← All gear comparisons

Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket (men's) vs Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket

Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.

Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket (men's) is the lighter option — 233 g lighter than the Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket (51% less weight). If grams matter to you, that is the one to beat.
shopping_cart Check today's price on Amazon
Spec Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket (men's) Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket
Weight 227 g · 0.227 kg · 0.50 lb 460 g · 0.460 kg · 1.01 lb
as listed; page does not state the size
Brand Arc'teryx Arc'teryx
Category Clothing - Outer Layer Clothing - Outer Layer
Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket (men's)
227 g

The lightest GORE-TEX PRO shell in the Arc'teryx range, designed for alpine climbing with helmet-compatible hood and minimalist construction.

See it in your base weight → Full details →
Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket
460 g

All-round Gore-Tex Pro shell jacket. Highly durable.

See it in your base weight → Full details →

Building a pack? Add either one to your HikeLoad list, or drop its weight into the base weight calculator, and see what it does to your total weight.

HikeLoad is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket (men's) vs Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket: which should you buy?

If saving weight is your priority, the Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket (men's) wins — at 227 g it is 233 g (51%) lighter than the Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket (460 g). That said, the heavier option may justify the extra grams with more capacity, durability or comfort, so weigh the trade-off against how you'll use it.

See where both rank against everything else in this category on the lightest clothing - outer layer page, or browse the full gear weight database.

More clothing - outer layer comparisons