 lb	76 cm / 30 in	alphabeta	None	No
Beta Coat (Women's)	All Round	N/A	6/10	5/10	No data	5/10		No	Yes	No	3L Gore-Tex	Regular	320 g / 11.3 oz	88 cm / 34.5 in	alphabeta	None	No
Beta Down Insulated (Men's)	All Round	0/-18	9/10	7/10	8/10	No data		Yes	Yes	No	2L 40D Gore-Tex	Regular	760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz	79 cm / 31 in	alphabeta	None	No
Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's)	All Round	21/-6	9/10	7/10	8/10	No data	Review	Yes	Yes	No	N40d 2L Gore-Tex	Regular	680 g / 1 lb 8 oz	78.5 cm / 31 in	alphabeta	None	No
Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)	All Round	16/-9	7/10	No data	No data	No data		No	Yes	No	N40d 2L Gore-Tex	Regular	600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz	86 cm / 34 in	alphabeta	None	No
Beta Lightweight (Men's - Women's)	All Round	N/A	8/10	7/10	7/10	6/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N40p 3L Gore-Tex	Fitted	380 g / 13.4 oz	75 cm / 29.5 in	alphabeta	None	No
Beta LT (Men's - Women's)	All Round	N/A	7/10	7/10	8/10	6/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N40d 3L Gore-Tex	Fitted	395 g / 13.9 oz	76 cm / 30 in	alphabeta	None	No
Gamma (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)	All Round	N/A	7/10	3/10	7/10	3/10	Review	No	No	No	Wee Burly Double Weave	Regular	545 g / 1 lb 3.2 oz	76 cm / 30 in	gamma	Revised	No
Gamma MX (Men's)	All Round	N/A	6/10	4/10	8/10	3/10	Review	No	No	No	Fortius 2.0	Regular	555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz	74 cm / 29.1 in	gamma	None	No
Norvan Shell (Men's)	Running	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data		No	No	No	13D 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	190 g / 6.7 oz	73 cm / 28.75 in		None	No
Rush (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	8/10	9/10	9/10	3/10	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		None	No
Rush Insulated (Women's)	Skiing	16/-9	3/10	5/10	5/10	9/10	Review	No	No	Yes	Hadron 2L Gore-Tex Infinium	Regular	515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz	79 cm / 31 in		None	Yes
Sabre (Men's)	Skiing	N/A	8/10	8/10	7/10	2/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	705 g / 1 lb 8.9 oz	79 cm / 31 in		Revised	No
Sentinel (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	8/10	7/10	7/10	2/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N70p 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	640 g / 1 lb 6.6 oz	73.7 cm / 29 in		None	No
Sentinel Insulated (Women's)	Skiing	21/-6	8/10	No data	No data	No data	Review	Yes	No	No	N80p 2L Gore-Tex	Regular	600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz	79.8 cm / 31.5 in		None	No
Sentinel Relaxed (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data		Yes	No	No	N80p 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	655 g / 1 lb 7.1 oz	?		None	No
Sidewinder (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	8/10	8/10	7/10	2/10		Yes	No	No	N80p 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	570 g / 1 lb 4.1 oz	?		None	No
Solano (Men's - Women's)	Around Town	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data	Review	No	No	No	Gore-Tex Infinium	Relaxed	355 g / 12.5 oz	72 cm / 28.3 in		Revised	No
Squamish (Men's - Women's)	Running	N/A	5/10	4/10	7/10	9/10	Review	No	No	Yes	30D Tyono	Trim	140 g / 4.9 oz	77.5 cm / 30.5 in		Revised	No
Theriss Down (Women's)	Skiing	No data	7/10	6/10	7/10	2/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N80p 2L Gore-Tex	Regular	709 g / 1 lb 9 oz	63 cm / 24.8 in		None	No
Alpha FL (Men's - Women's)	Climbing	N/A	7/10	No data	No data	10/10		No	No	Yes	Hadron 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	209 g / 7.4 oz	76.5 cm / 30 in	alphabeta	Discontinued	Yes
Alpha IS (Men's)	Climbing	23/-5	7/10	5/10	No data	8/10		No	Yes	Yes	N40p-X 2L Gore-Tex	Regular	610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz	78 cm / 30.75 in	alphabeta	Discontinued	Yes
Alpha SL (Men's - Women's)	Climbing	N/A	5/10	7/10	No data	9/10		No	No	Yes	N40p 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	326 g / 11.5 oz	77.5 cm / 30.5 in	alphabeta	Discontinued	Yes
Beta SV (Men's - Women's)	All Round	N/A	8/10	10/10	10/10	3/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro	Regular	495 g / 1 lb 1.5 oz	79 cm / 31 in	alphabeta	Discontinued	Yes
Gamma SL (aka lightweight) (Men's - Women's)	All Round	N/A	7/10	2/10	6/10	5/10	Review	No	No	No	Fortius 1.0	Trim	310 g / 10.9 oz	74 cm / 29.1 in	gamma	Discontinued	Yes
Incendia (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	8/10	9/10	9/10	3/10	Review	Yes	No	No	NP100d 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz	79 cm / 31 in		Discontinued	Yes
Incendo (Men's)	Running	N/A	7/10	4/10	5/10	10/10	Review	No	No	Yes	Lumin	Trim	125 g / 4.4 oz	?		Discontinued	Yes
Incendo Airshell (Men's	Running	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data		No	No	Yes	?	Trim	105 g / 3.7 oz	?		Discontinued	Yes
Incendo SL (Men's)	Running	N/A	7/10	4/10	4/10	10/10	Review	No	No	Yes	Permair 20 & Canim	Trim	80 g / 2.8 oz	73 cm / 28.75 in		Discontinued	Yes
Macai (Men's)	Skiing	5/-15	7/10	7/10	6/10	1/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	990 g / 2 lb 2.9 oz	75 cm / 29.5 in		Discontinued	Yes
Macai Lightweight (aka LT) (Men's)	Skiing	8/-13	7/10	7/10	6/10	2/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz	?		Discontinued	Yes
Macai Shell (Men's)	Skiing	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data	Review	Yes	No	No	N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	775 g / 1 lb 11.3 oz	?		Discontinued	Yes
Micon (Men's)	Skiing	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data		Yes	No	No	N80p 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz	83 cm / 32.5 in		Discontinued	Yes
Micon Heather	Skiing	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data		Yes	No	No	NP100-d 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz	83 cm / 32.5 in		Discontinued	Yes
Nodin (Men's - Women's)	Running	N/A	8/10	5/10	5/10	10/10		No	No	Yes	20D Tyono	Trim	130 g / 4.6 oz	75 cm / 29.5 in		Discontinued	Yes
Norvan LT (Men's - Women's)	Running	N/A	5/10	5/10	8/10	6/10		No	No	No	N13p 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	190 g / 6.7 oz	?		Discontinued	Yes
Norvan SL (Men's - Women's)	Running	N/A	7/10	6/10	8/10	8/10	Review	No	No	Yes	Gore-Tex Infinium	Trim	120 g / 4.2 oz	77 cm / 30.4 in		Discontinued	Yes
Norvan SL Ins. (Women's)	Running	39/4	No data	No data	No data	No data		No	No	Yes	Gore-Tex ShakeDry	Trim	270 g / 9.5 oz	71.5 cm / 28.1 in		Discontinued	Yes
Norvan Windshell (Men's	Running	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data		No	No	Yes	Permeair 20	Trim	90 g / 3.2 oz	73 cm / 28.75 in		Discontinued	Yes
Procline (Men's)	Skiing	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data		Yes	No	No	N70p Gore-Tex Infinium	Trim	720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz	76 cm / 30 in		Discontinued	Yes
Ravenna (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	8/10	7/10	8/10	3/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N70s-4 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	725 g / 1 lb 9.6 oz	69.5 cm / 27.4 in		Discontinued	Yes
Ravenna LT (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	6/10	6/10	6/10	5/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N70p 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	540 g / 1 lb 3 oz	69 cm / 27.2 in		Discontinued	Yes
Sabre AR (Men's)	Skiing	N/A	7/10	8/10	7/10	7/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N70p 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	700 g / 1 lb 8.7 oz	79 cm / 31 in		Discontinued	Yes
Sabre Insulated (See related products)	Skiing	No data	7/10	No data	6/10	No data	Review	Yes	No	No	N80p 2L Gore-Tex	Regular	815 g / 1 lb 12.7 oz	76 cm / 30 in		Discontinued	Yes
Sabre LT (Men's)	Skiing	N/A	7/10	8/10	7/10	8/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N80p 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	660 g / 1 lb 7.3 oz	83 cm / 32.5 in		Discontinued	Yes
Sabre SV (Men's)	Skiing	N/A	10/10	10/10	10/10	1/10	Review	Yes	Yes	No	N100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro	Regular	595 g / 1 lb 5 oz	85 cm / 33.5 in		New	No
Sentinel AR (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	7/10	8/10	7/10	7/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N70p 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz	72.5 cm / 28.5 in		Discontinued	Yes
Sentinel LT (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	7/10	8/10	7/10	8/10	Review	Yes	No	No	N80p 3L Gore-Tex	Regular	565 g / 1 lb 3.9 oz	73.5 cm / 29 in		Discontinued	Yes
Shashka Stretch (Women's)	Skiing	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data		Yes	No	No	N70p Gore-Tex Infinium	Trim	670 g / 1 lb 7.6 oz	71 cm / 28 in		Discontinued	Yes
Trino SL (Men's)	Running	N/A	8/10	5/10	7/10	6/10	Review	No	No	No	Gore-Tex Infinium	Trim	340 g / 12 oz	74 cm / 29.1 in		Discontinued	Yes
Trino SL Anorak (Women's)	Running	N/A	8/10	7/10	8/10	7/10	Review	No	No	No	Gore-Tex Infinium	Trim	290 g / 10.2 oz	65 cm / 25.5 in		Discontinued	Yes
Venda Anorak (Women's)	Around Town	N/A	No data	No data	No data	No data		No	No	No	Gore-Tex	Relaxed	255 g / 9 oz	75.5 cm / 29.7 in		Discontinued	Yes
Zeta AR (Men's)	Hiking	N/A	7/10	8/10	7/10	4/10		Yes	No	No	3L Gore-Tex	Regular	425 g / 15 oz	80 cm / 31.5 in	betazeta	Discontinued	Yes
Zeta FL (Men's - Women's)	Hiking	N/A	4/10	6/10	4/10	6/10		No	No	No	N20r 2L Gore-Tex	Trim	221 g / 7.8 oz	76 cm / 30 in	betazeta	Discontinued	Yes
Zeta LT (Men's - Women's)	Hiking	N/A	5/10	7/10	8/10	5/10		No	No	No	N40P-X 3L Gore-Tex	Trim	335 g / 11.8 oz	78 cm / 30.75 in	betazeta	Discontinued	Yes
Zeta SL (Men's - Women's)	Hiking	N/A	3/10	5/10	4/10	5/10	Review	No	No	No	2L Gore-Tex	Trim	310 g / 10.9 oz	77.8 cm / 30.6 in	betazeta	Discontinued	Yes

Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta: Hoods

Beta AR is the only one that's offered in DropHood optionally.

I surveyed 100+ visitors and roughly 60% of them voted for StormHood over DropHood. I'm camp DropHood but maybe that's because I own many StormHood items so I like the variety here. Read more about StormHood vs DropHood here.

StormHood of Alpha (aka AR) at left and DropHood of Beta AR at right.

But generally speaking, DropHood is separate from collar and draws up around it. In StormHood there's no separate collar. The former feels more comfy when the hood is down and the latter more so when it's up.

Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta: Cuffs

Left to right: Beta, Beta Lightweight, Beta LT, Beta AR, Alpha (aka AR) and Alpha SV.

Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta: Pockets

Beta LT doesn't offer an internal zippered security pocket.

In addition to the two external pockets that any shell typically offers, and all the shells in this review do offer, the Alpha SV features an external sleeve pocket and a giant internal dump pocket (measuring 8.7 inches (or 22 cm) by 7.1 inches (or 18 cm)).

Dump pocket of Alpha SV.