Arc'teryx Jacket Buying Guide

From outdoor adventures through the local neighborhood to rugged camping trips and hikes, Arc'teryx provides a wide selection of jackets. A combination of high-quality materials and unmatched designs help to support outdoor adventures and excursions. The brand's name and logo refer to the earliest known bird, Archaeopteryx. The company based the logo on the most complete skeleton of the bird known to date. Before purchasing an Arc'teryx jacket, consumers should receive an overview of the jackets and learn about their types and features.


Jacket Overview
There is an immense selection of Arc'teryx jackets from which to choose. Some, such as the versatile and lightweight Theta AR men's jacket, feature a water-resistant GORE-TEX outer layer. Others have a hard shell, including the men's Gamma MX and Epsilon LT hoody, or a soft shell, such as the Lanea Long Cot and Gamma LT jacket. There are fleece jackets for enhanced warmth and comfort in cooler conditions. Such fleece jackets include the Beta AR for women and the men's Beta LT hybrid jacket.

An ergonomic fit for both men and women means that the manufacturer tailored the jacket to match its intended use. Whether it involves running, rock climbing, or another outdoor adventure, features such as three-dimensional, forward sleeves enable full extension of the arms for ease of movement. There are different types of jackets for men and women, along with unique features.

Types of Jackets
There are many different types of Arc'teryx jackets. Some examples are shell jackets along with insulated jackets. Other options may include mid-layer and fleece jackets along with base layers.


Shell
As the name suggests, a shell jacket is one that acts as a protective layer, whether it is for warmth, extra coverage, or a bit of both. Manufacturers, like Arc'teryx, rate men's jackets for specific events, such as severe weather or extreme cold. Examples of this type of jacket include the men's Theta SVX jacket, which features a strong and durable waterproof GORE-TEX 80D face fabric, and the women's Epsilon hoodie, an abrasion-resistant mid-layer fleece with a highly breathable material. There are highly-breathable soft shells with light insulation, such as the stretchy Gamma AR women's jacket, which also features anatomical design for enhanced mobility, as well as solid shells for enhanced protection, including the Zeta LT hybrid jacket for men with lightweight and breathable material.


Insulated
Insulated jackets are generally a bit thicker than shells and have a slightly different purpose. An insulated jacket provides a person with an extra layer of warmth and protection, making it an optimal choice for bitterly cold days. For men, there are fully insulated Arc'teryx waterproof jackets with features that include GORE-TEX material and warm insulation. Popular options include the durable Fission SV jacket and the Thorium AR hoody. There are also insulated women's jackets, such as Thorium AR jacket with 750 fill gray goose down.


Mid-Layer and Fleece
Mid-layer jackets provide soft, yet effective, insulation. Such jackets may be slender enough to wear underneath a larger and heavier jacket or are capable of protecting the consumer from the elements on their own. For women, there is the Delta LT women's jacket and the Atom LT vest, which has a lightweight, yet insulated core. Men may opt for the Fortrez hoody, a mid-weight, hooded jacket.


Jacket Features
A waterproof exterior is just one possible feature of an Arc'teryx jacket. Many jackets come with a range of features including a wind-resistant shell, moisture-resistant properties, and breathable material. Jackets marked $ are priced at $200 or less, while $$ represents jackets in the $201 to $300 range, with $$$ representing jackets priced at $301 or higher.