Arc'teryx  Beta AR Jacket - Men's

This is simply the BEST mountaineering jacket that I have ever owned. For all of you who think that the waist is too short, please buy the Alpha or Theta version. The reason for the short torso is by design. It is made for 'real' mountaineering and allows for you to be able to access your harness and keep it free from a longer jacket. It is also the best jacket on the market that has a hood that will cover your climbing helmet.

This is a great shell I primarily use for winter climbing and mountaineering. I love its short length (which may make it feel small if you are looking for a longer type jacket like the alpha or the theta) which provides the amount of coverage I need but allows complete flexibility in movement and no extra weight and bulk. I'm a 160lb male, 5' 10" and fit a small well with room for a gamma underneath. I still have room for a down jacket as well. I have the winter 2007 version which is not the pro-shell but was made in canada. The new pro-shells are made in china which I feel is the only negative.

Why did I choose this? - I needed something light,breathable and waterproof. My wading jacket is not always appropriate for street use.This coat does a good job of protecting you from the elements. Since it is Gore-Tex it breathes well. What I am not happy about is it's construction. This is my second pair. My first had seam problems. The seams were not welded well and it started to peel after a month of use. I hope the first one was a fluke and this one will be better built.My opinion:For those of you who want a breathable jacket that excels in wet condition, look at the Patagonia Rain shadow [$] for a cheaper alternative. It is on par with this one. If I had to do it again, I would go back to the Patagonia.

This jacket is fantastic, to be sure. But the Beta jacket has a very high waist. Good for those with a short torso. For tall folks, however, the Alpha or Theta is a better option. I like the Alpha LT the best. It is a bit longer in back to protect your bottom from wetness when sitting, and protect your lower back from wind when bending over. The Alpha LT also is much lighter and equally waterproof/breathable. This Beta jacket is best suited for those who need a durable waterproof layer for short torso lenghts.

I purchased this jacket two weeks ago to replace my aging TNF summit series jacket. The jacket is light as air yet feels very durable. The craftsmanship is also amazing as the construction is meticulously done. Since this jacket is a technical jacket, the size is slightly larger than your traditional shells. This is designed to allow for better layer and versatile body movements. In other words, the jacket may look "funny" b/c it is disproportionate size in the chest and arm area.

I use this jacket to ski with in the back country and I cannot imagine a better shell. My prefrence when it comes to jackets is to have them waist length and this is cut just right. It is very durable, waterproof, and windproof. I have used this shell on a fishing trip in a boat where it rained all day and not a drop got in, it is like a rubber rain jacket that breathes very well. Any one who wants one of the best jackets ever made should really consider this.

A solid jacket. PROS: Stylish, amazingly everything proof, and very durable, and so versatile I couldn't imagine using a different jacket in the outdoors. CONS: expensive, and a little small for the size but it's all good. I would size up if you want a comfortable fit that won't ride up when you move around.

My first foray into an Arcteryx purchase, I've always looked for "deals" but was unable to find it so I took the plunge at retail. I purchased the Beta AR and the Theta pants for a backcountry trip to Nelson last February. I've been an avid skier for 25 years, but primarily spent my time on the "front" or in the warm confines of a Cat. While I was a little worried about overheating on the way up, I found the weight, size, fit and flexibility of the jacket to be simply exceptional. For those of you who remember the quality of the original Moonstone gore-tex jackets (I retired one two years ago from 1985...), the Beta makes it look silly. I am 5'7" and 165 pounds and the medium fits perfect layered lightly. We had everything from 25 degree afternoons to -10 with wind chill on the top of the climbs. I can't imagine having anything else for trips where you need maximum flexibility, efficiency and effectiveness in one jacket. I'll ski, climb and bike in this bad boy til the cows come home.

The body seems kind of short, and the shoulder material sticks out to the sides a lot. I guess this might help keep rain from leaking, but I think it looks funny. Otherwise, it has performed as you would expect and seems good at keeping water out.

I just got this sweet jacket and I am totally impressed with it. It is super light but of course completely water proof(bombproof). I hope this jacket lasts me 20 years. Bottom line is just buy it and find out how tight it is.