Arcteryx Beta AR – New and Improved Gore-Tex Pro Shell

The new Arcteryx Beta AR features the newest version of Gore-Tex Pro shell Most Rugged. This is an update to the previous Gore-Tex Pro Shell in a lot of ways!

The Arcteryx Beta AR has been a top-of-the-line WPB jacket for quite a while. So, how do you improve it? By improving the Gore-Tex! That is right, there is a new and improved Gore-Tex Pro Shell now. Actually, there are three new Pro Shell technologies.

Gore-Tex reached out earlier this year to test out the new Pro Shell technologies in a “spec” jacket for athletes and media to try.  Here is the review and video on our take on the new Pro Shell – New Gore-Tex Pro Shell. 

Arcteryx Beta AR Review

Now that we have the new Pro Shell technology out of the way, let us focus on the Beta AR.  AR stands for “all-around”.  Meaning, AR gear is going to perform very well in all-around conditions.  Sounds ideal for many conditions, and it truly is!

The Beta AR is great for ski, snowboard, hiking, climbing, backcountry skiing, and splitboarding, and just about anything you can think of.  Whatever you do, and as long as you need a hard shell, this will have you covered. It really does cover a wide range of uses.  Plus, it looks great for casual use too.  Seriously, it is a badass-looking jacket. And it performs excellently in real-world use.

Beta AR Jacket – Men’s $599.00

Materials

Arcteryx has clever names for its materials.  In this case, we have 40D in most of the body.  They call this N40D with Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro.  Sounds good to me! They have 80D in high wear areas like the shoulders.  Taped seams throughout, as you would expect. Waterproof zippers and brushed microsuede chin guard.

Fit and Function

The Beta AR is a “regular” fit.  I am testing the Arcteryx Trino SL and it is a “trim fit”.  Here is the review on the Trino SL for reference on sizing.

I really appreciate that the Beta AR is a regular fit as it allows for layering underneath.  Though, it is not baggy in any way.  In fact, it looks quite nice over a t-shirt.  It is a versatile fit.

For reference, I am 6’1″ 205lb 45″ chest 33″ waist and 36/37 arms.  The XL is spot on as far as fit.  It might be one of the best fits in my opinion.  Dead Bird nails it on this.

The hood is able to fit over a ski helmet or be sized down to fit over your head.  The collar is the best I have ever tested.  It stands up on its own and provides great coverage, without needing to use the hood.  If you want to use the hood, you can very easily.

Two zippered hand pockets are placed perfectly to use with a backpack.  Yet look good for casual use.  Underarm pit zips provide extra ventilation on the skin track. There is one, stretchy, zippered internal pocket and no powder skirt (thank goodness!).  I would have loved to see drop pockets, but that is just me.

The XL comes in at 17.6 ounces (498 grams).  This is relatively light considering this the “Must Rugged” Gore-Tex Pro Shell and has all the features to make this a legit ski jacket.  Sure, there are some hardshells that come in lighter, but they probably won’t have 40D and 80D Most Rugged Gore-Tex.

Bottom line:

The Arcteryx Beta AR is a legit workhorse of a hard shell, and it should be at $599.  The legacy of this jacket speaks for itself.  Add in the next-generation Pro Shell and you have a winner!