Arc'teryx rain gear over hunting brands?

[MuleyFever]

I can get the Beta AR for $350 which is a little more than Kuiu, SG, Sitka and such but I hear good things about Arc'teryx. The one thing I cant find is the actual rating of the Beta for breathability and waterproofness. Looking for opinions on if its worth the extra cost to go to the Beta AR.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

I use a beta AR. Certainly a level above most hunting apparel. Gortex Pro is extremely high grade stuff. That said, it’s stiff and loud as hell. For $350 I wouldn’t even consider anything else unless you are concerned with sound.

 

[Trr15]

I use a beta AR. Certainly a level above most hunting apparel. Gortex Pro is extremely high grade stuff. That said, it’s stiff and loud as hell. For $350 I wouldn’t even consider anything else unless you are concerned with sound.

I agree. Arcteryx shells are top notch. No experience with the Beta AR, but I have an Alpha SV I’ve used for several years. Hunting, skiing, fishing. It’s a hardcore shell, but as mentioned, it’s not quiet.

 

[WRO]

My arcteryx gear is heads and shoulders above any Sitka or first lite I’ve ran, I loved my beta, second only to grundens for water tight ness.


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[snowymtnwolf]

ARC’TERYX is legit. Have used it for over 20 years. Have had two.

Great shell that is hardy.

I previously used year round in all situations. Currently, because I now have more specific jackets for temp / weather, I only use it for steady rain.

Buy and try it from place that has good return policy, if you don’t like for your application, return it.


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[mxgsfmdpx]

The Beta LT and AR are excellent choices.

 

[Kronos]

It’s what I run, unless it’s supposed to rain non-stop then I bring rubber with.

 

[eamyrick]

All I wear is Arcteryx shells. I’ve had the Beta and now use the Rei Zeta version. Did a 7 day float fly fishing trip north of the Artic Circlr in 90% rain and was bone dry. Retreated with tech wash and used it again last year 8 days in Alaska. I wouldn’t consider another brand for a legit rain shell.

 

[Tradchef]

What these guys said. My lady and I wear them for backpacking and hunting and nothing comes close in my book. I've had a few Patagonia pieces that have worked well over the years as well but the fit and quality on Arc'teryx is a big step above.

 

[MuleyFever]

How is the fit? Would you size up to fit over a down jacket?

 

[veganhunter]

My Beta AR is cut generously to accommodate layers. Much more so than the Zeta LT I previously had. I don't think it's necessary to size up in that piece specifically.

 

[SeizedRug]

One thing to consider --if you care at all--is Arc'Teryx is now a Chinese owned company; so if you're looking to support American manufacturing SG might be a better option. The high end Arc stuff is made in Vancouver, Canada still though I believe

 

[Jake Larsen]

How is the fit? Would you size up to fit over a down jacket?

I wear a beta AR over my Kifaru LPP. Pretty generous cut. Most weatherproof hard shell I’ve tested by far. Just noisy as all get out, especially in the cold.

I think that’s why Sitka can’t keep up despite also utilizing the same Gore membrane technologies. Face fabrics have a lot to do with the performance of rain gear, and the hunting brands have to keep the noise in check, which means a more “brushed” type nylon surface that reduces the weatherproofing.


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[MT_Wyatt]

The Beta AR does have a nice sleeve and body cut to actually take a down later underneath (like a heavier syn or 5oz fill weight down hoody) - I think the stormfront from sitka is similar in that regard. Most hard shells are not sized like that though. This is one of the things I like most about the Beta AR.

The SG shells are a tad trimmer in the body and upper arm, for reference.

 

[fmyth]

I was in Kodiak last year and noticed my bush pilot was wearing an Arc'Teryx rain jacket so I asked him about it. He said he bought it 12 years ago and wears it everyday and it is still waterproof. Dude not only flew the plane but he loaded and unloaded it on every flight. That jacket sees more action and rain on an average day than my gear sees in 5 years.

 

[grappling_hook]

On fit, they are usually cut on the baggy side to allow layering; I wouldn't size up.

I had a Beta AR and liked it quite a bit. Keep in mind that they will wet out on the face fabric just like the other high end brands. The DWR of today is not the DWR of 10 years ago, and Arc'teryx is no exception and I don't think it's more weatherproof than comparable offerings from other outdoor/hunting brands. Most of them stay waterproof even when they wet out.

I would say that for style/looks they are a step up over what you get from Sitka/KUIU/etc, but not much of a performance advantage, if any (as long as you are comparing like-for-like durability across the different lines within each brand). IMO the Arc'teryx Beta AR has a better weight-to-durability, and the Beta SL even moreso . The one area Arc'teryx has a definitive advantage is if you are wearing a helmet and have a model that is helmet cut. Downside is noise as @Jake Larsen mentioned above.