Arcteryx Alpha AR vs Beta AR

If you’re looking for one of the best alpine jackets so you can be comfortable while being active in the mountains and snow this winter, I have no doubt you have stumbled upon both the Arcteryx Alpha AR and the Beta AR. 

The Arcteryx Alpha AR and Beta AR jackets are some of the best alpine jackets on the market and they are priced accordingly, but what are the actual differences between them? A quick scan over their features and specs will leave you thinking they are pretty much the same jacket. 

The Arcteryx Alpha AR and Beta AR jackets are both the same price of $599 and are AR (all round) jackets other than that, the only things that are the same on each are the pit zips and internal pocket, so there are some key differences to be aware of. 

Join me as the dive into Arcteryx Alpha AR vs Beta AR jacket so you can make sure you pick the right one for your outdoor needs. 

Materials & Durability

Both the Arcteryx Alpha AR and the Beta AR are made from the same and one of the best materials out there, Gore-Tex Pro, and with three layers of it.

Gore-Tex Pro is windproof, waterproof, and extremely breathable. It has an incredible membrane that is excellent at letting heat out and will ensure that no wind or water gets through. This translates to fantastic protection from whatever the alpine weather might throw at you.

So what are the differences when it comes to materials & durability in the Arcteryx Alpha AR vs Beta AR?

Both the Alpha AR and Beta AR are made with a mixture of 40D and 80D Gore-Tex Pro. The difference is how much of each is used.

The Alph AR uses mainly 40D Gore-Tex Pro along with reinforced 80D areas where wear is most common. This makes it a bit lighter than then Beta AR but not quite as rugged.

The Beta AR uses a lot more 80D Gore-Tex Pro and less 40D than the Alpha AR, making it a bit more durable but heavier.

Which is better?

This comes down to what you want from a jacket. The lightweight and less abrasion-resistant design of the Alpha AR is a win when it comes to packability and comfort.

But, having the more abrasion-resistant 80D on the Beta AR is great for activities like rock climbing. That being said, the Alpha AR is still pretty tough.

Think about what matters to you more before making a decision.

Cut & Collar

One of the most noticeable differences when it comes to the Arcteryx Alpha AR vs Beta AR is the cut, collar, and hood. You might think these design dissimilarities might not make a difference but in extreme weather conditions, they really do.

Cut

The Alpha AR comes with a back length of 31.25 inches compared to the 30 inches back on the Beta AR. Now, 1.25 inches less of coverage might not make a big difference in your mind, but when it comes to being in extreme weather or doing activities like skiing, then it really does.

Having some extra protection at the back is going to protect you from snow while rushing down the slopes and from some serious chilly winds too.

The Alpha AR also has a slimmer cut, which some prefer as it feels a bit more fitted and less baggy. But you might want the looser fit of the Beta AR as it’s easier to layer under.

Collar

The collar on the Alpha AR is integrated with the hood, while the Beta AR’s collar is separate. So, what difference does this make in the outdoors?

Well, with the Beta AR  you have the choice to have the collar up without the hood, but it does stay up at all times. The collar is also quite high so it can get in the way and be uncomfortable with some helmet designs.

You should test the Beta AR with your helmet to make sure as some find it hard to turn their head with a helmet on when wearing the Beta AR.

The collar in the Alpha AR actually sits higher up than the collar on the Beta AR, giving you more protection when you need it. And you can actually use the cinches to keep the collar up without the hood when you need to, plus take it down when it’s nicer out.

Hood & Pockets

Another big difference to consider when looking at the Arcteryx Alpha AR vs Beta AR is the hood and pockets on each jacket. They are very different and will have an impact depending on which outdoor activities you do the most.

Hood

The Alpha AR comes with a helmet-compatible StormHood while the Beta AR features a helmet-compatible DropHood, the main difference being the collar is integrated into the hood on the Alpha AR and separate on the Beta AR.

The StormHood actually gives you more protection, as it sits higher on your neck and chin than the DropHood. But, if you’re often in cold places when the sun shines, you might want the open of using a collar without a hood.

Pockets

The Beta AR comes with your standard front pockets which are large and can carry a lot if you want them to, like a harness for example.

But, if you’re wearing a pack with a hip and sternum belt, they become hard to access, and the same goes when you’re sitting on a ski lift.

Plus, whatever you’re carrying tends to sink to the bottom which can reduce mobility when climbing or skiing.

The Alpha AR has Naoplean pockets that sit high on your chest. These are in the perfect position to access when you’re wearing a pack and they’ll also hold any items you have in there much higher, so they don’t get in the way.

The same goes when you’re sitting on a ski lift. Dipping your hand into a chest pocket is far more convenient than dropping them into a deep hip/waist pocket.

That being said, it will be easier to get larger items into the huge zipper access on the Beta AR’s pockets, so think about what you’ll need to be carrying.

Weight & Breathability

You can only really compare the Arcteryx Alpha AR vs Beta AR to each other when it comes to weight and breathability as they are some of the most breathable and lightweight outer shells you’re going to find on the marketplace.

Weight

We discussed the weight of the Alpha AR and the Beta AR a little when we looked at materials. The Alpha AR is the lighter of the two weighing in at 14.1 ounces when compared to the 16.2 ounces of the Beta AR.

Now, for most of us, a matter of 2.2 ounces doesn’t make much difference. But, for those of you who are gram counters trying to reduce pack weight to a minimum, shaving a few ounces of every bit of gear does lighten your load, but there is a payoff.

The reason for the Alpha AR being a bit lighter is because, as I mentioned earlier, it uses more 40D and less 80D Gore-Tex Pro than the Beta AR, which has a direct impact on durability, so bear that in mind.

Breathability

The use of more or less 80D and 40D Gore-Tex Pro also has an impact on breathability. Thicker fabric, even with Gore-Tex Pro, is less inclined to breathe as efficiently as a thinner fabric.

Now, the difference is negligible when you’re hiking but if you’re doing some intense cross country skiing, for example, you might just notice it.

Or when you’re doing some winter rock climbing, you might find the Beta AR is a little warmer than the Alpha AR, as it retains some more heat.

Arcteryx Alpha AR vs Beta AR: Which is better?

Making a choice between the Arcteryx Alpha AR and the Beta AR is no easy decision, or might be an obvious one depending on what you plan on using the jacket for most often. It would be a lot easier to decide if they made one jacket more expensive than the other, would it? 🙂

What should you use the Alpha AR for?

If it was me, I’d make my decision based on a chosen activity. If you’re an alpine skier or hiker then the clear winner is the Alpha AR in my eyes.

The hood and collar system makes using a helmet with a jacket a bit easier than the Beta AR as it never gets in the way. The back is also longer to protect you from those cold windy days and the ice and snow.

Also, the pockets are easier to access and sit higher so nothing ever gets in your way by sinking down to your waist. Plus you can easily get into them while wearing a pack.

The Alpha AR is also a tad lighter, which is key on long hikes or when trying to get maximum speed going down a mountain, and some extra breathability is handy too.

Yes, you’re losing out a bit on the durability side of things but the Alpha AR is tough enough to handle a tough hike and tree skiing.

What should you use the Beta AR for?

The Beta AR is a bit more durable, a little less breathable, and therefore warmer, you can use the collar without the hood easily, and it has huge pockets that are made for things like a climbing harness.

If you’re into rock climbing, the Beta AR makes a lot of sense. It will handle the abrasions of scaling a cliff face a lot more than the Alpha AR, and thus last longer.

The looser cut also aids in mobility when reaching for things, and you can have all the extra/spare climbing gear you need stowed away in those huge pockets.

The thicker fabric on the Beta AR also retains more heat which will keep you a little bit warm when on cold cliff face.