Description
An all-around necessity for alpine playgrounds.
- Micro seam allowance (1.6mm) cuts back on bulk so you don’t have to worry about extra pack space or weight
- One-hand adjustable drawcords and articulated elbows ensure a custom fit for maximum comfort and performance
- Laminated underarm zips allow you to cool off if you’re overheating on a bid for the crux
- No-lift gusseted underarms mean you can fully extend your wingspan to reach for the next handhold (or the next beer) without disturbing the waistline
- WaterTightVision front zip further seals out moisture and precip during bad-weather excursions
Terms And Conditions
This Usage Agreement (the "Agreement") governs your conduct while using various services on the web site Backcountry.com and its affiliate web sites (collectively, the "Site"). All references to "we," "us," and "our" shall mean Backcountry.com and all references to "you" and "your" shall mean the user of the Site and Site Services. This Agreement applies to various services and activities on the Site as well as to gear review and product ratings (collectively, "Site Services"). Please read this Agreement carefully.
BY ACCESSING, BROWSING, AND USING THE SITE, ANY SITE SERVICES AND OTHER SERVICES THEREIN, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THIS AGREEMENT AND ITS TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY SUBSEQUENT MODIFICATION THEREOF, DO NOT ACCESS, BROWSE OR OTHERWISE USE THE SITE OR SITE SERVICES, INCLUDING THE SUBMISSION OF ANY REVIEWS OR COMMENTS.
Your use of the Site is governed by this Agreement and any other agreements and/or terms of use adopted by Backcountry.com and/or its affiliates. This Agreement shall govern in the event of, and to the extent of, any inconsistency with the Site. For more information on our privacy practices, read the Privacy Policy to understand our practices regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal information on the Site and with respect to Site Services.
Any comments, reviews (including gear reviews and product ratings), posts, feedback, questions, answers, notes, messages, images, video, audio, materials, documents, data, graphics, ideas, suggestions or other communications (collectively, "User Content") you submit on the Site are not private or proprietary. By submitting User Content on or through the Site, you grant, assign and transfer to Backcountry.com all of your rights, title and interest, including without limitation, all intellectual property rights and moral rights, in and to such User Content. To the extent the preceding assignment and transfer is ineffective, you hereby grant Backcountry.com an irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual right and license to use, copy, modify, adapt, display, publish, archive, store, distribute, reproduce and create derivative works based upon such User Content, in any form, media, software or technology of any kind now existing or developed in the future.
By submitting such User Content on or through the Site, you are confirming that (a) you are the sole author of the User Content and the User Content originated with you and not copied in whole or in part from any other work; (b) you have obtained all necessary permissions associated with the User Content, including without limitation permissions relating to copyrights, trademarks, rights of publicity and/or rights of privacy; (c) the User Content does not contain hate speech or profanity and is not unlawful, threatening, abusive, harassing, tortuous, defamatory, vulgar, libelous, obscene, racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable, an invasion of another's privacy, or otherwise in violation of this Agreement; (d) that you are not a minor and have the legal right and capacity to enter into and comply with this Agreement; (e) such User Content does not and will not, in any way, violate or breach any of the terms of this Agreement; and (f) Backcountry.com shall not in any circumstances be required to pay or incur any sums to any person or entity as a result of its use or exploitation of the User Content.
With respect to your conduct on the Site or while using the Site Services, you agree not to: (a) attempt to disguise the origin of any User Content transmitted to the Site Services whether through the Site or any third party site; (b) act in any manner that negatively affects other users' ability to use the Site and Site Services; (c) impersonate any person or entity, including without limitation, a manufacturer or owner of any product, or falsely state or otherwise misrepresent your affiliation with a person or entity; (d) interfere with the Site or Site Services, or servers or networks connected to the Site or Site Services, or disobey any requirements, procedures, policies, or regulations of networks connected to the Site or Site Services; (e) upload, post, or otherwise transmit any User Content that with respect to the Site Services: (i) is not relevant to the product, service, person or entity being reviewed; (ii) you do not have a right to transmit under any law or under contractual or fiduciary relationships (by way of example but not limitation, inside information, proprietary and confidential information learned or disclosed as part of employment relationships or under nondisclosure agreements); (iii) contains software viruses or any other computer code, files or programs designed to interrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of any computer software or hardware or telecommunications equipment; or (iv) is unsolicited or unauthorized advertising, promotional materials, "junk mail," "spam," "chain letters," "pyramid schemes," or any other form of solicitation.
By submitting any such User Content on or through the Site, you grant Backcountry.com permission to use your name, alias and any other information (as provided by you) to attribute such User Content to you. Without limiting the generality of the previous sentence, and subject to our Privacy Policy, you authorize Backcountry.com, its affiliates, and sublicensees to share the User Content across all affiliated Web sites, and to use your name and any other information in connection with its use of such User Content, as they may choose. You also grant Backcountry.com and its affiliates the right to use any material, information, ideas, concepts, know-how or techniques contained in such User Content. We are not responsible for the similarity of any of our Content or programming in any media to User Content submitted by you. Any and all rights granted in this section are granted without the need for any compensation to you in any form.
User Content does not reflect the views of Backcountry.com, and Backcountry.com does not represent or guarantee the truthfulness, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, integrity, quality or reliability of any User Content, nor does Backcountry.com endorse or support any opinions expressed in any User Content. In no event shall Backcountry.com have or be construed to have any responsibility or liability for or in connection with any User Content, Any gear reviews and/or product ratings submitted on the Site, if displayed, are displayed for entertainment and informational purposes only. Under no circumstances will Backcountry.com be liable in any way for any User Content, including but not limited to, any errors or omissions in any User Content, or for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of any User Content posted, emailed or otherwise transmitted via the Site or Site Services.
If Backcountry.com determines, in our sole and absolute discretion, that you or any User Content you submit violates this Agreement, we reserve the right, at any time, without notice and without limiting any and all other rights Backcountry.com may have under this Agreement, to: (a) refuse to allow you to submit further User Content; (b) remove and delete your User Content; (c) revoke your registration and right to use the User Content Submission Features; and (d) use any technological, legal, operational or other means available to enforce the terms of this Agreement, including, without limitation, blocking specific IP addresses or deactivating your registration, access to the Site and Site Services using your e-mail address, and your user name and password. Without limiting the foregoing, once User Content is submitted to the Site, Backcountry.com may take any or no action with respect to such User Content, including without limitation, deleting, editing, modifying, rejecting, or refusing to post such User Content, but is under no obligation to offer you the opportunity to edit, delete or otherwise modify User Content once it has been submitted. Backcountry.com shall have no duty to attribute authorship of User Content to you and shall not be obligated to enforce any form of attribution by third parties.
If, despite the foregoing assignment and transfer of rights in the User Content, it is determined that you retain moral rights (including the rights of attribution or integrity) in the User Content, you hereby declare that: (a) you do not require that any personally identifying information be used in connection with the User Content or any derivative works of or upgrades or updates thereto; (b) you have no objection to the publication, use, modification, deletion and exploitation of the User Content by Backcountry.com or its licensees, successors or assigns; (c) you forever waive and agree not to claim or assert any entitlement to any and all moral rights of an author in any of the User Content; and (d) you forever release Backcountry.com, and its licensees, successors and assigns from any claims that you could otherwise assert against Backcountry.com by virtue of any such moral rights.
You are prohibited from violating the security of any system or network compromising the Site or the Site Services, including but not limited to the following: (a) unauthorized access to or use of data, systems, or networks, including any attempt to probe, scan or test the vulnerability of the Site or Site Services or to breach security or authentication measures; (b) unauthorized monitoring of data or traffic on the Site or of the Site Services; (c) interference with the Site or Site Services including without limitation, any type of flooding technique or deliberate attempt to overload the system such as denial or service attacks; (d) forging of a message header or any part of a message header; or (e) using manual or electronic means to avoid any use or access limitation placed on this Site or the Site Services. Such violations may result in criminal or civil liability.
Backcountry.com reserves the right to report any activity or persons that Backcountry.com suspects has violated any law or regulation to appropriate law enforcement officials, regulators, or other appropriate third parties (including the disclosure of appropriate subscriber information). Backcountry.com may also cooperate with appropriate law enforcement agencies to assist in the investigation and prosecution of any illegal conduct. Indirect or attempted violations of this Agreement and actual or attempted violations thereof by a third party on behalf of any user shall be considered violations of this Agreement by such user.
BACKCOUNTRY.COM DOES NOT ENDORSE THE USER CONTENT, IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE USER CONTENT AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY TO ANY PERSON OR ENTITY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, PERSONS WHO MAY USE OR RELY ON SUCH USER CONTENT) FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE (WHETHER ACTUAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR OTHERWISE), INJURY, CLAIM, LIABILITY OR OTHER CAUSE OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER BASED UPON OR RESULTING FROM ANY USER CONTENT PROVIDED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.
Share your thoughts
What do you think of the
Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket - Men's
? Share a...
Small Theta AR VS Medium Beta AR
PAUL UDOVIC
Member since
Summit sky small THETA AR vs Medium BETA AR
Theta is longer by 1/2" and about a little smaller around the chest circumfrence.
All right, so I plan on snagging this puppy...
Eric P
Member since
All right, so I plan on snagging this puppy but I am a little nervous on size. I am 5'11" and in the 140-150lb range; I have an Atom LT that fits nicely in medium, so I would think that I should go with a medium. However, I've seen some reviews from people 30lbs (and I'm guessing a lot more built) more than me and about the same height that say the fit is "perfect". Do you think a Medium would be too baggy on my slim / lean frame? Thanks in advance.
Alexander Sepulvida
Member since
you might want to look at a small. I'm 5'7" and 170 lbs and I'm comfortable in a medium and have room to layer.
PAUL UDOVIC
Member since
Eric,
The medium is definitely too baggy for you. The problem going to a small with your height is the jacket is cut quite sort (small is an inch shorter in the torso than the medium). You may find that you are always pulling down the front of the jacket to cover your pants. I would suggest spending a little extra and getting the small Theta AR. same materials, extra length in the front and rear drop plus the arm pocket. That way you get the best fit for your size
PAUL UDOVIC
Member since
pic posted above showing the size differences
Alexander Sepulvida
Member since
Paul might be right, here's a pic a friend took of me with my Beta AR from the back. Again, I'm 5'6"
Nice
Alex D
Member since
Very satisfied i got this one withstands wind and rain amazingly
Guangdi Fan
Member since
Is this piece made in Canada or made in China?
Alex D
Member since
china but made very well i think jackets arcteryx makes good everywhere i got beta ar and beta sl both made in china no prob at all. just try it on first because they do come loose but its good incase adding under layering i usually wear M but i got L and its pretty big on me but lets me put any down jacket under it with out a prob
Is this made with the new Goretex Pro...
dan100343049
Member since
Is this made with the new Goretex Pro material? The softer feeling type?
Like the Alpha SV?
Stephen Sramek
Member since
Dan, the Beta AR is made with the new Goretex Pro material. It has a soft hand but is extremely durable. The Alpha SV is made with an 80 denier Goretex Pro material. While the Beta AR is made with a combination of 40 and 150 denier materials.
Arcteryx Beta AR Jacket
fwhp401963
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
This Jacket is a durable product that fends off the elements extraordinarily well. Its advertised as a versatile jacket suitable for all activities which I will attest to. I use this jacket for everyday use along with skiing, rafting, hiking, climbing and golfing. It is a good fit for slimmer people and provides sufficient dexterity in the joints for any activity. I will say in really cold temperatures I can't fit enough warm layers underneath it to stay warm, but that is a rare occasion. It is advertised as having a hood that can fit ski helmets but I never can get my helmet inside. Small flaws for an otherwise excellent jacket. I have had mine for a little over a year and have used it hard; It is showing little to no signs of wear and tear. A testament to its durability! Finally, Gore-Tex remains the superior breathable water repellant I have used and this jacket does just that. I recommend it for all people whatever your interests may be.
My favorite Shell
cwmp352306
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Of all the Goretex shells I've owned since the first Gulf War in 1991 (when in righteousness I started bike commuting to work) This is the best. Light, functional and minimalist but with enough features for comfort skiing, hiking or just being out in the western Oregon rain. Pit zips and pocket placement is perfect. Love the cut of the large on my 6'1" 200 lb frame. Comfortable with a fleece or puffy base layer for warmth and very accomodating of movement. Completely water proof in rain and snow. I'd strongly recommend this shell.
cwmp352306
Member since
I need to add that I belong to the Gore Mountain Techs program to test goretex and windstopper products.
Bomber but big
guy4682179
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I own about 9 Arc'teryx pieces and they all vary greatly in fit. This jacket is bomb-proof and will probably weather anything nature can throw at you. I returned it due the fact that it fits Huge. I always buy XL (6-6, 210 lbs) so I can layer. But this jacket has so much extra room that I felt lost in it. It also is kind of overkill for 95% of the time I need a shell. I wore it on Rainier and Mt Washington but I could have gotten by with a lighter shell. I ended up getting an Alpha LT for Winter and an Alpha FL for Summer.
Seems really nice, but returned.
Grizzlygibbs
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I returned this product before using it
This jacket is really nice, but for the price, I would expect it to fit better. I am not an hourglass, nor am I over weight. I bought the Large and the hip area fits well, almost snug, and the upper chest area and arms are really baggy, too much for layering. For the cost, I will need something that has a better cut for my body style. Will have to return it. Also mine was made in China, when other distributers are sending out Canadian made jackets that fit totally different.
I am 5'11" and weight in at around 210
eve4476433
Member since
I'm always baffled by the comments that the ones made in China are "Totally different" and "Fit different". I have several of the ones made in both Canada and China and they are all consistent with one another. A Beta AR made in Canada fits me exactly the same as the one form China.
Grizzlygibbs
Member since
I was baffled as well, it was definitely a different fit for me though... One area that was a little different was the shoulder width was less than an inch narrower, and the hip was less than an inch wider making for a more comfortable fit, at least for me.
eve4476433
Member since
If that's the case, I'd definitely contact Arc'Teryx. They definitely take care of things like that. Great customer service!
Great quality shell
rtkane
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Bought this just in time for a weekend camping trip in early December in the pouring rain. Kept me 100% dry and warm with an Atom LT underneath. Pocket placement takes some time to get used to since they're higher up than normal (but great because you can still access them wearing a pack with a waist band). Hood adjustment is fantastic and the best I've seen from the jackets I've tried. It's a bit noisy, though, so don't plan on sneaking up on anyone in it. Can't wait to use it skiing this year.
Perfect jacket
Alex Jeppsen
Member since
I bought this jacket and can't say enough good things keeps you super dry with goretex and is nice and light. Plenty of good pockets to keep your things safe and dry. Super clean fit
High Quality Shell
dhap108738
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Let me start by saying I'm not affiliated with Arcteryx. Those who are product testers should not be allowed to vote.
I tried many jackets before choosing this one. I bought it for fit, style and color was a big issue for me. There are many other equally good jackets out there, make sure you get the one that fits in a color you can live with for years becuase they will last a long time. This jacket will work for me down to 40F with only a medium weight base underneath. I don't see my wearing it if it's over 65F unless I really need to stay dry. I'm 5'9", 140 lbs. and a 36 chest, I bought the small and it is a nice intermediate fit, some light layering will work without completly filling the jacket out. One thing I'll mention is the jacket comes about two inches below my belt and in the back covers half my butt. You may need to consider a different jacket if you want lower coverage. I have the nightshade and it is gray in low light and changes to a dark blue/gray in sunlight. 4 stars since it is made in China and not Canada.
Thick Shell
Andrew Swindle
Member since
Love this coat. Great for all outdoor activities that require a durable shell in a shorter cut. Wouldn't recommend for skiing, even though the material is great fro that type of application, the shorter cut and lack of a powder skirt make it a better fit for climbing and everyday use. If you have nasty rain, this will keep you dry. Been using mine since 2007.
I 6.1 weigh 220 pounds what size jacket...
gri4853878
Member since
I 6.1 weigh 220 pounds what size jacket is right for me?
Justin Hebert
Member since
I'd probably go with the Large, but depending on your build, the XL might be a better fit depending if you plan on layering underneath it.
Best advice I can give is measure your chest just under your arms. Compare that figure to the sizing chart and you'll know you got the best fit possible.
edward
Member since
im 6.1 215. athletic build.broad shoulders. large is perfect with layering on the lighter side. i wear a base layer and something fleece under it just fine. i wear a large.
Great shell. Made in China
matp87789
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Very good, solid shell with great features. Keeps the wind and rain out well. Great hood. Disappointed that mine was made in China.
Beta is a great jacket for all around
Nick
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
This has to be one of the lightest, most sturdy jackets ever made. It is bombproof when it comes to wind and rain/snow, but is so light and the cut is just loose enough, it feels like you aren't wearing a jacket. The only way this jacket could be better is if it kept you warm at the same time!
As a disclaimer, I am affiliated with Gore for product testing of Gore-tex products for the purpose of product review and recommendation. I do receive items from Gore for these purposes.
Solid Shell
SMc302
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Great shell for alpine climbing, I've had it up Rainier and Baker (and randomly assorted other smaller climbs) thus far. Amazed with it's ability to cut fairly significant wind down to almost nothing. It breathes well and the zips are sizable allowing for less stops to put on or take off layers. I've also been pleasantly surprised with the toughness - it's been rubbed on sharp rock, had a few brushes with ice tools, and been in constant abrasion with a harness, pack, and rope and it still looks brand new.
I'm 5 10, 175 lbs with an athletic build and the medium fits great. Long enough that it won't keep coming untucked from your harness, but still packs very small. There is enough room for several layers, including down, but there doesn't seem to be any baggy excess material to get in the way.
Growing to be a bigger and bigger fan of Arc'teryx. You get what you pay for.
my 'go to' jacket
edward
Member since
this is the jacket i reach for when the weather is rough and i'm running out the door. It's light and built right.... pit zips and waterproof. It's lived next to the door for almost a year now. i am 6.1 215 pounds and i have a large. the cut seems to be a bit slimmer than other brands but i can still layer a little. I feel the fit is perfect for me. length is perfect. If you like a longer jacket, they have other models that can accommodate. This jackets been hit by trees and bounced off rocks and it's still in one piece. Still waterproof. Enjoy!
As a disclaimer, I am affiliated with Gore for product testing of Gore-tex products for the purpose of product review and recommendation. I do receive items from Gore for these purposes.
simple is smooth and smooth is dry
dsands
Member since
Ive had this jacket over a year now and put it to the test in a variety of environments. To start, the fit is spot on. I am 6' 195 and wear a large with room to layer underneath but not so roomy that I am swimming in it. There aren't a lot of "frills" on this jacket but it certainly gets the job done. The water proofness has held up really well through repeated usage and DWR still beads up and I haven't even retreated it yet. One of my favorite qualities about this jacket was that it dried out super fast when the precip stops. Rarely have I ever felt clammy in this jacket unless its pretty warm outside.
(Full disclosure: I received this jacket from Gore-Tex as a part of the MountainTechs product testing initiative in which products are received for participation.
The Beta AR: A Do-All Jacket
doup22607
Member since
BETA is BETTAH!
I'm A GORE-TEX Mt. Tech. Meaning that I get to test a lot of awesome jackets and clothing. And while I do not get paid, I am often able to keep the gear after the testing concludes. Regardless of all that, and in spite of it, this jacket will serve you day in and day out. It's very light weight and it's a good, athletic fit.Not overly baggy. It keeps sleet out all day, and keeps your own little self-climate a nice dry place.
I'm 6-foot, 175 lbs and the large is a good match for me. I have monkey-arms, but the sleeves make it to mid-hand which has been a problem with other jackets. (No cold wet wrists in the middle of a powder day!) The hood is also roomy enough for a ski helmet, but not excessive in size. I skied in the Tahoe area all season, front country and back, in sun and on dump-days and this jacket remained my go-to. Kept me amazingly dry for how light it is, and had room for layers when the temps dropped. I also took a end of March trip to Alaska for some Back country skiing and used the jacket everyday for full days of skinning and skiing. The jacket breaths very well. Wearing it on the ups, with only a base layer,was the right temperature, even when windy.No clammyness. Pit zips help control the temp too. Didn't end up sweating my face off on the skin track. This jacket performed extremely well and kept me comfy. Really can not say enough about it.
Note: This jacket probably is not cut to be a regular ski jacket, more like an ice-climbing or alpine jacket. Comes to mid hip on me. Also, no powder skirt, but works great with bibs-
Get one, you'll be glad you did!
Boo Yah.
ScottRad
Member since
I'm fortunate enough to be in a program that allows me to test Gore products (Gore MountainTech). I do not get paid for this but i do get to keep most products. That being said, i have a lot of jackets (including 4 Arcteryx). And the Beta AR is the one i use the most. The rest aren't even close...
The first thing you are going to notice when you put this jacket on is the weight, as in, where is it? Its very light in construction and has held up to countless hours in the backcountry, including some amazing cartwheels;o). After a full season and a few washes, it still looks brand new. I love how roomy it is, allowing me to easily layer up depending on the conditions and not sport the Michelin man effect. In the Back country i usually only wear a light or mid weight thermal underneath, on the lift, i'd wear a heavy thermal and my down vest. Front pockets are ample enough to store your skins, The hood fits comfortably over a helmet and can be adjusted down to fit on a head. The GoreTex is going to keep the wind and water out, and the Arc'teryx style will keep you looking good on and off the mountain. I even like to wear this jacket walking to the grocery store (which is often, it rains a lot here in Portland)
I'm 6'4 180 and the xl is the fit for me.
If you are thinking of getting this jacket, i have to say go for it. You won't be disappointed
Ginny Jones
Member since
Scott...really caught between the Stinger and the Beta AR....pro's and con's to each. Is this Beta Ar a bit short for snow skiing (for my son)?
View all contributions... Be patient, it might take a while.

PAUL UDOVIC
Member since