Arc'teryx  Beta AR Jacket - Women's

I returned the jacket due to: 1) Felt Cold & Wet against skin during rainy weather - this is due to the gore-tex material feeling cold against the skin. The jacket is waterproof and the skin did not actually get wet...just felt wet and cold! 2) Colour - the bright blue was a little too bright 3) Inner pocket size and positioning - it is too small and has a vertical opening leading to contents easily falling out 4) Outside pockets positioned too high - this made it uncomfortable for me to rest my hands The pros of the jacket are: 1) Light weight 2) Does not wrinkle 3) Water-proof/wind-proof However, for the price point, the cons were unacceptable for me.

I purchased this jacket to upgrade from a competitor's brand. I needed one jacket to keep me dry while hiking, biking, snowshoeing, horseback riding, field work, running and walking about town. Great quality and a perfect fit that kept me dry during the huge rain/windstorm in Minneapolis during early November 2010. Roomy enough so I can have full arm and shoulder rotation, twist in the saddle, move my arms while snowshoeing or reaching while performing field work. The hood is adjustable to be snug if you are wearing a hat, riding helmet, or ponytail. Side zip arm vents keep me cool during exertion. I'd definitely buy another jacket!

This is a really high quality coat in a great color. I like it but don't love it, mainly because of the pocket placement. The pockets are located high on the body, I believe to prevent interference with a backpack. The tradeoff is that they are not really functional as handwarmer pockets. I love the color and as I use the coat more, I find that it gets softer which is nice. Still, it not a favorite...so it's a like but not love rating from me. I would recommend it with qualifications...

Bought it for mountaineering, but wear it almost every single day in the Pacific NW. Extremely breathable. I wear it running in the rain and don't get overheated. Completely waterproof. Great in windy conditions. Been in 30 mph wind gusts and still felt warm and dry. Hood is very adjustable for when you're not wearing a helmet. Shoulders and underarm areas are a bit big for daily wear, but are perfect for climbing without the jacket pulling up to expose the waist. Was originally concerned that the Basmati color would stain, but dirt wipes off easily.

I was on a hike with some instructors for the Mountaineers and they raved about this jacket claiming it would save your life if you ever found yourself in a bad situation. Since getting into the sport myself I have finally bit the bullet (or the almost $500 price tag) and purchased this jacket. I absolutely love it! Gore-Tex is a wonderful fabric and this jacket does exactly what it claims to: protect against wind and rain while remaining breathable. The pockets are conveniently located so I can still access them with a pack or harness on. The hood can fit over my head if I am wearing a helmet. I usually tend to heat up pretty significantly when I'm on the move, and the pit zippers are great for regulating temperature. Now for the aesthetics: I like the athletic fit since I hate looking like the Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters just to stay warm. I also love the available colors, not just for this product but the other Arcteryx products as well. Some outdoor apparel brands assume because we are athletic outdoorsy women we prefer to wear drab colors. I ended up purchasing this product from REI even though you can find them online for a little less solely as an insurance plan. Gotta love that REI guarantee. Arcteryx does guarantee the material and workmanship for the practical lifetime of the product and can repair any damages such as tears for a reasonable charge, but honestly what does that really mean.

I haven't worn this much yet but I did wear it during a downpour- I was stuck outside for a few hours and every part of me was completely soaked EXCEPT for what the jacket covered. I know I can count on it to keep me dry. The fit is a little wide, though I believe that's so you can put warm clothes underneath during winter and I'm sure when the time comes I'll be grateful for it. It'll be a good climbing jacket with the adjustable hood (can fit helmets under it if needed) and long arms for when I have to reach.

This is the pinnacle of waterproof breathable out wear. Unlined, gortex pro shell is the right weight and of course legendary for being waterproof and breathable.

Pros: Bought this particular jacket after comparing it to many less expensive brands, and then waiting for 3 years for it to go on sale. Definitely worth the price, for the quality, functionality, durability, and light weight. I've worn it mountaineering, snowboarding, and on hikes in the pouring rain. Totally dry, and the lengthy pit zips allow it to breathe when you need it. Love the hood that is large enough for a helmet, and yet easily adjustible for helmetless wear. Nice sturdy brim on the hood too, to keep the rain out of your face. Very solidly constructed, very functional jacket without being heavy. I carry it in my pack every time I leave my house. Fit: I ordered a size larger than normal to wear over any number of layers, but the cut is great so I don't look like I'm wearing my tent. I'm 5'8", and the length is maybe 4" longer on me than it appears on the model in the photo. I have broad, muscular shoulders for a girl, and unlike so many other jackets I've tried, the cut gives me unhindered mobility with no riding up of the sleeves or hem. Cons: The one drawback I've found for this jacket is that it doesn't have a bottom zipper, and so you have to wear your (mountaineering) harness over the jacket. Not really a big deal though.

•Things that aren't so great about it

Cool and nice jacket!