- Thread starter Tony1320
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I have one, its really good at repelling water and keeping you dry. But has no insulation in it. So you would need to get a mid-layer to go underneath and won't keep you warm by itself it is cold outside and you aren't moving around a lot.
Granted some of that is determined exactly where you live and how cold the winters get.
Granted some of that is determined exactly where you live and how cold the winters get.
I have some style of Arcteryx I bought back abouts 2000.
Goretex, Structured hood, zipper garages, velcro storm flap, pit zips, roomy chest pockets that when zipped close it looks like you have nipple tassels.
It has been a fantastic jacket. Still going strong, just starting to have the hood "structure wire" poke through the fabric and in a place or two there is some fabric delamination. exterior still looks great though.
Lots of hikes, lots of skiing, a few gun classes, lots of vacation, lots of walking around local.
They were made in Canada back than.
I wont buy another Arcteryx jacket, or Cannondale bike for that matter, that has made in China on the tag.
Check out the LEAF line.
Goretex, Structured hood, zipper garages, velcro storm flap, pit zips, roomy chest pockets that when zipped close it looks like you have nipple tassels.
It has been a fantastic jacket. Still going strong, just starting to have the hood "structure wire" poke through the fabric and in a place or two there is some fabric delamination. exterior still looks great though.
Lots of hikes, lots of skiing, a few gun classes, lots of vacation, lots of walking around local.
They were made in Canada back than.
I wont buy another Arcteryx jacket, or Cannondale bike for that matter, that has made in China on the tag.
Check out the LEAF line.
I live in Canada it can get pretty cold here. Sounds like it would be a great 3 season jacket
Would like to use the same jacket for daily use too. Been looking at Arcteryx jacket for a while now
I'm not LEO so leaf is probably out of the question
Beta AR is nice. I liked the Theta AR I had for daily use... little longer in the back. Some of their ’cuts’ are very athletic and limit layering so you may need to size up if not in athletic shape. Where you’re from Canada maybe you can find an outlet local where some of their gear is still made there.
Sounds like that would be a better use for you. Looking at their site they have a few other insulated jackets that are also waterproof.
My understanding, from reading their website, is that their philosophy is about layering rather than having everything in one layer except for specific circumstances.
I would also echo the comments of @USMC22 try and find a place you can try them on. The sizing can be a bit different between the types of jackets. My beta AR is a small and has lost of room for a mid layer in between. I also have a Zeta FL jacket in Medium and is it really close fitting and can barely fit a light hoodie underneath it.
The Law Enforcement Armed Forces line from Arc'teryx is where you want to spend your money. The place I have found to buy LEAF items is from US Elite Gear as they are the biggest US distributor and routinely have older models on closeout in addition to running entire line sales in Nov/Dec and May.
I have several pieces of LEAF gear and I snagged a non-LEAF Beta LT jacket this Spring for over half off. Unless you have found a similar deal and are somewhat skinny; then I'd save your money to buy the LEAF ALPHA Jacket LT when it's on sale:
www.us-elitegear.com
Remember it's just a shell and will need some layer(s) under it like the LEAF Atom LT hoody/jacket vest and a base layer under that.
www.us-elitegear.com
add this when it's REALLY cold:
www.us-elitegear.com
Note that you will not have to order the shell component in a larger size as the ALPHA SV & LT shells are both sized to wear an ATOM LT hoody/jacket/vest or COLD WX LT hoody/jacket under them.
I have several pieces of LEAF gear and I snagged a non-LEAF Beta LT jacket this Spring for over half off. Unless you have found a similar deal and are somewhat skinny; then I'd save your money to buy the LEAF ALPHA Jacket LT when it's on sale:
Arc'teryx LEAF Alpha Jacket LT GEN 2
Top Arc'teryx Leaf Alpha Jacket LT Men's (Gen 2 Model 18864). Light and packable waterproof and breathable shell jacket for inclement conditions. Shop now!
www.us-elitegear.com Remember it's just a shell and will need some layer(s) under it like the LEAF Atom LT hoody/jacket vest and a base layer under that.
Arc'teryx LEAF Atom Hoody LT (Gen 2)
**Restricted to USA and APO/FPO sales** A hooded jacket that is worn in either a stand-alone manner or in conjunction with a wet weather protective jacket when conducting Special Reconnaissance tasks. Don't see your size in stock? Check out the Atom Jacket LT (Gen 2). Same great jacket, without...
www.us-elitegear.com add this when it's REALLY cold:
Arc'teryx LEAF Cold WX Zip Neck SV
Cold weather base layer fits next-to-skin, providing warmth plus moisture management.
www.us-elitegear.com Note that you will not have to order the shell component in a larger size as the ALPHA SV & LT shells are both sized to wear an ATOM LT hoody/jacket/vest or COLD WX LT hoody/jacket under them.
Im a climber and so lightweight high performance gear is a must for me. I own several Arcteryx jackets. The Beta AR is a soft shell with little to no insulation. Just a soft lining. It will only kee you warm with the addition of a fleece layer. Be sure to fit it accordingly, Arteryx stuff is built for trim, athletic people. I’m 145lb 5’11” and I wear a large.
I personally don’t wear a Beta because when it comes to soft shells, I get the same performance out of a Marmot at 1/3 the price. Soft shells are simple pieces of gear. Most of the better quality ones are very similar. I spend money on Arteryx insulating layers and fast light jackets to take into the mountains. That’s where they shine. Also in their gore Tex stuff. Worth the money if you have the need for it. But the reality is that just as with precision rifles, clothing tech has come so far that you can get 99% of the performance of many Arcteryx pieces at 1/3 or less cost. Check out REI house brand. Marmot and in particular Outdoor Research. Id avoid North Face unless you know their lines really well. Much of their stuff is geared fashion market to take advantage of name recognition and it’s not all created equal.
I personally don’t wear a Beta because when it comes to soft shells, I get the same performance out of a Marmot at 1/3 the price. Soft shells are simple pieces of gear. Most of the better quality ones are very similar. I spend money on Arteryx insulating layers and fast light jackets to take into the mountains. That’s where they shine. Also in their gore Tex stuff. Worth the money if you have the need for it. But the reality is that just as with precision rifles, clothing tech has come so far that you can get 99% of the performance of many Arcteryx pieces at 1/3 or less cost. Check out REI house brand. Marmot and in particular Outdoor Research. Id avoid North Face unless you know their lines really well. Much of their stuff is geared fashion market to take advantage of name recognition and it’s not all created equal.
For mountaineering stuff, I’ve got the Patagonia R1, Arcteryx Atom LT, Cerium LT, and Alpha SV. Different combinations of that can cover anything. They’re stupidly priced, even after the 40% discounts I’ve gotten them all at. I wouldn’t use that stuff for shooting though, personally. Their hardshells are quite tough but hot brass won’t be kind to it. That said, I think it’d work great if you don’t mind the risk. I’m 5’10 175, fit, and the Medium is appropriate size for me (allowing the Cerium LT under the Alpha SV). I just wear my carhartt when shooting though.
If you care about where it’s made, I believe the Alpha SV is the only thing still made in Canada.
If you care about where it’s made, I believe the Alpha SV is the only thing still made in Canada.
Outlet is having a sale.....
@USMC22 had a good point about surplus GI goretex.
I bought a goretex USMC ECWS style jacket from @LAR Dragoon on here.
It actually feels more substantial than the Arctyrex.
Of course that also means weight.
Its also woodland so you kind of stand out in "polite society".
With society becoming less polite though camo may be just the thing.
Just packed mine tonight for a 4 day camp trip my son and I are going on.
Past Season Outdoor Clothing, Technical Outerwear & Accessories
Arc'teryx Outlet
outlet.arcteryx.com
@USMC22 had a good point about surplus GI goretex.
I bought a goretex USMC ECWS style jacket from @LAR Dragoon on here.
It actually feels more substantial than the Arctyrex.
Of course that also means weight.
Its also woodland so you kind of stand out in "polite society".
With society becoming less polite though camo may be just the thing.
Just packed mine tonight for a 4 day camp trip my son and I are going on.
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The Law Enforcement Armed Forces line from Arc'teryx is where you want to spend your money. The place I have found to buy LEAF items is from US Elite Gear as they are the biggest US distributor and routinely have older models on closeout in addition to running entire line sales in Nov/Dec and May.
I have several pieces of LEAF gear and I snagged a non-LEAF Beta LT jacket this Spring for over half off. Unless you have found a similar deal and are somewhat skinny; then I'd save your money to buy the LEAF ALPHA Jacket LT when it's on sale:
Arc'teryx LEAF Alpha Jacket LT GEN 2
Top Arc'teryx Leaf Alpha Jacket LT Men's (Gen 2 Model 18864). Light and packable waterproof and breathable shell jacket for inclement conditions. Shop now!
Remember it's just a shell and will need some layer(s) under it like the LEAF Atom LT hoody/jacket vest and a base layer under that.
Arc'teryx LEAF Atom Hoody LT (Gen 2)
**Restricted to USA and APO/FPO sales** A hooded jacket that is worn in either a stand-alone manner or in conjunction with a wet weather protective jacket when conducting Special Reconnaissance tasks. Don't see your size in stock? Check out the Atom Jacket LT (Gen 2). Same great jacket, without...
add this when it's REALLY cold:
Arc'teryx LEAF Cold WX Zip Neck SV
Cold weather base layer fits next-to-skin, providing warmth plus moisture management.
Note that you will not have to order the shell component in a larger size as the ALPHA SV & LT shells are both sized to wear an ATOM LT hoody/jacket/vest or COLD WX LT hoody/jacket under them.
I'm from Canada so I can't order from them
I purchased first SV’s when they were very hard to get for myself and wife.
First jackets with waterproof zippers and many other features.
Absolutely bomb proof.
But they shrink over the years (Joke), I think I am on my third because of size increase!
Yes, some pieces are made in China, knockoffs and outright fakes abound but the SV is still THE BEST!
Purchase LEAF or Arcteryx on sale or eBay.
-Richard
First jackets with waterproof zippers and many other features.
Absolutely bomb proof.
But they shrink over the years (Joke), I think I am on my third because of size increase!
Yes, some pieces are made in China, knockoffs and outright fakes abound but the SV is still THE BEST!
Purchase LEAF or Arcteryx on sale or eBay.
-Richard
For those of you aware and not aware of a brand called Beyond Clothing, I have about 10 pair of their CLS PCU L5 Cold Fusion Shock Soft Shell Pants size Med Reg (coyote). This is a genuine pair of US Navy SEAL-issued Cold Fusion Softshell Pants in a Men's size Medium Regular (MR). Made by Beyond Clothing as Level 5 of the CLS/PCU Layering system, this pair is brand new with the retail tags still attached.
Beyond clothing PCU level 5 softshell pants. The PCU system was designed for special operations units and consisted of 7 levels or layers. Made of tweave durastretch with an inner fleece lining these are both warm and tough. The waist is fully adjustable to go bigger or smaller with velcro tabs. Zippered pockets and up the leg to easily donne with boots. Original price $450 a pair.
$180 shipped!
Beyond clothing PCU level 5 softshell pants. The PCU system was designed for special operations units and consisted of 7 levels or layers. Made of tweave durastretch with an inner fleece lining these are both warm and tough. The waist is fully adjustable to go bigger or smaller with velcro tabs. Zippered pockets and up the leg to easily donne with boots. Original price $450 a pair.
$180 shipped!
Attachments
Do ya have a website or FB page for inventory, or do we wait for postings here?
Arcteryx has become the go to Gucci of the lift line, and quality has been a little suspect lately. I have an old Paclite shell that’s been around the world a couple times. Best do it all layer I’ve ever owned.
Im buying Mammut or Helly Hansen stuff mostly these days. Good performance for half the cost of Arcteryx. If you really think your going to be out in some crazy weather and it literally life or death, then maybe Arc/LEAF makes more sense.
KUIU and Firstlite often have deals and they make some pretty decent stuff
Im buying Mammut or Helly Hansen stuff mostly these days. Good performance for half the cost of Arcteryx. If you really think your going to be out in some crazy weather and it literally life or death, then maybe Arc/LEAF makes more sense.
KUIU and Firstlite often have deals and they make some pretty decent stuff
Accessories - FS: Beyond Clothing CLS PCU L5 Cold Fusion Shock Soft Shell Pants Med-Regular Coyote
For those of you aware and not aware of a brand called Beyond Clothing, I have about 10 pair of their CLS PCU L5 Cold Fusion Shock Soft Shell Pants size Med Reg (coyote). This is a genuine pair of US Navy SEAL-issued Cold Fusion Softshell Pants in a Men's size Medium Regular (MR). Made by Beyond...
www.snipershide.com 
All my cold weather gear is Arcteryx. I have the Naga hoody, Atom hoody, and LEAF Alpha top and bottom shells. You can't go wrong with this layering system. Only thing I'm missing is the Atom bottoms.
Are you sure? I'm not seeing anything on their website about US sales only. Even though, I'm sure there is also a Canadian distributor for LEAF. Where there is a will there's a way:
My post was towards the us elite site
Retail leaf here in Canada is crazy expensive overkill for me
I went with the Beta AR and added an Atom LT jacket for a mid layer
Nice choice. I'm looking to get a new mid layer myself. I was thinking of the Thorium AR.
Curious to hear your thoughts after using it.
I'll let you know after I try it out
I went back and fourth between the Atom ar and Atom lt for a mid layer but ended up choosing the lt because it's suppose to be more versatile and not as puffy as the ar for layering. I run cold compared to most people so well see if its warm enough
For those who care - Arteryx is Chineseium - not just China made, but Chi_Na owned.
I'm a massive Arc 'Teryx fan and have a closet full of the stuff (I only buy on sale) but don't overlook Outdoor Research. I have beat this stuff and it refuses to die - a WA headquartered company and much easier on the wallet.
Cannondales are now being made in China??? Please say it ain’t so.
I was issued Arcteryx Alpha top and bottom a number of years ago and still use and abuse them at work. I love the Atom AR and LT and find them to be a great balance of value/weight/insulation.
I am a firm believer and teacher of the three W layering: Wicking, Warming, and Weather. My go-to's are: Wicking-Marino wool base layer, Warming- Atom LT or AR, Weather- Arcteryx Alpha or Beyond Gore-Tex at work, Outdoor Research Gore-Tex if I have to purchase it.
If exposure is limited or I am being lazy, I'll grab a softshell jacket or Patagonia Das Parka if it is really cold or static work.
I am a firm believer and teacher of the three W layering: Wicking, Warming, and Weather. My go-to's are: Wicking-Marino wool base layer, Warming- Atom LT or AR, Weather- Arcteryx Alpha or Beyond Gore-Tex at work, Outdoor Research Gore-Tex if I have to purchase it.
If exposure is limited or I am being lazy, I'll grab a softshell jacket or Patagonia Das Parka if it is really cold or static work.
I love their gear. They used to have an outlet with limited fabricating about an hour away from me. Bought A LOT of clearance, one-offs, and R&D stuff from them. My wife bought even more than I did. I am pretty sure she has jackets and vests in every color they ever produced.
My favorite piece of kit from them is the Happy Booties. I have treated a lot of chilblains cases by throwing the patient's feet in those.
Great choice. I’m a firm believer the Atom LT may be the best mid-layer ever made.
- Weighs next to nothing
- Breathes
- The opposite of bulky, preventing elbow and armpit binding.... which I despise.
- Works as stand alone, cuts wind and light rain... just don’t wade through a briar patch. It’s not a Carhartt.
^^ all thisThe Law Enforcement Armed Forces line from Arc'teryx is where you want to spend your money. The place I have found to buy LEAF items is from US Elite Gear as they are the biggest US distributor and routinely have older models on closeout in addition to running entire line sales in Nov/Dec and May.
I have several pieces of LEAF gear and I snagged a non-LEAF Beta LT jacket this Spring for over half off. Unless you have found a similar deal and are somewhat skinny; then I'd save your money to buy the LEAF ALPHA Jacket LT when it's on sale:
Arc'teryx LEAF Alpha Jacket LT GEN 2
Top Arc'teryx Leaf Alpha Jacket LT Men's (Gen 2 Model 18864). Light and packable waterproof and breathable shell jacket for inclement conditions. Shop now!
Remember it's just a shell and will need some layer(s) under it like the LEAF Atom LT hoody/jacket vest and a base layer under that.
Arc'teryx LEAF Atom Hoody LT (Gen 2)
**Restricted to USA and APO/FPO sales** A hooded jacket that is worn in either a stand-alone manner or in conjunction with a wet weather protective jacket when conducting Special Reconnaissance tasks. Don't see your size in stock? Check out the Atom Jacket LT (Gen 2). Same great jacket, without...
add this when it's REALLY cold:
Arc'teryx LEAF Cold WX Zip Neck SV
Cold weather base layer fits next-to-skin, providing warmth plus moisture management.
Note that you will not have to order the shell component in a larger size as the ALPHA SV & LT shells are both sized to wear an ATOM LT hoody/jacket/vest or COLD WX LT hoody/jacket under them.
The tag in my AR beta does not say made in China.
+1 its amazingly versatile. all over the lower 48 from alpine summits to desert canyons.
edit: mine is not made in china
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Precor Parent Company to Be Acquired by China-Based Anta Sports
Amer Sports, the Finnish parent company of Precor, Woodinville, Washington, will be acquired by China-based Anta Sports Products Limited, according to
My 2019 Beta AR says made in Myanmar(Burma) and my Zeta FL says made in China
So, Chinese-owned investment consortium buys Finnish-based/run company that owns Canadian-based/run company...that includes Arc’teryx and Saloman. I guess Anta Sports got good taste. 
)
Chinese investors buying stuff at cyclic rate...land, companies, etc.
Still love my Arc’Teryx stuff, most of which is made outside Canada. Wife loves her Beta and Atom too.
)Chinese investors buying stuff at cyclic rate...land, companies, etc.
Still love my Arc’Teryx stuff, most of which is made outside Canada. Wife loves her Beta and Atom too.
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hey Drew i have been trying to get a hold of you through pm. Thanks for the help!
