Strictly as a rain jacket, this one has been the best for me. I work for the Park Service and wore this doing field work in the torrential rain. I was the only one that was bone dry at the end of the day. I got it in this very light blue color, which tends to get dirty real easily, but that's negligible. The only tiny detail that was a con for me, personally, was that the jacket wasn't as long as I would ideally like, the pockets are kind of small, and since its pro-shell gore-tex the jacket can be a little loud (I was told to take the jacket off during my road test because it was distracting!) Other than that it does its job, I would especially hope so for its price!

Living in the Pacific NW this has been a year round jacket for me. Perfect for those showers in the spring and fall and great as a shell over a fleece during ski season. The inner pocket is ideal for the essentials on the mountain (rfid ski pass, dl and a credit card). Size wise, I bought a large. I'm 6' 150lbs. Great length in the sleeves. A little big on it's own but when layered with a base layer and fleece it is perfect for skiing down the mountain.

I love this jacket for mountaineering, skiing and snow shoeing in wet Cascade mountain conditions. Just bought second one, bright red for better visibility in back country. I agree with previous reviewer, fit, features and materials are excellent!

Arc'teryx is all about high end fit, features and materials. This jacket delivers!

very happy so far. Beta AR fits very well, looks good, feels good. I am pretty tall (5'10") and the arms are long enough in the arms - very nice. I get loads of compliments every time I wear it! I also have the stingray, and the beta ar is not nearly as heavy or stiff, but is still very comfortable and water/wind proof.

Primary use: Motorcycle ride to work in rain/sleet. Secondary use: snowboarding. Strengths: Articulated elbows offer great fit in any position. Water-sealed seams are legitimate even in a total down pour you will remain dry as a bone. Materials look and feel quality and reinforcements are positioned appropriately. Colors are vibrant! Weaknesses: Fit could be slimmer, but once you've got some warm layers under this shell you almost need the room. Helmet compatible hood is bulky and only useful on rare occasions. Overall: The right choice if you need absolute dryness and quality fabrics/zippers that will last.

I'm going to Bhutan next year and wanted a technical shell that could do it all. It had to be light weight, sturdy enough to handle a backpack, waterpoof enough to keep me dry standing in a full on shower, and roomy enough to wear multiple layers without feeling restricted. The AR almost fit the bill, but unfortunately wasn't long enough for my liking. I ended up returning it and going for the Theta AR which was a better choice for me because it's longer in back and will keep my butt dry!
I'm 5'6'' 125 lbs and it fits me perfectly with plenty of space for added layering. Haven't stood in the shower with it on yet, but I have plenty of confidence in Arc'Teryx products so I know I won't drown!

This jacket seriously is the only shell you will ever need. I would know living in the rainy rainy Pac NW. It stops wind in its tracks and can take buckets and buckets of water all day while you stay perfectly dry inside. It is also pretty breathable for a shell--it does not have the inner condensation problems of gore-tex paclite for instance. To top off the amazing technical performance, the jacket looks like a million bucks and the fit is spot on. Couldn't ask for more. Sizing wise, I have the medium and am 5'10" 145lbs with room for layers underneath.

I hoped I'd found a replacement for my 11 year old North Face (men's xs) but alas, no. The hand pockets are way too small even for my tiny hands and I sometimes need to stash gloves in them. Useless. Also the inside pocket is too small for anything essential. The main zipper is not two way, a major deal breaker for me and is awkward to work since it starts at the bottom edge of the jacket. The girlish styling on all these womens' jackets I find annoying. I want to stay dry and layer for cold and rainy weather, not show off my girlish figure. The waist hits me at the hips so is snug when it shouldn't be and yet is not as long as I'd like to block wind and rain.I love the way the hood works and the colour and the lack of velcro but those features are not enough for me to want to keep it. Maybe I could alter it to make the pockets bigger but I shouldn't have to.

Bought this jacket to my wife. I have the Alpha SV. We both have them in black and they have the same stylish look (hard to tell them apart). The fit is perfect and the only noticable difference between Beta AR and Alpha SV is that the Alpha SV has moore pockets. We had the jackets in the Swedish mountains this summer. It was very windy and lots of rain and our jackets felt like fortresess! Like with all waterproof jackets, remember to have waterproof trousers or your trousers will get soaked.

this jacket is SUPER thin....just a shell basically. but a great shell! its very very waterproof and has a nice small fit. i just don't warm up in it right away, which can be tough. i love the big hood, and don't love the lack of pockets. good for skiing hard, bad for leisure walks with the dog.

This jacket brings "staying relatively comfy in heinous conditions" to a whole new level. Switched into it midway through last season and suddenly became a warm and happy backcountry skier, winter camper, and mountaineer. Through blizzards, rain, and general abuse it held tough. And yes, it is pretty. Let's hope the quality keeps up now that everybody seems to be wearing one.

Overall its a great jacket light weight, water proof goretex pro shell that taskes very little pack space. However it was not suffiecient for my multiday skimountaineering demands. The material is a little to thin and not as durable as some other shells I own like the Patagonia Powderbowl or AK 3L given those are heavier. Also its not as wind proof as my other shells and the hood does not fit my helmet well So I ended up sending it back. I generally think Arcteryx products are great I own a pair of theta AR and beta AR pants which I love but were made in canada. I have a feeling since Arcteryx was baught by Amer sports and is producing in china the quality is not holding up to previous standards.
I can say enough good things about Backcountry. A++ service!!! Keep it up!!!

Tried on a Theta and Beta, went with the Beta. I am 5'1", the Beta fits whereas, the Theta fits looser and longer on sleeves and length. It looks very flattering on. I have not worn it for outdoor activities yet, so can't say much about its performance but based on other reviews, it sounds pretty awesome!

One of the nicest jacket's I've owned! Great with a softshell underneath on extremely cold days, great just as is for a jog or hike on autumn days! Extremely versatile, waterproof and good-looking!

So far, I have used my jacket twice, while hiking in the Pacific NOrthWest. Both times, the jacket protected me from hail and drizzles. I'm don't usually follow the beaten path and like to climb up and down rocks, and so far the jacket hasn't torn or shown signs of wear. I tend to beat my gears up. So far so good. Cheers!

Note: Size fit true. I wear XS and got XS with enough room to layer with several shirts,and fleece and still have enough room in the jacket.

Down side for me is that there isn't lower side pockets to put my hands in. :(

Feature I like, besides the entire jacket, is the hood. I like how I can keep my neck warm and not have to put the hoodie on.

This jacket is great! Skiing with a fleece, running with a base-layer, and even just going out for a walk. defiantly worth the price.

i really am enjoying my jacket. It is well fitted and still able to wear a fleece shirt underneath. Definitely rain proof. It is not a long jacket, just to hips, so if it is really a down pour, I would recommend rain pants.

the blue jacket, as it turns out, is really more of a purple - but that is my only criticism! everything else about this jacket is excellent.

the large hood that everyone else seems to indicate is a problem was the opposite for me - i think it is perfect sized for those of us who have large hair clips or put our hair in a bun - a little cinching (provided on the jacket) and the hood is perfect sized.