Is the Arc'teryx Beta AR Worth $750? | In-depth Review

[@precursor4263]

Thx for all the reviews on the new Beta, Beta SL, Beta ARs, I couldn't find any other useful reviews on the new 2024 models. It's really nice to hear about the length, this helps me a tonne. I thought the AR might be nicer than the SL because of the durability and improved hood, but it seems that the hood is actually not that nice and the length is so short. Not good for me :) 185cm.. So I guess I'll go with SL again!

[@Lucaemar]

Excellent set of reviews! I had been looking at the LT for a while, for exploring and photographing the outdoors, in all weather, with a lot of backpacks. After these videos i think the AR might be better suited, as im often worried about scratching branches and stones when going through the undergrowth or laying down 😄

[@WillFaulkner]

@@Lucaemar yea that makes sense

[@davidng8552]

I own 2 Beta AR. The first one is about 6 years old and love it. I want a all around hard shell for occasional hiking and also as a day to day rain jacket around town. The only complaint is that it is a bit short. Then Arcteryx updated the Beta AR about 3 ago which is longer and the cutting is not as slim as the old version. I picked one up about 2 years ago at 40% off which I think is a super deal. I like the newer version more for sure.

[@WillFaulkner]

Is the 6 year old one still in good shape? How long did it last?

[@davidng8552]

The older one is still in good shape overall. No tear anywhere. The Gore-Tex membrane is still holding but the DWR coating is so so. I have to reapply the DWR coating a few times.

[@WillFaulkner]

@@davidng8552 That great to hear!

[@arturogonzalezdpt]

How did you get it for 40% off??? I’m looking to get one as well

[@makattak88]

I got my first hardshell (Zeta LT) in 2017 for 40% off. I recently had to return it for the zipper blew out. I was given full price compensation of what the jacket is worth now. Over $600. I bought a Beta AR with it.

[@enginefuel8610]

This was a really informed review. I jus picked up the Beta Goretex Insulated in Boston and did not know about the 3-way adjustable hood! Thanks for this.

[@makattak88]

Thank you for this review! I bought one before watching this but you’ve convinced me that I made a good choice. I didn’t have to pay full price for mine (warranty on my old jacket paid for most) so I’m stoked. She’s in the mail.

[@WillFaulkner]

Nice!

[@NathanHassall]

excellent review and discussion appreciate the straightforward specific thoughts...I am the same size as you..I may look at different options. Cheers!

[@WillFaulkner]

Thanks! Let me know what you end up getting instead.

[@mathieucharbonneau2710]

Thanks for another great review! I just got the Outdoor Research Foray 2 which is also a goretex shell but its paclite. Found it for 200$ CAD on sale. I was also looking for a good shell to “do it all” but I’m realizing that maybe that’s too much of a big ask for a shell jacket… all of my jacket hunting has made me think maybe I should just figure out how to make one myself haha.

[@WillFaulkner]

I have also thought about making my own. I imagine figuring that out would be tough though. How do you like the Foray? I see it on sale all the time and have thought about getting it.

[@mathieucharbonneau2710]

@@WillFaulkner The foray is alright I suppose, i’ve yet to find a cheaper, more versatile paclite hardshell. My motive was to get a shell that would be good year round for anything from alpine skiing to summer hiking trips. I’ve tested it around town when its -15C and it does the job okay (with proper layering underneath). But it doesn’t compare to a proper alpine jacket. I think what it does best is being an easy to pack gore-tex shell with huge pit vents and a lifetime warranty for a cheap price. What bothers me most is that previous models had a 2-way front zip but they took that out - it seems like most companies cheapen their popular models after awhile which is super frustrating. Hard to trust any outdoor company in the end.

[@Bushwacked487]

Lol how could you possibly find it not wind resistant? No goretex jacket is air permeable at all.

[@SKiiTTLe5]

My exact thoughts…how is that even possible?

[@toddmpls23]

Bought my first Beta AR 10+ yrs ago, and finally looking to replace it! My challenge is the weight I've put on the last couple of years -- if you're not in top physical condition Arcteryx is a tough brand to fit -- at 6'1" the Large used to be perfect, but is now too snug to layer for boarding... while sizing up to XL looks way too big in the chest, the arms are too long, and looks huge worn by itself as a rain jacket. May need to try the Sabre... Side note, when layering, it's best not to fit a hood inside of a hood, for the issue you had with the Atom (which also comes hood-less)...

[@boyermchristopher1]

You likely have an old jacket that was handmade in Canada. I go through a betta are jacket every couple years. there made overseas now

[@Smatnm]

I really wish Arcteryx offered the same hood on the Beta AR as they do on the LEAF, being stowable.

[@WillFaulkner]

Yea I would love a hood like that.

[@RaP22]

Tried it.. fit wasn’t for me but did like the hood. Stick with my mountain equipment lotse jacket.

[@laurencegoode1387]

Great video. You are good at being friendly and likable, yet highly informative. I own most Arcteryx Hardshells in at least one copy. Primarly use the Beta AR, Alpha SV and the Sabre. Quality is definitely not like it was. Just like most things built by western companies nowadays. But broken zippers - that is unforgivable and cheap. I would say that despite hit or miss production quality Arcteryx but far has the most effective and durable stuff you can buy from a large company. That said, quality is hit or miss. No problem paying, but problem accepting flawed items, regardless of price. So you pays absorbent prices and pray to gods it won't fail, the way I see it. No reason for poor quality. Example here is I still have a few North Face Moutain Jackets from the late 1980s and 1990s. In every way except weight, they are better. Dramatically so. Stronger, waterproof, warmer while still breathing, and above all, windproof. None of my Arcteryxs stop the wind off the ocean or off a 14,000 peak, which I see all the time. Don't even know it's there with the ancient North Face. Went to Arcteryx only after NF quality decreased so much as to make thier products not worth having if the they were free. Best alternative to that old, gold stuff. Note: the only Arc havent used is the Rush. To many published complaints and problems. That said, maybe someday.

[@WillFaulkner]

Totally agree

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

I want it longer, and I want the storm hood, but I still want the higher grade Gore Tex.

[@rich7447]

Beta SV is longer and has the storm hood. There is a Beta AR that has the storm hood, but it only comes in one color and is the standard Beta AR length.

[@bugoutbrad8395]

I just received my. New French army, Gortex waterproof, camo jacket. If I had a choice, for free. I would take, the French army jacket. Thanks for the vid. O. It only cost $108 Canadian. Cheers 🍻

[@WillFaulkner]

Sweet !

[@CoachKlipp]

I loved my Beata AR jacket, but I'd call it the absolute worst jacket for backpackers. Here's why. I bought mine just before the pandemic (who knew?). As a result, it got very light use for two years. I only wore it in the city to go shopping and for a few day hikes in a nearby forest. Suddenly, the main zipper stopped working. The jacket still looked like new, but it wouldn't zip. That would be tragic if I were backpacking in the snow. To make matters worse, I sent it abroad at my own expense to be repaired, and not only would Arcteryx not repair it, but they also refused to honor the warranty. I have a Jack Wolfskin jacket that's nearly fifteen years old that still has perfectly working zippers and cost a fraction of the price. I've heard from people who had a good experience getting repairs and replacements, but it's not a guarantee. Their customer service is random, and at this price point, it's not worth the risk.

[@voodoochili12]

Wow, that stinks. Definitely staying away from them

[@makattak88]

I just received a voucher for over $600 because my Zeta LT zipper failed. Not sure why you’re not getting compensated.

[@CoachKlipp]

@@makattak88 They offered me a certificate for half off any single product. Meaning that I could replace my failed jacket for $300. The last one lasted only two years of light use. Would you spend $300 for a jacket that self-destructs after two years of light use? I did not consider that solution to be acceptable. Not when my Jack Wolfskin has lasted over a decade for a fraction of the cost.

[@makattak88]

@@CoachKlipp Fair enough. I don't understand why you weren't compensated since my jacket(shell) had the zipper blow out as well and got fully compensated. I literally got more money back than what I paid for originally. Talk about an investment!

[@CoachKlipp]

@@makattak88 That's just my point. It's not just whether or not the warrenty is good, but is it consistent? If I'd gotten a different agent, I might have had a different outcome. So it's a crap shoot, and a risky one that I won't take again.

[@prismspectrum1600]

I missed 2021 Black Friday's 20% deals, then I patiently kept waiting a year, sadly, NO discounts on 2022 Black Friday.

[@WillFaulkner]

Damn did they have none of Black Friday this year? I think I saw it on the outlet site.

[@prismspectrum1600]

Thank you for info. I live in central Illinois US, here is no Arc'teryx outlet store near me...The outlet website was not offering free return and black Beta so I chose to paid full price on its official web.😥😥

[@WillFaulkner]

@@prismspectrum1600 Yea it sucks they no longer offer free returns on the outlet site. Really discourages me from picking stuff up to try.

[@Pdxzach]

I tried on the beta in a size L and it fit great. Would you recommend sticking with a L for the beta AR?

[@WillFaulkner]

Yea, generally arcteryx is consistent with sizing. Usually if you fit large in one, your large in their other products.

[@Pdxzach]

@@WillFaulkner great, thanks!

[@raphi1294]

Hi i have bought the beta lt and it s all trade off : Beta lt has pit zips The hood is not as much ajustable and does not have the collar, so it's better for layering but does not offer so much protection. When it is pouring rain i experienced some water coming into the jacket from the hood through the "chin" of the beta lt. The pockets are not that high so come in the way of a backpack belt or a belt for climbing. I think beta lt is a better all around i would just add the interior pocket and a more ajustable hood

[@WillFaulkner]

The pocket issue will be there are all the Beta jackets. The Alpha series is designed for climbing and the pockets are placed higher to not intrude with the hip belt. Interesting point on the water coming in from the collar. I haven't heard that before.

[@JonOsborneRealEstate]

Hey thanks for the video. How tall are you?

[@WillFaulkner]

6'1

[@JonOsborneRealEstate]

@@WillFaulkner thank you!

[@isabellakathleen3533]

Toward the end of the video you mentioned a preference for the Beta SV because it has all the features and length you are looking for. Did you mean the Alpha SV?

[@WillFaulkner]

No I was referring to the Beta SV. Looking at their site, they don't currently have it available. Norrona would be another option which I did a video on.

[@austinmoore7078]

I found a beta sv being sold for $500. Would you recommend that over thew other shells? I want something for living in the woods for three months this summer. It rains a lot in north western nc but also I heard the beta sv is the heaviest and don't know if it'll be good for summer.

[@WillFaulkner]

That would be a really good option assuming it still in good condition

[@WillFaulkner]

Basically any rain shell will get hot if it’s peak summer. Only option to avoid would be an umbrella. The Beta Sv has pit zips so it will be as breathable as any other shell. It will also be much more durable

[@emmanuelmascarenhas663]

Hey bro i am doing ebc in october along with 3 passes would it be a good shell or should i consider something else😊

[@WillFaulkner]

@@emmanuelmascarenhas663 yea it would be great for that !

[@emmanuelmascarenhas663]

@WillFaulkner unfortunately I couldn't get my hands on one of them in time. I did get the thorium ar so I will be looking for options for the hardshell in nepal. Thanks for the response.

[@LinsolentTV]

Is it warm enough to stand alone?

[@WillFaulkner]

No, it’s not meant to provide and insulation or warmth. It’s only meant to protect from wind, rain, and snow

[@grappler555]

They just came out with a Beta AR Stormhood for $600. Would you recommend that one? I don’t understand the big appeal for the stormhood.

[@WillFaulkner]

I’m actually excited for the new one. I plan on picking it up and reviewing whenever it is available in a store near me. The main benefit of the storm hood is that is is much easier and more comfortable to layer hooded mid layers underneath like the atom lt or a down jacket

[@rich7447]

I would pay the extra $75 and get the Beta SV.

[@grappler555]

@@rich7447 I couldn’t find the Beta SV on their website. Only the Alpha SV which is overkill for me.

[@stevencruickshank1846]

Good vid but you spoke about the length of the jacket without showing the full length

[@XieQiu]

Great info thanks 🙏

[@WillFaulkner]

Thanks !

[@cesarcabatbatjr]

As far as the length, would sizing up to an XL help? Or would that just be wider?

[@WillFaulkner]

It will be a bit longer but not much. If you want something longer, the best bet is a different model.

[@jamesrosales89]

thankyou, do you think the different goretex material than the beta lt hadron is worth the extra $200 ? i need water proof, i dont care about breathability. would love your advice for some logic please :) thankyou

[@jamesrosales89]

i just really worry about the material wetting out , meaning losing its ability to beed the water off ... so the AR would be less chance of wetting out due to the better goretex than the LT ?

[@WillFaulkner]

What is your use case for the jacket where you don’t need breathability? There are plenty of waterproof jackets that are 100% waterproof like rubber but you will get soaked on the inside from sweeting. Let me know what you are going to use it for and I’ll try pointing you in the right direction.

[@jamesrosales89]

@@WillFaulkner thanks Will, or example driving on my motorbike just a couple of hours in the rain, or just walking around my property... i wont use it for hiking... i had another jacket that lost its beeding ability ‘wetted out’ (and i wasnt hiking or using it that much...) and i want to make sure my next one doesnt lose its waterproofing... i’m like traumatized and want to ensure the goretex stays goretex... such a strange concept after hearing all the stories that peoples expensive jackets just all of a sudden lose its ability to be waterproof 😫 Im actually looking at the patagonia torrentshell 3 L , which is about 1/3 of the price than the Beta AR Arcteryx... what do you reckon of the patagonia torrentshell 3L ? but i was wondering between the AR and the LT as they have different goretex materials, so i assumed the AR is worth the money just to be sure it wont wet out

[@jamesrosales89]

@@WillFaulkner i guess when i use my jacket riding my motorbike i have a backpack on so maybe the straps and the bag against my back causes the material to lose its ability to waterproof...

[@WillFaulkner]

@@jamesrosales89 For your previous jacket, did you reapply DWR? That is what makes the water bead off. For walking around the property, I would save the money as you probably don't need a goretex shell. The torrentshell is popular and I have heard good things so it would work just fine. For the motor biking, I don't want to comment on what would be good for that as I'm not experienced in that area. I assume you would need something with padding too? Maybe check on reddit.com/r/motorcycles, I'm sure people have discuss that topic on there before.

[@RennyFNM]

So would you recommend to stick with your size ?

[@WillFaulkner]

Yes

[@130505]

Do you think size M also fit for you ?

[@WillFaulkner]

It would fit me well but not allow much to layer when snowboarding, main issue would be it would be way to short.

[@joshking9537]

how is it holding up?

[@WillFaulkner]

Still my go to hardshell.

[@wraith_6169]

Let me point u in the right direction, Mountain Equipment Lhotse jacket, you’re welcome!

[@WillFaulkner]

Oh that looks good. Haven’t heard of them before. Looks like they ship to Canada too!

[@tianyuanqu6866]

Hi, could I ask how tall you are, I am 6''4, got a L size

[@WillFaulkner]

6'1

[@brianbassett4379]

Is the main zipper a 2-way zipper?

[@WillFaulkner]

No

[@patrickdaly5988]

Zippers ain’t waterproof, just water resistant, which is just crazy in a jacket with goretex pro.

[@user-um3fx2vk8r]

if its raining or snowing, water is definitely not getting through the pocket zippers lol. doesnt matter if its not fully waterproof because nobody is submerging their pockets in water for extended periods of time

[@rexamian8708]

Love your magnetic hands…😂

[@jacobreynoso99]

I think it’s overpriced. It’s nice but for the price, I don’t find this to be a fair deal. I pass.

[@WillFaulkner]

Yup I totally agree. Many other options out there that can get the job done depending what you need it for, for a fraction of the price.

[@IamHopers]

how the f.... is this jacket 750 dollars???? wouldn't price it more than 300 usd. This brand is total bs

[@sealevel51]

"The jacket is not insulated?" Why do you think the underarms have zippers for letting out the heat so you don't sweat and get soaked. Who do you work for Northface?

[@VanMunn]

This is such a strange comment. It isn't insulated. It's a simple hardshell and nothing else. The insulation and heat comes from your other layers. When you're exercising you have the option of dumping heat with the zips open. Doesn't mean it's insulted.

[@LeePierre]

The heck are you doing with your hands every 2 seconds.. maan