First Look: Arc’teryx Beta AR Hardshell

Call it what you want, Arc’teryx or deadbird, if that’s your thing. Started in 1989 as Rock Solid, the company rebranded in 1991 as…Arc’teryx, which, you know, built a visual identity around a fossilized and extinct bird (thus the name dead bird). What has not remained fossilized at Arc’teryx is a commitment to exacting standards for design and construction. 

Per usual, we will test the jacket for several months and report back with a long-term review. We do, however, have a few specific goals in mind regarding the updated Beta AR. 

For you Arc’teryx fans out there, the Beta AR arrives with a few updates. 

• This Beta AR employs GORE-TEX PRO ePE fabrics. Around for a few years, the Pro ePE has no “intentionally added” PFAS. The DWR, which assists with weatherproofing by repelling water, is also PFAS free.  
• Additionally, Arc’teryx claims to have reduced fabric waste and improved its lamination process. 

For those living in wet climates (raise your hand, PNWers), GORE-TEX Pro has been a staple fabric for many. We wanted to give a PRO ePE hardshell a whirl and determine how it stands up to the rigors of a long touring and ski-mountaineering season. These basic questions apply. Is Pro ePE weatherproof enough, breathable enough, and durable enough? And, do the basic features prove sufficient, even excellent, for dedicated tourers?

The naming conventions at Arc’teryx (like many companies) can be befuddling. (I blame myself.) I know for certain at this point that the AR refers to all around. The company makes a lighter Beta jacket in the Beta SL. Those looking for an alpinist-inspired hardshell jacket could also consider the Alpha series jackets. But the Beta AR, as an all-arounder, can serve many functions. For those looking for a do-it-all hardshell with basic features, a damn nice (and cozy) collar, and a fashion sense that doesn’t scream “I just sent,” the AR may fit the bill. 

Let’s run through the features. 

• Long/generous pitzips for those concerned about pitzips and enhanced on-the-go ventilation. 
• A cinch cord to tighten/secure the hem.
• Velcro closures on the cuffs.
• An adjustable and helmet-compatible DropHood (more on this in a bit).
• A comfy chafe guard to protect the chin when zipped all the way up. 
• A small internal chest pocket and two (above a waistbelt) hand pockets large enough for more pliable and smaller-sized skins. 

In brief, I was a bit skeptical about the DropHood design. That stems simply from my unrefined aesthetic. (And decades of owning shells with basic hoods with no real complaints other than how a hood fits over a helmet and does it impede my peripheral vision when deployed.) I often have my hood down, and since I was a kid, I have preferred vests and jackets with high collars that snug around my neck, providing warmth and protection. The living room test proved I could zip the jacket up, remove the hood, and still have a protective collar. A collar that wowed me. Yup, my bias was proven wrong. It’s worth trying the DropHood.

To wrap this up, let’s touch upon the Beta AR with the lens pulled back. We know that some readers prefer pitzups, so reviewing this jacket seemed a plausible option. We also know some readers want an all-purpose GORE-TEX hardshell if they are dropping significant funds on a jacket. That box is checked in the Beta AR. The last item to discuss quickly here is the overall build quality. Simply laying the jacket out on a counter and examining the fabric mapping and seams, I’m in awe on several levels. I drive around in a sweet old 2012 Prius. Great mileage (usually) but lots of road noise. It’s been years, really, maybe even never, since I’ve been in a real high-end Mercedes sedan—but I know how quiet those cars are. I do love quiet. Anyway, the Beta AR is somewhat like that smooth and quiet, you-get-what-you-pay-for sedan: well-built. It’s not that a hardshell is the pinnacle of design, but the construction illustrates a commitment to what must be some of the highest quality standards in the garment industry. All this, though, as one might expect, means more labor and a corresponding higher price point.   

Basic Stats:

Body Fabric: 3L GORE-TEX PRO ePE 100d Beam Dyed recycled nylon plain weave, 135 gsm, FC0 DWR – 100% Nylon with ePE and PU Membrane 100% Nylon Backing.

Yoke/Arm Fabric: 3L GORE-TEX PRO ePE Beam Dyed 80d plain weave recycled nylon, 126 gsm, C0 DWR – 100% Nylon with ePE and PU Membrane 100% Nylon Backing.

Price: $650.00