Ah Arc’Teryx, the Vancouver, BC based company that makes some of the most expensive jackets on the planet. With the price of the Alpha SV recently going over $600 US, you wouldn’t be out of line asking exactly what you get for that much money.
Despite the costs, Arc’Teryx is famous for making some of the best jackets on the planet. The Beta AR has been one of its most popular jackets and has turned in to a classic. This year, Arc’Teryx has updated the jacket with the latest Gore-Tex Pro Shell, but otherwise the jacket is mostly the same as previous models.
So why exactly would you pay $450 for a jacket? Arc’Teryx’s marketing people claim that the company uses the best stitching and the highest quality fabric that Gore-Tex offers. Previously, the excuse was that all their jackets were made in Canada. However, in 2008 Arc’Teryx moved most of its production to China.
Leaving the marketing aside, this jacket has quite a few nice touches that you may not find on other jackets. All the zippers on the jacket are waterproof (an Arc’Teryx invention). The the jacket uses much smaller tape than previous jackets, which reduces the amount of space used in your pack. Zipper garages are included on the front. The back of the jacket is cut a bit longer than the front so your back isn’t exposed when you bend over. As always, Arc’Teryx sizing is spot on (are you listening Mountain Hardwear?).
The company claims that Gore-Tex Pro Shell is significantly lighter than the older XCR and packs much smaller. Comparing against my older Arc’Teryx Sidewinder AR that uses XCR, I’d say they’re right. The Beta AR takes up significantly less space and is lighter than my XCR jackets. While I can’t say I’ve noticed a huge increase in breathability between the two, the difference in space and weight is a welcome change.
The jacket isn’t perfect though. I’m not a huge fan of the Velcro that adjusts the cuffs. The Velcro is quite stiff and adjusts the size of the cuff by creating a flap of fabric. Until you break in the jacket, the flap can be quite annoying as it interferes with your movement. However, this hasn’t been a huge deal after the jacket is broken in.
Overall, this is a fantastic jacket, but it’s not worth the price. For a few hundred less you can get a jacket from most other manufacturers that is almost as good. That said, if you can find this on sale for anywhere near the same price as the lower cost jackets, pick it up.
I know it was a rhetorical question, but since you asked, we indeed are listening! And we agree. Mountain Hardwear fit will be new and improved on nearly every outerwear style in Fall 2009. We have a new product manager who went meticulously through each piece in the line and made adjustments where they were sorely needed. It’s looking really good right now. We think you’ll like the updates.
This is a great site, btw! Love what you’re doing.
-MHW
That is fantastic news. On the whole I really like the stuff MHW is putting out, but sizing has been incredibly inconsistent in the past. I have one medium shirt in particular that has to be an XL in any other brand. Even after shrinking it’s pretty large. If you guys are addressing that issue though, I really don’t have any complaints.
Well the previous Beta Ar I’ve seen was made in China however the new one received on 2011-01-05 has a new Made in Canada logo which mean that they switch the production to Canada for this model since they make their Pro-shell in Canada. (According to an Article read a few weeks ago)
Yep confirmed, just picked up the new Beta AR, product is now made in Canada. TBH that means alot.