15 Alternatives to Arc'teryx
Arc’teryx needs no introduction. From the wardrobes of gorpcore enthusiasts that won’t step foot outside unless they're drenched head to toe in GORE-TEX to the attics of retired Geography teachers, Arc’teryx’s reach is massive when it comes to outdoor functional garments.
Don’t believe us? We urge you to scroll through Instagram and count the number of minutes it takes to spot the Archaeopteryx fossil logo chiselled into an influencers jacket; like a seal of approval from the trend-hungry Gen-Z crowd. But Arc’teryx isn’t a follower, instead it’s the pioneer. Much like the 140-million-year-old prehistoric bird that the logo derives from, Arc’teryx in recent years have spread there wings and flew, and carried us along with them on this functional fashion journey.
For anyone who isn’t familiar, Arc’teryx was founded in 1989 and is a Canadian high-end design company specializing in outdoor apparel. Deeply rooted in technical apparel for mountaineering and Alpine sports, it is the king of the mountain when it comes to blurring the lines between fashion and outdoor garments. Having collaborated with many fashion houses in the past such as UK Streetwear legend, Palace, and the fairly recent collaboration with German-based luxury brand, Jil Sander, Arc’teryx is getting just as familiar with the runways of fashion shows as it is with the trails of the alps.
Arc’teryx’s range is huge, having a plethora of garments, jackets especially, for almost all conditions and situations. Before you even dive into their multiple lines such as LEAF, the more military-focused range, or Veilance, the hyper-functional and minimal series, Arc’teryx’s core product selection is expansive and diverse. The Beta for instance, one of, if not the most popular rendition of the Arc’teryx Jackets, comes in a few variations: All-Rounder (AR), Lightweight (LT) or Severe Weather (SV).
The Beta holds a special place in many fashion lovers’ hearts being the model used for the collaboration with Japanese powerhouse, Beams. The holy grail of Beta’s, the patchwork beams jacket sits at the top of the food chain and if you owned this jacket before the hype, you won the gorpcore game.
Being an incredibly functional brand with a humongous resell and vintage market makes Arc’teryx clothing not only work harder for you but harder for your wallet too. Being a fairly accessible brand with many ways of getting hold of one for less than retail, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the kings of Gorpcore. An Arc’teryx jacket is also pretty much going to last you a lifetime, and with an incredible customer service team who can fix and repair your jackets, it’s hard to look elsewhere when opting for your next battle armour for the outdoors; that being said though, there are some incredible alternatives that often get overlooked and shadowed by Arc’teryx’s monumental stance.
The outdoor world and fashion are continuing to become symbiotic, and as they do more and more brands are getting the spotlight that they deserve. As the gorpcore trend continues, and we see no sign of it stopping anytime soon, we thought we compiled a list of alternatives to the Arc’teryx Beta so that you can get a similar experience but break the mould and stand out from the other gorpcore warriors battling the climate.
Stüssy & GORE-TEX® Wading Shell Jacket
First on the list comes from a corner of the earth once a million miles away from the outdoor scene. Streetwear legend, Stüssy, known for its deeply rooted connection with the streets and skating provides us with a blacked-out GORE-TEX jacket ready for war with the weather.
Featuring more pockets than you’ll ever need for your daily commute to work or a hike up the mountains, the Wading Shell Solid Jacket also comes with duel branded sleeves, YKK zips, a reinforced hood with visor and an adjustable shock cord. This jacket is clearly made for scaling mountains instead of shredding up a skate park.
and Wander Pertex Shield Rain Jacket
And Wander is another name that has skyrocketed in popularity since the gorpcore craze flooded the streets, and if you don’t already know about the Japanese outdoor brand then it’s a must to keep on your radar. Known for its incredibly high-quality water resistance jackets, the signature triangular logo of and Wander holds as much authority in the outdoor scene as Arc’teryx.
The Pertex Shield is a water resistance jacket featuring a collar to lock in warmth and keep out the rain. With various zips along the arms and a dual front zip, the jacket is a great tool for protection when you need to stay dry and ventilation to keep yourself cool simultaneously.
Arc’teryx System_A Axis Insulated Jacket
Although this is a list of alternatives to Arc'teryx, we did have to pay respect to their latest venture – System_A. As an attempt to connect more with the streets, but still maintain Arcteryx’s core ideologies and ethos, System_A is aimed at more of the city goers but with functionality that can also withstand a snowstorm.
The Axis Insulated Jacket uses a 3Layer GORE-TEX membrane, ensuring you’re always dry. Equipped with moisture permeability and wind resistance to cover winter activities or those harsh winter commutes to work, the System_A Axis Jacket is always ready for whatever the occasion. With a storable hood to add some versatility, the jacket is a considerable amount over what a beta would cost you, but you get more bang for your buck.
The Northface Mountain Light Jacket
So, if Arc’teryx is a king of Gorpcore, The Northface is its father. The Northface is arguably the most trusted brand in the outdoor scene and deserves all the credit it receives. Having been making incredible jackets since 1968, there is a reason why everyone at least once in their lifetime has owned a TNF. From Mums doing the school run in a Northface fleece to A$AP Rocky donning a Gucci x The Northface Puffer, the versatility of this brand is endless.
The Mountain Light Jacket comes in on our list as a trusted jacket that you can rely on. Coming in unique hues with interesting colour blocking, the jacket, although simple, is very effective from both a functional and fashionable standpoint. Featuring an internal zip-in system to add an underlayer means this is also a great winter coat to have in your wardrobe.
And if The Northface was the Father of Gorpcore, Patagonia is the cool Uncle. Being around for almost just as long as The Northface, Patagonia is still to this day repped each and every season by a wide variety of people. With hundreds of stores worldwide, Patagonia is one of the most accessible brands on this list.
Our entry comes in the form of the SST; a fishing jacket at its core, the SST is one of Patagonia’s most unique models for various reasons. Having 2 large pockets on the front and one larger pocket on the back ensures you can keep all your essentials at an arm's distance. The most interesting factor of this jacket though is the slightly more cropped body. Originally designed so that you can go into deeper waters without the jacket submerging, this now adds a unique look to the jacket.
Longtime friends of Sabukaru Arys host an array of great jackets for any conditions. Stylish and minimal in design but dynamic in functionality, Arys garments are a true indication that the fashion world is colliding with the outdoors.
T.H.E Jacket is Arys’ answer to everything. A Swiss army knife in the form of outerwear, T.H.E Jacket is exactly what its name suggests. A fusion of contemporary yet timeless design, it’s a very affordable solution to an everyday jacket tasked to overcome any terrain and climate. Featuring various useful inner pockets for essentials and waterproof fabric, if you own this coat you’ll be wearing it for years to come.
Established in 1986, Tilak’s dedication to highly functional garments has not changed since its birth now almost 30 years later. A key player in the outdoor scene, the Czech brand, although on the pricier side of this list, never cuts corners on quality.
The Raptor Jacket is our favourite of its range. With a super slick design, the Raptor is a waterproof and lightweight jacket with a GORE-TEX Pro membrane ensuring maximum protection from the rain. With its minimal design paired with the colour blocking the model is known for, the Raptor is an essential to any fashion-hungry alpinist.
Cayl - 2.5L Double Waterproof Jacket
Cayl, an acronym for ‘Climb As You Love’, is a Korean brand and passion project of the founder who is also an avid lover of mountain sports. Developing and producing outdoor clothing since 2011, Cayl is one to watch for all outdoor fans.
The 2.5L Double Waterproof Jacket is our favourite from the brand and one that’s a great addition to any wardrobe. Coming in a unique grey hue, it breaks the mould of the usual black or beige colourways but still keeps it muted and understated. With a two-way main zip and adjustable hems and cuffs, styling this jacket is easy and creates some versatile looks.
Snow Peak Fishing Shell Jacket
Another legend when it comes to functional outdoor garments, Snow Peak has been embedded in hiking and mountaineering since the beginning. Also specialising in outdoor equipment, from tin cups to full-blown tents, Snow Peak offers it all and is a one-stop shop for outdoor lovers.
Our pick from Snow Peak is the Fishing Shell Jacket coming in black. Another fishing jacket reminiscent of the Patagonia although without the cropped body, and featuring a more slim line and technical approach. This jacket is in collaboration with fishing apparel brand “TONEDTROUT" by creative director Masakazu Fukuyama, and is breathable, waterproof, and features a stow away hood for versatility.
SOUTH2 WEST8 - TENKARA TROUT PARKA - C/N GROSGRAIN
SOUTH2 WEST8, named after its original flagship store in Sapporo, Hokkaido, is a brand focused on fishing and the capabilities and functionality required for the sport. Closely knitted with the Nepenthes family, the brand provides a very authentic outdoor take on fashion.
Gorpcore kids like pockets? Well, do we have a jacket for you. The Tenkara Trout Parka has so many pockets, that if you run out of space in this jacket, you should probably just be wearing a rucksack. Like a wearable inventory, the Parka is a highly functional piece of outwear and has become a staple in the SOUTH2 WEST8 barracks. Featuring a detachable hood and detachable sleeves, this jacket is as much versatile as it is successful at holding all your essentials in its many pockets.
Uniqlo is a fashion giant. Making some of the best quality essentials for the price, the Japanese fast fashion brand is a must for anyone looking to expand their wardrobe without breaking the bank. Recently collaborating with well-respected brand Marni for a collection of vibrant essentials, the Uniqlo x Marni jacket is a welcome addition to this list.
At first it seemingly looks like your average essential jacket, but the beauty of this jacket is in the cut and fit. Being traditionally a women’s jacket, the fit organically has a wider and cropped cut. When sized up creates an exaggerated silhouette which drapes over the body, but the sturdy and water-resistant material from Uniqlo’s Blocktech still allows the coat to maintain great form. It also has a highly contrasting inner for some unique styling options.
Remember when Drake turned roadman? Well, The NOCTA range is the love child that was born from this venture into British culture, and we are here for it. The Nike x NOCTA range, in partnership with The Certified Lover Boy, started in 2020 and since has released tasteful takes on classics.
This time around, the NOCTA collective releases a rendition of an everyday jacket for bad weather. With a progressive approach, the jacket consists of symmetric diagonal pockets on each chest and multiple pockets with blacked-out seams creating a tech-wear kind of vibe. With water and wind resistance material and plenty of ventilation with mesh material and zips opening up parts of the jackets, the piece is perfect for when you’re on road or the trails.
Next up is another legend within the outdoor market, the Japanese label, Montbell. Created by 3 mountaineers, Montbell dedicates its existence to creating affordable but highly functional outdoor equipment to tackle the mountains. Following the Japanese tradition of Kinobi: Function is Beauty, Montbell is not only a pioneer of the mountains but continues to prove itself season after season.
Although most notably known for its down jackets, the Rain Trekker series is a great addition to anyone’s rotation looking for an everyday piece you can rely on. Featuring Gore-text Infinium to keep you dry, Velcro cuffs and waterproof zips, this jacket will do everything an Arc’teryx Beta will do for a margin of the price.
On Running are currently skyrocketing in popularity in recent years, and although known for the technology their shoes possess, the apparel is just as impactful. If their shoes make you feel like you are running on clouds, their jackets are there for when they turn into rainclouds.
Our pick is their Explorer Jacket. Although not the most highly functional in comparison to some of our previous picks, the Explorer will still keep you dry in the rain whilst also having the property of being extremely lightweight and breathable. Coming in 2 unique colourways, alongside having pockets reminiscent of a Veilance jacket, the Explorer is sure to get some looks for all the right reasons.
Goldwin 0 – GORE-TEX 3L Shell Jacket
And finally, one jacket close to our hearts but remains out of our reach for now, The Goldwin 0 3L GORE-TEX Shell Jacket. Goldwin 0 is a progressive movement from the incredibly well-established outdoor brand, Goldwin. A fresh take on a proven model, the 0 line harnesses the foundation that Goldwin laid but builds on it with innovative design and craftsmanship.
Although not technically out yet, the 3L GORE-TEX Shell Jacket is on our radar and should be on yours too. Waterproof, windproof, and with an incredible cut that’s slightly cropped and wide, this jacket is a powerhouse for the outdoors. Releasing later this year, keep your eyes peeled on Goldwin 0’s channels to be in the chance to buy. Our choice is the black and navy colourway. A real final boss. We need this jacket, and so do you.
About the author:
Joe Goodwin is a Tokyo based creative and writer. Born in the UK, he explores his dialect with fashion and subculture as he dives deep into the neon streets and back alleys of Tokyo.
