Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket

Best waterproof shell I've ever had! Fits great and performs great. I sometimes use it just as a raincoat in the spring but mainly as a waterproof outer shell over my down coat.

I bought this jacket in the fall, its proved versatile in layering, breathes well, and is incredibly waterproof. Great pockets and a nice looking collar make it good for the city and remote locations alike.

I bought this jacket for a 2021 trip to Iceland. The price made me wince. I brought another nice rain jacket as well, planning to return this one if it didn't perform. We did a lot of hiking in the whipping wind and rain and this jacket was OUTSTANDING. The other big name jacket I brought was useless in comparison. Since then, I use the Beta AR Jacket while I am coaching outside all day in the rain. It is completely waterproof except maybe one 2 inch spot on my shoulder. Every other jacket I own would fail at 4 hours. This one goes all day long. And it's extremely great at cutting the wind. I can layer warmer clothes under it to adjust for the temp. I went ahead and ordered the waterproof pants as well! Phone pocket is too small for my Pixel 8. I can cram it in there but I worry about damaging the zipper pocket. And don't use the hip pockets for your phone. If you leave those open they collect water lakes. No joke. My phone was in 2 inches of water in my (open) side pocket. Anyway, this jacket keeps me confident going out on the wettest/windiest days. I can't say enough about it. It's one of the most important pieces of outwear that I own.

As always, Arcteryx lives up to their reputation. The beta AR never fails to disappoint. I haven't bought one in many years and was pleasantly surprised at an updated fit, being longer in the body than my previous jackets. Highly recommend, worth every dime!

Love this Jacket! The best fit of a hard shell for women I have found so far. I have a rather short upper body and it is finally not a jacket that fits like a dress and a little more boxy than women's jackets often fit which I love! So far the quality is great too.

Great jacket for skiing or as a general waterproof layer. Happy with the fit as I can easily layer under or wear on its own.

I have several Arc'teryx hard shells and bought the Beta AR for my daughter a couple of years ago. Emma wore it on the famous and challenging Haute Route, from Chamonix to Zermatt - see picture - and the Beta AR kept her snug, dry and warm in the face of the Alpine extremes on that classic tour. Be in no doubt - this is a brilliant jacket.

Gortex Pro feels very strong and firm. The line off Beta is more feminine then Alfa. I absolutely love this jacket.

I have no owned the Beta AR for over a year and I could not be happier with it! I've used the jacket for hiking, an entire ski season (apre and off piste) and around town and it has been perfect for all activities. I was hesitant at first due to the price but for the quality I would 100% recommend, after every was the jacket comes out like new.

The Beta AR was my fist Arc piece I purchased. It's been my saving grace for Maine weather. Its the best shell I have ever owned, when layered properly this is the most important piece of my kit. I love the overall size and fit. Pit Zips certainly help expel heat when working outside and removing a layer when needed make this such a valuable piece for me. I was personally a bit hesitant to wash GORETEX however it has helped prolong the lifespan of my jacket. (Just ensure to follow Arcs instructions) This is the 1st piece I grab for all Maine weather even to let the dogs out or for a hike. However for prolonged periods of time the Beta AR doesnt wet out.

I bought the jacket 5 years ago, the Jacket accompanied with me to several times of outdoors atctivies. No matter windy,snowy or rainy day, it can help you overcame both of them and support me to reaching my full potential. I highly recommend the Jacket for you.

I've had this jacket for a year and a half and have been using it as a commuting and hiking jacket in a very rainy country. This thing holds up in wind and wet like an armored tank, I've never been happier with a jacket in my life. Fear rainy days no longer!

I am very pleased with this light alround Jacket. It is rain and wind-proof, looks elegant for use in the mountains as well as in the city. The pockets and positioning are perfect for everything I need, but the fit and cutlines of the pattern-cutting are outstanding. The generous length of the arms is great. Love the combination of functionality and design.

The Beta AR serves me perfectly well for each of my trips to the summit. However consider its overkill durability, might go for a lighter version for better versatility.

Just a homeschooling mom with active kids and we basically live outdoors. I've had a beta AR for years and years and it still looks new and works like New. I use it wherever I travel as it's compact light

I've had this jacket now for about 5 months and it has always turned heads whenever I walk past somebody. Not only that but the denier of the face fabric is so durable and it amazes me about the quality!

I just got this jacket this winter and wore it all winter and into the spring! Great in colder weather with my Cerium LT layered underneath or just a fleece in warmer weather and for higher out put activities. I wore this jacket doing lots of bush whacking and the fabric is very strong and resistant to abrasions. The thicker gore-tex is also nice for extra protection from the elements in the winter. Lots of room for layers underneath and the space around the shoulders allows for a wide range of mobility. Overall, this jacket has kept me nice and dry on super snowy and wet days! It also gives great protection from the wind.

I give this a solid 5 stars after 3 years of ownership. Some will ask, "Is it worth the money?", to which I will be honest, only if you actually need it. If you are buying Arc'Teryx, you are either an advanced outdoor enthusiast or rich, I am the former. The weight to quality benefits of this shell have been better than any other shell I or any of my friends have ever used. I have gone on multi-day treks where it poured down rain all day and I was the only one who stayed dry thanks to the Beta. During an unintended whitewater kayaking trip gone south with kayakers I found out in the moment had no idea how to kayak, I was able to stay dry while rescuing six people out of the water and then give away all my layers to my soaked compatriots because I had thankfully stayed dry due to this shell. Like, it literally contributed to saving lives that day/night we spent outside. Climbing in Alaska this coat has performed without fault and held up against some falls I thought for sure would have put a hole in the coat and the first time I wore this thing in the extreme cold wind I was amazed with the difference from other shells I have used. That being said, I would never buy this for daily wear or fishing or for light hiking and skiing. That is just not what it is for. So, if you're a hard charging adventurer looking for weight reduction, durability, and to stay dry, I can personally attest to this product, but if you're just an average person you really don't need to spend this kind of money for a shell. Hopes this helps anybody debating what product to buy.

Not sure the world needs another review on the Beta AR, but the quality is so good it deserves its due. Bulletproof is the word that comes to mind. I have been out in about 30 days of rain and the DWR is still working very well - much better durability than another brand's top rated jacket. It is also very windproof, cutting down on the layers needed - which the AR sizing permits, loose not sloppy. I also bought the Alpha SV (sale price same as the Beta AR and I am out several times a day in the rainy season). While it is too early for me to make a fair comparison with the Alpha, the Beta AR is so good I agree with some professional reviews which state only the truly hard core out in deplorable conditions for extended periods need anything beyond the Beta.

I bought the Beta AR in June of 2020 a month before I was supposed to be guiding a trip down the Missinaibi river for 29 days. After purchasing the jacket I was on Oxtongue, Gull and Madawaska river training our whitewater rescue skills. During these training weeks we experienced some of the worse weather I have endured during a canoe trip during the summer in southern Ontario. It was as cold as 12 degrees and constantly raining. My Beta AR kept me dry the whole time. I then went on a 29 day trip down the Missinaibi River which my group and I endured all types of weather including a large amount of rain. I have never had a rain jacket that is of this quality and that has all the important features that you could want in a warmer weather rain jacket. I would strongly recomend this jacket to anyone looking for a very well made, versatile, stylish and comfortable jacket. I am planning and taking this jacket on every trip I guide from now on including the extended canoe trips I'm through Canada next summer.

I have the grid version 2018 Beta AR and it's been great at keeping me dry in wet weather including 3 heavy downpours .

Zipping up this jacket is like closing the car windows; you know the weather is out there but you can't feel it!

I have had two versions of the Beta AR dating back to the year 2000. The jackets have both been fantastic from hiking and mountaineering to skiing. It layers exceptionally well with the Atom LT for most West Coast weather. Below that I have layered it under a belay jacket for very cold. I have worn these jackets hard and when they have started to come apart under hard wear Arcteryx has been way more than fair in their warranty support. When my last Beta died I updated to the Alpha for the storm hood. I am happy to pay the price for these jackets for the many years of excellent performance and strong customer support.

I've had mine since fall of 2016 and I'm still impressed. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE for the quality of this shell. It packs up so small that people are always amazed when I pull it out of my bag. It feels like it was cut just for me, the fit is perfect. Has everything you need and nothing you don't, period. Wind, snow, rain, even salt water spray are all no match. The chest pockets distribute weight incredibly efficiently. You can carry a walkie without feeling the weight or being pulled down at all! Really remarkable here! Hood fits easily over a helmet. If you've read this far you're overthinking it. This is a quality garment that you will enjoy for years.

Decided to take the plunge on this jacket before the hiking the Inca Trail and it was the best decision I made. The pit zips were my ultimate savour as it reduced the heat but still gave me the waterproof shell for when you're above the clouds hiking up the stairs. My Cerium puffer and base layers fit well under and my trekking group was very jealous and even took turns trying it out!