Arcteryx Essential collections offer performance-driven clothing that blends style and durability without breaking the bank. These collections target specific activities such as climbing, hiking, or skiing rather than general outdoor use.

This article aims to inform you about the key features of each collection and which one best suits your needs as a hiker. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, these articles will help you choose the right gear so you can get back to exploring more safely and comfortably than ever before.

For any adventure, any season, and any condition, Arcteryx has the essentials you need.

See our top picks:


The hiking-specific fabrics used in these jackets and pants offer excellent protection from the elements. They are highly breathable but also water- and windproof, making them perfect for misty conditions as well as drizzling rain.

In addition, the stretch in the fabric allows for full range of motion while scrambling over rocks and boulders, yet doesn’t sacrifice durability. The fabrics are sturdy and don’t have a tendency to snag or tear easily, which is a common weakness of fabrics with stretch.

Women Hiking Clothes

Hiking Leggings- Essent High Rise

The Arc’teryx Essent High Rise Leggings are made from stretch woven fabric that is strong and highly breathable. These are great for hiking as well as for everyday wear. They are also machine-washable and can be put in the dryer.

Outdoor durable, made for serious freedom of movement, and comfortable enough for the longest hikes, the versatile full-length Essent High-Rise Legging (28”) is for all your mountain adventures. Constructed from Chira™, a nylon and elastane interlock, it’s highly abrasion resistant, breathes, and has excellent stretch. The wide, high-rise stretch-mesh waistband wicks moisture and fits comfortably, and two thigh pockets are always easily accessible.

hiking leggings women
Essent High Rise Leggings 28″ inseam
Arcteryx hiking leggings
Essent High Rise Leggings 26″ inseam

Hiking Hoody for Women- Selenite Hoody

I know this will be my new favorite hoody for the fall and winter. This Selenite Hoody is made of Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro, which provides thermo-regulation and four-way stretch. Its interior is brushed for thermal efficiency and softness, and the smooth face resists abrasion and creates a clean appearance.

What makes this perfect for weekend errands to the farmers market to day hikes is that the fit is relaxes with articulated patterning for unrestricted movement. Choose from several color options from this Arcteryx Essentials collection.

Arcteryx selenite hoody
Arcteryx selenite hoody

Hiking Windbreaker Jacket- Solano Jacket

Arcteryx’s Solano Jacket is designed to perform across a variety of terrains. Its GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ material is windproof, water resistant, and breathable. Its simple, modern design is complemented by a comfortable lining made of soft brushed polyester in the body and smooth nylon in the sleeves. You will have additional mobility with this Arcteryx Solano jacket material’s elasticity and patterned articulation.

What’s more, the Solano Jacket is machine-washable and can be put in the dryer. We love our hiking outfits to be easy to care for! It has both relaxed fit and is great for everyday wear as well as hiking. More specifically, the combined features of the strong woven, highly breathable fabric, water-resistant, and hidden hood inside the collar means you’ll be comfortable for miles, regardless of the terrain.

arcteryx solano jacket
Womens Solano Jacket
windbreaker jacket women

Men Hiking Clothes

Waterproof Hiking Pant- Beta Pant

The Beta Pant is designed to handle a variety of terrains, temperatures, and weather conditions. And when wind leads to rain and then snow, these Arcteryx Beta Pants won’t slow you down. The GORE-TEX material used in the Beta Pant is durable and weatherproof, as well as windproof and waterproof.

One of the many reasons why the Beta Pant is so versatile across a range of terrains, temperatures, and weather conditions is their GORE C-KNIT™ Backer Technology. Unlike other waterproof hiking pants where your legs can get sweaty, Arc’teryx materials improve comfort and breathability with their Beta Pant.

Side zippers allow for easy on-and-off wear, coupled with a regular fit with an articulated pattern design, means these pants won’t rip while scrambling. That said, once you add up all of these performance features, this is easily one of the best hiking pants on the market.

waterproof hiking pant
Arcteryx Beta Pants
Arc'teryx beta pants waterproof

Insulated Vest- Atom SL Vest

The Atom SL Vest from Arc’teryx is ideal for stuffing into your pack in anticipation of a cool summer evening. It provides moderate insulation for early morning runs and summit views, whether it is worn as a midlayer or as a standalone. If don’t this insulated vest from the Arcteryx Essentials collection, buy it now before your favorite color sells out.

The Tyono™ 20 shell combines breathability and wind resistance, and the Coreloft™ insulation is lightweight, compressible, and efficient. In addition, the side stretch fleece panels bump up the ventilation without getting stretched out. You work out hard, shouldn’t your clothes should reflect that?

Arc’teryx atom sl vest
 Arc’teryx atom sl vest orange

Hiking Hoody- Proton FL Hoody

Whether you’re looking for a midlayer, standalone, or trail light, the Proton FL Hoody’s breathable thermal protection will keep you warm across a variety of temperature and output levels. To clarify, Arcteryx patented Octa® Loft knit insulation keeps you warm, resists packing out, and allows for temperature-regulating airflow.

The Proton Hoody Fortius™ Air 20 material is abrasion-resistant and provides warmth as well as wind and temperature-regulating airflow. In other words, this jacket can hold up against rugged terrain, even when you’re hanging onto a cliff. A zippered chest pocket protects your radio, articulation allows for increased mobility, and the low-profile insulated hood can be worn comfortably under your helmet.

arcteryx proton hoody hiking
arcteryx proton hiking hoody

Head over to Arc’teryx to view their entire Essentials Collection and make sure you’re covered with the high-performance you need throughout all your adventures.

Other Arcteryx Favorites

Browse Women’s Collection

Browse Men’s Collection

Is Arcteryx Worth It?

Overall, yes! Quality is the word that hikers associate with Arcteryx. Yes, their performance wear is pricier but well worth the money. Fan favorites run from Arcteryx fleece hiking vest, Arcteryx gloves, and Arcteryx balaclava to their sabre pants.

Performance wear is designed to be lightweight, breathable, and easy to move in. It is made with quick-drying, weather-resistant fabrics and often comes with added technology such as windproof hoods and water-resistant coatings.

Investing in Arcteryx Essentials Collections wear is ideal for hiking and other sports when the weather gets chilly. This line is a great example of performance clothing, not to mention the collections is functional and stylish, making them a good choice for hikers.

In summary, a good hiking outfit is comfortable and functional for your needs, whether you choose to layer or wear one piece at a time.


Shopping for More Hiking Gear and Footwear?

Here are some links to our most popular articles:

Join our Facebook Group – Outdoor Gear Reviews, Deals, Hacks & Advice- Backpacking, Hiking & Camping to get the latest reviews, deals, and discounts on backpacking, camping, and hiking gear. Share tips, and advice and to show our love, we also give monthly gear giveaways.

TheHikingAdventure.com