What is the Beta AR?There is a reason that the Beta AR has been part of Arcteryx's essentials range for nearly 20 years. Strong yet breathable, robust yet supple, durable yet light; the Beta AR has been designed to encompass everything Arc'teryx has learned from making waterproof jackets for almost 30 years. Everything about this piece (the fit, the materials, the construction and the features) comes together to give you this incredible fortress of a jacket that can be grabbed straight off the coatrack and taken with you on any adventure you have planned.
What is it made of?The Beta AR is made using a mixture of different fabrics for optimum performance. A breathable, pliable 40D nylon is used throughout the main body and arms, while a tough, protective 80D nylon is used in high-wear areas such as the shoulders and hood. Underneath this, the robust nature of this jacket continues with a Gore-Tex Pro Most Rugged membrane. This, as the name gives away slightly, is Gore's toughest, most protective membrane for gnarly mountainous activities.
What are the features?Moving onto the features of the jacket; we briefly touched on the adjustments of the hood so let's expand on that first. The hood is Arcteryx's own helmet-compatible DropHood design, which is basically a fully standalone collar with a separate hood. The high separated neck means that the jacket will still protect your chin and neck from cold winds, even when the hood is down. When the hood is up, you'll appreciate Arc'teryx's Cohaesive adjustments — these are little buttons situated in the fabric which can be easily adjusted with bulky gloves or mitts. A simple yet ingenious change from standard drawcords.
Inside the hem of the hood is a Recco reflector (we'll forgive you if you've never heard of this!). If the worst should happen, this reflector can be picked up by rescuers with a transmitter, giving them your approximate location.
Under both arms are zips which open the jacket up to allow cool air to pass through (appropriately named PitZips!). The toggles on these zips are generously sized without adding a tonne of weight so you can easily get to them with big gloves on. Storage-wise, the jacket features two large hand pockets in the front of the jacket and one internal zipped security pocket. Moving down, an adjustable hem traps warmth and seals out the rain and wind.
How does it fit?The Beta AR has a longer hip length for better coverage, a slightly roomier fit so you can fit more layers under it and e3D (ergonomic 3D) patterning that provides an enhanced level of articulation and movement. The Beta AR is roomier than the Beta LT to allow you to fit more layers underneath in colder conditions; it also features plenty of room in the shoulders for active climbing and mountaineering use. For reference, the centre back length is 77cm.
- Helmet compatible DropHood
- 40D Face fabric with 80D reinforcements
- 3L Gore-Tex Pro Most Rugged membrane
- WaterTight centre front zip
- WaterTight Pit Zips
- 1 internal, zipped security pocket
- 2 large hand pockets
- Velcro Cuffs
- Micro-seam allowance reduces bulk and weight
- Taped seams
- Anatomical shaping for fit and comfort
- Articulated elbows