Arc'teryx Gore-Tex jackets explained: Alpha, Beta and how they changed
Arc'teryx has made Gore-Tex shells since the 1990s, and the names can be confusing. Here is how the range fits together, and how it has changed.
Decoding the letters
- SV (Severe Weather): the toughest, built for storms and alpine climbing.
- AR (All Round): balanced protection for hiking, ski touring and general use.
- SL (Superlight): lighter, simpler, made for trail running and summer mountain days.
- LT (Lightweight): a lighter version of a line, used across several jackets.
Alpha vs Beta
Alpha is the climbing line, built for maximum durability on technical ice and high-altitude routes. Beta is the versatile all-mountain line, balancing protection and comfort for hikers and ski tourers, and it's the one most people buy.
Every Beta compared
| Model | Fabric | Weight (approx.) | Pit zips | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta SL | Lighter Gore-Tex mix of 40D and 70D fabrics | 340g | Newer versions yes, some older no | Fast, light days |
| Beta (standard) | Gore-Tex with 80D nylon, StormHood | 379g | No | Everyday wear and hiking |
| Beta LT | Lightweight Gore-Tex, varies by year | Varies by year | Newer versions yes, some older no | Light everyday shell |
| Beta AR | Gore-Tex Pro, 80D/100D | 460g | Yes | All-round mountain use |
| Beta SV | Gore-Tex Pro, 100D throughout | 480g | Yes | Severe weather and expeditions |
Pit zips vary by model and year, so always check the exact jacket you're looking at.
Beta vs Beta LT: don't mix them up
The standard Beta and the Beta LT are different jackets. The standard Beta has no pit zips. The Beta LT is the lighter-spec version, and newer ones have pit zips while some older ones don't. If a listing just says "Beta", check the label inside to see which one it is.
The Beta SV
The Beta SV was taken out of the range in 2023 and came back on 6 February 2026, rebuilt. The older version used 80D Gore-Tex Pro at about 490g. The new one uses Gore-Tex Pro with a 100D face, weighs about 480g, and adds a two-way front zip and extra pockets, features fans had asked for.
Zips and pockets, model by model
Current Arc'teryx shells use waterproof WaterTight zips with a Rain Shield slider on the front, pit zips and pocket zips. What changes between models is the pit zips and how many pockets you get, and where they sit.
| Model | Pit zips | Pockets |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha SV | Yes | Two hand pockets set high on the chest so you can reach them in a harness, one internal security pocket, one internal mesh dump pocket and one zipped pocket on the left bicep. Five in total. |
| Alpha AR | Yes | Two high chest-height hand pockets and one internal security pocket. Three in total. |
| Beta SV | Yes | Two hand pockets in the normal position, an internal security pocket and a mesh dump pocket, plus a bicep pocket on some versions. The 2026 version also adds a two-way front zip. |
| Beta AR | Yes | Two hand pockets in the normal position and one internal security pocket. Three in total. |
| Beta LT | Newer versions yes, some older no | Varies by year. Some versions have no internal zipped pocket. |
| Beta (standard) | No | Simpler layout with a smaller internal pocket. |
| Beta SL | Newer versions yes, some older no | Simplified, lightweight layout. |
The big difference: Alpha vs Beta pockets
On the Alpha the hand pockets sit higher and more central, so you can get into them while wearing a climbing harness or rucksack hip belt. You usually reach across your body to use them. On the Beta they sit lower, in the normal hand position, which is easier for everyday wear.
Most models have no two-way front zip, apart from the 2026 Beta SV. Details change between years, so check the exact jacket against its listing.
The Alpha SV through the years
The Alpha SV is Arc'teryx's flagship shell, and it has changed a lot:
- 1998: the original, around 708g, with narrow seam tape, waterproof zips and a structured hood.
- 2001: moved to Gore-Tex XCR.
- 2002: the zip flap was removed and the chest pockets redesigned.
- 2004: down to about 595g through tighter cutting.
- 2007: Gore-Tex Pro Shell arrives and the weight drops to about 541g.
- 2013: new 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro at about 490g, with a redesigned StormHood.
- 2016: a full overhaul, with tougher 100D face fabric and narrower seam tape.
- 2020: Gore-Tex Pro Most Rugged, about 510g, with a Recco reflector and a double-layer collar.
- 2023: redesigned at about 485g with recycled face fabric.
- 2025: the current version uses Gore-Tex Pro ePE, the first Alpha SV without PFAS.
Older names you'll see secondhand
Arc'teryx lists Theta and Zeta as legacy waterproof lines. They still turn up on the preloved market, so they're worth knowing when you're shopping.
Buying preloved
Check the label inside the jacket for the model and year, and photograph every wash-care label when you ask for a check. Not sure about a piece? We'll authenticate it for £1.49. See also our Arc'teryx guides and the Arc'teryx story.