When it comes to tackling the great outdoors, having the right gear is essential, and two popular options from Arc’teryx are the Men’s Alpha Jacket and the Men’s Beta AR Jacket.
Both jackets are engineered with GORE-TEX technology, providing unparalleled waterproof and breathable protection. However, they cater to different needs and preferences.
The Alpha Jacket is designed for the serious climber, focusing on lightweight performance and mobility in alpine conditions, while the Beta AR Jacket offers a more versatile solution for various mountain activities.
In this article, we’ll explore the unique features of each jacket, helping you decide which one is the perfect fit for your next adventure.
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1. Arc’teryx Men’s Alpha Jacket
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The Arc’teryx Men’s Alpha Jacket is a versatile hybrid GORE-TEX jacket designed to perform across a range of alpine conditions.
Formerly known as the Alpha AR Jacket, this lightweight, minimalist piece is ideal for climbing and alpinism, providing high-performance weather protection and materials that emphasize versatility for multiple activities.
The jacket combines GORE-TEX PRO Most Rugged in high-wear areas with ultralight, highly abrasion-resistant GORE-TEX with Hadron face fabric in low-wear zones to enhance breathability and reduce weight.
Additional features include a helmet-compatible StormHood, RECCO reflector, and pit zippers for ventilation.
Main Features
- Waterproof, Windproof, Breathable, Lightweight, Durable
- GORE-TEX PRO Most Rugged reinforcement in high-wear areas
- Ultralight, highly abrasion-resistant GORE-TEX with Hadron face fabric in low-wear areas
- Helmet-compatible StormHood with laminated brim and Cohaesive adjustments
- RECCO reflector for search and rescue aid
- Pit zippers for added ventilation
- Laminated chin guard with brushed microsuede for comfort
- Micro-seam allowance (1.6 mm) to reduce bulk and weight
- Strategically placed narrow GORE seam tape (8mm width)
- Die-cut Velcro cuff adjusters to reduce bulk
- Regular fit for optimal ventilation, comfort, and mobility
- Slight drop hem with adjustable draw cord to seal out drafts
- No-lift gusseted underarms to prevent the jacket from lifting during movement
- WaterTight external zippers and RS Zipper Sliders
- Two external volume pleated chest pockets and one internal zippered pocket
- Reinforced hood, shoulders, and forearms
- Arc’teryx Nu water-repellent treatment
Materials
- Hadron 3L GORE-TEX fabric (Contrast)
- N40d Most Rugged 3L GORE-TEX PRO (Self)
- PFAS chemicals (with plans to transition to PFAS-free chemistry)
- Dope dyed for some colors to reduce water and energy usage in the dyeing process
Additional Information
- Weight: 370g / 13.1 oz
- Available sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Manufacturing facility: Pt.Pancaprima Ekabrothers, Indonesia
- Origin of fabric and dyeing: China
- Caution: May release plastic microfibres into the environment when washing
2. Arc’teryx Men’s Beta AR Jacket
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The Arc’teryx Men’s Beta AR Jacket is a lightweight, packable, and highly versatile GORE-TEX PRO shell designed for a wide range of mountain activities and conditions.
Engineered with hybrid construction, this jacket offers durable waterproof protection and emphasizes freedom of movement for technical mountain activities.
The GORE-TEX PRO with Most Rugged Technology ensures maximum durability, while the helmet-compatible DropHood and internal collar provide added protection. Additionally, an embedded RECCO reflector enhances searchability in emergencies.
Main Features
- Waterproof, Windproof, Breathable, Lightweight, Durable
- GORE-TEX PRO with Most Rugged Technology
- Helmet-compatible DropHood with an internal collar
- RECCO reflector for emergency searchability
- Regular fit for optimal ventilation and mobility
- Longer length for additional coverage
- DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish to repel moisture
- Two high-volume hand pockets and an internal chest pocket with laminated zip
- WaterTight zippers (highly water-resistant but not waterproof)
- Pit zippers for easy venting
- Adjustable hem drawcord to seal out drafts
- Die-cut Velcro cuff adjusters to reduce bulk
- Micro-seam allowance (1.6 mm) to reduce bulk and weight
- Taped seams for added weatherproofness
- Laminated high-strength hanger loop
Materials
- N40d Most Rugged 3L GORE-TEX PRO (bluesign Approved Material)
- N80d Most Rugged 3L GORE-TEX PRO (reinforcements)
- Dope dyed Kingfisher colourway (eco-friendly dyeing process)
- PFAS chemicals (to be phased out by Arc’teryx)
Additional Information
- Weight: 461g / 1 lb 0.3 oz
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
- Activity: Alpine / Hike
- Manufacturing facility: Mensa Industries Company Limited, Vietnam
3. Comparison
Here are the main differences between these two great pieces of gear:
- Purpose and Design:
- Alpha Jacket: Designed for climbing and alpinism with a focus on efficient movement and protection in alpine environments.
- Beta AR Jacket: Versatile, all-round mountain apparel suitable for diverse activities and conditions.
- Material and Construction:
- Alpha Jacket: GORE-TEX PRO Most Rugged in high-wear areas and ultralight, abrasion-resistant GORE-TEX with Hadron face fabric in low-wear areas.
- Beta AR Jacket: GORE-TEX PRO with Most Rugged Technology throughout, with N80d reinforcements in high-wear areas.
- Weight:
- Alpha Jacket: 370g / 13.1 oz.
- Beta AR Jacket: 461g / 1 lb 0.3 oz.
- Hood Design:
- Alpha Jacket: Helmet-compatible StormHood with laminated brim and Cohaesive adjustments.
- Beta AR Jacket: Helmet-compatible DropHood with an internal collar and Cohaesive adjustments.
- Pockets:
- Alpha Jacket: Two external volume pleated chest pockets with WaterTight zippers and an internal zippered pocket.
- Beta AR Jacket: Two high-volume hand pockets and an internal chest pocket with a laminated zip.
- Fit and Hem:
- Alpha Jacket: Regular fit with a slight drop hem.
- Beta AR Jacket: Regular fit with a longer length and drop back hem for additional coverage.
- Reinforcements:
- Alpha Jacket: Reinforced hood, shoulders, and forearms.
- Beta AR Jacket: Reinforced with N80d Most Rugged GORE-TEX PRO in high-wear areas.
- Additional Features:
- Alpha Jacket: Hadron face fabric zones for less weight and increased breathability, RECCO reflector in hood brim.
- Beta AR Jacket: RECCO reflector embedded in the hood, updated hood and collar for improved fit.
These differences highlight the Alpha Jacket’s focus on lightweight, high-mobility performance for alpine activities, while the Beta AR Jacket emphasizes versatility and durability for a broader range of mountain activities.
4. Which is Better?
The Arc’teryx Alpha and Beta AR Jackets are both high-performance GORE-TEX jackets designed for alpine environments, but they cater to slightly different needs.
The Alpha Jacket is ideal for climbing and alpinism due to its lightweight, minimalist design that emphasizes efficient movement and protection in extreme alpine conditions.
It features a versatile hybrid GORE-TEX construction that combines high-wear reinforcement with ultralight, breathable materials, making it suitable for varied terrain and shifting weather. The helmet-compatible StormHood and RECCO reflector enhance safety and usability in challenging environments.
This jacket is perfect for those who need a highly versatile, durable hardshell that can handle the demands of alpine climbing and other intense activities.
On the other hand, the Beta AR Jacket is designed as an all-round mountain apparel suitable for a wide range of activities, including hiking and general alpine use. It boasts a packable and durable GORE-TEX PRO shell with hybrid construction, ensuring maximum durability and weather protection.
The helmet-compatible DropHood and internal collar provide additional protection, while the longer length offers more coverage. This jacket excels in versatility, making it a great choice for those who engage in diverse outdoor activities and need a reliable, high-performance jacket that can adapt to various conditions.
Which is better: choose the Alpha Jacket for specialized alpine activities where lightweight and efficient movement is crucial, and pick the Beta AR Jacket for a more versatile, all-round option that offers excellent protection and durability across a range of outdoor pursuits.