I know people frown upon the Arcteryx Easyrider for being just what its name implies, but I think that the Easyrider is an excellent substitute for the Hercules. The Easyrider is stretchy, warm and very weather resistant. It will wet out before a comparably priced Windstopper jacket (I have the MH Dragon) but actually beads water better and is nearly as windproof. On summer trips this jacket is an uber-fleece for the camp site. If you do not need a hood or the added breathability of the Hurcules (note: I have never overheated or gotten the Easyrider clammy), the Easyrider is an excellent choice.

No one else uses this Polartech Powershield O2 fabric, and no one else makes jackets like Arc'teryx, so No.

Why not just get this one then? if you want another brand look here: Outdoor Research Mithril Stormshell JacketArc'teryx developed this fabric with Polartec, so there isn't another jacket just like this. And the Mithril isn't; it would be closer to the Venta SV, but not built like an Arc'teryx.The other jacket I thought about buying when I got my Hercules was the Patagonia Winter Guide Jacket. If you're looking for something similar that's the closest you will find, I believe. The interior fleece does not loft as high as the Hercules, but it may fit what you're looking for a little better. You can't go wrong with either jacket.