Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket Review

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.

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.

GORE-TEX Pro = Waterproof Breathable Fabrics

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 Fabrics 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 3-Layer 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.

Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket 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 as a snowboard jacket.

The front of the Arc’teryx Beta AR features 2 zippered chest hand 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 helmet compatible hood fits 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 the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket Men’s style 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.

Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket 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.

Planning on taking a trip and limited on space for a jacket? This light packable highly versatile GORE-TEX Pro shell with hybrid construction packs down super small. And will easily find a spot inside your pack regardless of how full it is.

Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Designed for athletes, athletic bodies
• Utilizes GORE-TEX Pro Fabrics
• Lightweight and highly versatile design

Cons:

• No powder skirt for snowboarding
• GORE-TEX Pro fabric can be crinkly

Overall Impression

You can’t go wrong with anything in the Arc’teryx line. Especially the Beta Series all round mountain apparel.   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 product 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. Combined with taped seams which offers some of the best weather protection in the industry and you have a high output jacket capable of performing at any winter activity you can think up..

Related Jackets We Tested

1. Mountain Hardwear Exposure2 GORE-TEX Jacket
2. Norrona Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro Jacket
3. Outdoor Research Archangel GORE-TEX Pro Jacket