2015 Silverton Splitfest • snowboardmountaineer.com

Arc’teryx Beta AR

by Shaun Nauman

The Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket is the ultimate four season hard shell when used in conjunction with the Layering System. This is a technical shell designed for active use in inclement climates. The”AR” identifier stands for ‘All Around’ use. A list of Arc’teryx identifiers can be found below.

I have owned the Beta AR for a couple of years now. I use it as my primary shell from the spring to fall shoulder seasons to summit Colorado’s fourteen thousand foot peaks (14ers). I also use the Beta AR during the winter season in conjunction with the layering system for AT splitboarding in the backcountry. I use the Beta AR as my outer-layer. Typically for a winter mid-layer I will use the Arc’teryx Gamma MX, (I also have another off brand soft shell I sometimes use) in conjunction, along with a baselayer. Because the Beta AR does not have an internal powder skirt, on descents with deep powder I will usually opt for my Arc’teryx Theta AR.

TECH SHELL DESIGNATORS:

SV – Severe
AR – All’Round
LT – Light
SL – Super Light (pac-light)
SK – Ski
MX – Mixed

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FIT CATEGORIES:

NEXT TO SKIN FIT: These snugly-fitting garments are made with stretch fabrics to fit next to the skin to enhance moisture management and thermal efficiency.

TRIM FIT: Trim-fitted garments share the motion-friendly traits with our ‘Athletic’ fit garments, but are patterned with lower volume for reduced bulk. These close-fitting pieces layer well under other garments.

ATHLETIC FIT: This is the ‘Arc’teryx Standard’ fit. These complete patterns utilise anatomical shaping and gussets to enhance motion by minimizing excess bulk. Easy layering under or over each item extends seasonal versatility and comfort.

RELAXED FIT: Relaxed fit garments rely on higher volume patterns and a reduced amount of articulation to offer roomy mobility.

EXPEDITION FIT: Cut roomier than the Athletic fit and suitable for winter/extreme conditions, Expedition (XPD) fit garments are cut larger to accommodate multiple layers without binding or restricting movement.

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Arcteryx Beta AR Specs

Description →Key Features →All Around →Just The Right Length →The Hood →The Key Piece →Arc'teryx Fit Guide - Athletic Fit →e3D →Men's Sizing Chart →Care →

Beta Series: All-round mountain apparel | AR: All-Round. Women-specific, lightweight & packable, waterproof GORE-TEX® jacket; Hip length with a helmet compatible DropHood™.

The streamlined Beta AR Jacket provides the backcountry minimalist with durable storm protection in a lightweight and packable format. This hip length GORE-TEX® Pro jacket reduces layering overlap and bulk, a helmet compatible DropHood™ offers quick storm protection, and reinforced shoulder and elbows survive alpine abuse.

Arc'teryx Beta AR

Technical Features
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Durable
Construction
- Micro-seam allowance (1.6 mm) reduces bulk and The force created by gravity acting on a mass." class="glossaryLink " target="_blank">weight
- DWR finish (Durable Water Repellent) helps repel water from fabric surface
- Taped seams for added weatherproofness
Patterning
- Anatomical shaping for fit and comfort
- Gender specific patterning
- Articulated elbows
- e3D Ergonomic 3-Dimensional patterning for enhanced comfort and mobility
- No-lift gusseted underarms
- Athletic fit for a slimmer more flattering profile
Hood Configuration
- Laminated brim
- Adjustable hood drawcords
- Helmet compatible DropHood™
Collar Configuration
- Chin guard with brushed microsuede facing for added comfort
- Zippers & Fly Configuration
WaterTight™ external zippers
Laminated pit zippers allow for faster venting
Corded zipper-pulls reduce noise and are easy to grab
WaterTight™ Vislon front zip
Zipper garages to protect zipper closure from snow and rain

Cuff & Sleeves Configuration

Die-cut Velcro® cuff adjusters reduce bulk, and won’t catch or tear off

Hem Configuration

Drop back hem
Laminated hem
Adjustable hem drawcord

Pocket Configuration

Internal chest pocket with laminated zip
Two high-volume hand pockets
Note: Our WaterTight™ zippers are highly water resistant, but not waterproof. We do not recommend keeping items in your pockets that may be damaged by moisture

A mainstay in the Arc’teryx lineup since 2000, the Beta AR is the do everything, most versatile waterproof/breathable jacket for mountain environments. Hand pockets, athletic fit that accommodates maximum layers and a hood with an internal collar mean comfort in storms, climbing, skiing or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Hip length is the easiest to work with when layering waterproof/breathable garments.The Beta AR hits the middle ground.

A good hood is a crucial detail on any serious alpine jacket. The Beta AR features the Arc’teryx DropHood™, a helmet-compatible, fast adjust hood with a separate collar for draft protection.

If a person can only choose one jacket for all their activities, the Beta AR is a solid, well-rounded piece. Durable, lightweight, with hand pockets and pit zippers for ventilation, it can manage storms, rock, snow and cool seasons. GORE-TEX® Pro delivers the highest level of waterproof/breathable performance.

The Arc’teryx Beta AR is ‘athletic fit’. This is the ‘Arc’teryx Standard’ fit. These complete patterns utilize anatomical shaping and gussets to enhance motion by minimizing excess bulk. Easy layering under or over each item extends seasonal versatility and comfort.

Standing in as the “Arc’teryx Standard” fit, the complex patterns used utilize anatomical shaping and gussets to enhance motion and eliminate excess bulk. Trimmer than the Relaxed fit with room for a base layer, a light fleece mid-layer and a synthetic or down filled mid-layer.

Ergonomic 3-Dimensional Patterning

Ergonomic 3-Dimensional (e3D) patterning brings an additional level of articulation to provide enhanced range-of-motion in our Trim, Athletic and Expedition fit categories. The application of e3D patterning allows for enhanced mobility for sport-specific activities in challenging environments.

This is the ‘Arc’teryx Standard’ fit. These complete patterns utilise anatomical shaping and gussets to enhance motion by minimizing excess bulk. Easy layering under or over each item extends seasonal versatility and comfort.

How to find your measurements

Sleeve:
With your arms in a slightly bent postion, measure from the center of the back of your neck, along the length of your arm, to the wrist.

Chest/Bust:
Measure around your chest/bust, holding the measuring tape under your armpit.

Waist:
Measure around your waist at the narrowest part.

Hip:
Measure around your hips at the widest part.

Men’s Jacket/Shirt Sizing

Calculate your own body measurements, then select your product size.

BODY Size	X-Small \| 36		Small \| 38		Medium \| 40		Large \| 43		X-Large \| 46		XX-Large \| 50
	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm
Chest	36	94	38	97	40	102	43	109	46	117	50	127
Waist	29	74	31	79	33	84	36	91	39	99	43	109
Hip	36	91	38	97	40	102	43	109	46	117	50	127
Sleeve	32	81	33	84	34	86	35	89	36	91	37	94

Machine wash in warm water (30°C).
Double rinse.
Do not use fabric softener.
Tumble dry on medium heat.
Do not iron.

BETA
All around mountain use garments: moderate length; hand pockets; interior pockets; moderate articulation; room for layers; helmet compatible hoods; drop hem.

AR | ALL AROUND
Provides high performance & weather protection and highlights a range of features to give All Around versatility in multiple activities.

The Beta AR performs exceptionally well in outdoor activities such as hiking, running, AT skiing / snowboarding and is uniquely versatile in all four seasons. The Beta AR is a tech hardshell that stands up to heavy rain, snow, strong wind, and abrasions. The light weight construction, breathability and pit zips make this an ideal shell in the summer months, approach to a summit, or while AT touring.

Depending on the year of manufacture, the Arcteryx Beta AR is either made from GORE-TEX® Pro shell, or GORE-TEX® Performance shell (XCR). From 2012 forward they will be GORE-TEX® Pro. The difference between the tech fabrics is the weight, specifically in the lining material. The “GORE-TEX® XCR” material has a Tricot third layer, while the GORE-TEX® Pro has a much more durable and lighter weight material offering abrasion resistance on the inside. There is no difference in breathability or waterproofness between the two however.

The streamlined Beta AR Jacket provides the backcountry minimalist with durable storm protection in a lightweight and packable format. This hip length GORE-TEX® Pro Shell jacket reduces layering overlap and bulk, a helmet compatible Drop Hood™ offers quick storm protection, and reinforced shoulder and elbows survive alpine abuse.

Hip length is the easiest to work with when layering waterproof/breathable garments. Not too short so it doesn’t ride up or expose the lower back and not so long as to be cumbersome underneath a harness or a pack belt, the Beta AR hits the middle ground.

As with all tech clothing, particularly shells – keep them clean. Build up of dirt, oils, sunscreen, etc. will cause the DWR and breathability of the 3-layer GORE-TEX® system to work less efficient. See the tech clothing care guide directly from Arc’teryx for pointers on cleaning and renewing the DWR. As with all tech clothing, never use fabric softener.

Retail price: $550.00 USD
You can find more information on the Arc’teryx website. www.arcteryx.com

Arc’teryx Cost

Curious about the Arc’teryx factory? “In total, a single jacket takes nearly six hours to produce—it will pass through about 80 sets of hands, that’s over 250 processes. Take into consideration the materials being used—space age fabrics and fastenings—and do a little math. You’ll find that an Arc’teryx parka (they go from about $300 up to $1000) suddenly doesn’t seem so outrageously priced. More…