How to Choose Rainwear

This lightweight Arc'teryx jacket is a durable choice for alpine outings. Waterproof/breathable 3-layer fabric and a helmet-compatible hood shrug off rain. Pit zips vent heat when you're on the move.
Imported.
View the Arc'teryx Beta AR Product LineView all Arc'teryx Men's Multi-Sport Rain JacketsBest Use | Multisport |
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Fabric | N40d Most Rugged 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro (bluesign approved); reinforcements: N80d Most Rugged 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro |
Windproof | Yes |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro waterproof/breathable fabric |
Hood | Yes |
Ventilation | Pit Zips |
RECCO Reflector | Yes |
Back Length | Hip-length |
Back Length (in.) | Unavailable |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 1 lb. 0.3 oz. |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | |
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Chest | 35 | 37 | 40 | 43 | 47 | 51 | 54.5 |
Sleeve Length | 31.5 | 32.5 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 |
Waist | 29 | 31 | 34 | 37 | 40.5 | 44.5 | 48.5 |
Hip | 34.5 | 36.5 | 39.5 | 42.5 | 46.5 | 50 | 54 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
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This Arc'teryx Men's Beta AR Jacket is fantastic! Its waterproofing is so effective that I stayed dry even under waterfalls, and its comfort is undoubtedly professional. It has been a delightful companion during my outdoor adventures and looks great in photographs. The fit is very stylish, and I particularly love its inner pocket, which keeps my camera batteries from getting cold. The Gore-Tex Pro material is lightweight yet incredibly functional. I am extremely satisfied; it has greatly enhanced my outdoor experience. The customer service was also exceptional, with attentive resolution of any issues I raised.
I recently bought the Beta AR in September and has sat in my closet until recently. I pulled it out of my closet to give it a good test run outside in the heavy rain in PNW. To my disappointment the jacket had some quality issues. There is a spot on the right sleeve that was completely wetter out. It was the size of a slow pitch ball or roughly 6" in diameter. Not only that, I noticed a fabric flaw in the middle of the wetted fabric spot. This dark spot is not only seen on the face fabric but extends through all of the layers to the inside of the jacket. It is also seen as a dark spot. Upon further inspection of the jacket, the DWR coating was not applied evenly over the entire coat. There were spots all over the sleeves, the waste band, front and back, the hood, shoulders, cuffs (inside and out), etc. that were wet after first time use. It is heart breaking to see a premium product turn out to be constructed poorly. The jacket fits a bit on the larger side and the hood is MASSIVE. Understandingly you can use with helmets. One needs to pull all cordage adjustments almost to their max to make the hood fit without dropping over your eyes. Perhaps a similar model with two options would be beneficial here. One for those who want to use with helmets and ones who do not. Alternatively, perhaps better control over the sizing or draw cord system. The sleeves are also quite long. 0.5"-1" shorter sleeves would have been good in my opinion. The good: The jacket held up really well in the heavy rain except for the defective spots mentioned above. The water beaded off the parts that had proper application of the DWR coating. Jacket is quite comfy and I like the colour.
The jacket is always great. It was delivered only with the shipping plastic bag but without a plastic bag protected. It seems this jacket was shipped directly from a store. There's few dirty spots obviously on jacket. One stain seems from oil, and you can still see the color difference even it was wiped few times with water.
I ordered the Beta AR in men’s M from REI at the end of June, and it landed on my porch three days later, neatly packed. First real test was a four-day backpacking loop in Grand Teton—rain, snow, and wind took turns hammering us. The jacket’s GORE-TEX PRO ePE shell shrugged everything off while breathing well; the long pit zips saved me from the constant on/off dance when the trail got steep. Shoulders and sleeves use the heavier face fabric, so backpack rub hasn’t left a mark. The DropHood fits cleanly over a climbing helmet, and when the gusts kicked up I could cinch it down to a tiny visor and still feel safe. I’ve been an Arc’teryx fan for years—packs, soft-shells, you name it—and this piece keeps the streak alive. REI shipped fast, the member dividend is a nice touch, and returns are painless as ever. Only nits: the hem could be an inch or two longer; when I’m wearing a harness or hip-belt a sliver of my mid-layer peeks out. And yes, $650 stings, but spread over years of abuse I’ll probably stop noticing.
Review: Arc'teryx Beta AR Men's Jacket – Vintage Green, Size XXL: Warmth and Lightness with a Breathability Trade-off The Arc'teryx Beta AR Men's Jacket in Vintage Green, sized XXL, is a piece that balances standout warmth and surprising lightness, though it comes with a notable caveat for high-energy activities. Having put it to the test on chilly hikes and casual outdoor outings, here’s how it stacks up. First, the fit: as a Size XXL, it runs slightly large on my frame, with a roomier cut through the torso and sleeves. While this means extra space for layering (a major plus on freezing days), it lacks the streamlined feel of a more tailored fit. That said, the looseness doesn’t hinder movement—whether I’m reaching for a rock handhold or adjusting my backpack, the jacket moves with me without restriction. Warmth is where this jacket truly excels. Even with the slightly oversized fit, it traps heat remarkably well, making it ideal for cold-weather mountaineering or frosty trail walks. I’ve worn it in temperatures hovering around 20°F (-7°C) with just a thin base layer underneath, and stayed comfortably warm—no shivers, no drafts. The windproof fabric acts like a shield against biting gusts, which is a game-changer on exposed summits. A standout detail is its lightweight design. For a jacket this warm and durable, it’s impressively easy to carry—no heavy, clunky feel that weighs you down on long hikes. The vintage green color adds to its appeal, too: a rich, earthy tone that blends with natural landscapes while still feeling distinct and stylish. The catch? Breathability. During intense outdoor activities—think fast-paced trekking, scrambling, or any exercise that gets your heart rate up—the jacket struggles to vent heat. I found myself overheating quickly, with sweat trapped against my skin, which makes it less ideal for high-energy outings. It’s far more comfortable during slower, steady activities where you’re not working up a major sweat. Overall, the Arc'teryx Beta AR in Vintage Green (XXL) is a solid choice for cold, low-intensity outdoor adventures. Its warmth, lightness, and unique color make it a standout, but its limited breathability means it’s not the best pick . For casual hikers or those prioritizing coziness over high-intensity performance, though, it’s a strong contender.
I really like this jacket. It has been with me through the snow and rainy seasons and all the outdoor experiences. I am very grateful for the protection it provides me.
The Beta AR has quickly become my go-to jacket for both outdoor adventures and everyday wear. It’s hands down the perfect jacket for rainy runs—I stay completely dry, and it does an amazing job of trapping body heat when needed. If I start to overheat, the pit zips provide just the right amount of ventilation to keep me comfortable. At first, I wasn’t sure how often I’d actually wear it, but its versatility has completely won me over. The adjustable sleeve cuffs and hem make it easy to customize the fit, whether I’m layering up for the outdoors or throwing it on as an extra layer for casual wear. I find myself reaching for it all the time!
Used this jacket for many years as a skier and search and rescue volunteer. Never had much of an issue until the adhesive on the hem seams started failing leaving the draw cord exposed. Rather than risk complications on a glissade, I tried a field repair (using adhesive from a tent repair kit) that lasted for a short while, then sent it in for repair. After a month, Arc'teryx informed me they would not repair the seam because I had previously repaired it on my own. It's an easy fix that I can have done locally for a few bucks, and with so many other customer-first brands out there, regrettably I will be switching brands when I purchase my next expensive jacket as a result of the seam failing and because they wouldn't repair it.
The Beta AR jacket is great for all around activities and for leisure! The fit is very comfortable and with a mid layer its good for winter condition so usefull for 3 seasons! I love the colour Navy (black sapphire. Its light but windproof and waterproof. I bought a Nuclei jacket also to wear as a mid layer and its very warm despite being very light and comfortable. Lots of pockets and opening that are well positioned! The quality of the material is outstanding and its a very stylish design.
The Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket is hands down the best shell I’ve ever owned. Built with GORE-TEX Pro, it’s bombproof in harsh weather but still feels light and breathable. I’ve worn it through heavy rain, snow, and high winds — it performs flawlessly every time. The fit is precise, and the helmet-compatible hood offers great coverage without blocking vision. Every detail screams quality. Huge thanks to REI for making the buying process seamless. Their expert staff helped me choose the right size, and shipping was quick. REI’s return policy and member perks make purchasing high-end gear like this feel safe and supported. Couldn’t be happier with both the jacket and the REI experience!