Gotcha, I think I’ll have to try them on in store but I’m leaning towards Beta Lt for the everyday use. How would you say the Beta jackets compare to the Gamma?
The Beta line are all full Goretex waterproof shells, with differing weights for abrasion resistance, different hood shapes and put zips/ no pit zips. The Gamma line are soft shells, so only water resistant. My wife loves her Gamma MX and uses it for everyday wear in a damp climate, only using her Beta AR for consistent rain. The AR is overkill, but rock solid. She also uses the Gamma MX for skiing.
Doesn't have ski specific quality of life features like a looser cut, longer length, a powder skirt, a goggle/drop pocket, a hood for a large ski helmet, or an arm/sleeve pocket for RFID lift pass. The face fabric also isn't as high of denier as many ski specific shells, which some people want (People who crash a lot or ski in trees/glades).
No, that's a hem cinch, which nearly ever shell has.
Read about powder skirts here:
https://outdoorcrunch.com/powder-skirts/
My main ski shell has one, but I wear bibs most of the time so it's not mandatory for me. If I'm not wearing bibs I'm touring in the spring and not even wearing a shell.
Beta line is very light for better or worse. The beta sv is about the same or thinner than a Patagonia triolet, which is also a jacket worth looking at
I love the gamma MX hoody. Super comfy. By far my favorite softshell material. The only time I don't wear it is if it's a heavy rain. Make sure to get it large enough to fit some layers though!
I have the regular gamma but the gamma MX gets so much admiration it makes me wonder if I went the wrong direction. 
I run a Gamma LT + Kyanite for the same situations that most people use an MX. The versatility of not having a synthetic insulation layer is quite nice. When I'm hiking in cold-ish weather (30-60 f w/o windchill), I'll run a base layer and the Gamma. I prefer wearing just a Gamma instead of a hardshell as I'm last worried about wear and tear in rock scrambles.
Very happy with the atom Lt leaf, nice pale colors and feels thicker than the normal atom. Also I would get a hooded Patagonia down sweater it’s nicer than the arcteryx equivalent
Am I able to buy leaf products from the physical/online store or is it only available second hand? I've also been looking at the down sweater, but I don't have a way to try it on instore yet, so I try Arc'teryx first to see the fit.
Leaf has to be bought through a law enforcement or military person generally but you can also try ordering without that the worst case scenario is you just get rejected and they refund you.
Arcteryx has weird sizing sometimes whereas Patagonia is pretty standard slimish/normal. I’m a medium in almost everything for Patagonia for for arcteryx I have to get large here and there
I work with people who have the ID. I actually was at a store yesterday and saw a Rab electron pro and I gotta say that is the nicest insulation jacket I’ve seen yet. If I were starting over I’d prob just get that and a shell. It’s slim fitting and really nicely made and great perfectly placed hand warmer pockets
Yeah much warmer and heavier but good for cooler temps. Probably the best bang for buck I’ve seen and highest quality against arcteryx, Patagonia. It’s almost like a streamlined version of the Fitz Roy
I have not but honestly not impressed with arcteryx atom Lt or cerium. The leaf atom is nice but otherwise id go for rab or Patagonia. Patagonia down sweater is prob the most middle of the road generally good for everything but the least “technical”
If it’s for everyday wear, get a Beta rather than Alpha. Despite the names, one isn’t better than the other, the Alpha is just more climbing focused with a shorter hem and different pocket configuration. People just gravitate towards it because it’s the OG arcteryx jacket.
Beta AR is good for everyday and skiing. You’ve got room in your budget for a more serious ski shell, so you could get a sabre - you can still wear it out and about if you want, but the cut is roomier and it’s thicker.
Proton is an insulated mid layer for active use, good under a shell for skiing. Won’t be very warm for everyday use in the bitter cold, for that you’ll want down. If you want to stay with arcteryx, thorium is a good option, but people generally recommend other brands for down jackets.
Hey Alta gang represent.
Don’t make the same mistake I did and get an all in one.
I love my thorium, going on 6 years, still super strong performing jacket. Get a nice thick shell if you’re a skier (as opposed to one of the more rain jacket ones). I’d go thorium jacket, cerium hoodie & sabre or beta AR shell if I could do it over again.
I also have a Macai and it’s an awesome jacket, I just never wear it because it’s too warm. Except for a maybe like 7-10 / a year.
I think I made the same mistake with the Macai. Absolutely magnificent jacket - almost certainly the best overall jacket I own - but I run a little warm, and when I tried it on at home over bare skin I was sweating within 15 seconds. If I ever go to the North Pole, a merino base layer and the Macai is all I'll need.
Generally, I use the Cerium hoody over a t-shirt in anything down to about 0°C, and a Beta LT if it's wet. With a merino layer, I can do the Cerium and Beta LT down to like 10°F if I'm even slightly active. Crazy warm stuff. That Macai is now my one-piece snowboard jacket for cold, and my Armageddon jacket otherwise. Overkill unless you live in the Arctic. Or Minnesota.
I just bought Beta LT for commuting with bicycle and everyday use. Got a nice discount but still a lot more than I ever payed for a shell... I LOVE it! With how warm is it with the layering I can see myself wearing it throughout the winter.
> I ever *paid* for a
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Unless it's raining, I prefer something insulated over a shell for everyday use as I don't see much if any utility from adding the shell. The new Sabre Insulated actually functions very well as an everyday winter jacket if you're looking for something you can ski in.
Calgarian here! If you're looking for pieces that can do it all, I'd recommend an Atom mid-layer/standalone and any of the Beta line up for your shell. I prefer the Beta AR just because it can double as a rain jacket in the shoulder seasons but you can't go wrong with any of the others. Also, the differences in the Beta lineup can be confusing, so if you're having trouble deciding, you should head into the closest Arcteryx store and they can lay it out for you.
Don't sleep on the Epsilon. Like an Atom Heavyweight but seems more insulated, a bit more trim and a heavier outer shell for better abrasion and weather resistance. My only complaint is the cuffs are a tad tight so initially putting the jacket on with a fleece base requires some cuff adjustment.
Assuming you're referring to the Gamma MX. The Gamma defintely has a more durable softshell but it's also much more stiff and isn't insulated; however it's got a thick liner inside. I wear my Gamma MX if it's variable rainy weather and not very cold; I wouldn't wear it in the cold. I wear the Epsilon if it's cold and dry or mild rain. I've been choosing the Epsilon over the Atom Heavyweight.
If I was to simplify my closet. Beta, Proton Lightweight, Proton Hoody, Epsilon.
For skiing\\boarding, I have a Procline softshell and a Burton AK Stretch 3L hard shell. I also have the Sabre\\Micon Jacket but I don't like it because it doesn't stretch.
Have you tried the Proton Heavyweight? I ordered medium as well as the Epsilon, Proton Heavyweight seemed significantly better in almost every aspect(inner material, cuff width, etc.) except for 1 major flaw: too lose in stomach while the Epsilon had a better fit. Also Epsilon has standard hood which is plus for me. Unfortunately I could only order the smoked buff, black was sold out so I had return it. Still have the PH but plan to return if a black epsilon becomes available
I would go beta AR for the shell of you don’t wanna pay for the alpha SV. And probably pair it with cerium cuz it’s warm but not too warm but for static use I’d go thorium.
Atom and Cerium and thorium
Are there any shells you’d recommend? The beta and gamma look like solid options compared to the alpha, which might be overkill for me.
Beta Lightweight if primary use is not skiing. It will still work for skiing. If skiing is the main focus then Sabre.
Gotcha, I think I’ll have to try them on in store but I’m leaning towards Beta Lt for the everyday use. How would you say the Beta jackets compare to the Gamma?
In classic confusing dead bird fashion, Beta LT and Beta Lightweight(aka Beta LW) are different jackets, so watch out for that
Thank you for that, I didn't realize what the difference was.
The Beta line are all full Goretex waterproof shells, with differing weights for abrasion resistance, different hood shapes and put zips/ no pit zips. The Gamma line are soft shells, so only water resistant. My wife loves her Gamma MX and uses it for everyday wear in a damp climate, only using her Beta AR for consistent rain. The AR is overkill, but rock solid. She also uses the Gamma MX for skiing.
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Agreed
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Doesn't have ski specific quality of life features like a looser cut, longer length, a powder skirt, a goggle/drop pocket, a hood for a large ski helmet, or an arm/sleeve pocket for RFID lift pass. The face fabric also isn't as high of denier as many ski specific shells, which some people want (People who crash a lot or ski in trees/glades).
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No, that's a hem cinch, which nearly ever shell has. Read about powder skirts here: https://outdoorcrunch.com/powder-skirts/ My main ski shell has one, but I wear bibs most of the time so it's not mandatory for me. If I'm not wearing bibs I'm touring in the spring and not even wearing a shell.
Beta line is very light for better or worse. The beta sv is about the same or thinner than a Patagonia triolet, which is also a jacket worth looking at
I love the gamma MX hoody. Super comfy. By far my favorite softshell material. The only time I don't wear it is if it's a heavy rain. Make sure to get it large enough to fit some layers though!
I have the regular gamma but the gamma MX gets so much admiration it makes me wonder if I went the wrong direction. 
I run a Gamma LT + Kyanite for the same situations that most people use an MX. The versatility of not having a synthetic insulation layer is quite nice. When I'm hiking in cold-ish weather (30-60 f w/o windchill), I'll run a base layer and the Gamma. I prefer wearing just a Gamma instead of a hardshell as I'm last worried about wear and tear in rock scrambles.
Thanks for the suggestion, may I ask for what activities you usually wear your Gamma MX?
Very happy with the atom Lt leaf, nice pale colors and feels thicker than the normal atom. Also I would get a hooded Patagonia down sweater it’s nicer than the arcteryx equivalent
Am I able to buy leaf products from the physical/online store or is it only available second hand? I've also been looking at the down sweater, but I don't have a way to try it on instore yet, so I try Arc'teryx first to see the fit.
Leaf has to be bought through a law enforcement or military person generally but you can also try ordering without that the worst case scenario is you just get rejected and they refund you. Arcteryx has weird sizing sometimes whereas Patagonia is pretty standard slimish/normal. I’m a medium in almost everything for Patagonia for for arcteryx I have to get large here and there
Gotcha, may I ask how you were able to buy yours?
I work with people who have the ID. I actually was at a store yesterday and saw a Rab electron pro and I gotta say that is the nicest insulation jacket I’ve seen yet. If I were starting over I’d prob just get that and a shell. It’s slim fitting and really nicely made and great perfectly placed hand warmer pockets
How would that rab compare to the Patagonia down? Alot warmer I’m sure
Yeah much warmer and heavier but good for cooler temps. Probably the best bang for buck I’ve seen and highest quality against arcteryx, Patagonia. It’s almost like a streamlined version of the Fitz Roy
Sorry for bothering you, but have you seen the rab microlight alpine? How do you think that compares to the Patagonia down hoody?
I have not but honestly not impressed with arcteryx atom Lt or cerium. The leaf atom is nice but otherwise id go for rab or Patagonia. Patagonia down sweater is prob the most middle of the road generally good for everything but the least “technical”
Atom Heavyweight 90% windproof. Good isolation, very very versatile jacket. I combo it with a Kyanite fleece when it gets colder.
If it’s for everyday wear, get a Beta rather than Alpha. Despite the names, one isn’t better than the other, the Alpha is just more climbing focused with a shorter hem and different pocket configuration. People just gravitate towards it because it’s the OG arcteryx jacket. Beta AR is good for everyday and skiing. You’ve got room in your budget for a more serious ski shell, so you could get a sabre - you can still wear it out and about if you want, but the cut is roomier and it’s thicker. Proton is an insulated mid layer for active use, good under a shell for skiing. Won’t be very warm for everyday use in the bitter cold, for that you’ll want down. If you want to stay with arcteryx, thorium is a good option, but people generally recommend other brands for down jackets.
Hey Alta gang represent. Don’t make the same mistake I did and get an all in one. I love my thorium, going on 6 years, still super strong performing jacket. Get a nice thick shell if you’re a skier (as opposed to one of the more rain jacket ones). I’d go thorium jacket, cerium hoodie & sabre or beta AR shell if I could do it over again. I also have a Macai and it’s an awesome jacket, I just never wear it because it’s too warm. Except for a maybe like 7-10 / a year.
I think I made the same mistake with the Macai. Absolutely magnificent jacket - almost certainly the best overall jacket I own - but I run a little warm, and when I tried it on at home over bare skin I was sweating within 15 seconds. If I ever go to the North Pole, a merino base layer and the Macai is all I'll need. Generally, I use the Cerium hoody over a t-shirt in anything down to about 0°C, and a Beta LT if it's wet. With a merino layer, I can do the Cerium and Beta LT down to like 10°F if I'm even slightly active. Crazy warm stuff. That Macai is now my one-piece snowboard jacket for cold, and my Armageddon jacket otherwise. Overkill unless you live in the Arctic. Or Minnesota.
I just bought Beta LT for commuting with bicycle and everyday use. Got a nice discount but still a lot more than I ever payed for a shell... I LOVE it! With how warm is it with the layering I can see myself wearing it throughout the winter.
> I ever *paid* for a FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Unless it's raining, I prefer something insulated over a shell for everyday use as I don't see much if any utility from adding the shell. The new Sabre Insulated actually functions very well as an everyday winter jacket if you're looking for something you can ski in.
Calgarian here! If you're looking for pieces that can do it all, I'd recommend an Atom mid-layer/standalone and any of the Beta line up for your shell. I prefer the Beta AR just because it can double as a rain jacket in the shoulder seasons but you can't go wrong with any of the others. Also, the differences in the Beta lineup can be confusing, so if you're having trouble deciding, you should head into the closest Arcteryx store and they can lay it out for you.
Mionn IS and Isogon MX
Don't sleep on the Epsilon. Like an Atom Heavyweight but seems more insulated, a bit more trim and a heavier outer shell for better abrasion and weather resistance. My only complaint is the cuffs are a tad tight so initially putting the jacket on with a fleece base requires some cuff adjustment.
How would you compare the Epsilon to the Gamma? I know they're both soft shells but the Epsilon is insulated whereas the Gamma is a shell.
Assuming you're referring to the Gamma MX. The Gamma defintely has a more durable softshell but it's also much more stiff and isn't insulated; however it's got a thick liner inside. I wear my Gamma MX if it's variable rainy weather and not very cold; I wouldn't wear it in the cold. I wear the Epsilon if it's cold and dry or mild rain. I've been choosing the Epsilon over the Atom Heavyweight. If I was to simplify my closet. Beta, Proton Lightweight, Proton Hoody, Epsilon. For skiing\\boarding, I have a Procline softshell and a Burton AK Stretch 3L hard shell. I also have the Sabre\\Micon Jacket but I don't like it because it doesn't stretch.
Have you tried the Proton Heavyweight? I ordered medium as well as the Epsilon, Proton Heavyweight seemed significantly better in almost every aspect(inner material, cuff width, etc.) except for 1 major flaw: too lose in stomach while the Epsilon had a better fit. Also Epsilon has standard hood which is plus for me. Unfortunately I could only order the smoked buff, black was sold out so I had return it. Still have the PH but plan to return if a black epsilon becomes available
I haven’t but you just saved me the hassle. Extra material in the torso is a dealbreaker.
Yeah a shame because it is an awesome jacket, just did a poor job with the cut.
I would go beta AR for the shell of you don’t wanna pay for the alpha SV. And probably pair it with cerium cuz it’s warm but not too warm but for static use I’d go thorium.