
Choosing the right apparel for hiking means finding a layering system that performs across changing terrain, output levels, and weather conditions without compromising comfort or how you move. Scrambling a technical alpine route demands different performance than navigating a wet, coastal hiking trail, but both activities call for gear that adapts to your chosen environment and supports your stride.
At Arc'teryx, performance and style are never at odds. Our apparel is built to meet the demands of the outdoors and engineered with advanced materials, purposeful design, and a commitment to minimalist construction that brings function and form together, on the trail and beyond.
The Arc'teryx design philosophy: obsessive design
Every piece of Arc'teryx gear starts with the demands of the terrain. That’s why our design process is rooted in performance, and then refined for comfort, longevity, and style. We work with athletes, guides, and field testers to ensure that every piece moves seamlessly with the body and performs across conditions.
Technical fabrics like GORE-TEX PRO and Octa® insulation deliver weather protection, breathability, and thermal efficiency without excess weight. Arc'teryx apparel for hiking brings together function and style through refined construction, technical fabrics, and minimalist detailing that performs whether you’re powering up switchbacks, descending through loose scree, or settling in at camp after a long day on the trail.
Hiking essentials: Arc'teryx gear for every trail
The right apparel for hiking keeps you protected, comfortable, and moving efficiently through the environment. Here's how Arc'teryx gear supports your next trail adventure:
Layering
A smart layering system keeps you warm, dry, and comfortable as conditions shift. Each layer has a specific job—either managing moisture, trapping heat, or shielding you from the elements—and is designed to work in sync with the others. Arc'teryx pieces layer seamlessly together for all-day comfort and clean integration, helping your system move with you and adapt as conditions evolve.
BASE Layers
Your layering system starts with a base layer. Whether you need lightweight breathability or heavyweight warmth, the Satoro and Rho families wick moisture and regulate temperature to keep your skin dry and your body comfortable across varying output levels. The Satoro products use Merino wool for natural warmth, odour resistance, and comfort during extended wear, while the Rho family offers stretch and moisture control ideal for high-output activity in cold conditions. Both collections are shaped for movement and layer comfortably under midlayers and shells, forming a reliable foundation for any hiking system.

Midlayers
From stop-and-go alpine travel to sustained movement in cold air, midlayers like the Atom (synthetic insulation) and Delta (breathable fleece) trap heat without holding moisture. Each piece is shaped for motion and designed to layer cleanly into your system, no unnecessary bulk, just efficient warmth where you need it. With refined silhouettes and clean finishes, these midlayers look as good as they perform.
Shop women’s insulated jackets
Jackets & Outer Shells
Your outer shell is your first line of defense against the elements, blocking wind and precipitation while locking in warmth from your other layers. Lightweight jackets like the Beta AR and Beta SL offer waterproof, windproof protection with GORE-TEX performance in a packable construction. The Beta AR offers rugged, all-mountain durability with reinforced high-wear areas, making it ideal for demanding alpine conditions. The Beta SL, on the other hand, is a super-lightweight option perfect for unexpected weather changes on fast-paced day hikes or travel. For days when you want warmth and weather resistance without the full coverage of a hardshell, the Gamma softshell family delivers stretch, breathability, and versatile protection.
All Arc’teryx jackets are streamlined and articulated to move with you, integrating seamlessly over midlayers for efficient comfort. Minimalist construction reduces weight and bulk, while refined tailoring ensures a clean look that performs in the mountains and transitions easily off the trail.
Pants
Mobility is the key to comfort when navigating in uneven terrain. The Gamma pant collections feature stretch-woven softshell fabric for unrestricted movement and abrasion resistance. The Gamma blends weather resistance with softshell comfort, ideal for scrambling or cooler days. The Gamma SL, our lightest Gamma pant, offers a more minimalist feel that sheds light rain and wind to help you comfortably push through unexpected weather, steep climbs, and hard miles. Clean lines and articulated patterning give these hiking pants a trim fit that works well in motion, as they do getting to the trailhead.
Footwear
Whether you're covering miles on mellow terrain, climbing through mixed rock and snow, or walking long distances on pavement, Arc'teryx hiking shoes and boots provide the grip, support, and agility needed for varied conditions. Lightweight hiking shoes keep your pace up, while more structured hiking boots are designed to support hauling heavy packs on multi-day treks and rougher trails. All Arc’teryx hiking boots and shoes are built with the same refined approach that blends utility with a modern, low-profile look.
Not sure whether to choose a hiking boot or shoe? Go for hiking shoes when weight and speed matter most, and opt for hiking boots when you're carrying heavier loads or venturing into rugged, uneven terrain. Learn more about how to choose between hiking shoes vs boots.
Combining style and sustainability
Arc'teryx is committed to sustainability through long-term thinking, responsible manufacturing, and community engagement. We design with durability and repairability in mind, because the longer your gear stays in play, the lower its impact. Many products now feature recycled fibres, bluesign®-approved materials, and are supported through our ReBIRD™ program, which extends product life through repair, resale, and upcycling initiatives.
When sustainability and design work together, the result is gear that performs longer, looks better, and does more with less.
Choosing the right Arc'teryx gear for your hiking adventure
Whether you're tackling steep alpine trails, navigating deep snow, or gearing up for a weekend climb, the right Arc'teryx system starts with understanding your environment. Climate, terrain, and trip duration all shape what you’ll need out there.
At Arc’teryx, we live for the trail days, summit pushes, stormy ridge walks, and we build gear that performs no matter the objective. With thoughtful design, advanced materials, and a focus on responsible production, our apparel is built to go the distance. Get ready for your next adventure by exploring our apparel for hiking today.
Looking for gear beyond hiking? Explore Arc'teryx apparel built for climbing, skiing, and multi-day mountain travel, designed with the same commitment to performance, comfort, and clean design.
2025-10-31
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