How to Choose Insulated Jackets

This Arc'teryx jacket is designed for mountain adventure in cold, wet conditions. It has Coreloft™ Continuous insulation. And the shell uses a waterproof/breathable GORE-TEX fabric.
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Imported.
View the Arc'teryx Beta Product LineView all Arc'teryx Men's Synthetic Insulation Jackets| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 2-layer GORE-TEX ePE Gen 2 Beam Dyed 40-denier x 70-denier recycled nylon plain weave, 77 g/m², C0 durable water repellent (DWR) |
| Windproof | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Type of Waterproofing | 2-layer GORE-TEX |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Synthetic |
| Insulation | Coreloft Continuous 65 (65 g/m²); Coreloft 90 (90 g/m²), 20-denier nylon plain weave |
| Warmth | Warmer |
| Hood | Yes |
| Ventilation | Pit Zips |
| RECCO Reflector | Yes |
| 2-Way Zipper | Yes |
| Back Length | Hip-length |
| Back Length (in.) | 31 inches |
| Gender | Men's |
| Weight | 1 lb. 6.6 oz. |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
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Only a couple of uses so far...but here's my 2 cents. I couldn't believe how warm this thing was compared to its weight. It feels like a feather but felt like I was indoors while wearing it. The gore-tex outer layer is extremely effective, but there is a certain humidity level that makes it retain a little bit of moisture. The interior was completely dry. I probably had it out on too warm of a day honestly. I would say the only things missing are a powder skirt and a pass pocket on the sleeve (ski jacket staples in my opinion.) I am curious to see how well the outer shell lasts after some time spent in heavy tree skiing. I wish there was a half star option in the ratings because I would give this a 4.5. It is very close to perfect.
I'm 6'1" at 171 lbs. The Medium was a perfect fit on my frame. This jacket packs a lot of warmth in a fairly thin package. I live in the Boston Metro area and I have worn this jacket all winter. It's a great jacket. Blocks the wind and it keeps me dry. I have also had the Beta shell for years and also love it...so I figured I might give the insulated jacket a try this year. Big fan of it without having to rotate layers under it like my shell. Happy with the purchase. My wife constantly steals it to walk the dog as well. Even though it is too big for her, she always raves about how awesome it is compared to her jackets with how warm it is without all the bulk.
I have had this jacket for about a year now, I’m 6’1 180lbs and I purchased size xl. It’s is very warm and comfortable and it’s great for skiing and hiking however it runs very big. It is quite long and is long on the sleeves as well which is good for outdoor activities but not ideal for daily wear. I definitely recommend sizing down as I usually wear L-Xl and xl fits very big on me. The waterproof is great and it is a very durable jacket I have had it for over a year and have had no tears or any problems. It’s a really warm and breathable jacket it just runs very large.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Great jacket for hiking and other outdoor activities in early winter season.
This was my first Arcteryx purchase and i was not disappointed. The vitality blue color looks just like the pictures and i love the fact that all the zippers and pull tabs were in a matching blue tone. The jacket is extremely lightweight, warm and doesn't look too puffy like the down version, which is also heavier. I am 5'11", 180 lbs, size 42 chest, 35 sleeve length, and 32 waist, and the large fit me well. I tried the medium, but it was too tight around my chest.
I was so excited about this jacket and wanted to like it so badly, but two things really turned me off: 1) it ran a bit large and looked baggy on me for the normal size Large I always buy in Arc'teryx; 2) the sound was so "crinkly" I felt like I was wearing a plastic trash bag. I had seen so many good reviews of this jacket, but I couldn't get past the noise it made every time you moved in it. Unfortunately, while it may perform well, I had to return it
I really want to love the Beta Insulated Jacket, but the armpit fit is off; it feels too high, and the seams cut inward toward the chest, which makes the fit and feel off. Much better if you open the pit zipper, but if you have to keep them open all the time, what is the point? I purchased both a Medium and a Large and returned both. I will wait for a future updated version in hopes that the fit has changed
I am satisfied with this jacket. I have been using it from -15 C with just a t-shirt underneath, up to +10 C. It keeps me dry and warm in both snow and rain. The fit is comfortable and on the larger end, I use 2XL. External pocket setup is good, together with the internal dump pocket. It has been used for resort skiing and everyday use. Would recommend this jacket. This was a replacement for my 2008 Fission SV.
I’ve been using the jacket daily for 3 months in the stormy Pacific Northwest.. I’ve used the jacket in the mountains both skiing and working, i also spent a few hours in the November cyclone working. The jacket keeps you both warm and dry. Initially the jacket was noisy, but that lasted for only a couple weeks of wear. The sizing is a bit large, but that’s what I am looking for in an insulated jacket.
This jacket has a large logo on the front, which the traveler community strongly advises against, because it puts the wearer at higher risk of mugging and theft. I own a lot of other Arc'teryx gear and love all of it, all without logos, and I travel widely with it. I'm returning the jacket and hoping in the future Arc'teryx will focus on function instead of on branding.