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Home / Gear / Jackets / Shell Jackets / Hardshell Jackets

Arc’teryx Beta LT vs Beta AR

Last updated: January 5, 2023 by Canberk Koksal

  • This article is revised after Arc'teryx FW23 update. 
  • Don't miss out on REI's current sale - shop now and save on all your outdoor gear needs!
    • https://www.rei.com/h/deals

Beta LT's latest Fall & Winter 2023 version (X000007061) does offer pit zips now: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/beta-lt-jacket

Not offering pit zips was my main gripe with Beta LT. Great move from Arc'teryx.

If you're a regular reader of this site, then you know that pit zips are a big deal, as almost always more than half of total breathability comes from mechanical venting (pit zips (both Beta AR and LT have) and two-way front zippers (neither one of them have)). 

If you're looking at Beta AR vs LT, by the way, then you might also want to check out my article on Beta AR vs SV. But first, let's look at how the Beta AR and Beta LT compare. 

Arc'teryx's Beta line is focused on versatility and all-round use, as you can also see in Arc'teryx's Naming Scheme Page in here (arcteryx.com). 

The Beta AR is the closest in design to a traditional hardshell jacket, while the Beta LT should offer around 10% less breathability, 40% less weather & abrasion resistance, 10% lighter weight and 25% more packability in comparison. 

An important distinction to note when comparing the Beta LT and Beta AR is that the Beta AR includes a DropHood, while the Beta LT comes with a StormHood. For more information on the differences between these hood types, see my article on StormHood vs DropHood. 

Also make sure to see Arc'teryx's very own Beta AR vs LT comparison: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000007339-black/X000007061-phenom

Now different people want different things. So only you can decide what to get and whether Beta AR would worth it or not. But the points I've made above should be the things that you should primarily base your decision on. 

Arc'teryx Beta AR. 

One is not better than the other, and only you can decide what to get. Both Beta LT and AR are fantastic pieces and neither are going to disappoint. 

I personally find Beta AR more suitable for high output activities than the LT because of its DropHood (more comfort than StormHood when the hood is down) and superior abrasion resistance. 

Links: 

  • https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/beta-lt-jacket
  • https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/beta-ar-jacket
  • https://www.rei.com/product/185629/arcteryx-beta-lt-jacket-mens
  • https://www.rei.com/product/175306/arcteryx-beta-ar-jacket-mens
  • Beta AR vs LT comparison chart: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000007339-black/X000007061-phenom

N40p 3L Gore-Tex (Beta LT) vs N40r & N80r Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex PRO (Beta AR)

Let me clear this first: N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex PRO of Beta AR are not used together throughout the entire facet of the jacket. 

Instead, the N80d is used in high wear areas that are better reinforced: Shoulders, back, forearms and top of the hood. 

  • Cheatsheet: Arc'teryx Jackets

Use this chart to compare Arc'teryx shells to one another. 

NameBottom lineActivityReviewBreathabilityWeather Res.DurabilityPackabilityTemp (F/C)Pit zips?Two way zipper?Stuffs into itself?Hood?Face FabricFitWeightLengthMeasurements
Alpha FL (Men's - Women's)Climbing4/105/106/1010/10N/ANoNoYesStormHoodHadron 3L Gore-TexTrim209 g / 7.4 oz76.5 cm / 30 in[Men's / Women's]
Alpha SL (Men's - Women's)Climbing3/104/106/109/10N/ANoNoYesStormHoodN40p 3L Gore-TexTrim326 g / 11.5 oz77.5 cm / 30.5 in[Men's / Women's]
Alpha AR (Men's - Women's)Go-to climbing harshell. ClimbingReview8/107/108/104/10N/AYesNoNoStormHoodN40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular430 g / 15.2 oz79.5 cm / 31.25 in[Men's]
Alpha SV (Men's - Women's)Strongest climbing hardshell. ClimbingReview8/1010/1010/103/10N/AYesNoNoStormHoodN100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular510 g / 1 lb 2 oz78 cm / 30.75 in[Men's]
Alpha IS (Men's)Climbing7/105/105/108/1023/-5NoYesYesStormHoodN40p-X 2L Gore-TexRegular610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz78 cm / 30.75 in
Beta (Men's - Women's)All Round5/105/104/105/10N/ANoNoNoStormHoodN30p-X 3L Gore-TexFitted300 g / 10.6 oz76 cm / 30 in
Beta Long (Men's)All RoundReview5/108/108/103/10N/ANoNoNoStormHoodN80p 3L Gore-TexRegular441 g / 15.6 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Beta Coat (Women's)All Round7/105/104/105/10N/ANoYesNoStormHood3L Gore-TexRegular320 g / 11.3 oz?[Men's / Women's]
Beta LT Hadron (Men's - Women's)All Round5/105/104/105/10N/ANoNoNoStormHoodHadron 3L Gore-TexFitted255g / 9 oz76 cm / 30 in
Beta LT (Men's - Women's)Beta AR alternative. All RoundReview8/107/108/105/10N/AYesNoNoStormHoodN40d 3L Gore-TexFitted395 g / 13.9 oz76 cm / 30 in
Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's)Best insulated shell. All Round10/104/104/102/1021/-6YesYesNoStormHoodN40d 2L Gore-TexRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz78.5 cm / 31 in[Men's / Women's]
Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)Beta Insulated alternative. All Round7/104/104/102/1016/-9NoYesNoStormHoodN40d 2L Gore-TexRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz?[Men's / Women's]
Beta AR (Men's - Women's)Go-to all-round harshell. All RoundReview8/108/108/104/10N/AYesNoNoDropHoodN40r-X & N80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular460 g / 1 lb 76 cm / 30 in
Beta SV (Men's - Women's)Strongest all-round harshell. All RoundReview8/1010/109/103/10N/AYesNoNoStormHoodN80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular495 g / 1 lb 1.5 oz79 cm / 31 in[Men's / Women's]
Alpine Guide (Men's - Women's)All Round8/1010/109/103/10N/AYesNoNoStormHoodN80d-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular480g / 1 lb 0.9 oz?[Men's]
Gamma SL (Men's - Women's)A trimmer Gamma LT. All RoundReview7/102/106/105/10N/ANoNoNoStormHoodFortius 1.0Trim310 g / 10.9 oz74 cm / 29.1 in[Men's / Women's]
Gamma LT (Men's)A fleeceless, trimmer Gamma MX. All RoundReview7/103/107/103/10N/ANoNoNoStormHoodWee BurlyRegular545 g / 1 lb 3.2 oz76 cm / 30 in[Men's / Women's]
Gamma MX (Men's - Women's)A softshell with a fleece. All RoundReview6/104/108/103/10N/ANoNoNoStormHoodFortius 2.0Regular555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz74 cm / 29.1 in[Men's / Women's]
Rush (Men's - Women's)Go-to ski jacket. SkiingReview8/109/109/103/10N/AYesNoNoStormHoodN80p-X & N100p-X 3L Most Rugged Gore-Tex ProRegular590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz79.5 cm / 31.25 in[Men's]
Sabre (Men's)Alternative to Rush. Skiing8/108/108/102/10N/AYesNoNoStormHoodN80p-X 3L Gore-TexRegular705 g / 1 lb 8.9 oz79 cm / 31 in
Sentinel (Women's)Skiing8/108/108/102/10N/AYesNoNoStormHoodN70p 3L Gore-TexRegular370 g / 13.1 oz?
Macai (Men's)Go-to insulated ski jacket. SkiingReview10/108/109/101/105/-15YesNoNoDropHoodN40p-X 3L Gore-TexRegular1 kg / 2 lb 3.3 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Macai LT (Men's)A lighter Macai with StormHood. Skiing8/107/108/101/108/-13YesNoNoStormHoodN40p-X 3L Gore-TexRegular855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz?[Men's]
Andessa (Women's)Go-to insulated ski jacket. Skiing10/10TestingTesting1/108/-13YesNoNoDropHoodN40d 3L Gore-TexTrim869 g / 1 lb 14.7 oz?
Andessa Shell (Women's)Non-insulated Andessa. Skiing5/10TestingTesting3/10N/ANoNoNoDropHoodN70p 3L Gore-TexTrim560 g / 1 lb 3.8 oz?
Theriss Down (Women's)Skiing8/106/107/102/10TestingYesNoNoStormHoodN80p 2L Gore-TexRegular709 g / 1 lb 9 oz?
Rush IS (Women's)An insulated Rush. Skiing5/10TestingTesting9/1016/-9NoNoYesStormHoodGore-Tex InfiniumRegular515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz?
Sentinel IS (Women's)SkiingTestingTestingTestingTesting21/-6YesNoNoStormHoodN80p 2L Gore-TexRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz?[Women's]
Ski Guide (Men's - Women's)SkiingTestingTestingTestingTestingN/AYesNoNoDropHoodN80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular570 g / 1 lb 4.1 oz?
Micon HeatherSkiingTestingTestingTestingTestingN/AYesNoNoStormHoodNP100-d 3L Gore-TexRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz83 cm / 32.5 in[Men's]
Micon (Men's)SkiingTestingTestingTestingTestingN/AYesNoNoStormHoodN80p 3L Gore-TexRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz83 cm / 32.5 in[Men's]
Cassiar (Men's)SkiingReview8/107/108/103/10N/AYesNoNoDropHoodN70p 3L Gore-TexTrim820 g / 1 lb 12.9 oz74.5 cm / 29.3 in[Women's]
Cassiar LT (Men's)SkiingReview6/106/106/105/10N/AYesNoNoDropHoodN70p 3L Gore-TexTrim605 g / 1 lb 5.3 oz75 cm / 29.5 in[Women's]
Ravenna (Women's)SkiingReview8/107/108/103/10N/AYesNoNoDropHoodN70s-4 3L Gore-TexTrim725 g / 1 lb 9.6 oz69.5 cm / 27.4 in[Men's]
Ravenna LT (Women's)SkiingReview6/106/106/105/10N/AYesNoNoDropHoodN70p 3L Gore-TexTrim540 g / 1 lb 3 oz69 cm / 27.2 in[Men's]
Procline (Men's)SkiingTestingTestingTestingTestingN/AYesNoNoStormHoodN70p Gore-Tex InfiniumTrim720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz76 cm / 30 in[Women's]
Shashka Stretch (Women's)SkiingTestingTestingTestingTestingN/AYesNoNoStormHoodN70p Gore-Tex InfiniumTrim670 g / 1 lb 7.6 oz71 cm / 28 in[Women's]
Sabre AR (Men's)SkiingReview7/108/107/107/10N/AYesNoNoStormHoodN70p 3L Gore-TexRegular700 g / 1 lb 8.7 oz79 cm / 31 in[Men's]
Sentinel AR (Women's)SkiingReview7/108/107/107/10N/AYesNoNoStormHoodN70p 3L Gore-TexRegular590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz72.5 cm / 28.5 in[Women's]
Sabre LT (Men's)SkiingReview7/108/107/108/10N/AYesNoNoStormHoodN80p 3L Gore-TexRegular660 g / 1 lb 7.3 oz83 cm / 32.5 in
Sentinel LT (Women's)SkiingReview7/108/107/108/10N/AYesNoNoStormHoodN80p 3L Gore-TexRegular565 g / 1 lb 3.9 oz73.5 cm / 29 in
Incendia (Women's)SkiingReview8/109/109/103/10N/AYesNoNoStormHoodNP100d 3L Gore-TexTrim610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz79 cm / 31 in[Women's]
Indencia ISSkiingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingYesNoNoStormHoodN80p 2L Gore-TexRegular?78 cm / 30.75 in[Men's / Women's]
Norvan LT (Men's - Women's)Go-to running jacket. Running5/105/108/106/10N/ANoNoNoStandardN13p 3L Gore-TexFitted190 g / 6.7 oz?[Women's]
Squamish (Men's - Women's)Trimmer, lighter, packable running jacket. RunningReview5/104/107/109/10N/ANoNoYesStormHood30D TyonoTrim140 g / 4.9 oz77.5 cm / 30.5 in[Women's]
Norvan SL Ins. (Women's)RunningTestingTestingTestingTesting39/4NoNoYesStandardGore-Tex ShakeDryTrim270 g / 9.5 oz71.5 cm / 28.1 in[Women's]
Cita (Women's)RunningReview7/104/105/1010/10N/ANoNoYesStandardLuminTrim120 g / 4.2 oz67.5 cm / 26.5 in[Men's]
Cita SL (Women's)RunningReview7/104/104/1010/10N/AYesNoYesStandardPermeair 20Trim65 g / 2.3 oz61.5 cm / 24.2 in[Men's]
Incendo (Men's)RunningReview7/104/105/1010/10N/ANoNoYesStandardLuminTrim125 g / 4.4 oz?
Incendo SL (Men's)RunningReview7/104/104/1010/10N/ANoNoYesStandardPermair 20 & CanimTrim80 g / 2.8 oz73 cm / 28.75 in[Men's / Women's]
Incendo AirshellRunningTestingTestingTestingTestingN/ANoNoYesStandard????[Men's]
Norvan SL (Men's - Women's)RunningReview7/106/108/108/10N/ANoNoYesStandardGore-Tex InfiniumTrim120 g / 4.2 oz77 cm / 30.4 in[Women's]
Trino SL (Men's)RunningReview8/105/107/106/10N/ANoNoNoStandardGore-Tex InfiniumTrim340 g / 12 oz74 cm / 29.1 in[Men's / Women's]
Trino SL Anorak (Women's)RunningReview8/107/108/107/10N/ANoNoNoStandardGore-Tex InfiniumTrim290 g / 10.2 oz65 cm / 25.5 in[Men's / Women's]
Nodin (Men's - Women's)Running8/105/105/1010/10N/ANoNoYesStandard20D TyonoTrim155 g / 5.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 in[Men's / Women's]
Solano (Men's - Women's)Around TownReviewTestingTestingTestingTestingN/ANoNoNoStandardGore-Tex InfiniumRelaxed355 g / 12.5 oz72 cm / 28.3 in
Venda Anorak (Women's)Around TownTestingTestingTestingTestingN/ANoNoNoStandardGore-TexRelaxed255 g / 9 oz75.5 cm / 29.7 in
Zeta FL (Men's - Women's)Hiking4/106/104/106/10N/ANoNoNoStormHoodN20r 2L Gore-TexTrim221 g / 7.8 oz76 cm / 30 in[Men's / Women's]
Zeta SL (Men's - Women's)HikingReview3/105/104/105/10N/ANoNoNoStormHood2L Gore-TexTrim310 g / 10.9 oz77.8 cm / 30.6 in[Men's]
Zeta LT (Men's - Women's)Hiking5/107/108/105/10N/ANoNoNoStormHoodN40P-X 3L Gore-TexTrim335 g / 11.8 oz78 cm / 30.75 in[Men's]
Zeta AR (Men's)Hiking7/108/107/104/10N/AYesNoNoStormHood3L Gore-TexRegular425 g / 15 oz80 cm / 31.5 in

More about this chart: https://outdoorcrunch.com/best-arcteryx-shells/ 

If you're confused now and don't know which jacket best corresponds to your own needs, then follow the advice given below: 

  • https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/jacket-finder/
  • https://outdoorcrunch.com/best-arcteryx-jacket/

Also see: 

NameEst. Temp (F/C)ReviewPit venting?Stuffs into itself?Two way zipper?TypeFill PowerFill Weight (grams)Fill Volume (FP x FW)Synthetic Insulator (SI)SI AmountFace FabricActivityFitWeightLength (CB)
Arc'teryx Alpha (Men's - Women's)-18/-28ReviewNoYesYesDown850296251,600Coreloft90 g/m²N30r 2L GoreTex InfiniumClimbingRegular805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz86 cm / 34 in
Feathered Friends Khumbu-17/-27NoYesNoDown900378340,200Primaloft Gold200 gPretex Shield XTAll RoundRegular960 g / 2 lb 2 oz?
Arc'teryx Ceres SV (Men's - Women's)-15/-26ReviewNoYesYesDown850240204,000Coreloft?Arato 30All RoundRegular880 g / 1 lb 15 oz86 cm / 34 in
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDown800300240,000N/AN/A30D DriliteAll RoundRegular820 g / 1 lb 13 oz76 cm / 30 in
Rab Positron Pro (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDown800300240,000N/AN/A40D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular740 g / 1 lb 10 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's)-11/-24ReviewNoNoYesParka750211158,250Coreloft60 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 oz96 cm / 37.75 in
Patagonia Grade VII (Men's)-11/-24NoNoYesDown800335268,000N/AN/A1.2 oz 15 & 20D Perfex QuantumAround TownRegular743 g / 1 lb 10.1 oz83 cm / 32.5 in
Arc'teryx Firebee AR (Men's - Women's)-10/-23ReviewNoYesYesDown800225180,000N/AN/AArato 7 & 10All RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz79 cm / 31 in
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's)-10/-23NoYesYesDown800265212,000N/AN/ANylonAll RoundRegular770 g / 1 lb 11.2 oz79 cm / 31 in
Arc'teryx Thorsen (Men's)-7/-22ReviewNoNoYesParka750192144,000Coreloft60 g/m²90D 2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.1 kg / 2 lb 5.4 oz91 cm / 36 in
Patagonia Frozen Range (Men's - Women's)-6/-21ReviewNoNoNoParka700268187,600N/AN/A4 oz 75-denier polyesterAround TownRegular1.253 kg / 2 lb 12.2 oz84 cm / 33 in
Mountain Equipment Li. Ec. (Men's - Women's)-5/-20NoNoYesDown700295206,500N/AN/A50D DriliteAll RoundRegular822 g / 1 lb 13 oz72 cm / 28 in
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's)-2/-19NoNoYesParka7507455,500Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.1 kg / 2 lb 6.8 oz117.5 cm / 46.25 in
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's)-2/-19NoYesYesDown800212169,600N/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular585 g / 1 lb 8.6 oz77 cm / 30.3 in
Arc'teryx Dually Belay (Men's)0/-18ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/AThermaTek92 g/m²30D NylonAround TownRegular705 g / 1 lb 9 oz84 cm / 33 in
Arc'teryx Centrale (Women's)0/-18ReviewNoNoYesParka750157117,750Coreloft60 g/m²N90p NylonAround TownRegular885 g / 1 lb 15.2 oz95 cm / 37.5 in
Arc'teryx Camosun (Men's)0/-18ReviewNoNoNoParka75010578,750Coreloft140 g/m²N150p-X Gore-TexAround TownTrim960 g / 2 lb 1.9 oz80 cm / 31.5 in
Arc'teryx Cerium SV (Men's)0/-18ReviewNoYesNoDown850162137,700Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 7 & 10All RoundRegular415 g / 14.6 oz69.5 cm / 27.4 in
Arc'teryx Revet (Men's)2/-17NoNoYesParka750?N/AN/A20d nylon/spandex double weaveAround TownRegular755 g / 1 lb 10.6 oz91 cm / 36 in
Arc'teryx Piedmont (Men's)3/-16NoYesYesParka750218163,500N/AN/AArato 10Around TownRegular515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz82 cm / 32.25 in
Arc'teryx Fission SV (Men's - Women's)3/-16ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous90 + 65 g/m²N80p-X Gore-Tex 2LAll RoundRegular890 g / 1 lb 15.4 oz81 cm / 31.8 in
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's)3/-16NoYesYesDown85011799,450Coreloft Compact40 g/m²Hadron 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumClimbingRegular540 g / 1 lb 3 oz?
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's)3/-16NoNoYesDown800182145,600N/AN/A30D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular825 g / 1 lb 13.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Arc'teryx Alessa Long (Women's)3/-16NoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft80 + 120 g/m²N90p 2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.015 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz123 cm / 48.5 in
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's)3/-16ReviewNoNoNoParka70011882,600N/AN/A5.5 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Arc'teryx Radsten Parka (Men's)3/-16NoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Compact120 g/m²NP100d Gore-Tex 2LAround TownRegular745 g / 1 lb 10.3 oz82 cm / 32.25 in
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's)5/-15NoYesYesDown800180144,000N/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular525 g / 1 lb 2.5 oz74 cm / 29 in
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's)5/-15ReviewNoNoYesParka75012090,000Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²P75d PolyesterAround TownRegular991 g / 2 lb 3 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Arc'teryx Macai (Men's)5/-15ReviewYes, zipsNoNoDown7506951,750Coreloft Compact60 + 100 g/m²N40p-X 3L Gore-TexSki/SnowboardRegular1 kg / 2 lb 4 oz76 cm / 30 in
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Men's)5/-15ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous180 g/m2 + 90 g/m2Arato 15ClimbingRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz81 cm / 31.8 in
Patagonia DAS Parka (Men's)5/-15NoYesYesParkaN/AN/AN/APrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco133 + 40 gPertex Quantum ProAround TownRegular555 g / 1lb 3.6 oz84 cm / 33 in
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's)5/-15ReviewNoNoYesParka7505843,500Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownTrim867 g / 1 lb 14.6 oz93 cm / 37 in
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoYesYesDown700155108,500N/AN/A30D ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular442 g / 15.6 oz76 cm / 29.75 in
Arc'teryx Kappa (Men's)7/-14ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous140 g/m²N70p Gore ThermiumAll RoundRegular755 g / 1 lb 10.6 oz80 cm / 31.5 in
Arc'teryx Prema Down Coat (Women's)7/-14NoNoYesParka7509269,000N/AN/ANylonAround TownRegular794 g / 1 lb 12 oz117 cm / 46.1 in
Arc'teryx Radsten Insulated (Men's)7/-14NoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Compact120 g/m²NP100d Gore-Tex 2LAround TownRegular715 g / 1 lb 9.2 oz73 cm / 28.75 in
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoYesNoDown700153107,100N/AN/A30D Pertex QuantumAll RoundRegular466 g / 1 lb 0.5 oz72 cm / 28.5 in
Arc'teryx Thorium (Men's - Women's)7/-14ReviewNoYesYesDown750140105,000Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30All RoundRegular517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz71.5 cm / 28.1 in
Feathered Friends Eos8/-13NoYesNoDown90010594,500N/AN/APertex QuantumAll RoundRegular306 g / 10.8 oz?
Arc'teryx Thorium AR (Men's - Women's)8/-13ReviewNoYesNoDown75013097,500Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30All RoundRegular490 g / 1 lb 1.3 oz72 cm / 28.3 in
Patagonia Macro Puff (Men's - Women's)8/-13ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/APlumaFill135 + 90 g10D Recycled nylon ripstopAll RoundRegular435 g / 15.3 oz79 cm / 31 in
Arc'teryx Macai LT (Men's)8/-13Yes, zipsNoNoDown7504936,750Coreloft Compact60 g/m²N40p-X 3L Gore-TexSki/SnowboardRegular855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz74 cm / 29.1 in
Arc'teryx Seyla (Women's)8/-13NoNoYesParka7509269,000N/AN/AArato 10Around TownRegular507 g / 1 lb. 1.9 oz.87 cm / 34.4 in
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's)8/-13NoYesNoDown800128102,400N/AN/A20D NylonAll RoundRegular632 g / 1lb 6.3 oz74 cm / 29 in
Arc'teryx Koda (Men's)8/-13NoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft80 + 140 g/m²N80p-X Gore-TexAround TownRegular720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Patagonia Vosque 3-in-1 (Women's)10/-12ReviewNoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/AThermoLite100 g65% nylon, 35% polyesterAround TownRegular1.360 kg / 3 lb90 cm / 35.5 in
Patagonia City Storm Down (Men's - Women's)12/-11NoYesNoParka700191133,700N/AN/A4.2 oz polyesterAll RoundRegular468 g / 16.5 oz91 cm / 36 in
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's)12/-11ReviewNoNoYesParka70014198,700N/AN/A3.6 oz 50D polyesterAround TownRegular880 g / 1 lb 15 oz79 cm / 31 in
Arc'teryx Sensa (Women's)14/-10NoNoYesParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Compact120 g/m²NP100d Gore-Tex 2LAround TownRelaxed785 g / 1 lb 11.7 oz86 cm / 34 in
Patagonia Hi Loft Down (Men's - Women's)14/-10ReviewNoYesNoDown600177106,200N/AN/A1.4 oz 30D polyesterAll RoundRegular540 g / 1 lb 3 oz76 cm / 30 in
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's)14/-10NoYesNoDown850120102,000N/AN/APertex mini ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular340 g / 13.75 oz74 cm / 29.25 in
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)16/-9ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft 80 g/m² + 120 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAround TownRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz?
Arc'teryx Atom AR (Men's - Women's)18/-8ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous120 g/m2 + 80 g/m2 + 60 g/m230D TyonoAll RoundRegular475 g / 1 lb 74 cm / 29.1 in
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's)18/-8NoNoNoDown600279167,400N/AN/A4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz?
Arc'teryx Magnus (Men's)19/-7NoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft80 gN60p Gore-Tex 2LAround TownRegular690 g / 1 lb 8.3 oz83 cm / 32.5 in
Arc'teryx Agrium (Men's - Women's)21/-6NoYesNoDown85011799,450N/AN/AAratoAll RoundRegular365 g / 12.9 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Patagonia AlpLight Down (Men's - Women's)21/-6NoYesNoDown80010080,000N/AN/A0.8 oz 10D polyesterAll RoundSlim270 g / 9.5 oz74 cm / 29 in
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's)21/-6ReviewYes, zipsNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz78.5 cm / 31 in
Patagonia Topley (Men's)23/-5NoNoYesDown700172120,400N/AN/A6 oz polyesterAll RoundRegular1.133 kg / 2 lb 8 oz77 cm / 30.5 in
Arc'teryx Alpha IS (Men's)23/-5NoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous65 g/m²N40p-X 2L Gore-TexClimbingRegular610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz78 cm / 30.75 in
Rab Xenon 2.0 (Men's - Women's)23/-5NoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APrimaLoft Silver60 g30D Pertex QuantumAll RoundRegular385 g / 13.6 oz71.5 cm / 28.1 in
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's)23/-5ReviewNoYesNoDown800150120,000N/AN/A1.4 oz 20x30D polyesterAll RoundRegular428 g / 15.1 oz67 cm / 26.25 in
Arc'teryx Ralle Parka (Men's)25/-4NoNoYesParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft 80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAround TownRegular735 g / 1 lb 9.9 oz?
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's)26/-3ReviewNoNoNoDown70010976,300N/AN/A2.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular585 g / 1 lb 4.7 oz74 cm / 29 in
Arc'teryx Therme Insulated (Men's)26/-3ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Compact40 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular960 g / 2 lb 1.9 oz73 cm / 28.75 in
Arc'teryx Cerium (Men's - Women's)26/-3NoYesNoDown85011396,050Coreloft 80 + 100 g/m²Arato 15All RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 oz?
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's)28/-2NoYesNoDown8008568,000N/AN/A10D Ripstop NylonAll RoundTrim250 g / 8.8 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Arc'teryx Cerium LT (Men's - Women's)28/-2ReviewNoYesNoDown85010286,700Coreloft 80 + 100 g/m²Arato 10All RoundTrim305 g / 10.8 oz72 cm / 28.3 in
Arc'teryx Nuclei FL (Men's - Women's)32/0ReviewNoYesNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous65 g/m²Arato 10rClimbingTrim325 g / 11.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Patagonia DAS Light (Men's - Women's)34/1NoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APlumaFill65 g0.8-oz 10-denier Pertex Quantum ProClimbingRegular320 g / 11.3 oz77 cm / 30.5 in
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's)36/2ReviewNoYesNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/APlumaFill65 gPertex QuantumAll RoundTrim298 g / 10.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Patagonia Isthmus (Men's)36/2NoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/AThermoGreen60 g4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular895 g / 1 lb 15.6 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Arc'teryx Proton LT (Men's - Women's)37/3ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Compact80 g/m2 + 60 g/m2Fortius Air 20ClimbingTrim375 g / 13.2 oz75 cm / 29.4 in
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's)37/3ReviewNoYesNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/APrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco60 g22D PolyesterAll RoundRegular363 g / 12.8 oz71.5 cm / 28 in
Arc'teryx Norvan SL Ins. (Men's - Women's)39/4NoYesNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Compact40 g/m²Gore-Tex ShakeDryRunningTrim270 g / 9.5 oz71.5 cm / 28.1 in
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's)41/5ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/AFullRange60 g33D Nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim318 g / 11.2 oz?
Arc'teryx Atom LT (Men's - Women's)43/6ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous60 g/m²20D TyonoAll RoundTrim375 g / 13.2 oz74 cm / 29.1 in
Arc'teryx Cerium SL (Men's - Women's)43/6ReviewNoYesNoDown8505849,300Coreloft 40 + 100 g/m²Arato 7All RoundTrim215 g / 7.6 oz69 cm / 27.2 in
Arc'teryx Proton Hybrid (Men's - Women's)46/8ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Compact40 g/m²Fortius™ Air 50All RoundTrim365 g / 12.9 oz?
Arc'teryx Proton FL (Men's)48/9ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/AOcta Loft94 g/m²Fortius Air 20ClimbingTrim323 g / 11.4 oz77 cm / 30.4 in
Arc'teryx Atom SL (Men's - Women's)52/11ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Compact40 g/m²20D TyonoAll RoundTrim245 g / 8.6 oz72 cm / 28.3 in
REI Stormhenge Hybrid (Men's - Women's)TestingYes, zipsNoNoDown850?N/AN/A40D + 80DAll RoundRegular900 g / 1 lb 15.75 oz80 cm / 31.5 in
Arc'teryx Monitor Insulated (Women's)TestingNoNoYesParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft80 + 100 g/m²40D 3L Gore-TexAround TownOversized645 g / 1 lb 6.8 oz93 cm / 37 in
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's)TestingNoNoYesParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft80 + 140 g/m²40D 2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular460 g / 1 lb 0.2 oz93 cm / 37 in
 

In order to reduce manufacturing costs (and hence the price tag) of Beta AR N40d is used throughout other areas where less durability is more acceptable. 

This is also why Beta AR is the most well-balanced of all Beta jackets because Beta LT is 40D and Beta SV is 80D everywhere (they aren't balanced but rather intended for more niche uses). 

Beta LT

Beta AR

MSRP

525 USD

575 USD

Breathability


Packability


Weather Resistance


Durability


Length


Bagginess

7/10
7/10
7/10
6/10
7/10
7/10
8/10
5/10
8/10
8/10
7/10
8/10

Beta LT

Beta AR

Weight

345 grams (12.2 oz)

455 grams (16 oz)

Gore-Tex

N40p-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L

N40r-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L

N80p-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L

Cell

#Note: All face fabrics are DWR (durable water repellent) applied.

  • What's 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 for after treatment.

Arc'teryx Beta LT. 

So what do the numbers 40 and 80 exactly mean?

If you're unaware, the number after the first letter represents the denier (weight) of the fabric. It's usually referred to as 40D and 80D (denier), etc. 

As the denier increases (which is 40 vs 80, in this case) the durability and weather resistance will increase, but the jacket will also end up being heavier, louder, stiffer and bulkier. You get the picture. 

You can now see the main difference between Beta LT and AR - but let's continue, more to come. 

  • Latest on the blog:
  • 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. 

The letter (p or r) that comes right after this number in the notation represents the fabric weave. R of Beta AR stands for ripstop, which, unlike plain weave (P) of Beta LT, is woven following a grid texture. 

Grid texture of the ripstop weave of Beta AR.

As a result: 

  • Ripstop weave (Beta AR) is expected to prevent the potential tears from propagating considerably less than the plain weave by blocking their paths with elevated fabrics. 
  • Whereas the plain weave (Beta LT) is expected to bead the water droplets better than the ripstop because unlike the ripstop, the pathway of droplets won't be crossed by elevated fabrics. 

I hope that makes sense.

Links: 

  • https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/beta-lt-jacket
  • https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/beta-ar-jacket
  • https://www.rei.com/product/185629/arcteryx-beta-lt-jacket-mens
  • https://www.rei.com/product/175306/arcteryx-beta-ar-jacket-mens
  • Beta AR vs LT comparison chart: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000007339-black/X000007061-phenom

Having said all that...

These differences might not be all that noticeable in practice to most of you. Because:

  • Gore-Tex 3L Pro is already very high quality by itself, so ripstop doesn't really add much to Beta AR's durability in practice.
  • Both jackets are already DWR coated, so the plain weave of Beta LT doesn't really cause a noticeable difference in water beading.

So, as you can guess now; the vast, vast majority of the extra %10-15 weather resistance & %25 durability of Beta AR and more packable & lighter structure of Beta LT result from the denier difference (40D vs 80D) - NOT the weave difference (ripstop vs plain). 

Lastly, both are covered with a DWR coating. 

  • 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 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. 

But what about the %10-15 breathability difference?

Pit zips

Before the FW 2023 updates, Beta LT didn't offer pit zips. This was one of my main gripes about Beta LT. 

Mechanical venting is a huge deal and will bring about no less than 50% of total breathability a jacket will offer. 

Pit zips. 

If you haven't used them before, you'll quickly realize that the pit zips are a godsend especially during high output activities since they keep you from overheating very well. 

By the way, two way front main zippers are also designed to help with this, but unfortunately, no Arc'teryx hardshell offer one, except the Alpha IS, which was discontinued. 

Fit 

Beta AR is slightly baggier than the LT, so it might allow for a wider variety of under layering options which, in the end, could ultimately makes it more versatile.

But I haven't seen anyone complain about this. The difference really shouldn't be all that noticeable. 

Lastly, I wouldn't recommend sizing up or down with either one of them. Both run true to size. 

Hoods

Read more about StormHood of Beta LT and DropHood of Beta AR in this post: https://outdoorcrunch.com/stormhood-vs-drophood/

Conclusion 

I personally find Beta AR more suitable for high output activities because of the DropHood, which offers more comfort than a StormHood when the hood is down. 

Links: 

  • https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/beta-lt-jacket
  • https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/beta-ar-jacket
  • https://www.rei.com/product/185629/arcteryx-beta-lt-jacket-mens
  • https://www.rei.com/product/175306/arcteryx-beta-ar-jacket-mens
  • Beta AR vs LT comparison chart: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000007339-black/X000007061-phenom


I hope this post was helpful for you to learn more about the jacket(s) in your mind.


Feel free to ask me any questions or provide feedback and I'll be happy to respond in the comment section below.


Guide: Insulated & Shell Jackets

Start here:

  • Best Arc'teryx Jackets: My Top Picks
  • Best Patagonia Jackets: My Top Picks
  • Best Down Jackets: My Top Picks
  • Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets: My Top Picks
  • Temperature Ratings of Best Insulated Jackets
  • Arc'teryx Wiki: Complete Data Set
  • CLO values: Explained, compared & plotted
  • Ultimate Size Guide to Arc'teryx
  • StormHood vs DropHood

Complete list:

  • All Arc'teryx Shell Jackets sorted by performance
  • All Arc'teryx Ski Jackets sorted by performance
  • All Patagonia Ski Jackets sorted by performance
  • All Patagonia Winter Jackets compared
  • All Patagonia Fleeces compared
  • All Patagonia Rain Jackets compared
  • All Patagonia Down Jackets compared

Synthetic Insulated Jackets

  • Arc'teryx Proton LT
  • Patagonia Nano Air
  • Arc'teryx Atom LT
  • Arc'teryx Atom AR
  • Patagonia Nano Puff
  • Patagonia Micro Puff
  • Arc'teryx Atom SL
  • Arc'teryx Proton FL
  • Arc'teryx Proton Hybrid Hoody
  • Arc'teryx Fission SV
  • Arc'teryx Dually Belay Parka
  • Arc'teryx Atom SL Anorak
  • Arc'teryx Kappa

Down Jackets

  • Arc'teryx Cerium LT
  • Arc'teryx Cerium SV
  • Arc'teryx Cerium SL
  • Arc'teryx Thorium AR
  • Patagonia Down Sweater
  • Arc'teryx Firebee AR
  • Arc'teryx Ceres SV

Parkas

  • Arc'teryx Thorsen
  • Arc'teryx Therme
  • Arc'teryx Camosun
  • Arc'teryx Patera
  • Arc'teryx Centrale
  • Patagonia Tres
  • Patagonia Vosque

Shell Jackets

  • Arc'teryx Beta SV
  • Arc'teryx Beta FL
  • Arc'teryx Beta AR
  • Arc'teryx Alpha AR
  • Arc'teryx Alpha SV
  • Arc'teryx Gamma MX
  • Arc'teryx Gamma LT
  • Arc'teryx Gamma SL

Ski Jackets

  • Arc'teryx Rush
  • Arc'teryx Rush IS
  • Arc'teryx Sabre LT
  • Arc'teryx Sabre AR
  • Arc'teryx Cassiar
  • Arc'teryx Sidewinder
  • Arc'teryx Macai

Fleece Jackets

  • Patagonia R1
  • Patagonia R2
  • Patagonia Synchilla
  • Patagonia Better Sweater

Wind Jackets

  • Arc'teryx Solano
  • Arc'teryx Nuclei FL
  • Patagonia Houdini
  • Patagonia Houdini Air
  • Arc'teryx Squamish
  • Arc'teryx Incendo
  • Arc'teryx Norvan SL
  • Arc'teryx Trino SL

Rain Jackets

  • Patagonia Torrentshell
  • Patagonia Torrentshell Insulated
  • Arc'teryx Beta SL Hybrid
  • Arc'teryx Zeta FL

Also see:

  • Arc'teryx vs Patagonia
  • List of Manufacturing Facilities of all Arc'teryx Jackets

Thank you for reading!

Filed Under: Hardshell Jackets Tagged With: arcteryx, arcteryx jackets, arcteryx shell jackets, jackets, shell jackets

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Daniel Lin says

    June 12, 2021 at 3:53 am

    Hello Canberk,
    Thank you for sharing these awesome reviews. Really helpful for me.
    For the current Beta LT (2021 New), Do you have any thoughts on that? I’m considering buying it but would like to hear your thought. Is Beta AR still a go-to compares to the latest Beta LT update?

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Hey, what's up? Canberk here. I try to approach outdoor gear from a scientific point of view. Here's more about me.

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