Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket - Men's - 2010 BCS

Cheers Mitch will give it some thought as I will be layering.

If you plan on layering, I would suggest the medium. It might be a bit long on the arms. I'm 6'0, 135 and I wear a small in the Beta.
Backcountry has a great 100% no questions asked return policy. If it were to be the wrong size, exchanging is a very simple process.

Hey Tikahuna, a Medium should work great for you.

The Beta is a better choice if you are looking for a jacket that will perform well as you move from ascending to descending in the backcountry. Both are Gore tex pro top of the line shells. The Beta is The 3 layer gore tex pro shell, and has added protection were needed, for things like pack straps etc..

The Beta does not have powder skirt. The north face does and it is remoavble. As my wife told me skirts are for girls. But that is your choice.

A plus on the north face is the off set zipper closer near the mouth. Arcteryx innovated with this in their sidewinder jacket and it is a nice way to keep,your zipper off your chin and mouth.

Arcteryx in my opinion does a better job with this jacket when it comes to design. They consider everything down to how the cut performs in motion to the zipper pulls.

If you are looking to get out into the backcountry and climb and ski, go with the beta. But regardless both are sick bomber jackets and will take most any gnarly snow, rain or hail storm you throw at them.

Go beta.

Should I still get large if I do not layer?

I think a Large is your size in the Beta AR, which is cut a bit shorter in the hem than the Theta AR, by about 1.5 inches.

I would say yes, however eVent and Gore's new Active shell are quite breathable.

You'll hear a million different opinions on this one. I can tell you that Arc'teryx has tested every version of waterproof/breathable membrane out there and still uses only Goretex Proshell for their hardshell jackets because it performs the best over time.

This is a great system for cold weather activity because you can regulate your temp according to activity level and temp. For a proper layering system, start with a close fitting wicking shirt (like the Arc'teryx Phase AR) to keep sweat off your skin. The Hyllus would be the next layer (typically referred to as a mid-layer), then the Beta AR for the outer layer. For warmer temps or high activity the Hyllus can be your outerwear and will block most wind and snow, but breathe very well so you don't overheat. If it's extra cold, windy or wet, the Beta AR over top will keep you dry and comfortable, and for summer rainstorms can be worn over your baselayer to keep you dry and not too hot. The Beta rolls down quite small so it doesn't take up too much room in a pack. Super versatile kit.

Yes the centigrade scale,and would the Hyllus be considered a strong base layer?? I've only ever gotten down insulated coats. I'm new to the layer system.

I assume you are refering to the centigrade scale. Put on a nice baselayer underneath and you should be fine. If you are referring to Fahrenheit - damn thats cold! and you will most likely need a mid layer.

You should be pretty warm, although there are plenty of choices that'll serve you as well or better for a whole lot less money... Try combining the Stoic Welder Hi with a hardshell like the Patagonia M10 (which is on sale right now), and you'll save some weight and a couple hundred bucks.

They will work for snowsports even though they are designed for all around use. The Beta is cut a little shorter than most other arcteryx jackets so if you have a long torso you may find it riding up. Its a fully waterproof breatheable shell and haas large enough pockets and pit zips to aid you during activity. It is missing a powder skirt and some of the articulation you will find in arcteryx white line of jackets.

You are probably a small in the Beta. These are cut slightly shorter than most arc jackets so you may want to look at another model for your height. I would check out the Theta AR since it has a similar cut but is longer in front and back and only a few grams heavier.

Sounds like a Small Beta AR would work best. It will fit proper in length (sleeve and hem) and still have room for a bit of layering. That is, unless you like 'em baggy.

Medium.
It might be a tad long on the arms, but the medium should fit you great around your shoulders and chest.

Sounds like you have a large chest, I'd go with XL. Might be able to get away with Large, but could be tight with layering.

I am 5'9 and 180lbs and find plenty of room to layer with my small Beta AR (2007). I maxed out my layering with Patagonia Cap 2 and North face SDS 1/4 Zip in 0F and ~50mph winds and still stayed comfortable climbing. If I need more layering its because I am in a sleeping bag.

I am 5'6" 155lbs and the medium is perfect. Good room for a north face redpoint underneath and not too baggy with just a t shirt!

medium is the correct size for you grid runner.

You would be best suited in the Medium, and that will give you room to layer. You could even consider a small depending on your chest diameter. Check the size chart above to be sure.

The black is all black (green zips were an older model).

The green zippers is an older model... If you order the black from here you will get the one you see on Amazon, no green zippers... the other colors shown here are correct...

my Beta AR is marked "made in China", though it's one from 2007-2008. See picture of it above, brown colour

The Hyllus jacket is actually made in China. I cant remember where the Beta AR is made. There is a list posted a few months ago on backcountry.com which lists where each piece of arcteryx clothing is made.

Yep, Arc'teryx is made in Canada

Thanks Jason

i dont own this jacket, so dont quote me. but i have been reading reviews for a couple months now, considering purchase. another website lists the zipper material as "a durable plastic polymer to save weight." with gore-tex everywhere and plastic zippers, i dont think you have anything to worry about in salt-water.

i am 6'3'' and 200 pounds and i have an XL because i live in the UP so in the summer it is a little baggy on me. so if you don't need to put on 5 layers because it is -40 degrees out then a Large should be perfect.

Thank you, Paul! That was very helpful.

The betas are the shortest cut in the arcteryx line up. At 175 you fit a medium pretty well, but may be a tad short for your height. Moving up to a large would be quite a baggy fit (esp. if you are not layering underneath). I would go for the medium Theta If I were you. You will like the coverage it provides (especially in the back). It will not be too long in the back. You can also try the Alpha SV.
Hope this helps

Thanks for the responses. After reading some more reviews, I'm a bit concerned on the length of the jacket for someone as tall as me (6' 3''). I do want hip length, but I'm afraid the Beta AR may be too short. Keep in mind, I won't be using this to ski, just for hiking, trekking and rain protection in a very warm climate. Any thoughts on the length -- would a Theta AR be better or would that be too long in the back?

For normal wear including layering I would agree with Mike and go for the Large. If you want it to fit snug and have no plans to layer I would try the Medium first.

My brother is 6'2 180lbs and he wears a large...You seem to be in the same range....

Jackets put out since Fall 2010 are actually hip length. This was verified by Arc'teryx themselves via e-mail. The new jackets are 1.5 inches longer in front and .5 inches longer in back. I am 5" 9' and 170 and I wear a small. It hit right at the belt for me on the old model which was a little short but I have faith in the new longer cut. Not sure which model is displayed here..

Thanks JChap, is that the front or back?

Hey Jim,

29" inches on a Medium.

Either jacket would be totally suitable for all these uses. The pockets of the Alpha SV are maybe a bit easier to access with a pack, but the Beta AR pockets work well. The Beta AR is a bit lighter and packs down smaller. For hoods, I prefer the storm hood of the Alpha because it offers a bit more protection if you're really battened down. Either hood is adjustable enough to work with or without helmets; the Beta hood tends to to stay out of the way better when you're not using it. To the fabric question, the Alpha is more durable, by a bit, but the Beta AR fabric is still very durable but has a softer, quieter quality; the difference in breathability isn't noticeable.
I guess if I had to recommend one, I'd say it sounds like the Beta AR would be more of an all around choice, but you will love either one.

I don't have exact lengths for the two jackets, but the Stingray is about an inch longer. The Stingray uses GoreTex Softshell, which is a brushed poly fuzz inside. It does add some warmth, and softness, but it's not like an insulated jacket. Other difference; Stingray has a powder skirt. Beta AR is lighter and more packable/breathable.

Just to add my two cents in. I'm 5'9" and 170 lbs. with a size 40 chest. I'm super happy with my size small. I'm usually a spot-on size medium in everything. I felt like I was swimming in the size medium Beta AR. Sleeve length is on the longer side with this model. I still have room to layer underneath for cold weather activities. Great jacket. Will not disappoint.

Personally I'd go with the medium to allow you to layer underneath it but if you don't plan on ever layering with it then go with the small.

I am very close to your size. Go with the small if you will have minimal layers underneath (warm weather hiking). Go with the medium if you will have some layers underneath (skiing, cold weather hiking, etc.). I personally like the M better, I think the S is just too small for me.

Thanks Again Brandon!

I would think the small would fit best in the Beta AR and still have room for layers. It fits just a touch bigger than the Theta SL.

the alpha series are a bit longer and have a larger hood than the beta. the alpha jackets are made for ice climbing and technical mountaineering. the beta are most suited to your needs beacause they are made for general mountainering and hiking. i'd go with the beta if i were you, and your wallet will thank you. you may also look at the theta jackets, they are well made and have a longer cut than the alpha and beta jackets, wich is good when you dont wear waterproof bib pants, and they are tougher. hope i helped!

Simple answer Yes it will, but it's strengths are as a go anywhere. If you are after a ski only jacket, then the Sidewinder is the puppy.

This wouldn't be my first recommendation for a ski jacket only because of how short it is. If you are using bibs underneath, then its probably fine, but I personally would want something longer. This really becomes a factor since at your measurements I'd be inclined to say that you would need a medium since I think you would be swimming through the chest in a large. If you are looking for a versatile gore-tex shell that can go between skiing and other non-snowsport activities, I'd look at one of the Theta jackets which have a longer cut to them. If you are looking for something more snowsports-oriented, the Sidewinder jackets are fantastic.

Arc'teryx Beta AR is GoreTex Pro-shell-a bit more breathable, packable and lighter, and uses a face fabric that is a bit more durable. It's really versatile for year-round use.
Stingray uses GoreTex Softshell, which has a light polyester fuzz inside-softer, warmer and has a powder skirt. More of a snow sport jacket. Same pockets and hood on both.

I'm close to the same size as you and went with a large. Fits perfectly.

I wear a size M and I'm 6' and about 185 and I've got pretty broad shoulders. Maybe it's that I like the jacket to fit fairly close to my body. For the most part, when I wear outdoor clothing like this I'll be moving a lot and wearing wool or a tech fabric underneath to keep warm.

It's completely subjective, just order one and get a feel for it, if you don't like it return it for a different size, I wear a M and im 130lb, 5'11''. I layer and It works just fine for me, its still a little big.

I roll a medium at 5'11 170. I'm thinking XL would work for you. You could even go Lge if you wanted more of a "technical" fit.

Hey Danny,

Yes, two are on the way. Their ETA was set for 11/24/2010. More than likely will be a few weeks after that.

Check the outlet section of backcountry (or department of goods .com). If you can't find it there- they are unfortunately gone or no longer on sale

Mine's Canadian made although older Beta AR models may have been Chinese made too. This could also be true for the current 2010/11 models.

Fantastic! Thanks for the great info.

I contacted Arc'teryx and they sent me a list of products currently (2010-11) assembled in Canada, but it does change from season to season. It looks like the Beta AR jacket is currently made in Canada.

Alpha SV jacket
Alpha SV bibs
Alpha LT jacket
Alpha LT half Bib
Beta AR jacket
Theta AR jacket (both in Canada model #7517)
Theta AR bibs

ASCENT/INSULATED
Fission SL jacket
Dually Belay Parka
Solo Jacket

ASCENT/SOFTSHELLS
Gamma SV pants

WHITELINE/HARDSHELLS
Sidewinder SV jacket
Stinger Jacket

BASELAYER
Rho LT top and bottom

ENDORPHIN
Visio Comp Jacket

ACCESSORIES
Knee caps
Waldo Beanie
Frank and Frida Toque
Jimmi Toque
Qubert Toque

HARDGOODS/PACKS
Arrakis 40, 50 and 65
Naos 85

HARDGOODS/HARNESSES
M280
A300a
S240
X350a
R320
R280

All Law Enforcement and Armed Forces leaf.arcteryx.com and Veilance veilance.arcteryx.com divisions as well.

The 2010 Arc'teryx Beta AR is all black, fabric and zippers.