Mike Hardaker Testing the Arc’teryx Beta AR GORE-TEX Pro Jacket in the Tetons | Photo Connor Burkesmith Mountain Weekly News
When it comes to making outerwear built for athletes, designed for athletic bodies Arc’teryx is constantly at the top of the list. Year after year when we get outerwear to try Arc’teryx is always the first pick of our test team, myself included.
For this review I tested the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket while splitboarding and snowboarding throughout the Teton Mountains. Being a lighter shell I felt the Beta AR Jacket was perfect for splitboarding and ski touring and can work at the resort with layers.
GORE-TEX Pro
When it comes to staying dry both Arc’teryx and GORE-TEX are known as the best of the best. So when Arc’teryx utilized the GORE-TEX Pro Material in the Beta AR Jacket I knew it would be something I would wear all season long.
The Beta AR Jacket is made with GORE-TEX PRO N40d 3L laminate. The N stands for Nylon. While the 40D talks about the Denier meaning this jacket can take some abuse.
And being 3L GORE-TEX Pro Shell, the Beta AR will adapt to help regulate your bodies changing temperatures faster than traditional GORE-TEX. Plus there are pit zips on both arms if you need to dump some heat on longer tours.
If you routinely find yourself touring in wet & windy conditions, the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket is a solid option.
Features
This Arc’teryx Jacket is all about going light and fast. One thing you won’t find on the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket is a powder skirt, which at times I honestly feel naked riding without. That being said I still love this jacket.
The front of the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket features 2 chest pockets, and on the inside there’s a deeper internal chest pocket that can work storing a pair of skins along with a dedicated media pocket on the opposite side.
There is also a large hood that can be worn over your helmet. And if you plan to wear this jacket in nasty storms zipped all the way up, Arc’teryx added a layer of microsuede material that’s super soft against your chin.
For resort skiers this jacket comes with a passholder pocket that’s located high up on the left shoulder making it that much faster to get on the lifts without having to or pull your pass out or fiddle with your jacket against the sensor. Most other brands have the pass pocket on the forearm vs shoulder.
Fit
Are people in Vancouver or Europe skinnier than in the United States? All kidding aside I do believe so as Arc’teryx offers a modern European athletic fit and feel. Plus the jacket doesn’t scream “hey I went ski touring today” and can easily be worn around town, to the office or to a nice dinner.
At 5’11, 145 lbs. I got the size Medium which seems like it was designed around my body. Only a couple others brands in the industry have cuts this good, Patagonia and Rab come to mind.
Overall Impression
You can’t go wrong with anything in the Arc’teryx line. This company is clearly working with their athletes, their tester and designers to create incredible gear for recreating in the mountains. Everything about the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket ($600.00) is pretty much perfect. One thing to keep in mind is the GORE-TEX Pro material is a little crinkly, especially when wearing at first. So you won’t be the quietest person on the skin track.
The tradeoff is being able to wear a jacket that fits well, without added bulk, and knowing that even in nasty conditions with heavy snow or rain your going to stay nice and dry thanks to Arc’teryx and its use of the GORE-TEX Pro 3L Membrane with taped seams which offers some of the best weather protection in the industry.
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