#Note: My full Arc'teryx review list is at the bottom.
Getting a PhD on Computational Fluid Dynamics is considered a little bit easier than picking the right Arc'teryx jacket.
But, worry not...
In this post, I'll lay out some of my favorite Arc'teryx jackets for different types of intended uses to make the choosing process easier.
Before reading this post, I'd highly recommend you to give these a try:
- Arc'teryx JacketFinder tool: arcteryx.com/shop/jacket-finder
- My famous Arc'teryx Spreadsheet: outdoorcrunch.com/arcteryx-master-sheet/
I'd like to start by disclosing that giving certain recommendations is a bit difficult.
Because, not only the terms such as "extreme cold", "comfortable" or "weather resistant" are highly fluid and subjective, but also almost all the intended uses of the visitors of this post will be unique to their own.
This is not to say that there aren't some facts apply to the vast, vast majority of us (because there are). And this is what I'll try to provide you with in this post.
IMPORTANT: Typical settings I'll mention will be corresponding to the following.
- Severe Weather: Where maximizing waterproofing and wind resistance performances are needed.
- Variable Weather: Where a wide range of weather conditions are expected - but nothing extreme.
- Mild Weather: Only light precipitation and/or wind.
- Extreme Cold: The name says it all.
- Variable Temperature: Used through multiple seasons.
- Mild Temperature: Cool conditions such as a breezy summer nights.
I'd like to remind you one more time the importance of reading individual reviews of some selected pieces.
Now let's get to the typical buyer profiles for each purpose & setting.
Multi-Use
The toasty Ceres SV.
Everything from casual to climbing, from alpine activities to skiing.
Extreme Cold
- Insulated: Ceres SV (Men's - read my review) for men - because there's no women's counterpart of it. For women and/or those who dislike the Ceres SV for any reason, I'd always recommend the Firebee AR - but it got discontinued as of Spring 2021. So, now my alternative to Ceres SV is the Cerium SV (Men's - Women's - read my review).
Variable Temperature (& Variable Weather)
There's almost nothing you can't do with the extremely versatile Proton LT.
- Insulated: For literally any high output activity, I'd recommend the Proton LT (Men's - Women's - read my review) my eyes closed. Along with Beta AR, it's one of my 2 Arc'teryx favorites.
- If you aren't expecting to experience any wet weather, then Cerium LT (Men's - Women's - read my review) can be a pretty good alternative - in addition to the very obvious alternative Atom LT (Men's - Women's - read my review).
- Insulated: For stationary use, I'd recommend the synthetic insulated Atom AR (Men's - Women's - read my review).
Mild Temperature
Proton FL.
- Insulated: Both the Proton FL (Men's - Women's - read my review) and the Atom SL (Men's - Women's - read my review) would be convenient options for this. If you'd prefer a down insulated garment instead of synthetics, then the Cerium SL (Men's - Women's - read my review) would be suitable.
Severe Weather
- Shell: Absolutely the Beta SV (Men's - Women's - read my review). If you'll be climbing a lot (say, 50+% of the time), then I'd recommend the Alpha SV (Men's - Women's - read my review).
- Beta SV and Alpha SV are Arc'teryx's two absolute units. They're extremely durable, weather protective and abrasion resistant. I'm 99.9% sure they will provide much more than what you need. In fact, in most situations, these two pieces are even more likely to become an overkill.
- To read more about both Arc'teryx's Beta and Alpha Series, check out my Arc'teryx Alpha vs Beta article.
Then I'd get the Nuclei FL (Men's - Women's - read my review).
In Jan 2020, Arc'teryx decided to bring back the once discontinued (and loved) Nuclei FL. It offers amazing wind resistance thanks to its structural design (no baffled seams that let the wind in).
It, however, offers little warmth (check out its temperature rating at the bottom of this post).
Beta AR.
Variable Weather
- Shell: Absolutely the Beta AR (Men's - Women's - read my review).
- Remember the part I mentioned the Beta SV is likely to come as an overkill to most of us? If you aren't happy with that, and looking for a more balanced alternative, look no further. I'm pretty sure Beta AR is what you're looking for.
- Further reading:
Mild Weather
Gamma MX.
- Shell: Gamma LT (Men's - Women's - read my review) can mostly be a good option for this.
- There was a time I'd recommend the Beta LT here my eyes closed. Unfortunately, with the Spring 2021 update, Beta LT now sucks pretty bad. Arc'teryx had discontinued the Beta LT in Summer 2020, and brought back its revised model in Spring 2021. I wish they will stop playing around with such an amazing piece soon and bring back its once beloved 2019 revision.
Moving on to the next one.
Severe Weather & Extreme Cold
Fission SV in black color.
- Insulated Shell: Absolutely the Fission SV (Men's - Women's - read my review). My warmest recommendation for folks in damp areas. Use of synthetic insulation is a huge plus here - and it mostly doesn't have any other alternatives (except the Dually Belay Parka (Men's - read my review) for men only - though it too has gotten discontinued in Spring 2021).
By the way...
I can't stop but mention that as long as the weather isn't something extreme, layering the Proton LT and Beta AR together would make a killer combo in almost any situation.
Compared to getting just one piece at the price of Proton LT + Beta AR, getting two of them would also make your wardrobe more versatile... Something to think about if you ask me.
There is no best Arc'teryx jacket, only the right Arc'teryx jacket.
Hooo.
- MICHAEL JACKSON ME
Casual
I'll assume...
- Very little to no output activities,
- Power walks at most,
- That the style is almost as important as capabilities of the jacket,
- That layering is an option but not preferred since it's a pain in the butt because I'm assuming warm indoors.
Extreme Cold
Products below provide INCREDIBLE degrees of warmth.
So much that it'd be foolish to wear them when it's fairly cold and not extremely cold because you're likely to overheat.
Therme.
- Top Parka: Therme (Men's - read my review) or Centrale (Women's - read my review) would be my picks here. Camosun (Men's - read my review) and Patera (Women's - read my review) can be good alternatives.
- Now you can also get the beast Thorsen (Men's - read my review), too. But be careful - it's really warm. So much that it might be even too warm under some (most?) conditions for most of you.
- Top Synthetic Insulated Jacket: Again, the Fission SV (Men's - Women's - read my review) can be a pretty good option here. Dually Belay (Men's - read my review) was once a solid member of this group, though it too has gotten discontinued in Spring 2021.
- Top Down Jacket: Ceres SV (Men's - read my review) and Cerium SV (Men's - Women's - read my review) are your best bets. Firebee AR (Men's - Women's - read my review) would also have been a great alternative here, but it is discontinued in Spring 2021.
Variable Temperature & Weather
Cerium LT.
- Top Parka: My picks are Magnus (Men's) and Durant (Women's). Fortunately, unlike the other departments, you also do have many alternatives here: Koda (Men's), Radsten (Men's), Radsten Insulated (Men's) for men and Sensa (Women's) for women. I probably would go after the Magnus or Durant, though.
- Top Synthetic Insulated Jacket: Atom AR (Men's - Women's - read my review). There is an alternative for men - the Kappa (Men's). Unfortunately, there's no a true alternative for women.
- Top Down Jacket: Thorium AR (Men's - Women's - read my review) would be great for this. As an alternative, I can recommend the Cerium LT (Men's - Women's - read my review) my eyes closed.
Mild Temperature & Weather
Cerium SL.
- Top Parka: Sawyer (Men's) or Codetta (Women's).
- Top Synthetic Insulated Jacket: Proton LT (Men's - Women's - read my review).
- Top Down Jacket: Cerium SL (Men's - Women's - read my review). Wouldn't be that suitable for wet weather though.
Hiking & Trekking
Arc'teryx has destroyed their hiking specific Zeta line in Spring 2021.
The entire Zeta line (Zeta FL, LT and AR) except the Zeta SL got discontinued. I'd recommend the Zeta SL only to those who are looking for an emergency shell - and not to others.
Alpha SV in action. An absolute unit.
So there's not much left in Zeta line for most of us.
Severe Weather
- Top Shell: Beta SV (Men's - Women's - read my review) is not just your best option but also probably your only option.
- One thing to consider is that if you'll be also climbing a lot on the side (say, 30+% of the time climbing), then you might also want to consider getting the Alpha SV (Men's - Women's - read my review) as well.
Variable Weather
- Top Shell: Probably the Gamma MX (Men's - Women's - read my review).
Mild Weather
Gamma SL.
- Top Shell: Nodin Jacket (Men's - Women's) would be my go to jacket for this.
- Top Emergency Shell: I had recommended the Zeta FL (Men's - Women's - read my review) for this use before - but now it got discontinued and we're left with the Zeta SL (Men's - Women's). It would of course be nice to be able to get Zeta FL, but the Zeta SL is not THAT different either. I'd get it.
- A more versatile alternative: Gamma SL (Men's - Women's - read my review) or Gamma LT (Men's - Women's - read my review).
- I had recommended the Squamish (Men's - Women's - read my review) for this before, but I don't like what they did to it with the recent revisions. Its breathability now stands at below average. Read more about this here in my Houdini vs Squamish post.
Go to this post of mine to read more about Zeta and Beta.
Skiing & Snowboarding
For details, read my Best Arcteryx Ski Jackets post.
If you're unaware...
- Resort: Skiing / snowboarding close to the piste or right at the resort,
- Freeride: A little bit far from that,
- Touring (a.k.a Backcountry Skiing): The farthest. Requires the most experience.
Rush Jacket is my top overall pick.
Regardless of the setting you're skiing or snowboarding, shell pieces will almost always provide more flexibility and comfort.
Insulated jackets, on the other hand, can be a better option when it's below 30 deg F (0 deg C) out because it removes the need to layer.
Multi-Use
If you're familiar with my writing here in this site, then you're probably aware that I'm a devoted fanboy of the Rush (Men's - read my review) and Ravenna (Women's - read my review) and would recommend it my eyes closed.
The obvious insulated alternative to this would be the Rush IS (Men's - read my review) and Shashka IS (Women's - read my review) if you'd like warmth.
Resort
Skiing / snowboarding close to the piste or right at the resort.
- Top Insulated: Macai (Men's - read my review) or Andessa (Women's - read my review).
- Top Shell: Cassiar (Men's - read my review) or Ravenna (Women's - read my review). Alternatives: Cassiar LT (Men's - read my review) or Ravenna LT (Women's - read my review).
Sabre AR.
Freeride
Skiing at a little bit far from the resort.
- Top Insulated: Rush IS (Men's - read my review) or Shashka IS (Women's - read my review).
- Top Shell: Sabre LT (Men's - read my review) or Sentinel LT (Women's - read my review). Sabre AR (Men's - read my review) and Sentinel AR (Women's - read my review) are also great options.
- Considering the differences between Sabre AR and Sabre LT, I'd say... the Sabre LT is more suitable if you'll be skiing & snowboarding with your jacket 80+% of the time.
- Whereas the Sabre AR would be more suitable for those who are going to be using the jacket also for other purposes such as hiking and casual outgoings.
Touring (a.k.a Backcountry Skiing)
- Top Insulated: Rush IS (Men's - read my review) or Shashka IS (Women's - read my review).
- Top Shell: Rush (Men's - read my review) or Ravenna (Women's - read my review).
Traveling to Ski
Packability becomes important in this situation. So you're left with lightweight options, and jackets like Macai and Cassiar go out the window.
- I'd recommend the Sabre LT (Men's - read my review) or Sentinel LT (Women's - read my review).
Running & Trail Running
When I say "insulated", I only mean lightly insulated.
Notice how the chest snap keeps each side together and makes the unzipped Incendo (Men's - read my review) much more useful when running!
Severe Weather
Variable Weather
- Top Shell: Trino SL (Men's - Women's - read my review). Alternative: Norvan SL (Men's - Women's - read my review).
- A more versatile alternative: Gamma LT (Men's - Women's - read my review).
Mild Weather
- Top Shell: Incendo (Men's - read my review). An even lighter (so-called superlight in Arc'teryx naming scheme page) alternative would be Incendo SL (Men's).
If you'd like to see some numbers, don't forget to check the data sets below.
My Other Helpful Arc'teryx Guides & Data Sets
Arc'teryx Insulated Jackets
Insulated pieces warmth comparison:
Find below the lowest temperatures you can wear each jacket without feeling uncomfortably cold.
These are only approximate values assuming:
- you only have a shirt under and no shell over,
- during daily use (strolls, power walks etc at most - no high output activities),
- with enough wind to cause an umbrella to twist in your hand,
- and when it's dry out.
| °F / °C | Insulation |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Arc'teryx LEAF Cold WX Parka SVX (Men's) | -40/-40 | Down |
|
Arc'teryx Ceres SV (Men's) | -15/-26 | Down | |
-10/-23 | Down | ||
Arc'teryx Dually Belay Parka (Men's) | -7/-22 | Synthetic |
|
Arc'teryx Thorsen Parka (Men's) | -7/-22 | Down | |
Arc'teryx Centrale (Women's) | -5/-20 | Down | |
-5/-20 | Down | ||
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's) | -2/-19 | Down | |
Arc'teryx Camosun Parka (Men's) | 0/-18 | Down | |
3/-16 | Synthetic |
| |
Arc'teryx Patera Parka (Women's) | 5/-15 | Down | |
Arc'teryx Kappa (Men's) | 7/-14 | Synthetic |
|
8/-13 | Down | ||
10/-12 | Synthetic | ||
Arc'teryx Magnus Coat (Men's) | 14/-10 | Down |
|
17/-8 | Down | ||
19/-7 | Synthetic | ||
23/-5 | Synthetic | ||
24/-4 | Synthetic | ||
40/5 | Down | ||
43/6 | Synthetic | ||
50/10 | Synthetic |
Read more about this chart here in my Insulated Outerwear Temperature Ratings Guide.
Also see: Ultimate Arc'teryx Spreadsheet
If you think you run warmer or colder than the average person, then shift temperature ranges accordingly.
Also check out my ultimate guide to Arc'teryx Jackets.
Arc'teryx Shells
Shell performance comparison:
Colors indicate design intentions:
- Red: All-round, general purpose;
- Green: Hiking, backpacking, trekking;
- Blue: Snow sports,
- Grey: Climbing & alpine activities.
Bold are my top picks for each category. Also see my Arc'teryx Favorites post to read more about this.
| Breath-ability | Pack-ability | Weather Resistance | Durability | Length | Bagginess |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7/10 | 7/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
8/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
8/10 | 3/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | |
10/10 | 8/10 | 2/10 | 3/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | |
10/10 | 5/10 | 3/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
8/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | |
3/10 | 8/10 | 5/10 | 3/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
8/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
8/10 | 3/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | 3/10 | |
6/10 | 5/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 3/10 | |
8/10 | 3/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 6/10 | |
7/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 | |
7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
5/10 | 3/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | 10/10 | 6/10 | |
9/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
8/10 | 3/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 |
If you still can't decide, here's something that might be of help:
- JacketFinder Tool: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/jacket-finder/
Arc'teryx 2020-21 Updates
Arc'teryx released to updates to their catalogue in the last year, one in the Summer 2020 and the other in the Spring 2021.
Summer 2020 Updates
Revisions
Following models are revised in summer 2020:
- Atom LT (Men's - Women's - read my review)
- Redesign includes an update to the cuff construction for easier on/off and layering, an updated material package for enhanced durability, updated fit, and a dope dyed liner.
- Redesign includes an update to the cuff construction for easier on/off and layering, an updated material package for enhanced durability, updated fit, and a dope dyed liner.
- Atom AR (Men's - Women's - read my review)
- Redesign includes an update to the cuff construction for easier on/off and layering, an updated material package for enhanced durability, updated fit, and a dope dyed liner.
- Alpha FL (Men's - Women's)
- Redesign includes updated fabric to GORE-TEX PRO with Most Breathable and Most Rugged Technologies, and a RECCO® reflector.
- Redesign includes updated fabric to GORE-TEX PRO with Most Breathable and Most Rugged Technologies, and a RECCO® reflector.
- Alpha AR (Men's - Women's - read my review)
- Redesign includes updated fabric to GORE-TEX PRO Most Rugged Technology, RECCO® reflector and custom TPU zipper pulls.
- Redesign includes updated fabric to GORE-TEX PRO Most Rugged Technology, RECCO® reflector and custom TPU zipper pulls.
- Alpha SV (Men's - Women's - read my review)
- Redesign includes updated fabric to GORE-TEX PRO with Most Rugged Technology, RECCO® reflector and custom TPU zipper pulls.
- Redesign includes updated fabric to GORE-TEX PRO with Most Rugged Technology, RECCO® reflector and custom TPU zipper pulls.
- Beta AR (Men's - Women's - read my review)
- Redesign includes updated fabric to GORE-TEX PRO with Most Rugged Technology, RECCO® reflector and updates to the hood and collar for improved fit.
- Redesign includes updated fabric to GORE-TEX PRO with Most Rugged Technology, RECCO® reflector and updates to the hood and collar for improved fit.
- Beta SV (Men's - Women's - read my review)
- Redesign includes updated fabric to GORE-TEX PRO with Most Rugged Technology, RECCO® reflector, and updated patterning for improved mobility as well as the addition of a chest pocket.
- Rush Jacket (Men's - read my review)
- Redesign includes updated fabric to GORE-TEX PRO with Most Rugged Technology.
- Redesign includes updated fabric to GORE-TEX PRO with Most Rugged Technology.
- Gamma MX (Men's - Women's - read my review)
- Redesign includes an updated fabric with increased warmth-to-weight ratio and durability, a front liner for additional warmth, updated sleeve opening for easier on/off, Cohaesive™ cordlock adjusters on the hood, and taped seams for a clean finish.
- Redesign includes an updated fabric with increased warmth-to-weight ratio and durability, a front liner for additional warmth, updated sleeve opening for easier on/off, Cohaesive™ cordlock adjusters on the hood, and taped seams for a clean finish.
- Therme Parka (Men's - read my review)
- Redesign includes updated style lines for a more relaxed fit, a two-way WaterTight™ Vislon zipper with a snap placket, and synthetically insulated hood and neck gasket for additional warmth.
- Camosun Parka (Men's - read my review)
- Redesign includes updated style lines for a more refined aesthetic.
- Patera Parka (Women's - read my review)
- Redesign includes updated style lines for a slightly more relaxed, straighter fit, incorporation of a two-way WaterTight™ Vislon zipper with a snap placket, and utilizing synthetic insulation in the hood and neck gasket.
New models
Following models are introduced in summer 2020:
- Trino SL (Men's - read my review)
- Trino SL Anorak (Women's)
- Beta FL (Men's - Women's - read my review)
- Beta SV Jacket Rebird (Men's - Women's)
- Rush Jacket Rebird (Men's)
- Cassiar LT (Men's - read my review)
- Ravenna LT (Women's - read my review)
- Incendia (Women's)
- Incendia One Piece (Women's)
- Sentinel IS (Women's)
- Piedmont Coat (Men's)
- Radsten Insulated Jacket (Men's)
- Radsten Parka (Men's)
- Sensa Parka (Women's)
- Sandra Coat (Women's)
- Wynd Softshell Coat (Women's)
Discontinued models
Following models are discontinued in summer 2020:
- Beta LT
- Tenquille
- Sidewinder
- Shashka
- Tiya
- Magnus
- Osanna
These conclude the Summer 2020 updates.
Spring 2021 Updates
Revisions
New models
- Alpha SL Anorak (Men's - Women's - read my review)
- Atom SL Anorak (Men's - Women's)
- Beta LT Jacket (Men's - Women's)
- Codetta Cinch Coat (Women's)
- Andra LT IS Coat (Women's)
Discontinued
- Alpha FL
- Beta SL Hybrid
- Beta FL
- Zeta FL
- Zeta LT
- Zeta AR
- Firebee AR
- Dually Belay Parka
These conclude the Spring 2021 updates.
Arc'teryx Manufacturing Facilities
Find the manufacturing facilities and locations of all Arc'teryx Jackets (that are currently on sale) below.
Data extracted from arcteryx.com.
Read more: https://outdoorcrunch.com/where-is-arcteryx-made/
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:
Complete list:
Also see:
Thank you for reading!
Hello,
Thanks for the detailed guide.
When you are mentioning that beta AR and proton LT is a killer combo, do you refer to proton lt hoodie or proton lt jacket ?
Thanks !
Thanks Jean.
Both would work, but I always recommend the hooded option.
Hi, i’m quite a clothes junky,I love nice clothes and spend a fortune on them. I’m always researching all I can and I want to say that your info is outstanding! Thank You Canberk, your ausome…
Hi thanks for infos. Would you check Rab Nebula pro jacket? what can you say about Temperature ratings of that jacket?