Arc'teryx  Beta AR Jacket - Men's

Perhaps I am a gear hoarder, but that is a conversation for me to have with my psychologist. Regardless, this is my go to jacket. It goes everywhere with me. To work, on trips, in my backpack, occasionally, even in the bathroom. The ProShell fabric and light weight design coupled with the dynamically awesome cut of the entire Arcteryx line makes this jacket rise above the rest. The hood is great, the pockets are great, and the length is great. *please note that I was provided this jacket as part of the MountainTechs program, however, even if I was not, this jacket is far superior to most other technical jackets on the market. Go to the store and try one on, you'll be a believer.

This jacket never leaves my pack in the fall, winter and spring. It is a little too heavy for summer so my Beta SL goes with me instead. It has served me well for everything from backpacking to backcountry skiing. The outer fabric is extremely tough yet it still breaths well. The three pockets are the perfect amount without adding too much weight. I am 5'11" and 180lbs and a large provides room for a softshell underneath in the winter without being to large without. As a disclaimer, I am affiliated with Gore for product testing of Gore-tex products for the purpose of product review and recommendation. I do receive items from Gore for these purposes.

I did some serious research to arrive at the Beta AR. Based in MN and active 4 seasons a year, it was important to have an infinitely layer-able jacket that's weatherproof and bulletproof (figuratively). This is the ONE. All alone it's great for all but warm summer days, still packs well. With some fleece and other layers, this will get me through the fierce MN winters. Not built for ninjas-in-training, it's a tad noisy for a sneak-attack. As for fit, I'm 6'2", 170lbs. and bought a Medium thinking I may need to go Large. Not so, in fact, the Medium is even a tad large, but overall, fit is great with sub layers.Beyond that, get ready for a jacket that's ahead of it's time. [...]

I've had several shells in the past and finally broke down and spent the money one an Arc'Teryx. Well worth the price. This shell is amazing. I've used it off and on over the past few weeks doing quick trips here and there. Just spent 4 days in the Grand Canyon with it, we had a night of rain, I stayed dry and warm the whole time. Spent some time in some windy conditions on a few ledges as well. The GoreTex Pro blocked the wind and kept me warm. These jackets do run a bit big, but that is so you can layer under them. I can fit my soft shell or a down jacket under and it still fits perfect. Bottom line, amazing waterproof, windproof durable jacket. Get one!

this is the jacket i reach for when the weather is rough and i'm running out the door. It's light and built right.... pit zips and waterproof. It's lived next to the door for almost a year now. i am 6.1 215 pounds and i have a large. the cut seems to be a bit slimmer than other brands but i can still layer a little. I feel the fit is perfect for me. length is perfect. If you like a longer jacket, they have other models that can accommodate. This jackets been hit by trees and bounced off rocks and it's still in one piece. Still waterproof. Enjoy! As a disclaimer, I am affiliated with Gore for product testing of Gore-tex products for the purpose of product review and recommendation. I do receive items from Gore for these purposes.

I use the Beta AR Jacket year round in wet/windy weather activities, hiking and camping (including winter), and alpine skiing. This jacket is everything it claims to be: a perfectly designed, stylish, lightweight rain/wind shell able to handle most anything you throw at it. If I were traveling to Antarctica or a similarly rugged environment, I might go for a jacket made entirely of triple layer pro-shell fabric. For my activities in the continental US (e.g., hiking the Appalachian trail in all seasons, ice climbing, or skiing at Mad River Glen), the slightly lighter weight of the Beta AR is ideal. It's certainly a bit more pack-able. The athletic fit for Arcteryx jackets is phenomenal, but you'll want to try it on if you've never bought Arcteryx before. I typically wear a men's medium or small shirt, but with Arcteryx, I always go with small because of the brand's overall size trend. Final note: My last Arcteryx jacket has lasted over 10 years, and I still use it as a backup.

I used this products for multiple trips to Mount Whitney both for the standard hike as well as the Mountaineer's route. On level of design this jacket is impeccably well thought out. Material and craftsmanship are superb. It's an exceptional barrier against weather and holds up to abuse. Movement is very good, the jacket holds its form when reaching with arms. Adjustments are fast and easily modified on the go. The hood fits over a climber's helmet and cinches in to form fit. I wear a medium and it is an ideal fit for me, 5'10 athletic build. I also wear a medium Arc'teryx Atom LT hoodie as a mid-layer. The combination is ideal for colder weather. No complaints what-so-ever.

I previously purchased two other jackets, one Gore Packlight and one house brand waterproof breathable material. Neither lived up to my expectations. After researching every jacket I could find, I decided to buck up and buy the Beta. Although my wife will never let me forget how much it cost, it is worth every penny. The fit is spot on, trim yet enough room to layer underneath. I purchased the medium and I measure out almost exactly to Arc'teryx's recommended sizing. The hood is a bit large, to fit a helmet, but synches down perfectly. The arms are a touch long with just a baselayer underneath but are great when layered up. So far it has been used in torrential downpours and packed in for backpacking. It was excellent for both. Perfectly watertight, breathable, very light and packs down very small. My only complaint is I didn't get it first.

Purchased this jacket for 2 weeks of hiking in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The Beta AR took all that the Smokies could throw at it (high winds, heavy rain, occasional hail) and repelled it with ease. Did some hiking on unmarked trails with the Beta, the material was durable enough to handle the scraping of branches very well (no rips, etc.). I am 5'9" around 170 lbs and the Medium fits me well (with some room for layering if the temp dictates it). As reported, the hood is a little large and cumbersome and the sleeves are a little long. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. This jacket is no exception. This is an excellent jacket that will handle the elements.

I doubt this review will vary much from all the others. To sum up, The Beta AR is expensive but it's worth it. I recently got one to go hike the W-Loop in Torres del Paine and while the ~$500 price tag hurt at first, when I was out there, I was glad I spent it. To put it simply, nothing is getting through this. At one point, we were getting barraged with wind and rain for a good three hours non-stop but I was toasty inside this. The pit zips are huge for the volatile weather in Patagonia because you can open and close them for when you start and stop moving to regulate the heat without taking off your precious rain protection. I can't speak to the long term durability but it handled our time out there really well, not a single rip or pull. It also folds up pretty small and neatly but really, all that matters is no matter how long you're in the rain, you're going to stay dry with this thing. If you need rain protection, this is a great, lightweight, durable jacket. I had zero complaints.