Any Experience w/Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket?

[Benjblt]

So I know that I posted earlier about a light weight rain jacket ( http://www.rokslide.com/forums/clothing/102572-light-weight-pack-able-rain-jacket.html ). My question in this previous post was regarding a lightweight rain jacket with features at a good buy. So everything for nothing I already have a FL SEAK jacket in Fusion, its Medium and it's really baggy on me so I don't where it much accept for hunting. It's a good jacket but I'm thinking if i'm unwilling to take the weight penalty for backpacking then why do I have it. I don't hunt enough to own a jacket that i only use when it rains... when I'm hunting . . . and if i'm not backpack hunting, which I hope to do a lot of. I'm starting to look at selling my FL SEAK and buying a Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket. Any one use this jacket? It seems to be the perfect balance of weight and durability. That the big question; Is it durable? That the most important thing to me. I know anything can rip but occasionally I will beat the Oregon brush with it and I want it to be able to take some abuse.

Any thoughts on Arc'teryx rain jackets in general would be appreciated.

 

[fngTony]

So I know that I posted earlier about a light weight rain jacket ( http://www.rokslide.com/forums/clothing/102572-light-weight-pack-able-rain-jacket.html ). My question in this previous post was regarding a lightweight rain jacket with features at a good buy. So everything for nothing I already have a FL SEAK jacket in Fusion, its Medium and it's really baggy on me so I don't where it much accept for hunting. It's a good jacket but I'm thinking if i'm unwilling to take the weight penalty for backpacking then why do I have it. I don't hunt enough to own a jacket that i only use when it rains... when I'm hunting . . . and if i'm not backpack hunting, which I hope to do a lot of. I'm starting to look at selling my FL SEAK and buying a Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket. Any one use this jacket? It seems to be the perfect balance of weight and durability. That the big question; Is it durable? That the most important thing to me. I know anything can rip but occasionally I will beat the Oregon brush with it and I want it to be able to take some abuse.

Any thoughts on Arc'teryx rain jackets in general would be appreciated.

I looked at the beta ar and the lighter sl I think it’s called. The sl is minimalist, hand pockets, no pit zips but for something around 10oz it felt very durable. The ar feels more robust, more features and I believe uses goretex pro. The sl uses packlite. I liked the fit of the Mammut stuff better so I bought the masoa which I think would be a bit shy of the durability needs in wet Oregon brush. Might be worth seeing what their next step up is.

 

[Benjblt]

I looked at the beta ar and the lighter sl I think it’s called. The sl is minimalist, hand pockets, no pit zips but for something around 10oz it felt very durable. The ar feels more robust, more features and I believe uses goretex pro. The sl uses packlite. I liked the fit of the Mammut stuff better so I bought the masoa which I think would be a bit shy of the durability needs in wet Oregon brush. Might be worth seeing what their next step up is.

I feel like it's always a big guessing game trying to figure out what's going to be durable enough for my needs here.

 

[wind gypsy]

Look at the denier of the face fabric to determine durability across the arcteryx line. I would avoid paclite if concerned with durability at all. I think you'll find the beta AR durable for the weight. You'll also find it loud. Might be worth a look at the alpha line as well, they are a little longer in the torso and have a thin foam piece in the hem to keep the jacket from riding up under a pack belt.

 

[Benjblt]

Look at the denier of the face fabric to determine durability across the arcteryx line. I would avoid paclite if concerned with durability at all.

Yeah, I've done that but I don't think that's the only thing that determines durability. It's tough to know until you put it to use.

 

[Muttly]

So....don't have the jacket, but a few years ago me and the Missus both picked Beta AR pants.
Wanna say 2015..been used hard in SE Alaska, year round, never been a hint of water getting through them. Hell for stout, near as I can tell, been subjected to far more abuse on the rocks than I expected them to survive, not intentional, but it happens. Not the lightest or quietest, likely.
Plan to round up the Beta AR jackets for both of us one of these days. They're expensive, but so far the experience has been buy once, cry once..

 

[Benjblt]

So....don't have the jacket, but a few years ago me and the Missus both picked Beta AR pants.
Wanna say 2015..been used hard in SE Alaska, year round, never been a hint of water getting through them. Hell for stout, near as I can tell, been subjected to far more abuse on the rocks than I expected them to survive, not intentional, but it happens. Not the lightest or quietest, likely.
Plan to round up the Beta AR jackets for both of us one of these days. They're expensive, but so far the experience has been buy once, cry once..

Awesome! Good to hear!

 

[Big Nasty]

I have the Beta SL and its bullet proof. the hood fits like a hat and really snugs up in the winds. At 11ozs I think its very hard to beat. Expensive but what other quality rain gear isn't. I do wish it had pit zips and a different color then black. If I did buy another rain jacket I would consider the kuiu chugach just for the pit zips, but am very happy with the Beta so probably won't change.

 

[Benjblt]

I have the Beta SL and its bullet proof. the hood fits like a hat and really snugs up in the winds. At 11ozs I think its very hard to beat. Expensive but what other quality rain gear isn't. I do wish it had pit zips and a different color then black. If I did buy another rain jacket I would consider the kuiu chugach just for the pit zips, but am very happy with the Beta so probably won't change.

Do you use it in brushy conditions much?

 

[yeti14]

I live in SE AK . My wife and I have both been wearing the beta AR for a few months. Love it. No complaints. We will see what long term durability looks like after this black tail season, but so far so good.

 

[Benjblt]

I live in SE AK . My wife and I have both been wearing the beta AR for a few months. Love it. No complaints. We will see what long term durability looks like after this black tail season, but so far so good.

Good deal. I'd love to hear back from you on how well it does for you long term. I'll have used mine by then but it's always interesting to see what someone else's experience is.

 

[Big Nasty]

Do you use it in brushy conditions much?

Yep its very durable for how light it is. Use it in the alders and thick willows

 

[Sobie2]

I bought an Arc'Teryx Beta AR pant and Theta AR jacket when I graduated from college and got my first real job... in 2001! My pants are going on a TMA Dall sheep hunt on Friday and my jacket was sent in for repair at the beginning of summer so I bought another Theta AR (but in Dark Moss color good for hunting). So they are super stout, durable, and waterproof, AND Alaska tested tough.

Icing on the cake... today my local Mountain shop called me saying Arc'Teryx is offering me 50% off a new Arc'Teryx jacket instead of repairing my old one! 17 year old jacket? 50% any new ($750) jacket? Score.

Yes I hunt in brushy rainy Southeast Alaska conditions and I have used this raingear year round for 17 years!!!

The AR and SV jackets are their most durable material jackets. I recommend them.

Sobie2