Get the perfect jacket for your next hike!

When it comes to outdoor gear, few brands have carved out a reputation as solid as Arcteryx. Known for their meticulous design and cutting-edge materials, Arcteryx jackets are considered essential by outdoor enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re braving the harsh winter elements or simply looking for a reliable layer for urban adventures, Arcteryx has a jacket that promises to meet your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the best Arc’teryx jackets available, helping you choose the perfect one for your outdoor pursuits.

Best Arcteryx Jackets

Arcteryx offers a range of jackets that cater to different environments and activities. From lightweight shells for rain protection to insulated coats for severe cold, each jacket is engineered with specific features to enhance performance and comfort. Let’s dive into the details of what makes these jackets stand out.

For more information on features, see our Buying Guide

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get to it!


Arc’teryx Women’s Beta AR Jacket With Gore-Tex Pro Shell

Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket Women's | Versatile...

If versatility is your main go-to, then the Arc’teryx Beta AR jacket is a must. This is especially useful if you are planning to do different hikes and are a little unsure of the weather.

The Beta AR has been carefully constructed to have durable weather protection due to being not only waterproof but breathable too. 

In fact, it includes a highly advanced 3L Gore-Tex Pro to help keep you dry during rain. It can also help protect you from windy conditions, yet keep your upper body breathable. You don’t want to become too sweaty and warm!

Due to its overall lightness, it is really versatile when it comes to activities too. So you can be rest assured that the jacket is the perfect choice no matter what kind of hike or activity you are choosing to partake in. 

It is likely best suited for the fall, spring or summer season. However, it isn’t going to keep you toasty and warm once winter comes round. Having said that, that is at least 3 seasons of the year!

Pros

  • Includes Gore-Tex for waterproofness and breathability
  • Versatility – can be used for a number of different activities
  • Durable weather protection

Cons

  • Not for winter use and best worn in the summer, spring and early fall
Shop More Colors on Amazon

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Arc’teryx Men’s Delta LT Zip Fleece

Arc'teryx Delta LT Zip Neck Jacket Men's |...

Sometimes, all you need is a zip-up fleece and the Arc’teryx is a great option. The Arc’teryx fleece includes properties that help to wick moisture away, keeping you nice and dry, even during the most difficult of hikes.

It is made from 100% polyester, which is not only very light, but is breathable too. This makes it a great choice during warmer hikes where a jacket is needed.

It has an easy-to-wear design, providing just enough stretch to be able to pull the fleece on, and then a zipper to either pull up to the top to cover the neck area, or leave down to receive some much-needed air.

The Delta layer (the fleece itself) provides thermal warmth to keep you cozy on those crisp fall days. Also, the minimalist design makes the fleece itself classic. It will never go out of fashion!

The only downside is that it isn’t waterproof, so you may want to take an extra jacket for that very reason – or something else to keep the rain off.

Pros

  • Easy-to-wear design
  • Made from 100% polyester for lightness and breathability
  • Delta layer provides plenty of warmth
  • Versatile for whatever activity you choose to do

Cons

  • Not waterproof so you will need an extra layer
Get Arc’teryx Delta LT Zip Neck Jacket

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Arc’teryx Men’s Fraser Jacket With Gore-Tex

Arc'teryx Fraser Jacket Men's | Gore-Tex...

If you are looking for a jacket that not only suits hiking conditions but also the every day, then you’re in luck. The Arc’teryx Fraser jacket provides everything you need for a comfortable hiking experience, but also a jacket that can be worn daily.

The attention for this jacket is to take you from the street to the mountains, from the fit and design to the materials it is made out of. In just a simple block color of gray, it looks stylish, yet will never look tired and out of fashion.

It includes Gore-Tex which is known to keep the wearer exceptionally dry but also allow the body to breathe. There is nothing worse than feeling warm and sweaty during a hike or running errands.

The material will protect you from the elements, whether that is rain or snow, or the strong wind. You can rest assured that you are well protected whilst wearing this jacket. 

It is a bigger jacket and isn’t suitable for warmer weather, but will be perfect once the temperatures start to drop. 

Pros

  • Has been created to be worn on the street and hiking
  • Looks stylish yet classic – will not go out of fashion
  • Includes Gore-Tex for waterproofness and breathability
  • Can protect you from harsh climates

Cons

  • Not suitable for the summer season
Get Arc’teryx Fraser Jacket Men’s on Amazon

Arc’teryx Women’s Atom LT Hoody

Arc'teryx Atom Lightweight Hoody Women's |...

Just like with the men’s Fraser jacket, the Atom jacket is perfect for both hiking and wearing during your day-to-day errands, whether that is commuting downtown, or picking up the groceries.

Made from a denier siliconized polyester yarn, a process that shrinks the material thickness yet keeps the same properties, the jacket is lightweight and very versatile. The insulation is second to none and provides warm and breathability all day long.

It includes a full zipper and a hood to be used when you need it most. Whilst not 100% waterproof, it can protect you from light rain for a short amount of time – so run for cover if you can when the heavy downpour begins!

The minimalist design gives it a classic look, however, there are 5 different colors to choose from to suit your overall look. 

The cut of the jacket is also very complimentary, hugging where you would like and helping to maintain a female figure, instead of bulking it down. Whilst that doesn’t matter to everyone, it is good to know!

Pros

  • Includes a hood for when you get particularly cold, or for protection from light rain.
  • A great cut to suit all body shapes
  • A classic look in 5 colorways
  • Thin material but provides the same insulation as a thicker jacket
  • Versatile and can be used for many activities

Cons

  • Not waterproof, though should be able to withstand light rain

Get it on Amazon for $329.26


Arc’teryx Men’s Thorium AR Down Hoody

Arc'teryx Thorium AR Hoody Men's | All Round Down...

As we stated right at the beginning, picture yourself going on a hike during a cold and crisp fall day. Well, this is the jacket! The Thorium Arc’teryx’s jacket has been created especially for the cold and dry weather.

Just like with the Atom jacket, a special process has been used to shrink the material by 50%, yet keep the same properties as if it was full-blown back to 100%. That means it will keep you just as warm as a bigger jacket, despite it being thinner.

It has been made to withstand wintery alpine conditions due to its versatile performance and light construction. Additionally, it also has great loft retention and breathability.

However, it won’t keep you dry though, as it isn’t waterproof. A slight spot of rain won’t do any harm, but if there is a downpour, you may be in trouble!

Having said that, if you plan ahead, this jacket will be your go-to for most hikes. It can be used for a plethora of activities due to its highly efficient makeup. 

However, it isn’t suitable for those who are vegetarian or vegan. It includes gray goose feathers from Europe to make it extra toasty and warm. Despite this, it is very lightweight which might be quite surprising. 

Get the men’s hoodie from REI for $450 and women’s for $450.

Pros

  • Perfect for dry and cold weather
  • Is a thinner jacket without compromising on insulation. Basically, it will keep you nice and warm!
  • Lightweight 
  • Versatile and can be used for many activities, as well as day-today wear

Cons

  • Not vegan or vegetarian friendly – includes European goose feathers
  • Not waterproof
Get Arc’teryx Thorium AR Down Hoody Men’s on Amazon

Alpha SV Jacket: Built for the Extremes

yellow arcteryx alpha sv jacket mens

The Alpha SV, an icon in the Arcteryx lineup, is designed for severe weather conditions. Crafted with the robust GORE-TEX Pro material, it provides unparalleled protection against rain, wind, and snow. Ideal for climbers and alpinists, this jacket features a helmet-compatible StormHood™, water-resistant zippers, and an articulated construction that allows for full range of motion..

Buy on Arc’teryx. Price at publishing: $900.00


Patera Parka

Patera insulated
Parka jacket womens warm stone

The Arc’teryx Patera Parka is a standout choice for women seeking both style and substance in their winter wardrobe. This elegantly designed parka features a waterproof, windproof, and breathable GORE-TEX outer shell that ensures you stay dry and comfortable in harsh weather.

Its distinctive feature is the strategic mix of down and synthetic insulation; down in the core and sleeves where warmth is paramount, and synthetic in areas prone to moisture. The insulated StormHood™ offers added protection without compromising peripheral vision, and its sleek, knee-length cut provides extra coverage while maintaining mobility.

Whether navigating snowy city streets or embarking on a winter adventure, the Patera Parka combines urban aesthetics with rugged outdoor functionality.

Get it on REI. Price at publishing: $800.00


Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody: The Ultimate in Lightweight Warmth

arc'teryx squamish hoody Mens i Edziza

The Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody for men is the ultimate lightweight windshell. Ideal for trail running and hiking, this highly compressible hoody packs down into its own chest pocket for easy storage. Constructed from durable, wind-resistant Tyono™ 30 fabric, it offers excellent breathability and protection.

The adjustable StormHood™ and slightly dropped hem enhance coverage without limiting vision or mobility. Its articulated elbows and gusseted underarms provide unrestricted movement, making it an essential for any outdoor enthusiast seeking a minimalistic yet effective barrier against the wind.

Shop on evo. Price at publishing: $180.00


Buyer’s Guide

Hopefully, there has been a jacket that has caught your eye in the top 5 Arc’teryx jackets above. With them in mind, let’s take a look at this buyer’s guide to help you shop for the best jacket the next time you go on a hike. 

Gore-Tex

You might notice that a lot of jackets (and general clothing) made for hiking include something called Gore-Tex. It is another brand that creates waterproof membranes to be used in things like jackets and boots.

If you are looking for a waterproof jacket, then seeing the name ‘Gore-Tex’ will be music to your ears. Arc’teryx includes Gore-Tex too. This means that you can rest assured that the jacket you are buying is said to be waterproof, without even having to read about it.

However, we suggest you still read the information as you will want to make sure that the item is suited to the activity you are wanting it for.

Oh, and just as a side note, Gore-Tex doesn’t mean that the jacket will feel stuffy – absolutely not. In fact, advancements in waterproof membranes means that they are pretty breathable too. 

So, no more feeling stuffy and sweaty whilst it’s pouring with rain!

Versatility

To make use of a jacket, you might want to think about how versatile it is. Not surprisingly, a good quality jacket isn’t cheap, so the more you can make out of wearing it can only be a good thing. 

Some of the Arc’teryx are multifunctional. This means that they can be worn both during a hike and doing some errands. This makes the jacket great value for money.

Not only that, the fit and style of the jackets play up to this. Whilst some jackets can look like they are for extreme hiking only, Arc’teryx has created jackets that look great no matter what you wear them with, and where. 

Having that extra versatility will mean that you can wear the jacket no matter what you are getting up to.

Protection

Some of the jackets by Arc’teryx look like they can protect you more from harsh climates than others in the range, but don’t be deceived. 

Some of the jackets are made from a material that uses a yarn that has been shrunk to produce a thinner product. This looks extra stylish and can create a cut that works on all women’s body shapes, but it doesn’t compromise on insulation.

This means that you don’t have to put up with wearing a bulky jacket (unless you really want to) as there are other options available.

You still might find that in really colder weather you will need a bulky jacket!

Activities

When choosing a jacket, you need to make sure you know exactly what you want to use it for. The type of jacket you decide to purchase can impact your activity in a good or bad way.

This means that if you are looking to venture out in rainy and damp climates, then go for waterproof. If you don’t, you may end up being quite unhappy. 

Again, if you don’t need something as specialized as waterproof because you plan to use something for the summer, then you don’t need to opt for it.

The things to think about are what kind of hike, do you know what the weather is like, and what is the temperature? All these questions will affect the kind of hiking jacket you will buy. 

Price

This won’t come as a surprise, but if you want quality, expect to pay more than you might normally would on a jacket. This is because you are looking for a jacket to do a number of things.

For example, you want to protect yourself during difficult weather, or even easy weather like a warm spring breeze. A good, quality jacket will do this. 

It will fit exactly as you’d hoped, making sure that it is comfortable to be worn during a hike that lasts a fair few numbers of hours.

It will last due to the craftsmanship, cut, and style. Everything that has gone into making the jacket has been well thought out.

And lastly, you will likely wear it all the time, so you need it to be strong and durable. 


Frequently Asked Questions

How To Choose A Jacket For Hiking?

There are a number of things to think about when choosing a jacket for hiking. For example, how often do you go hiking? What is the climate like? Does the jacket need to be breathable or lightweight? Do you need it to be multi-purpose or waterproof?

Once you have the answers, you can start planning what kind of jacket you will need to purchase to make the hike the best experience possible.

Is Gore-Tex A Good Material For A Hiking Jacket?

Gore-Tex is known to be one of the best waterproof membranes available. A lot of jackets include Gore-Tex, including hiking boots as well. If you are going to be hiking in the rain, or there is a possibility of it happening, then Gore-Tex is a great choice.

However, it can be pricey, and there are good alternatives available.

Does Gore-Tex Last Forever?

Like all waterproof membranes, Gore-Tex has a shelf life. If you were to use your Gore-Tex membraned jacket every day, then it could last for around 3 to 5 years. 

If you only wear your jacket a couple or so times a month, you can expect it to last up to 15 years. 

Is It A Must To Have A Rain Jacket When Hiking?

You should always take a rain jacket with you. Even during the summer, rain might happen. If you can put it in your bag for an emergency, do it. Otherwise, if you can wear it, then also do that. 

It’s not fun becoming soaked due to not planning ahead. 

Should You Hike In Jeans?

One word: no. Jeans are never a good option if you are planning to hike. They are not breathable, rainwater will just hang around on the material, and they won’t be the most comfortable.

Instead, go for some pants that are moisture-wicking and have been made for hikes. They should be breathable and suitable for either very hot or very cold weather. 

How To Choose A Waterproof Jacket For Hiking?

Whilst you can just go out and get any old waterproof jacket, there are a few things to think about. For example, how intense will the activity be? How long will the hike be? And, what is the weather going to be like?

Once you have answered these, you should be able to choose a jacket that is the most suitable.


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Are you a fan of Arc’teryx jackets? Also, is there a jacket that we should have included? Comment below and let us know.


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Last update on 2024-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API