Gear Photo
Arc'teryx Beta FL Jacket - Men's
Vancouver, BC, Canada
By Matthew Johnson
Ranked #16 - Men's Technical Shells
February 7, 2012
I hope this answers some questions before they're asked. Arc'teryx did not MOVE production overseas - they expanded overseas. There are still many products they make here in North America. The jacket is awesome but I haven't seen enough winter this year to really put it to the test yet. I can say, though, that the fit is the best of ANY Arc'teryx jacket I have had the pleasure of wearing. Squid Ink is also a more awesome color than you could possibly imagine without seeing it in person. I'll say more after I have a chance to put it through the wringer.
View Details: Arc'teryx Beta FL Jacket - Men's
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- [membrane/laminate] Gore-Tex Active Shell (3-layer); [shell] nylon, DWR coating
- Fabric Waterproof Rating:
- guaranteed waterproof
- Fabric Breathability Rating:
- guranteed breathable
- Hood:
- yes, fixed
- Fit:
- athletic
- Length:
- hip
- Powder Skirt:
- no
- Pockets:
- 2 front zippered hand
- Seams:
- fully taped
- Wrist Gaiters:
- no
- Liner-Compatible:
- no
- Weight:
- 11.4 oz
- Recommended Use:
- alpine climbing, alpine touring
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime
Change me.
Comments Last Reply: March 12, 2012 By: Matthew Johnson
Hi Matt, Can you shed some light on the difference between Beta AR and Beta FL? Im trying to pick one and i can't decide ;( I do a lot of hiking in spring/fall and winter and i would also like to use it for skiing and snowboarding. thanks
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I have both so I'll try to sum up the differences for you. The FL is lighter, more breathable, and more fitted. The major differences come from the fabrics and the membranes used. They both use a 3 layer construction but the AR uses heavier fabric than the FL. AR uses: 380NR GORE-TEX® Pro Shell 3L 480N GORE-TEX® Pro Shell 3L FL uses: 292N GORE-TEX® Active Shell 3L 244N GORE-TEX® Active Shell 3L I can definitely tell the difference when it comes to wearing and packing both shells. The downside is that the FL probably won't stand up to the same abuse the AR will - but that's something that remains to be seen. The FL also uses lighter zippers and forgoes pit zips to save some weight. The lighter fabric in the FL can't provide the same sort of venting that pit zips do but I haven't had any moisture issues while telemark skiing (resort skiing - not touring). When I don't need a hood I like the drop hood on the AR more than the storm hood on the FL, but when I'm wearing the hood it makes no difference. The FL is a little longer in the sleeves and at the hem - the AR is much bigger through the shoulders. I don't like the way the AR fits me when I'm not wearing an insulation layer underneath but, like I said above, the FL fit is awesome with or without heavier layers underneath. If you're going to do more hiking or backcountry skiing/snowboarding I would go with the FL. The lighter weight will be nicer to carry and more breathable fabric will be a little nicer when you need to put on a shell. If you're going to do more resort skiing/snowboarding I would go with the AR. The heavier fabric is probably going to stand up to wear and tear better in the long run and you won't miss the higher breathability until you need to keep the rain off when it's warm and you're working hard. I hope that helps.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes