Arc'teryx created the Men's Beta AR Jacket for mountaineers and skiers who want the performance of Gore-Tex Pro and top-notch durability without a laundry list of un-needed features. The Beta AR Jacket includes polyester-reinforcements on high-abrasion areas like the shoulders and elbows to increase its lifespan. Underarm zips help you stay cool when the going gets tough, and WaterTight zippers combine with the waterproof breathable material to provide moisture protection when the weather turns nasty. What this Arc'teryx jacket doesn't have is a million pockets, a heavy zip-in liner, fancy electronics pockets, or any other weight-adding bells and whistles you don't want.
Bottom Line: Arc'teryx keeps the Beta AR Jacket simple without sacrificing much-needed durability or performance.
Good material, nice quality...infact top product. I bought it for backpacking-trekking in Patagonia, but I should have taken a longer model. Without backpack ok, but with the belt on your belly it even shortens. So my pants became wet even with a gore-tex pants under it
I have used TNF shells, then I moved to Mtn Hardwear, this jacket is my first Arcteryx. It is the best shell I've ever owned. Lighter and more streamlined then any shell I've owned. What a product! Perfect for ski mountaineering, climbing, etc. I was concerned about what size to get. I'm 5'10" and 160 lbs. and the medium fits perfect. I use the Arcteryx Venta AR as a softshell layer. Perfect combo. Wow!
I love this coat. I was holed up at 14'000 feet on Rainier in a summit bivy. I had to piss so bad with no piss bottle. I used the POCKET OF THIS COAT and it held steady all night long.
