Arc'teryx  Beta AR Jacket - Men's

I bought this jacket lightly used and got less than a year out of it and the seam tapes was coming off the draw cord is dangling around me like a hula hoop and from day one it was not waterproof at all. One of the worst mistakes I have made.Also fabric is getting air pockets in it.

SUMMARY: I really don't recommend to buy this jacket. It's an expensive Gore-Tex Pro 3-layer jacket that should last for years with good care. In my case it started delaminating after 2 and a half years, while I did use it only occasionally and in casual circumstances. So far there was no solution or replacement provided. DETAILED EXPLANATION: I used the jacket once in a while in urban settings during rain and in about 4 holidays where i mostly took it along without wearing it. The Jacket still looks perfect, see pictures. I also washed it with Nikwax techwash, just the same way I treated my previous gore-tex pro jacket that lasted for 10 years. Nevertheless it started delaminating. I thought this was obviously a production mistake and send the jacket back. That has been more than two months ago, still no solution. This is not the quality I expected. To be fair, I have to say I am happy with other Arc'Teryx products, but this is really a major disappointment. Don't buy this jacket!

In 2010, I had an experience on a cold weather trip that could really only be described as a severe gear-failure. A 3-night trip on the AT resulted in turning around after end of day 2. Short story is that I got wet and couldn't get warm. Almost 3 feet of packed snow and 14"+ while we were out. While at the overcrowded shelter (due to the weather) the 2nd night, I witnessed almost every brand of outdoor wear Jackets. The only "waterproof" jacket that actually was truly waterproof was the Arc'teryx. I was sold then. They are expensive, but now that I have taken mine out on several trips…it is well worth it. It doesn't leak. It doesn't fail. I have been thoroughly pleased with this jacket (as well as the down mid layer). It keeps wind and water off you like a champ! If it is in budget, it is a must have!

I have other Arc'teryx products and absolutely love them. I now need a gore-tex pro jacket, so went for the Beta AR and got the same size that I always use with their products. The sleeves are just huge. I dont get why there is so much difference with other products. I've read reviews like this before and thought it was an exaggeration but honestly it is truly like that. With this jacket, either you are a "standard' fit or you will be in between sizes with awkward features. Don't get why there is so much difference for jackets from the same brand. I am now returning it and will need to look at other brands.

Bought a Beta AR (black) M in 2019. The main draw was the pit zips, sleeve length (I have long arms), gore-tex Pro, and high customisability. Whilst it did deliver on these benefits, in just over 2 years the outer layers in the jacket have separated considerably. This is especially so in the most mobile parts of the jacket, namely the sleeves and hood (refer to photos of both sleeves and the collar). Whilst I have not perceived negative effects to performance, the 'blistering' is very unsightly and unexpected. I have had to reapply DWR on occasion and have used it relatively lightly (i.e. the odd hike). For an outer shell that costs almost 1000 AUD and touts "The GORE-TEX PRO with Most Rugged Technology - a next-gen material we developed in collaboration with Gore - delivers maximum durability.", the value for money is terrible.

I'm a 6'3, 230 lb broad shouldered ex athlete (have an XL, generally a XXL in most other jacket/sweatshirts) and I like the length of the jacket compared to other Patagonia shells I had that stopped short near the waistline/butt. It has got good articulated shoulders and hood that allow mobility while casting a fly/rowing drift boat. I work in the field for construction services and the climbing helmet specific hood also fits nicely over a hard hat! I wash it on average once a month using Nikwax GORE-TEX specific wash and spray down with Nikwax DWR refresher and that's huge - if you want an expensive piece of equipment to last you've got to take care of it. Layer w/ a nano-air (patagonia) or atom series (arcteryx) and cotton/merino long sleeve for those November WY trout or winter steelhead fishing expeditions in MI and you're set!!! Now go do something fun.

Great design and functions for this jacket, but some very problems with it 2nd Beta AR jacket (replacement) with the exact same problems as my first. the seal for the seams peels the goretex has debonded from the shell material waterproofing on the zips seem to be cracking (but not leaking yet)

I've had this jacket for about four years now. It has served me well. It has kept me dry in some really miserable weather. Heavy rain, snow, wind, no problem. It never leaks! I've rolled it and compressed it for packing with no ill effects. I've even worn it over my motorcycle gear in a pinch. Pair this with some high quality base and mid layers and you'll be dry and "cozy".

I bought this jacket last year and used it to hike all year long and in the city as my raincoat. Upon receiving it, I thought the material was a bit weird, kinda like crinkly plastic. I later noticed that a friend of mine had the same jacket, but from 2 or 3 years ago and the finish is completely different, it's smooth to the touch, not crinkly, and frankly a lot nicer. Another thing I noticed is that the fabric marks very easily. My jacket (Admiral) has permanent scratches and marks. I don't think this is normal. None of my other, older shells ever had those. (see photos) The original DWR coating didn't last more than 3 or 4 months before I had to renew it. Considering the price, this jacket should perform far better. I don't feel like I have a top of the line product.

This was my first Arc shell and I have nothing but great things to say. I've put some high mileage on this shell in pouring rain, blizzards you name it. I've bushwhacked for miles in it. This gore pro jacket is strong and will last you forever. I love the pit zips, I've had them open in light rain and still stayed dry inside the shell. Great jacket for backpacking and many other activities. I am currently trying to cut ounces for some thru and partial hikes and would love to try a lighter shell such as the alpha fl ;). My AR is a size large and slightly big on me but you want layer room. I'm 6' and 185 lbs and could probably downsize to a medium and still have a base and mid on.