Arc’Teryx Beta Rain Jacket Evaluation

Bottom Line

The Arc’teryx Beta is the jacket to bring when heavy rain and strong winds hit your next hike. We were warm and well-protected in this stellar shell while out in some of the heaviest conditions the Chugach Range of Alaska could throw at us. The Beta stands out to us as one of our best rain jackets.

With waterproof zippers, tight cinches at the hood and waist, and exceptional durability, we use this jacket for many trips when the weather takes a turn. We love this option for its high-quality weather resistance and extreme durability. While it does lack pit zips that many others have, the Gore-Tex used in this jacket breathes much better than expected.

The biggest deterrent is its high price point – there’s no getting around this is an expensive jacket. However, it’s an investment in protection on the harshest weather days and a layer that is guaranteed to keep you dry and warm.

Comfort & Mobility

In our testing, we loved the slimmer fit through the body and arms. While those preferring a looser fit or with a larger torso may not enjoy this cut, slender bodies and those used to athletic layers will enjoy how the Arc’teryx Beta feels on the body.

We often had to cinch down the cuffs to keep the arms from going over our hands. That being said, extending the arms in all directions felt unencumbered and the jacket never lifted or rode up while wearing a pack or stretching. The two front pockets are placed just slightly high which we appreciate for ease of access while wearing a pack and avoiding bunching zippers under the hip belt.

The Gore-Tex is quiet and lacks the telltale crunch and crinkle of similarly burly jackets. When wearing the hood, the sound it made also was more tolerable than other synthetic waterproof layers. A brushed zipper guard on the chin is a thoughtful touch for comfort against the skin.

Weather Resistance

The Arc’teryx Beta is one of our highest scorers for weather resistance and we are still yet to find the outermost limits of this jacket. In a cold fall rain and even some wet sleet, the Beta kept us warm, dry, and protected. This jacket is one of our top picks for heavy precipitation and we will keep reaching for it again and again on the wettest and coldest days.

The hood and the collar of the coat fit seamlessly together creating a snug and weatherproof system that helps retain body warmth on cold days. The structured brim of the hood sheds water away from the body and keeps the head dry. The hem of the jacket extends just beyond the waist to provide superior coverage and shed water quickly and efficiently off of the torso. We love this jacket for summer monsoons, fall rains, and even early winter sleet. It is one of the most weather-resistant heavy-duty jackets to bring for inclement weather.

Ventilation

In our initial testing, we were surprised to find that this jacket does not come with pit zips. While this initially seemed like a drawback, it didn’t negatively impact breathability.

We hiked with the Beta fully zipped with the hood up, with varying levels of the front zipper unzipped, and even experimented with seeing how the front pockets contributed to shedding heat. Throughout all these different iterations to test ventilation, we were pleasantly surprised that the Gore-Tex used in this jacket breathed well enough on its own, unaided by opening up zips to the outside. The Beta felt less clammy and wet than other shells during high exertion. While this jacket does run on the warmer side, it is right at home in cool and wet environments where we tested it in coastal Alaska.

Durability

The Arc’teryx Beta’s superior weather resistance is supported by reliable durability. It held up day after day in heavy rain and took longer to wet out than almost any other model. When forced to hike through the brush in the Alaskan backcountry, this jacket came out the other side without any snags, scrapes, or scratches. The sleek and refined design leaves fewer options and places to wear out and break down. We look forward to continuing to use this jacket on many more trips to come.

Weight

For a jacket this weather resistant and durable, some concessions do have to be made for weight. While this certainly isn’t the heaviest jacket we tested, it is not a true ultralight jacket either. Packing it down into a small space proved to be a bit of a challenge. Those prioritizing space and weight above everything else may not choose the Beta, but its superior weather resistance more than makes up for any sacrifices in weight and packability compared to UL layers. We will continue making room for this jacket in our pack if it means that it will keep us warm and dry in the worst weather.

Should You Buy the Arc’teryx Beta?

If you are one to regularly go out in the harshest conditions, then the Arc’teryx Beta is the jacket for you. The high price tag may not be the best fit for some, but this cost is an investment in one of the most weather-resistant and durable options on the market and is sure to serve you well for years. The Arc’teryx Beta is not the most breathable or packable jacket out of our lineup, but those are worthy trade-offs for a burly jacket that performs best in cool and wet conditions. We used it on days when the weather was guaranteed to be wet and windy and we were warm and dry through every test. We will trust this jacket in the harshest conditions for many more trips to come.

What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Review: Similarly bombproof with a three-layer construction, we use the Torrentshell in similarly heavy conditions.

REI Rainier Review: If you’re looking to spend a fraction of the cost of the Beta, the REI Rainier is a perfect low-cost and high-quality jacket.

Outdoor Research Foray II Review: While the Beta may lack zips, the Foray II provides some of the largest and most ventilated zips of any jacket we tested.