- Patagonia and Arc'teryx are like up to 70% off at REI rn...
First thing you should know about these jackets is that Beta Long does NOT come with a two-way zipper.
On Arcteryx.com's Beta Long product page, there's misinformation about this, so I wanted to clear this out of the way ASAP. I'm sure they'll also correct it there soon.
As you can also see in Arc'teryx's Naming Scheme Page here as well.
"Beta" and "Zeta" lines translate to All Round and Hiking/Trekking specific pieces in Arc'teryx terminology.
- Poll results: Giant Arc'teryx & Patagoina survey (Gore-Tex, pockets, hoods, fit, & more) [1000+ participated]
- Pics from outrageous discounts I ran into at Arc'teryx Parndorf Outlet
- I bought Gamma Lightweight (aka SL), Gamma (aka LT) and Gamma MX
- Patera Parka (one year update): Ain't worth the price...
- Alpha vs Beta: I bought all 4 Beta's and both Alpha's. Settling this for good
- I visited Iceland again, this time with a Nuclei (aka FL)
- Proton Hybrid: A "hidden" way to stuff it in itself!?
- Best Insulated Jackets: A hands-on Arc'teryx & Patagonia face-off
- 2024 Nano Air is in! Bought it immediately...
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- Best Arc'teryx Ski Jackets: Rush is ideal, Sabre SV is overkill
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- Took my Nuclei SV to the Alps near Pfander, Austria
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- Arc'teryx ReGEAR: OutdoorCrunch exclusive promo code!
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- 7 things all Arc'teryx newbies should know
Like hauntingly dark yet brilliantly brilliant electronic music? Check out my Hidden Electronic Gems playlist at Spotify.
- Macai Shell: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/macai-shell-jacket
- Nita: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/nita-down-jacket
- Epsilon: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/epsilon-insulated-hoody
- Cerium Pants (yes, seriously): https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/cerium-pant
- Liatris: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/liatris-down-jacket
- Thorium SV: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/thorium-sv-hoody
- Proton Heavyweight: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/proton-heavyweight-hoody
- Atom Shacket: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/atom-shacket
- New Nano Air: https://patagonia.com/product/mens-nano-air-insulated-hoody/84367.html
REI blog also published a great article about the comparison of Beta and Zeta jackets here: https://www.rei.com/blog/hike/comparing-arcteryx-beta-zeta-jackets
Now, before I get to the typical buyer profiles, let me tell you that you must have a good reason to get a Zeta SL, and a very good reason to get a Beta Long.
- Arc'teryx Jacket Finder: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/jacket-finder
Because, Zeta SL is an emergency shell, and Beta Long somehow feels misplaced in the entire Arc'teryx line.
Name | Activity | Breathability | Weather Res. | Durability | Temp (F/C) | Bottom line | Review | Pit zips? | Two way zipper? | Stuffs into itself? | Hood? | Face Fabric | Fit | Weight | Length | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alpha FL (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | 7/10 | No data | No data | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Hadron 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 209 g / 7.4 oz | 76.5 cm / 30 in | Yes | |||
Alpha SL (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | 5/10 | 7/10 | No data | 9/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | N40p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 326 g / 11.5 oz | 77.5 cm / 30.5 in | Yes | |||
Alpha (aka AR) (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 4/10 | N/A | 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 | 8/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 3/10 | N/A | 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 | |
Alpha IS (Men's) | Climbing | 7/10 | 5/10 | No data | 8/10 | 23/-5 | No | Yes | Yes | N40p-X 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | Yes | |||
Beta (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 6/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | N/A | 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 Lightweight (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | N/A | 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 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N40d 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 395 g / 13.9 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | No | ||
Beta AR (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 4/10 | N/A | 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 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 4/10 | N/A | 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 | 6/10 | 5/10 | No data | 5/10 | N/A | No | Yes | No | 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 320 g / 11.3 oz | 88 cm / 34.5 in | No | |||
Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | No data | 21/-6 | 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 | 7/10 | No data | No data | No data | 16/-9 | No | Yes | No | N40d 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | 86 cm / 34 in | No | |||
Beta Down Insulated (Men's) | All Round | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | No data | 0/-18 | Yes | Yes | No | 2L 40D Gore-Tex | Regular | 760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | No | |||
Beta Long | All Round | 4/10 | 9/10 | No data | 3/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 441 g / 15.6 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in | Yes | ||
Beta LT Hadron | All Round | 7/10 | 6/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | Hadron 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 255 g / 9 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | Yes | |||
Beta SV (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 8/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 3/10 | N/A | 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 Lw. (aka SL) (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 7/10 | 2/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | No | Fortius 1.0 | Trim | 310 g / 10.9 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | No | ||
Gamma (aka LT) (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 7/10 | 3/10 | 7/10 | 3/10 | N/A | 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 - Women's) | All Round | 6/10 | 4/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Strongest softshell. | Review | No | No | No | Fortius 2.0 | Regular | 555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | No | |
Sabre SV (Men's) | Skiing | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 1/10 | N/A | 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 | |
Sabre (Men's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 705 g / 1 lb 8.9 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | No | ||
Sabre Insulated (Men's) | Skiing | 7/10 | No data | 6/10 | No data | No data | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 815 g / 1 lb 12.7 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | No | ||
Rush (Men's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | 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 (Men's - Women's) | Skiing | 3/10 | 5/10 | 5/10 | 9/10 | 16/-9 | Review | No | No | Yes | Hadron 2L Gore-Tex Infinium | Regular | 515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | No | ||
Macai Shell (Men's) | Skiing | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 775 g / 1 lb 11.3 oz | ? | No | ||
Macai (Men's) | Skiing | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | 1/10 | 5/-15 | Review | Yes | No | No | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 990 g / 2 lb 2.9 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | No | ||
Macai Lightweight (aka LT) (Men's) | Skiing | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | 2/10 | 8/-13 | Review | Yes | No | No | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz | ? | No | ||
Theriss Down (Women's) | Skiing | 7/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | No data | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 709 g / 1 lb 9 oz | 63 cm / 24.8 in | No | ||
Sentinel (Women's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | N/A | 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 | 8/10 | No data | No data | No data | 21/-6 | 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 | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | Yes | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 655 g / 1 lb 7.1 oz | ? | No | |||
Sidewinder (Women's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 570 g / 1 lb 4.1 oz | ? | No | |||
Andessa (Women's) | Skiing | 10/10 | No data | No data | 1/10 | 8/-13 | Yes | No | No | N40d 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 869 g / 1 lb 14.7 oz | 67 cm / 26.4 in | Yes | |||
Andessa Shell (Women's) | Skiing | 5/10 | No data | No data | 3/10 | N/A | No | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 560 g / 1 lb 3.8 oz | ? | Yes | |||
Micon Heather | Skiing | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | Yes | No | No | NP100-d 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | Yes | |||
Micon (Men's) | Skiing | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | Yes | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | Yes | |||
Cassiar (Men's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 820 g / 1 lb 12.9 oz | 74.5 cm / 29.3 in | Yes | ||
Cassiar LT (Men's) | Skiing | 6/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 605 g / 1 lb 5.3 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | Yes | ||
Ravenna (Women's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | 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 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz | 69 cm / 27.2 in | Yes | ||
Procline (Men's) | Skiing | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | Yes | No | No | N70p Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | Yes | |||
Shashka Stretch (Women's) | Skiing | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | Yes | No | No | N70p Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 670 g / 1 lb 7.6 oz | 71 cm / 28 in | Yes | |||
Sabre AR (Men's) | Skiing | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 700 g / 1 lb 8.7 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | Yes | ||
Sentinel AR (Women's) | Skiing | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz | 72.5 cm / 28.5 in | Yes | ||
Sabre LT (Men's) | Skiing | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 660 g / 1 lb 7.3 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | Yes | ||
Sentinel LT (Women's) | Skiing | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 565 g / 1 lb 3.9 oz | 73.5 cm / 29 in | Yes | ||
Incendia (Women's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | No | NP100d 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | Yes | ||
Indencia IS | Skiing | No data | No data | No data | No data | No data | Yes | No | No | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | ? | 78 cm / 30.75 in | Yes | |||
Squamish (Men's - Women's) | Running | 5/10 | 4/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | N/A | Go-to running jacket. | Review | No | No | Yes | 30D Tyono | Trim | 140 g / 4.9 oz | 77.5 cm / 30.5 in | No | |
Norvan Windshell (Men's - Women's) | Running | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | No | No | Yes | Permeair 20 | Trim | 90 g / 3.2 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | No | |||
Norvan Shell (Men's - Women's) | Running | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | No | No | No | 13D 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 190 g / 6.7 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | No | |||
Nodin (Women's) | Running | 8/10 | 5/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | 20D Tyono | Trim | 130 g / 4.6 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | No | |||
Incendo Airshell (Women's) | Running | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | No | No | Yes | ? | Trim | 105 g / 3.7 oz | ? | No | |||
Incendo (Men's) | Running | 7/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | Yes | Lumin | Trim | 125 g / 4.4 oz | ? | Yes | ||
Norvan LT (Men's - Women's) | Running | 5/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | N/A | No | No | No | N13p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 190 g / 6.7 oz | ? | Yes | |||
Norvan SL Ins. (Women's) | Running | No data | No data | No data | No data | 39/4 | No | No | Yes | Gore-Tex ShakeDry | Trim | 270 g / 9.5 oz | 71.5 cm / 28.1 in | Yes | |||
Cita (Women's) | Running | 7/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | Yes | Lumin | Trim | 120 g / 4.2 oz | 67.5 cm / 26.5 in | Yes | ||
Cita SL (Women's) | Running | 7/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 10/10 | N/A | Review | Yes | No | Yes | Permeair 20 | Trim | 65 g / 2.3 oz | 61.5 cm / 24.2 in | Yes | ||
Incendo SL (Men's) | Running | 7/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 10/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | Yes | Permair 20 & Canim | Trim | 80 g / 2.8 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | Yes | ||
Norvan SL (Men's - Women's) | Running | 7/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | Yes | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 120 g / 4.2 oz | 77 cm / 30.4 in | Yes | ||
Trino SL (Men's) | Running | 8/10 | 5/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | No | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 340 g / 12 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | Yes | ||
Trino SL Anorak (Women's) | Running | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | No | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 290 g / 10.2 oz | 65 cm / 25.5 in | Yes | ||
Solano (Women's) | Around Town | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | Review | No | No | No | Gore-Tex Infinium | Relaxed | 355 g / 12.5 oz | 72 cm / 28.3 in | No | ||
Venda Anorak (Women's) | Around Town | No data | No data | No data | No data | N/A | No | No | No | Gore-Tex | Relaxed | 255 g / 9 oz | 75.5 cm / 29.7 in | Yes | |||
Zeta FL (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | 4/10 | 6/10 | 4/10 | 6/10 | N/A | No | No | No | N20r 2L Gore-Tex | Trim | 221 g / 7.8 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | Yes | |||
Zeta SL (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | 3/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Review | No | No | No | 2L Gore-Tex | Trim | 310 g / 10.9 oz | 77.8 cm / 30.6 in | Yes | ||
Zeta LT (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | 5/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | N40P-X 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 335 g / 11.8 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | Yes | |||
Zeta AR (Men's) | Hiking | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 4/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 425 g / 15 oz | 80 cm / 31.5 in | Yes |
Performance data axis of synthetic jackets (table above) and shell jackets (this table) are different. Don't compare them.
New member of Beta line Beta Long (Men's) feels weird. Really weird. A combination of N80p face fabric and regular Gore-Tex (not Gore-Tex Pro) is confusing.
It's like they could make it either more breathable or more weather resistant & durable - but they messed up and ended up not achieving either one of these. Beta Long is kind of in purgatory.
To me, the only upside of it is that it's available in XXS and XXXL. We rarely see Arc'teryx offering these sizes.
Speaking of which, no other Beta or Zeta offer either one of them.
Poll results: Best colorways of Beta Series
Upvote your favorites.
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Other selling point can be seen as the suitability tall folks (owing to its lengthier nature) - but I kind of disagree with this. I'd rather get a slightly shorter jacket than a perfectly fitting Beta Long. The fact that it's lengthier doesn't justify its shortcomings. At least that's the case to me.
In addition to that, length of other jackets in this roundup are more than enough for most of us - even for very tall folks (6'1"+).
I'm 5'11", 165 lbs, athletic build. Size M fits me perfectly.
My size is always the same. Arc'teryx, Patagonia, TNF, Salomon, Columbia, Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Zara... Doesn't matter.
Tech specs
Find their spec comparison below.
Name | Activity | Review | Face Fabric | Weight | Length | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alpha FL (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | Hadron 3L Gore-Tex | 209 g / 7.4 oz | 76.5 cm / 30 in | alpha | Yes | |
Alpha SL (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | N40p 3L Gore-Tex | 326 g / 11.5 oz | 77.5 cm / 30.5 in | alpha | Yes | |
Alpha (aka AR) (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | Review | N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | 430 g / 15.2 oz | 79.5 cm / 31.25 in | alpha | No |
Alpha SV (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | Review | N100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | 510 g / 1 lb 2 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | alpha | No |
Alpha IS (Men's) | Climbing | N40p-X 2L Gore-Tex | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | alpha | Yes | |
Beta (Men's - Women's) | All Round | Review | N30p-X 3L Gore-Tex | 300 g / 10.6 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | betazeta | No |
Beta Lightweight (Men's - Women's) | All Round | Review | N40p 3L Gore-Tex | 380 g / 13.4 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | betazeta | No |
Beta LT (Men's - Women's) | All Round | Review | N40d 3L Gore-Tex | 395 g / 13.9 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | betazeta | No |
Beta AR (Men's - Women's) | All Round | Review | N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | 460 g / 1 lb | 76 cm / 30 in | betazeta | No |
Beta AR StormHood (Men's - Women's) | All Round | Review | N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | 460 g / 1 lb | 76 cm / 30 in | betazeta | No |
Beta Coat (Women's) | All Round | 3L Gore-Tex | 320 g / 11.3 oz | 88 cm / 34.5 in | betazeta | No | |
Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's) | All Round | Review | N40d 2L Gore-Tex | 680 g / 1 lb 8 oz | 78.5 cm / 31 in | betazeta | No |
Beta Insulated Coat (Women's) | All Round | N40d 2L Gore-Tex | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | 86 cm / 34 in | betazeta | No | |
Beta Down Insulated (Men's) | All Round | 2L 40D Gore-Tex | 760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | betazeta | No | |
Beta Long | All Round | Review | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | 441 g / 15.6 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in | betazeta | Yes |
Beta LT Hadron | All Round | Hadron 3L Gore-Tex | 255 g / 9 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | betazeta | Yes | |
Beta SV (Men's - Women's) | All Round | Review | N80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | 495 g / 1 lb 1.5 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | betazeta | Yes |
Gamma Lw. (aka SL) (Men's - Women's) | All Round | Review | Fortius 1.0 | 310 g / 10.9 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | gamma | No |
Gamma (aka LT) (Men's - Women's) | All Round | Review | Wee Burly Double Weave | 545 g / 1 lb 3.2 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | gamma | No |
Gamma MX (Men's - Women's) | All Round | Review | Fortius 2.0 | 555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | gamma | No |
Sabre SV (Men's) | Skiing | Review | N100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | 595 g / 1 lb 5 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in | No | |
Sabre (Men's) | Skiing | Review | N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex | 705 g / 1 lb 8.9 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | No | |
Sabre Insulated (Men's) | Skiing | Review | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | 815 g / 1 lb 12.7 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | No | |
Rush (Men's) | Skiing | Review | N80p-X & N100p-X 3L Most Rugged Gore-Tex Pro | 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz | 79.5 cm / 31.25 in | No | |
Rush Insulated (Men's - Women's) | Skiing | Review | Hadron 2L Gore-Tex Infinium | 515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | No | |
Macai Shell (Men's) | Skiing | Review | N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex | 775 g / 1 lb 11.3 oz | ? | No | |
Macai (Men's) | Skiing | Review | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | 990 g / 2 lb 2.9 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | No | |
Macai Lightweight (aka LT) (Men's) | Skiing | Review | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | 855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz | ? | No | |
Theriss Down (Women's) | Skiing | Review | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | 709 g / 1 lb 9 oz | 63 cm / 24.8 in | No | |
Sentinel (Women's) | Skiing | Review | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | 640 g / 1 lb 6.6 oz | 73.7 cm / 29 in | No | |
Sentinel Insulated (Women's) | Skiing | Review | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | 79.8 cm / 31.5 in | No | |
Sentinel Relaxed (Women's) | Skiing | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | 655 g / 1 lb 7.1 oz | ? | No | ||
Sidewinder (Women's) | Skiing | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | 570 g / 1 lb 4.1 oz | ? | No | ||
Andessa (Women's) | Skiing | N40d 3L Gore-Tex | 869 g / 1 lb 14.7 oz | 67 cm / 26.4 in | Yes | ||
Andessa Shell (Women's) | Skiing | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | 560 g / 1 lb 3.8 oz | ? | Yes | ||
Micon Heather | Skiing | NP100-d 3L Gore-Tex | 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | Yes | ||
Micon (Men's) | Skiing | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | Yes | ||
Cassiar (Men's) | Skiing | Review | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | 820 g / 1 lb 12.9 oz | 74.5 cm / 29.3 in | Yes | |
Cassiar LT (Men's) | Skiing | Review | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | 605 g / 1 lb 5.3 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | Yes | |
Ravenna (Women's) | Skiing | Review | N70s-4 3L Gore-Tex | 725 g / 1 lb 9.6 oz | 69.5 cm / 27.4 in | Yes | |
Ravenna LT (Women's) | Skiing | Review | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz | 69 cm / 27.2 in | Yes | |
Procline (Men's) | Skiing | N70p Gore-Tex Infinium | 720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | Yes | ||
Shashka Stretch (Women's) | Skiing | N70p Gore-Tex Infinium | 670 g / 1 lb 7.6 oz | 71 cm / 28 in | Yes | ||
Sabre AR (Men's) | Skiing | Review | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | 700 g / 1 lb 8.7 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | Yes | |
Sentinel AR (Women's) | Skiing | Review | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz | 72.5 cm / 28.5 in | Yes | |
Sabre LT (Men's) | Skiing | Review | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | 660 g / 1 lb 7.3 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | Yes | |
Sentinel LT (Women's) | Skiing | Review | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | 565 g / 1 lb 3.9 oz | 73.5 cm / 29 in | Yes | |
Incendia (Women's) | Skiing | Review | NP100d 3L Gore-Tex | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | Yes | |
Indencia IS | Skiing | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | ? | 78 cm / 30.75 in | Yes | ||
Squamish (Men's - Women's) | Running | Review | 30D Tyono | 140 g / 4.9 oz | 77.5 cm / 30.5 in | No | |
Norvan Windshell (Men's - Women's) | Running | Permeair 20 | 90 g / 3.2 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | No | ||
Norvan Shell (Men's - Women's) | Running | 13D 3L Gore-Tex | 190 g / 6.7 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | No | ||
Nodin (Women's) | Running | 20D Tyono | 130 g / 4.6 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | No | ||
Incendo Airshell (Women's) | Running | ? | 105 g / 3.7 oz | ? | No | ||
Incendo (Men's) | Running | Review | Lumin | 125 g / 4.4 oz | ? | Yes | |
Norvan LT (Men's - Women's) | Running | N13p 3L Gore-Tex | 190 g / 6.7 oz | ? | Yes | ||
Norvan SL Ins. (Women's) | Running | Gore-Tex ShakeDry | 270 g / 9.5 oz | 71.5 cm / 28.1 in | Yes | ||
Cita (Women's) | Running | Review | Lumin | 120 g / 4.2 oz | 67.5 cm / 26.5 in | Yes | |
Cita SL (Women's) | Running | Review | Permeair 20 | 65 g / 2.3 oz | 61.5 cm / 24.2 in | Yes | |
Incendo SL (Men's) | Running | Review | Permair 20 & Canim | 80 g / 2.8 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | Yes | |
Norvan SL (Men's - Women's) | Running | Review | Gore-Tex Infinium | 120 g / 4.2 oz | 77 cm / 30.4 in | Yes | |
Trino SL (Men's) | Running | Review | Gore-Tex Infinium | 340 g / 12 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | Yes | |
Trino SL Anorak (Women's) | Running | Review | Gore-Tex Infinium | 290 g / 10.2 oz | 65 cm / 25.5 in | Yes | |
Solano (Women's) | Around Town | Review | Gore-Tex Infinium | 355 g / 12.5 oz | 72 cm / 28.3 in | No | |
Venda Anorak (Women's) | Around Town | Gore-Tex | 255 g / 9 oz | 75.5 cm / 29.7 in | Yes | ||
Zeta FL (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | N20r 2L Gore-Tex | 221 g / 7.8 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | betazeta | Yes | |
Zeta SL (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | Review | 2L Gore-Tex | 310 g / 10.9 oz | 77.8 cm / 30.6 in | betazeta | Yes |
Zeta LT (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | N40P-X 3L Gore-Tex | 335 g / 11.8 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | betazeta | Yes | |
Zeta AR (Men's) | Hiking | 3L Gore-Tex | 425 g / 15 oz | 80 cm / 31.5 in | betazeta | Yes |
Anyways, without further ado, let's move on to typical buyer profiles because it's highly likely that you're one of these guys.
Typical buyer profiles
- "I really don't need any really specific features. I want to stay active during the quite cold winters in my town: A lot of fat biking, outdoor climbing, hiking, skiing, snowboarding etc. I'm looking for a jacket I can easily use during all these."
Now if this is you...
Then I'd recommend the Beta AR (Men's - Women's) to most of you my eyes closed.
It's one of my two favorite Arc'teryx pieces (along with Proton LT), and I think it's one of the most versatile hardshells out there (along with Beta LT).
If, on the other hand, you either (1) want something even more durable than the Beta AR, (2) will be hiking in quite severe weather and/or (3) want something baggier to maximize your under layering options, then Beta SV (Men's - Women's) can be an amazing choice for you.
You can check out my Beta AR vs SV post if you'd like to read more about this.
If you're on the other side of the equation...
...Meaning that if you need a lighter, more packable alternative to the Beta AR, then I'd recommend you the Beta LT (Men's - Women's).
In one of previous updates, Beta LT had gotten slammed. From an amazing Beta AR alternative, it had suddenly turned into a cheap Beta AR.
Luckily, Arc'teryx was on the issue and they fixed it. Once more, I started to recommend it my eyes closed. It's literally a light Beta AR with minimal sacrifices.
- "I want to stay active during the quite cold winters in my town, will be doing various activities with my jacket, but at least 80% of the time during these activities I'll be hiking/trekking."
If this is you...
Then I would have recommended the Zeta AR (Women's) to most of you, but as I said earlier (and as you can see here), after Fall 2021 update, it's only available for women and not for men.
You might still be able to find it on other stores such as REI and Backcountry, though.
If you couldn't, then I'd recommend you the Beta AR (Men's - Women's).
- "I'm looking for an emergency shell I can pack and put on easily during in case of downpours. My main (or only) expectation from this shell is superior waterproofing."
If this is you...
Then I'd recommend you the Zeta SL (Men's - Women's). After 2021 updates, this is your only option anyway. Arc'teryx discontinued Zeta FL (read my review), Beta FL (read my review) and Beta SL Hybrid (read my review) all together.
You can still my reviews of them if you'd like, because it can be possible to find them on other retailers such as REI and Backcountry.
One last point I'd like to make before we move on to cross price checking, if you'll be using your jacket mainly for climbing, then I'd recommend you to stop reading this post and go visit my Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta post.
Live price checking for Beta and Zeta lines:
Name | Review | ||
---|---|---|---|
Alpha FL (Men's - Women's) | alpha | Yes | |
Alpha SL (Men's - Women's) | alpha | Yes | |
Alpha (aka AR) (Men's - Women's) | Review | alpha | No |
Alpha SV (Men's - Women's) | Review | alpha | No |
Alpha IS (Men's) | alpha | Yes | |
Beta (Men's - Women's) | Review | betazeta | No |
Beta Lightweight (Men's - Women's) | Review | betazeta | No |
Beta LT (Men's - Women's) | Review | betazeta | No |
Beta AR (Men's - Women's) | Review | betazeta | No |
Beta AR StormHood (Men's - Women's) | Review | betazeta | No |
Beta Coat (Women's) | betazeta | No | |
Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's) | Review | betazeta | No |
Beta Insulated Coat (Women's) | betazeta | No | |
Beta Down Insulated (Men's) | betazeta | No | |
Beta Long | Review | betazeta | Yes |
Beta LT Hadron | betazeta | Yes | |
Beta SV (Men's - Women's) | Review | betazeta | Yes |
Gamma Lw. (aka SL) (Men's - Women's) | Review | gamma | No |
Gamma (aka LT) (Men's - Women's) | Review | gamma | No |
Gamma MX (Men's - Women's) | Review | gamma | No |
Sabre SV (Men's) | Review | No | |
Sabre (Men's) | Review | No | |
Sabre Insulated (Men's) | Review | No | |
Rush (Men's) | Review | No | |
Rush Insulated (Men's - Women's) | Review | No | |
Macai Shell (Men's) | Review | No | |
Macai (Men's) | Review | No | |
Macai Lightweight (aka LT) (Men's) | Review | No | |
Theriss Down (Women's) | Review | No | |
Sentinel (Women's) | Review | No | |
Sentinel Insulated (Women's) | Review | No | |
Sentinel Relaxed (Women's) | No | ||
Sidewinder (Women's) | No | ||
Andessa (Women's) | Yes | ||
Andessa Shell (Women's) | Yes | ||
Micon Heather | Yes | ||
Micon (Men's) | Yes | ||
Cassiar (Men's) | Review | Yes | |
Cassiar LT (Men's) | Review | Yes | |
Ravenna (Women's) | Review | Yes | |
Ravenna LT (Women's) | Review | Yes | |
Procline (Men's) | Yes | ||
Shashka Stretch (Women's) | Yes | ||
Sabre AR (Men's) | Review | Yes | |
Sentinel AR (Women's) | Review | Yes | |
Sabre LT (Men's) | Review | Yes | |
Sentinel LT (Women's) | Review | Yes | |
Incendia (Women's) | Review | Yes | |
Indencia IS | Yes | ||
Squamish (Men's - Women's) | Review | No | |
Norvan Windshell (Men's - Women's) | No | ||
Norvan Shell (Men's - Women's) | No | ||
Nodin (Women's) | No | ||
Incendo Airshell (Women's) | No | ||
Incendo (Men's) | Review | Yes | |
Norvan LT (Men's - Women's) | Yes | ||
Norvan SL Ins. (Women's) | Yes | ||
Cita (Women's) | Review | Yes | |
Cita SL (Women's) | Review | Yes | |
Incendo SL (Men's) | Review | Yes | |
Norvan SL (Men's - Women's) | Review | Yes | |
Trino SL (Men's) | Review | Yes | |
Trino SL Anorak (Women's) | Review | Yes | |
Solano (Women's) | Review | No | |
Venda Anorak (Women's) | Yes | ||
Zeta FL (Men's - Women's) | betazeta | Yes | |
Zeta SL (Men's - Women's) | Review | betazeta | Yes |
Zeta LT (Men's - Women's) | betazeta | Yes | |
Zeta AR (Men's) | betazeta | Yes |
Molly Klag says
Thank you for the article. It is very informative.
I need some advice. I need a packable rain jacket for mountain hiking to layer over my Atom sl as needed. I also need it for extreme wind in the Falklands (40-50 degrees).
I have been researching the Beta sl hybrid and Zeta lt. Can you please offer some advice?
Robin Brown says
Your charts are very helpful. Could you add a ranking for noise? I could use more information on quiet jackets are for someone who is hard of hearing. My understanding is that, for Goretex, C-knit is quietest, but Arc’Teryx has discontinued all C-knit products.
Note, Beta SL is still being produced (or being produced again?). Arc’Teryx recommended that as the most similar to the Zeta AR.
Sabrina says
Such a great article – thanks a lot!
You mentioned that the Beta LT was much better in the past. Do you know when Arcteryx changed it?
Best wishes from Copenhagen,
Sabrina
derek says
Your research is extensive. I’d like advice for selecting a lightweight rain pant. It will primarily be used for travelling. Nothing too active. I’d like it packable and relatively light. I’ve experienced “peel offs” with a marmot brand and like to avoid that. Was looking at the Zeta SL but see it is discontinued? Thank you.