Arc’teryx is a Canadian company that began in 1989 as Rock Solid Manufacturing, producing high-quality climbing harnesses out of a basement in British Columbia. In 1998, they expanded into apparel, debuting the Alpha SV, the most advanced alpine climbing shell available at the time. The company changed its name to Arc’teryx Equipment when it entered the US market in 1991.
The company owns its own 243,000 square-foot manufacturing plant in North Vancouver, making it the only major apparel manufacturer in the industry to own its own factory. One of its popular garments is the Beta AR Jacket, an all-around workhorse with weather resistance and extra durability in high-use areas. The jacket is built with 80-D Gore-Tex Pro material and 40-D fabric, with taped and aqua-guarded pockets to prevent wind and water from entering.
Despite this jacket’s hefty price tag of $600, its weather protection, versatility, and durability make it an excellent investment for those who want a hard-shell jacket that can withstand demanding conditions. The jacket features minimalist design and comes with pit zips and an embedded RECCO system. The jacket’s adjustable hood and cuffs, two front mid-chest pockets, and one internal pocket make it functional for various activities.
While its breathability is not as high as preferred, the jacket offers unmatched performance for its weight. The Gore-Tex Pro provides excellent weather protection, as well as wind protection, making it perfect for alpine climbing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities. The jacket is praised for its weather protection, versatility, and built-in durability, but its cost and limited color options depending on the season may be drawbacks to some. Overall, the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket is an excellent hard-shell jacket investment that can provide long-lasting performance in demanding conditions.
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