Arc'teryx designed the Beta Women's Beta AR Jacket as a backcountry workhorse for alpinists who like to take a beating from the elements without sacrificing performance.
This jacket features Gore-Tex Pro Shell three-layer construction, with the proprietary, tightly-woven N40p-X shell fabric that includes a DWR treatment to slough off rainfall while you romp up 14ers or get caught in a snowstorm at the top. The Beta AR is reinforced in hard-wear areas like the shoulders and arms with N80p-X nylon so it will handle pack straps and ice encounters season after season.
Fully taped low-bulk seams and WaterTight zippers will block out any moisture you encounter. The hood is Arcteryx's own helmet compatible DropHood design, which is basically a fully standalone collar with a separate hood. It can be cinched with one-handed drawcords, allowing it to rotate with the head without obstructing your vision when turning your head from side to side. The high neck means that the jacket will still protect your chin and neck from cold winds, even when the hood is down. When you need to dump heat quickly (like when you're pushing hard to get to the top of a mountain) then unzip the handy, WaterTight pit zippers, the toggles to which are generously sized (without adding a tonne of weight) so you can still 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.
All of these elements come together to give you a jacket that's not only going to stay with you for a very long time, but that will allow you to truly enjoy all of your outdoor adventures, even when the weather is at it's worst.
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Gore-Tex Pro Shell membrane (3-layer)
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N80p-X and N40p-X shell fabric
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Fully taped seams with low-bulk microseam allowances
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WaterTight zippers
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Laminated underarm zip vents
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Helmet-compatible DropHood with separate high collar and laminated visor
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Die-cut hook-and-loop cuff tabs
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2 high hand pockets and 1 internal laminated pocket
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Generous fit with no-lift gusseted underarms and articulated elbows
Care and maintenance
To keep your outdoor clothing and equipment in tip top condition and performing to its maximum we recommend the use of Nikwax products. We have been using Nikwax products since day one (26th March 1986) and have found them to be totally reliable, dependable and effective. Today’s Nikwax treatments contain environmentally friendly elastic water-repellent polymers that bond to fabric fibres, leaving the spaces between open and breathable. These stretchy polymers are able to stretch and move with the fabric so they stay put for longer and work better.
Nikwax treatments will not change the look or feel of the fabric and they are all water based, environmentally safe, non-flammable and contain no nasty Fluorocarbons. Nikwax products can be used to clean, re-proof and revitalise all your outdoor technical clothing and equipment.
Waterproof breathable clothing has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish applied to the face fabric during the manufacturing process. The DWR forces water to bead up and roll off the surface therefore preventing the fabric from absorbing moisture. If the outside of your jacket is soaked in a layer of cold water, the warm damp air within can’t escape and will condense on the inside. This makes the jacket feel cold clammy and can make you think that it’s leaking. The DWR finish is not permanent and needs to be maintained and revitalised to optimise performance.
This three layer waterproof jacket should be cleaned regularly with Nikwax Tech Wash; I wash my jacket about once a month, or more often if it gets really filthy. Regular washing with Tech Wash will maintain the DWR for longer and remove salts and oils that can contaminate the fabric, and it will keep your lovely jacket clean and smelling fresh. Washing can be done in a machine according to the manufacturers care guidelines (on the internal label). First clean out any detergent and conditioner residue from the machine dispenser and then add the required amount of Tech Wash and away you go. Hand washing is also suitable but be sure to rinse the garment well.
When you notice that rain/water is no longer beading up and rolling off it’s time to re-proof. Nikwax TX Direct will re-instate a long lasting DWR to completely rejuvenate your jacket. Re-proofing can also be done in the machine once a garment has been washed. Just add the TX-Direct and use the same programme you used for washing. You can also use the spray-on product on a damp garment that has just been washed.
You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari and never have it serviced, so make sure you regularly wash and re-proof your quality kit.