Arc'teryx Beta AR Review

We loved testing the Arc'teryx Beta AR in stormier conditions simply because it kept our entire team protected from precipitation and wind. While there are a few other models on the market that offer even better weather protection, the Beta AR has unparalleled mobility and standout features.

Weather Protection

From our objective shower testing to field missions braving storms, the Arc'teryx Beta AR is among the best hardshells for anyone who prioritizes weatherproofing and water resistance.

The Arc'teryx Beta AR is built with Gore-Tex Pro ePE materials, with a 3-layer design that's a common denominator of the highest-scoring hardshells. The “ePE” part of the material means it isn't made with any intentionally added PFAS, which is becoming standard across waterproof or water-resistant gear, from tents to jackets. Gore-Tex Pro fabrics have long been trusted by our GearLab experts as Gore-Tex's highest-tier waterproof material, and the Beta AR deepens that trust.

The Beta AR kept our entire testing team dry for almost all of our testing, thanks to its materials, a fully seam-taped interior, and effective design features at the hood, hem, and sleeves. When things blew sideways, the Beta AR could be better sealed than much of the competition, though we did find a slight amount of water leakage at the zipper, though nothing major.

Weight

As is often the classic trade-off with weight and performance, the weather-protective build of the Arc'teryx Beta AR made it heavier than many other hardshell jackets. However, other versions of the Beta, including the Arc'teryx Alpha SV, weigh even more in exchange for even higher-end storm protection.

We measured the Arc'teryx Beta AR at 16 ounces in a men's medium. This put it about average across the jackets we tested, though it was more packable than some of the other heavier-weight hardshell layers. If you're headed to rougher climates, chances are you'll want gear you can count on when storms get more intense, and you might be hard-pressed to find a layer in this garment class that's lighter than the Beta AR and offers the same level of waterproofing.

Mobility and Fit

The Arc'teryx Beta AR boasts a great cut with excellent range of motion and easy layering, without having excess fabric getting in the way of backpacking or skiing. We loved this jacket's mobility more than any other hardshell in our jacket lineup.

While there are a few other layers that offer a similar cut to the Arc'teryx Beta AR, this jacket has one of our favorite hood systems, dubbed “DropHood”. This separates the collar and hood, giving better neck mobility than nearly any other jacket we tested. The Beta line is known for offering a more generous hood size to accommodate multiple sports helmets, but the DropHood lets you rotate your head at any time during your outing, whether you're skiing or hiking. Additionally, we had minimal hem lift with our jacket overhead, which was particularly helpful for scrambling or hiking.

Venting and Breathability

If you want the most breathable hardshell out there, the Arc'teryx Beta AR might not be our first recommendation; however, when considering its protection from the elements, we were able to keep it on much longer than anticipated.

Counterintuitively, we've found that 3-layer jackets like the Beta AR offer better venting than thinner 2-layer models, with body heat more easily able to travel away from the innermost fabric. The Beta AR also features 15-inch-long pit zips, which made a world of difference when huffing uphill in a drizzle. From wet snow days in warmer temperatures to summer rains, we were able to keep sweat to a minimum, though we were quick to take this layer off when the skies cleared.

Features and Design

It's hard to beat Arc'teryx's construction of the Beta AR, with its great hood, lengthy pit zips, and reliable hem adjustability.

We love the exterior pocket design, which includes two generously sized pockets that sit above the waist, so you can access them with a harness or backpack on. We were also able to grab any of the shock cord adjusters while wearing gloves. Between the collar, hood, pockets, and adjusters, this is one of the more feature-rich hardshells we tested.

The Beta AR is also made with a blend of thicker and thinner fabrics to keep weight down while boosting durability in high-wear areas, including the shoulders and hood. We greatly appreciated Arc'teryx's attention to longevity, as this is a pricier jacket that needs to last a long time to offer decent value.

Should You Buy the Arc'teryx Beta AR?

If this is in your price range, the Arc'teryx Beta AR deserves your consideration as an all-arounder layer with exceptional mobility, weather protection, and features. It's ideal for anyone wanting a versatile year-round layer that handles above-treeline adventures in summer just as well as a stormy day at the ski area in winter. It isn't the lightest layer, but we've found it to offer decent durability as long as it's washed regularly and treated well.

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