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Best Arcteryx Jackets – 2024 Edition
What makes Arc’teryx jackets so special is the fact that the garments, and gear, are designed and tested by people with a love for the outdoors, just like you. Located minutes away from the North Shore mountains in Canada, Arc’teryx knows a thing or two about winter sports and weather.
Their goal is to make you feel comfortable and confident in their clothing so let's dive into this guide and see who made the list of 10 best Arc’teryx jackets.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
The first thing you should think about before purchasing a new jacket, whether this jacket is Arc’teryx or another brand, is how you wish to use it.
There are many different activities that one can engage in during the winter months, all of which have slightly different needs in terms of warmth, versatility, and protection from inclement weather.
If you are buying a jacket for ice climbing, your needs will be very different from someone who is buying a jacket for wintertime running. Spend some time carefully going over everything that you will want to use your jacket for, and you’ll increase your chances of finding one that works for everything that you want to do.
Some of the most specialized jackets on the market are those designed for skiing and snowboarding. These affordable Arc'teryx jackets have special features such as snow skirts that attach to snow pants and pit vents that allow for greater ventilation on hot days. If these type of snow sports will be the primary space where you use your jacket, look for one that is specifically designed to cater to the unique needs you have on the slopes.
A fully waterproof shell is also a good idea since this will keep you from getting wet on snowy days, and also allows you to get most of your warmth from layering, which is an advantage since temperatures can be extremely variable throughout the ski season.
If you are looking for an all-around mountain adventure jacket for activities such as hiking, camping, and climbing, definitely choose something that is thoroughly water and windproof. The weather in the mountains can shift quickly, so it is essential to be prepared with a jacket that will keep you warm and dry no matter what.
Hardshell jackets tend to be the right choice for these activities since they are made to be layered, which adds versatility. However, insulated jackets and softshells can also work well when paired with a raincoat or other fully waterproof layer.
Finally, you may be wondering what is the top Arc'teryx jacket and looking for a model for everyday wear during the winter. Puffy jackets and softshells are an excellent choice for this, as it is unlikely you will get very wet while moving around the town. Jackets with down insulation do not regulate your temperature as well as ones with synthetic insulation. However, this is not a problem when your primary concern is staying warm.
Insulation
Depending on how you use your jacket, you may want it to be cooler or warmer.
If you are looking for a hardshell or softshell jacket to layer with other clothes, you will want something that doesn’t provide very much of its heat.
However, it is also possible that you want your jacket to be the primary source of insulation in your outfit. If that is the case, you then need to decide if down or synthetic insulation is right for you.
Insulation is not the only way that a jacket works to keep you warm -how water and windproof a coat is also has a considerable effect on your body temperature and comfort level. If you are looking for something that you can wear in inclement weather, make sure it is fully waterproof jacket. A cozy down jacket that lets moisture in might make you colder on days like this.
Hardshells tend to be the best choice for fully waterproof jackets. It is also possible that you are buying a coat for activities that will cause you to sweat even in the cold. If this is the case, you want a jacket that will breathe well, and release your excess body heat.
Softshells and synthetically insulated jackets are probably the best choices if these are your needs. Think about where you live and how you will be using your jacket before buying it so that you can tailor your purchase to the needs presented by the weather you encounter and the activities you engage in.
Weather Resistance
Arc'Teryx offers jackets for every occasion.
From trail running to skiing jackets to everyday wear, there is something for everyone. However, depending on the occasion, it is important to take note of the weather resistance of your jacket. If you will be in the vicinity of rain, sleet, or snow, a jacket that features Gore-Tex material is a must.
Gore-tex is a synthetic fabric that is waterproof and creates a strong impermeable barrier between you and the outside air and vapors. This material prides itself on being breathable, windproof, and 100% waterproof. A new version of this material has recently hit the market and it is called Gore-tex Infinium. This is very similar to the original material but features more flexibility, making it a better choice for activewear.
Fit
Most Arc'teryx jackets are offered in a nice variety of colors.
You will be able to reflect your style while staying warm and practical. Arc’teryx jackets are known for having a slim, athletic cut. This styling makes them look great, but also means they tend to be tight. They are ideal for the outdoors and outfitted with useful pockets and zippers.
Arc'teryx does everything for a reason, but you may want to keep the athletic fit in mind when buying a jacket. If you plan to layer your jacket know that it is probably a good idea to buy a size larger than you usually would.
Top 10 Picks
1. Cerium LT
The most versatile option
The Cerium LT Hoody is a great down jacket that will keep you warm even on the coldest winter days. It does well as an outer layer or an underlayer and is a great choice for a variety of activities. With down insulation and a cozy fit, it will not only keep you warm but will make you look good as well.
Read moreUse
This Arc'teryx insulated jacket can be worn as your main jacket while hiking, camping, or just around town. It also works great as an extremely warm mid-layer for snow sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Insulation
With down insulation filling most of this Arc'teryx insulated jacket, it traps heat and keeps you cozy warm even on extremely cold days. Synthetic insulation, which can stay warm even once it has become wet, is placed where moisture buildup is likely, making this jacket that much more effective at keeping the warmth in.
Weather Resistance
This jacket does repel some moisture, however, it is not water or windproof and should be worn under a shell in inclement weather. This is especially important due to its down fill, which will stop keeping you warm once it becomes wet.
Fit
With a tight fit, this jacket looks good despite being so puffy. A high collar and fitted hood make this jacket even cozier. It does run small, and so sizing up is recommended, especially if you wish to wear it with some bulky under layers.
2. Fission SV
The warmest option
The Fission SV jacket is designed for cold, snowy weather. It can keep out even the iciest winds, and It makes a great jacket for skiing or snowboarding. It comes with all the features necessary to stay comfortable on the slopes and will keep you looking good in the process.
Read moreUse
This winter jacket is made for snow sports. It is perfect for skiing on or off the resort slopes, and it can also be a great choice for winter hiking.
Insulation
The Fission SV offers users Coreloft insulation, which helps keep heat in while maintaining some breathability. This paired with a helmet-compatible hood makes staying toasty warm during your favorite winter activities easy and comfortable.
Weather Resistance
Arc'teryx is known for its use of Gore-tex in many of its jackets, including the Fission SV. That's not by coincidence. Gore-tex textiles are often used in outdoorsy gear because of their both waterproof and breathable properties. This makes the Fission SV an ideal jacket for skiers, snowboarders, or anyone spending substantial time in cold weather.
Fit
It also features a slim, athletic fit. Overall it runs true to size. A large hood can easily fit your ski helmet beneath it if need as well.
3. Proton LT
The best everyday option
The Proton LT is a lightweight, breathable hoody that still manages to keep out icy winds. Insulated with top-tier fabrics along with a water-repelling finish, this jacket attracts users with different outdoor niches. Overall, the Proton LT is best-suited for those who can't get enough of winter sports and activities.
Read moreUse
This Arc'teryx jacket works great for everyday wear in the city, or as a lightweight and breathable option for hiking or skiing. On warm days, it can be worn as a top layer, and when it gets colder, it is thin enough to fit under an outer shell.
Insulation
The synthetic insulation in this jacket makes it a great choice if you are looking for something breathable while providing warmth. The Proton LT uses Coreloft 60 and 80 insulation, a fabric well-appreciated by skiers, climbers, and hikers alike. This, paired with Fortius Air 20, provides air permeability in a balanced manner while maintaining a comfortable warmth. The hood is also insulated, as well as being helmet-compatible, which allows the user to keep warm while hitting some slopes or hiking on a snowy day.
Weather Resistance
This jacket is made of water-resistant material. It features a DWR water-repelling finish, ensuring to keep out moisture and keep you comfortable. The Proton LT has also been tested and shown to provide exceptional resistance to abrasions. According to Arc'Teryx, the Proton LT did 60x better than the industry standard when it came to abrasion-resistance.
Fit
This Arc'teryx jacket has a trim fit specially designed for women. The face cover will keep you warm on cold days, and the large hood can fit a helmet underneath. It is also lightweight enough to layer up or down if needed.
4. Sawyer
The Sawyer jacket is a bit more casual than some of the other options on our list. You'll get the best use out of this jacket walking around a city or on more amateur hikes. It is a more minimalist jacket, but it still offers plenty of warmth and comfort.
Read moreUse
The Sawyer is for those seeking a sleek jacket to wear while they're out on the town. Whether it's taking a stroll at the park or running some errands, the Sawyer will keep dry and warm on rainy, chilly days without feeling suffocated in layers. This jacket would also do well on casual hikes in case of unexpected rain showers.
Insulation
Although it does have the ability to deflect winds, the Sawyer is meant to keep you dry more so than warm. However, the slightly loose fit on this jacket allows for layering, making it a versatile option to use in all seasons.
Weather Resistance
The primary function of this jacket is to keep you dry while providing some warmth. Arc'teryx used Gore-tex, DWR coating, and WaterTight zippers for extra protection against moisture. The hood is also adjustable for additional protection against any rain or wind.
Fit
The trim fit of the Covert Hoody seems to be flattering on many body types. The back of the jacket is long enough to keep out cold breezes and the front of the jacket comes to your hips. There are three pockets, two laminated hand pockets, and one sleeve pocket. The sleeve pocket is great for cash, cards, or a list pass. Enabling you to show off a bit of your personal style, this jacket is available in thirteen different colors.
5. Zeta LT
The minimalist design and weight of the women's Zeta LT make a great waterproof jacket for any adventure. It is easily packed down and weighs only about 10.6-ounces. While it doesn't have any insulation built-in, the trim fit of the jacket leaves room for layering underneath.
Read moreUse
A better question would be what can you not use this jacket for? The Zeta LT (LT for lightweight) is a great accessory to bring with you if there’s a chance of rain. It’s a great addition to any hiking, trekking, or trip to the grocery store.
Insulation
This is designed as a strong rain jacket and doesn’t provide much insulation. To aid in comfort and keeping air out (or in), there is a microsuede collar and velcro wrist cuffs. While the jacket itself doesn’t provide much warmth, the overall fit of the jacket leaves room for warm layers if you need them.
Weather Resistance
Humid jungle? Unexpected downpour? Light rain? You’re good to encounter any rainstorm with the Zeta LT. The Zeta LT is made from 3-layer Gore-Tex and features Gore C-Knit backer for ultimate comfort and breathability. The exterior zippers are watertight and the baseball cap style storm hood is easily adjusted with a single pull cord.
Fit
This jacket provides a trim fit with a 27.5-inch back length. This fit is slightly loose and leaves room for layers underneath. However, if you choose to wear just a camisole, the C-Knit material is very soft to touch. There is great flexibility through the elbows and underarms. There are two exterior waterproof pockets and one interior laminated zippered pocket. Overall, the jacket weighs about 10.6-ounces.
6. Gamma LT
The Gamma LT Hoody is a great softshell jacket for a variety of activities on chilly, sunny days. It also has a stylish look that can make it an attractive choice for everyday wear. If you are looking for a lightweight softshell jacket that breaths as you exercise, then this is the best Arc'teryx jacket for you.
Read moreUse
This is a fabulous jacket for activities like skiing, hiking, and just hanging out around town on a cold day.
Insulation
This softshell jacket is not insulated, but does keep out wind and will do a great job at keeping you warm on chilly winter days. It is meant to be worn with other insulating layers on chilly days.
Weather Resistance
The material that this jacket is made of is water-resistant, meaning it will keep you dry in light rain or snow. However, it is not waterproof and will get soaked through in any truly inclement weather. The material is also very breathable and will release excess body heat, helping to regulate your body temperature when you get hot.
Fit
This jacket comes in a slim, flattering fit that is meant to contour a women’s body. The slim fit does mean that it should be bought in a size larger than you would normally purchase if you plan to wear it with layers. It has a high collar and large hood, which can either be fitted over a helmet or tightened with drawstrings so that it stays in place.
7. Thorium AR
The Thorium AR Hoody is the perfect jacket for cold days around town. Although it is not waterproof, it can also be a good choice for backcountry adventure if you pair it with a high-quality shell.
Read moreUse
This is an everyday jacket, designed to be worn around town. It can also work great for hiking and backpacking on cool, sunny days.
Insulation
Down insulation in the body of this jacket means that is it extremely warm. The hood has synthetic insulation, which allows for more breathability. The synthetic insulation is most crucial for your head as this area of the body is especially important for temperature regulation.
Weather Resistance
This warmest Arc'teryx jacket does help to stop the wind but is not waterproof. In fact, it is advised to only wear it when you are certain it won’t get wet, as down insulation loses its ability to keep you warm after becoming wet. The strategic placement of synthetic insulation, which dries quickly and retains its warmth when wet, in the hood, along with the cuffs, and in the underarms, allows for more versatility and makes this jacket a great choice for a base layer under a shell.
Fit
Although this jacket is puffy, its fitted style still hugs the body and will make you look great. The hood and high collar make it more adaptable. Customers find that it runs true to size.
8. Beta AR
The Beta AR jacket is a great jacket that is perfect for a large variety of activities. With fully-waterproof material, it is also appropriate to wear in all types of weather. The jacket is versatile and breathable, and since it is a shell that can be paired with different layers so that it stays comfortable at different temperatures.
Read moreUse
This jacket is a perfect choice for pretty much any activity in the mountains. From hiking and ice climbing to skiing and snowboarding, the jacket will keep you warm and dry no matter how far into the backcountry you wander.
Insulation
This jacket features a hardshell and is therefore designed to be worn with multiple layers underneath.
Weather Resistance
The Gore-tex material that this jacket is made of will repel the fiercest winds, heaviest rains, and keep you cozy in deep snow. It is still lightweight and breathable, so you won’t overheat even while working up a sweat.
Fit
With a slim fit style, sizing up is recommended if you plan to layer it. One downside of sizing up though is that the sleeves tend to be too long, however, this is worth being able to easily fit all the layers you need. A high collar and large hood that can fit over a helmet, will keep your neck and head warm even on the coldest, windiest days. Draw strays in the hood allow you to tighten it so that it doesn’t come off when you are not wearing a helmet.
9. Squamish Hoody
The Squamish Hoody is a jacket that you'll always want to carry with you. It is lightweight and stows away into its own chest pocket. It is namely a windbreaker, but provides a bit of warmth when you need it and is finished with a DWR treatment that makes it water-resistant as well.
Read moreUse
The Squamish Hoody is a lightweight jacket that is the perfect addition for any gearhead. It stows away into its pocket and weighs only 5.5-ounces. It’s a great jacket to always have in your bag in case of unexpected winds or a rain shower. The reflective logo always helps you to be seen in low-light conditions.
Insulation
There is no added insulation into this jacket. It functions more like a windbreaker and relief from a light rain shower. The fit is slightly fitted, but you could slide a long sleeve shirt underneath if you needed extra warmth.
Weather Resistance
The Squamish is made from ripstop nylon and finished with a DWR treatment. It is a dependable wind-shell that will additionally protect you from light rain and a subtle drop in temperature. The storm hood can be easily fitted with just one hand.
Fit
The athletic fit of this jacket fits a little bit closer to the body. If you prefer your jacket to be loose, you may want to go up a size. The elbows of the jacket are articulated, allowing for a full range of motion. Additionally, the hood, hem, and cuff adjustability allow for a customizable fit.
10. Sabre AR
The Sabre AR is designed with snowsports in mind, particularly skiing and snowboarding. It made with well-known weather-proof materials, and many of the features included provide the user a breathable, mobile jacket.
Read moreInsulation
Depending on the intended use, the fact that there is little built-in insulation may be great or bad. However, the fit of the jacket leaves plenty of room for warm layers underneath. If you do get hot while wearing the Sabre AR, there are pit zips to give you some room to breathe.
Weather Resistance
The Sabre AR is made from 3-layers Gore-Tex waterproof materials, as well as water-resistant zippers known as WaterTight. It includes a powder skirt, which will help prevent any snow from tricking into your clothing. Overall, despite not being the warmest without additional layers, the Sabre AR certainly stands up to whatever winter throws at it.
Fit
The fit of this jacket isn't overly snug. It serves rather as a good mid-layer, and the cuffs are made to be a bit more relaxed in order to accommodate gloves. Most importantly, this jacket is made to provide the user with optimal mobility, ventilation, and visibility.
Sources
- , Arc'teryx Sizing, Consumer Website
- , Why is Arc’teryx so Expensive? Are Their Jackets Worth the Price?, Consumer Website