Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket - Men's

Have a look at the Theta SV. Storm hood, more traditional positioned pockets(like the Beta AR) that are super voluminous and a storm hood.

The drawstrings are for the hood, but with the hood down, you can tighten it around your neck to keep the cold out.

If you insist on Arc'teryx, then the better everyday jacket would be the Venta. You'll get more use out of a softshell year round than you will the Beta, which is a waterproof rain jacket/ hardshell.

If you don't need to buy Arc'teryx, check out the Marmot ROM, similar jacket (same fabric) to the Venta, but a lot less expensive, and the best fitting jacket I've ever worn. Then you can use that extra $200 to go on a trip!

I just got the nightshade too(5 May) and it definitely has a slight greenish/bluish hue to it. It looks real sexy though, a real strange and unique color. At certain angles the jacket looks clearly grey but in sunlight the hue clearly stands out.
I even asked the rep I was chatting to confirm whether it was gray or had the greenish type hue, he said no, it's clearly gray.
I think it has to do with their indoor lighting. The jacket as it's own piece looks gray next to something black or "real" gray it def has the grn/bluish hue to it, and in sunlight also.
Mine came with the big sky color zipper pulls which I replaced with black ones which looks way better to me.
And for all you "Made In........" fanatics, mine is chinese.
I weigh 203lbs athletic, 44ish chest and the L fits me a smidgen loose but not overly so, the M would be too tight, t-shirt only.
Arcteryx has changed the sizing somehow, I remember a few years ago when I was salivating for this jacket, I needed an XL, now I'm an L in it. The same goes for a lot of the other stuff too. If you're an Arc' fanatic like me and have a bunch of their stuff, I would try and fit the clothing at a store before buying or look carefully at the reviews because stuff is different now.

I got the beta ar in nightshade as well and I agree. In indoor lighting the beta ar only looks like two colours of grey. However, when in outdoor natural lighting ie. sunny or even just overcast day light, the jacket definitely has a pine green/blue hue to it. I actually love that it does this though.

It is certainly not a green hue. are you sure its not the lighting your in? post a pic if you can

Arc'teryx calls the Beta AR a hip-length jacket. I've tried multiple Arc'teryx jackets in that size and am 5'10" as well. They all came down around the belt-line of my jeans, which is right at my hips, and I have a long torso. I guess what I'm saying is, I have to ask you if you know where your waist is.

Cal, you might want to look at the Theta AR, it runs a little longer if you prefer it to go below your hip line.

Made both in china and Canada I found both at my local gettin place.

I know last years model was made in Canada.

I just came back from their factory outlet store and there are many BETA AR Jacket with different sizes. It's made in "CANADA" not china.

There are some Alpha SL and those are made in China.

China.:/

Yes to both questions. The Beta AR is cut to accomodate layer, so check the sizing chart up top. You may be able to go for a Lge which would fit you better in the sleeves and bottom hem. This will work great with a harness, which you can wear over top of the jacket so you have clear access to knots and belay devices as well as a clear view of your feet.

sleeve length is the same for both the Theta AR and Beta AR, it's the hem length that is different (Theta AR is about 2"longer) Are the sleeves still too long when you put your hands above your head, or cross your arms across the body? These are built to give you full coverage through your full range of motion.

I am 6'5" 200 lbs. I tried L with gamma AR as midlayer. The fit is just right. If you want to add thicker midlayer like atom SV then you need to choose XL.

If you want a longer hem, with a proper athletic fit the Theta AR is about 2" longer in the bottom hem and adds an arm pocket. Same build otherwise. I think the Lge would fit your torso better and will definitely still give you room to layer up for the really chilly days.

HI JBERK! I suggest you stay with the XL. Although it might feel "a little bulky" it will be longer than a size Large, and permit you to layer - which you probably couldn't do with the size Large. I think with your height being 6 ft. 4 inches, the XL would be your best bet. Hope this helps.
Jeff Levin

I, too am exactly your size (6'1" / 175, broad shoulders and long arms, normal length torso). I have the Beta AR in large and it fits on the large side (but that's a GOOD thing with this jacket, because it's designed to be layered under. My "storm shelter" layering is a wool base layer, an Atom LT, and the Beta AR. No weather out here in the southwest can get through that, but if it ever did, I'd still have room for a fleece or softshell jacket, so bring it on!

I am exactly your size and wear a Large in Arcteryx jackets. I typically wear a turtleneck and fleece, and it fits well. If by down jacket, you mean a "puffy" coat - not enough room - but something like the Atom or thinner down shells would work.

Hey Ward, you are correct that they are very similar. The Theta AR has basically the exact same fit as the Beta AR (athletic) with minor differences. Like you said, the Theta is longer and not just an inch or two, but several. I'm only 5'6" and I have the new Beta AR (which they extended the length a bit this year) and it fits my shorter torso perfectly. The Theta has a longer hem length, a slightly taller collar and an extra small pocket on the left arm which the Beta doesn't have. Also, I'm not sure which year jacket James Jenden was trying on, but both the Beta AR and the Theta AR have very large helmet compatible hoods. If you're tall or like longer jackets go with the Theta, if you're short like me go with the Beta. Hope this helps.

just bought one this morning ... im 5'11" too /165 ... and the small fits PERFECTLY. Medium had too much room and really defeated the purpose of the athletic-fit. I'd go with size small!

I'm your size and prefer an alpine fit, so all of my Arc'Teryx stuff is small. If you prefer looser fitting or want to layer some bulky mids, then medium might be better.

The Fall'11 Beta AR is made in Canada and China depending on factory capacity. Quality is equivalent regardless. There isn't an easy way to tell which jacket is made where, unless you see the actually tag inside the jacket.

no...not any more...

But my Atom LT is made in china...

My 2011-2012 Beta AR was made in Canada

Some of the Beta AR are made in Canada, and some in China due to factory capacity being tiny in Canada. The China made Beta have the exact same quality and are made in an Arc'teryx exclusive factory.

Hey,

Unfortunately not. The only Beta I'm sure of for this season is the FL Jacket. Most of the Alpha line is made in Canada though.