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When winter storms roll in with sideways rain and biting wind, you need more than just any jacket. Arc’teryx and Helly Hansen both make gear that serious mountain athletes trust with their lives. We tested jackets from both brands in nasty weather to find out which ones actually work when it matters most.
1. Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket
Arc’teryx calls this their storm fortress, and that nickname fits perfectly. Built with GORE-TEX PRO and extra-tough recycled fabric, the Alpha SV handles the worst alpine conditions you can imagine.
Heavy-duty material covers shoulders and high-wear spots where packs rub constantly. The helmet-compatible StormHood and streamlined cut make it ideal for technical climbing.
Against Helly Hansen’s toughest shells, the Alpha SV wins for pure storm armor on serious mountain terrain. It’s way too much jacket for city streets, but when you’re battling spindrift and brutal wind, nothing else compares.
2. Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket
If you could only own one technical shell, the Beta AR would be the smart choice. This all-round GORE-TEX PRO jacket tackles rain, snow, high wind, and mixed mountain conditions with equal confidence.
The 3-layer GORE-TEX PRO ePE construction is PFAS-free and uses different fabric weights where you need them most. Independent reviews consistently praise its weather protection and toughness.
Compared to Helly’s Verglas or Odin shells, the Beta AR feels more refined and precise for alpine use. Helly Hansen often offers better value, but Arc’teryx delivers superior technical feel and meticulous craftsmanship.
3. Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds Infinity Shell Jacket
Helly Hansen designed the Odin 9 Worlds Infinity for demanding expeditions where failure isn’t an option. The latest version uses LIFA INFINITY, their PFAS-free waterproof membrane, built specifically for serious mountain work.
This 3-layer Helly Tech Professional shell has been tested on Patagonia trips and brutal winter outings. Long-term users report outstanding weather protection and breathability even during high-output activities.
Think of it as Helly’s answer to the Alpha SV. It usually costs less and fits more forgivingly, though Arc’teryx fabrics still feel more surgical on technical routes.
4. Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
Mountain professionals helped design the Verglas Infinity Shell 2.0 for ski touring, hiking, and mountaineering missions. This 3-layer Helly Tech Professional shell uses the LIFA INFINITY membrane to handle wet, cold, changeable conditions.
Reviewers call it an exemplary wet-weather shell with very strong waterproofing and breathability. Pit zips, a RECCO reflector, and fully adjustable hood and hem add practical functionality.
Stacked against the Beta AR, the Verglas Infinity 2.0 weighs a bit more but delivers better value. For ski touring and hiking on a budget, this Helly piece is an excellent alternative.
5. Arc’teryx Atom Hoody
Grab the Atom Hoody when you’re not sure what conditions you’ll face. Arc’teryx’s classic synthetic insulated layer works as a midlayer under a shell or standalone on cold, active days.
Synthetic insulation keeps working even when damp, and stretch fleece side panels boost breathability and mobility. People love its perfect balance of warmth, weight, and comfort for high-output activities.
Helly Hansen makes solid insulated pieces, but the Atom series remains a benchmark midlayer in the outdoor world. For cold-weather activities where you’re moving hard, it’s still one of the most universally trusted pieces available.
6. Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody
The Cerium Hoody uses 850-fill down combined with synthetic Coreloft panels in moisture-prone zones. This hybrid design balances warmth, weight, and weather resistance beautifully.
CleverHiker and other reviewers highlight it as one of the best lightweight down jackets available. It appears on several Best Down Jackets of 2025 lists for good reason.
Exceptional warmth-to-weight for sub-freezing conditions makes it perfect when you stop moving. It packs small in your backpack but feels premium and toasty. Helly’s down offerings are strong, but Cerium has more independent accolades in the light, packable alpine puffy category.
7. Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0 Ski Jacket
Multiple recent reviews rank the Alpha 4.0 as a top resort ski jacket for all-round performance, comfort, and protection. It’s insulated, waterproof, and packed with features skiers actually want.
Helly Tech Professional waterproofing combines with well-tuned insulation and a stretchy, comfortable shell. You get great freedom of movement plus skier-friendly details like a powder skirt, ski-pass pocket, and ventilation.
For resort skiing specifically, the Alpha 4.0 offers better value and more ski-specific features than most Arc’teryx shells, which lean backcountry-oriented. If your harsh weather means chairlift in a blizzard, this is a Helly win.
8. Helly Hansen Arctic Patrol Down Parka
Arctic researchers and glaciologists helped design the Arctic Patrol Down Parka for extreme cold at low activity levels. This is serious expedition-grade warmth built for real Arctic conditions.
ALLIED HyperDRY water-resistant down provides maximum warmth even in moisture. Professionals working in Greenland and similar environments rely on this parka’s comfort, protection, and durability when standing around in brutal cold.
Arc’teryx makes lifestyle parkas like the Camosun, but for expedition-grade parka warmth in truly brutal cold, the Arctic Patrol is one of the most purpose-built pieces on the market.
9. Arc’teryx Camosun Parka
The Camosun Parka borrows materials from Arc’teryx’s alpine line but packages them in a clean, urban-friendly look. Long-term reviews highlight excellent weatherproofing that handles heavy snow and winter storms effortlessly.
This 2-layer GORE-TEX shell is fully waterproof and windproof. Hybrid insulation uses down in the core and synthetic in moisture-prone zones for reliable warmth that works when wet.
Helly’s Arctic Patrol is the polar specialist; the Camosun is the cold, wet city specialist. Both laugh at sleet, but the Camosun is easier to wear with office clothes while still delivering serious storm protection.
10. Helly Hansen Loke Jacket 2.0
The Loke Jacket 2.0 is a 2.5-layer Helly Tech Performance shell designed for hiking and general outdoor use. It’s lightweight, packable, and consistently praised as a solid, protective layer at a much lower price than most Arc’teryx shells.
Helly Tech Performance fabric delivers waterproof, windproof, breathable protection. Fully seam-sealed construction and underarm vents keep you comfortable during stormy hikes.
Arc’teryx simply doesn’t compete in this price bracket. If you need real rain protection without spending Beta AR money, the Loke is a smart, tested choice that packs small for travel.
