Which Arc’teryx Jacket Is Right for You?

Finding a reputable outdoor gear and apparel brand can be challenging. Even more so, to find one that offers top-of-the-line options for various sports and activities you are interested in pursuing. Arc’teryx is one of the brands that get it right, with apparel for a casual trip into town to gear suited for alpinists, hikers, campers, and more. Arc’teryx uses responsibly sourced, sustainable materials and innovative technologies to create their products for weather protection, committed to protecting the outdoor world from which we draw so much inspiration.

They have a great outerwear line, specifically a wide array of jackets that are famously made with GORE-TEX material with DWR treatments. So which one of the Arc'teryx jackets is right for you to throw in your pack with the rest of your essentials?

Key Considerations

Here are some questions to consider before purchasing a new jacket:

• What activities am I planning?
• What are the weather conditions I will be performing in (temperature, time of year, etc.)?
• Does it need to be waterproof or windproof, or would water and wind-resistant be enough?
• Do I need the jacket to be insulated, and if so, do I want synthetic insulation or down insulation?
• Am I going to use the jacket as a mid-layer or an outer layer? Is it big enough to layer a vest underneath?
• What size do I need?
• What is my budget and a price point I feel comfortable with?

Other important characteristics of a jacket you may want to consider include a collar, hand pockets, cuffs, watertight zippers, sleeve materials, big chest pockets inside, the fabric, and pit zips (to cool down your underarm).

Check out the list below for some of our favorites from Arc’teryx!

Arc’teryx Kyanite AR Jacket

The Kyanite AR is the perfect jacket for layering during cold-weather camping trips but can also be worn alone as an outer layer on crisp fall days. This versatile jacket uses Polartec fleece to provide optimal warmth, mobility, and airflow. Four-way stretch materials allow for freedom of movement, especially in the arms, and abrasion-resistant nylon ensures durability and longevity. This jacket is excellent for several activities, including hiking, climbing, mountaineering, or just hanging out with friends. If you are looking for overall quality and comfort for a large range of movement, this is the Arc’teryx jacket for you.

Recommended Activities: Hiking, Climbing, Ice Climbing, Mountaineering, All-Around

Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody

The Atom LT Hoody is a light, synthetically insulated hoody that shines as a mid-layer and as a standalone jacket. The lightweight, durable design makes this jacket desirable for backpackers and hikers. The helmet-compatible hood and water-resistant fabric are perfect for ice climbing, rock climbing, mountaineering, and backcountry skiing. Coreloft Compact insulation retains warmth, even when wet. This versatile jacket hits the mark for technical alpine ascents and cold-weather activities with force.

Recommended Activities: Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Backcountry Skiing, Mountaineering, Hiking, Backpacking, All-Around

Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody

The Cerium LT Hoody is a lightweight, high-performance jacket with premium 850-fill down. This jacket works as a standalone top or mid-layer in dry conditions with an optimized weight-to-warmth ratio. The Cerium LT is extremely packable and includes a stuff sack to maximize space on your next adventure. This all-around jacket can take you to snowy summits or can keep you warm on your commute to work. Perhaps the best thing about this jacket is that it is Fair Trade Certified.

Recommended Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Winter Sports

Arc’teryx Beta Jacket

The Beta Jacket is a breathable GORE-TEX pro shell made for all of your backcountry adventures. Fully waterproof and windproof, this shell jacket can be used as an outer layer for mountaineering, skiing, hiking, and backpacking. The fit allows for a range of layering options, from a single base layer for spring hikes to a down mid-layer during frigid summit days, and is one of the most popular rain jackets and wind-resistant jackets on the market.

Recommended Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Snow Sports, Casual

Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket

Designed to perform in severe alpine conditions, the Alpha SV is the jacket for all of your technical alpine ascents. The GORE-TEX PRO materials are windproof, waterproof, and durable while maintaining breathability. The Alpha SV is Arc’teryx’s most rugged, storm-proof jacket, perfect for layering over your down and fleece layers. A helmet-compatible hood allows for versatility, while embedded RECCO reflectors built into the jacket provide enhanced visuals for emergencies. Ice climbers look no further for your new favorite jacket for that winter trip in Patagonia. Use it as a rain jacket, climb in it, hike in it, explore in it, and of course, make snow angels in it.

Recommended Activities: Ice climbing, Alpine Climbing, Mountaineering, Expedition

Arc’teryx Alpha Parka

Arc’teryx’s warmest belay jacket, the Alpha Parka has RDS-certified 850-fill goose down and GORE-TEX Infinium technology to keep you warm and dry in the worst of conditions. The lightweight proprietary fabric sets the standard for alpine durability, protecting against the elements while maintaining breathability and freedom of movement. Layer this parka over winter climbing gear (it does not get in the way of harnesses), and rest assured you’ll stay warm even on high altitude, chilly belays.

Recommended Activities: Rock Climbing, Alpine Climbing, Mixed Climbing, Multi-pitch, Mountaineering

Arc’teryx Kole Down Jacket

With all the technical details for outdoor functionality, the Kole Down Jacket combines durability with style for an exceptional urban jacket. City winters and long commutes are no match for this responsibly sourced 750-fill down jacket. Stretchy, stitchless fabric maximizes comfort and mobility on long walks and gives this jacket clean lines with minimal seams. Wear as a mid-layer or an outer layer, depending on conditions. This weather-resistant jacket beautifully combines functionality with fashion. This is a great outer layer over your t-shirt and wool sweater for daily use on those winter days around town or simply to run errands.

Recommended Activities: Casual, Around Town

Arc’teryx Seyla Coat

The warmest coat in Arc’teryx’s Lifestyle collection, the Seyla combines warmth, style, and durability for everyday use. 750-fill European gray goose down with a high collar to protect your chin, long hem below the waist and hips, and large baffles increase loft to keep you even warmer. A water-resistant face fabric keeps moisture out, while a two-way zipper increases ventilation and breathability. With a contemporary silhouette, slim fit, and technical design, you can feel confident walking around town in this long hooded coat. This full-length Arc'teryx jacket may be the perfect coat for you (but definitely overkill if you live in warmer climates). Bundle up with some warm pants and boots and enjoy playing in the snow!

Recommended Activities: Casual, Around Town

Arc’teryx Trino SL Hoody

The lightweight, windproof Trino SL Hoody was engineered for trail runners and sidewalk chasers alike. Designed to perform in damp, windy conditions, wear this while training in the Rockies or jogging around the block. Made with GORE-TEX Infinium fabrics, this windbreaker can withstand light rain and snow while remaining completely breathable. A knit backer provides extra warmth, and a low-profile hood adds protection when you need it.

Recommended Activities: Running, Trail Running, Fitness Activities

Arc’teryx Ravenna LT Jacket

The Ravenna LT is a lightweight GORE-TEX jacket with a fleece lining specifically designed for long days on the slopes. The waterproof, windproof fabric will keep you dry, while thoughtful details like a helmet-compatible hood, powder skirt, and sleeve pockets ensure an enjoyable and relaxed experience. The velcro around each wrist (that you can pair with gloves) and the trim-fitting style makes this jacket the perfect outer layer for all of your snow sports this winter. Skiers, make sure to check this option out for next winter.

Recommended Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding

When It’s Right, It’s Right

From cold winters spent in the city to trekking across rugged alpine peaks, Arc’teryx has you covered with its diverse line of outerwear. Their innovative technologies and commitment to sustainability and fair trade make them a company worth supporting, and their products constantly impress with their high performance as they fight to keep you safe in severe weather. Arc’teryx has outstanding options for all genders, no matter what their activity of choice is. Whether you hike, climb, backpack, run, ski, snowboard or want the flexibility to do it all—or take long walks through the city—you are sure to find something that suits your needs.

If you want to see more Arc’teryx products not highlighted in this article or have questions about any of the info on which jacket may be the right fit for you, reach out to a Camping & Hiking Expert here on Curated. We love sending recommendations and can’t wait to connect! Insulated jackets can be an overwhelming purchase, let us help as customer service is our thing!