@@WithinHikingDistance few days after i left that comment i bought a beta SV. Have since taken it I’ve climbing, skiing, etc and i absolutely love it. Thank you for requiring me with the information to confidently make that decision :)
I have been looking for such a comparison for many weeks now and stumbled across this video. By far the best and precise no nonsense comparison that I have seen. Many thanks on a job well done. Thank you.
Bought a Beta AR while I was in Juneau AK on vacation, didn't know anything about Arc'teryx before that trip but I prefer not having a storm hood to be honest. After a 7 mile hike with a hoodie and a neoprene long sleeve with t shirt under as a base I have zero complaints.
Thanks for the comparison :-) I have the Beta SL, and love it. Very lightweight, extremely compactable, and goes everywhere. Last fall it did 350km on the Camino de Santiago with me and was (after my hiking shoes) my #1 piece of gear. By the way - I've never heard anyone say "tie - ten" the way you do :-)
Apologies for our late answer and thank you for sharing your hiking adventures, what an experience it must have been! A good jacket (and good boots) make a difference :)
If you wear a pack get the thicker, more durable option in your price range. I blew out my Rush jacket after 180 days & 1.2 million vertical meters of skiing (400,000 meters per year X 3 years - 60 ski days per year). Backpack abrasion. The high price is still very reasonable if you calculate dollars per meter! I replaced with Alpha SV similar to Alpha AR.
Love the side by side comparison, Evan! They look and sound like great jackets. I'm looking for a new outer layer coat. Tired of using my work coat, lol! I'll keep both of these in mind! Much love to you guys, and hugs from the whole Crew!
When Evan was looking for a jacket, both looked similar. When he tried them on, they felt very different. It's hard to tell when you buy online. You can find discounts on them sometimes. Keep your eye open :) Thank you so much Tony! Big hug right back at you and your Crew!
Definitely great quality jackets! There is a big difference on the hoods and Evan preferred the Alpha AR's hood better too. That's the jacket he will use for mountaineering. Thank you very much Lance and have a great week!
I’ve tried on both and the Beta always impressed me more and felt more heavy duty and ‘bomb proof’. I always go with ripstop fabric if there’s a choice even if it costs more. May get one one day but I couldn’t go past a special I got recently on a Patagonia Pluma with Goretex pro… beautiful hard shell and it was $200 off at $531 in australia where I am. The Arcteryx jackets are stupidly expensive and around $1000, their quality has always impressed me but the Patagonia I bought is equally excellent. If I had unlimited money I’d get the Arcteryx for snob factor 😂😂..seriously they are excellent but in some ways overpriced.
Is there anything Canadian that we can't love?!? Your country has a lot of awesomeness, including your family Mattias! We liked the color of the Alpha better as well. Both great jackets though! Thanks so much and have a fantastic week!
I love being from a western nation revelling in these western companies getting their shit made in China/Taiwan/Bangladesh by peasants. I would love to hear the story of the person who sewed our jackets :)
My wife and I both own Beta AR jackets. Mine seems to be a more snug of a fit, at a men’s large, we both love our jackets, and use them mostly for spring and fall, here in Canada. I have a larger Patagonia shell for the winter, where I can get another thermal layer under it.
Thank you Ethan! Fun coincidence, I watched one of your videos last week (on how much you made for your channel), thanks for being candid about how it works, I appreciate it.
I've been known to be wrong sometimes. Let's established that. Alpha, Zeta have longer sleeves than Beta due to its Alpine Market or Climbers, that have to "reach out" more than Beta users. Hence, the tails are longer to offer more protection while keeping the rigger belts in place. The materials on the Beta is different on the shoulders and parts of the sleeve are there to offer more protection from abrasion. Both hood are designed for Climbers Helmet, hence, it's roomier. The Alpha are cut to offer less material=cut ounces=lighter without sacrifing protection from the elements,e.g. high winds, water and snow. Beta offers more ventilation to allow or sweat to escape. My Alpha LT in the LEAF (LEO & Armed Forces) production line gave plenty of protection from torrential rain (all day rain) in Rainforest of Costa Rica for about a Day until the jungle's humidity made the seam fall apart. I took pictures of the seams and Arc'teryx replaced my Jacket. Yes, their warranty is that good. Thought I don't own one, the SL are great for rain and packability for travel. For hikers that may experience rain, I'd recommend the Beta AR. If you're a sweaty active person, MAKE SURE your Arc'teryx jacket have a pit zip. If your not active and just for casual stroll, pit zip are not needed and may only add to the weight. Forwarding, any Arc'teryx layers are Gateway Obsession. Next thing you'll know your closet will be full of them. If you want a starter Winter layer, I suggest starting with Atom LT for Average user. Atom AR for Active Users. Atom SV for harsher Artic, Montana, Minnesota during harsher zero temp use. Stay Safe
Zeta line isn't part of the ascent line, but for hiking. Atom AR for active users would be a mistake since it is less breathable than the LT (the side panel isn't breathable except at the pits, unlike the Atom LT where the entire side is a breathable fleece panel) and uses Coreloft 120 in the body, 80g in the arms, and 60g in the hood, while the LT uses 60 all around. That is exceptionally warm for high output/intensity activity. Last, I'm pretty sure there isn't an Atom SV anymore, the atom line in 2020 consists of SL, LT and AR. I have included a page for reference. outdoorcrunch.com/atom-ar-vs-atom-lt/
What'd you suggest for a warmer but rainy climate? Beta AR looks like an end all be all rain shell. Would Beta lt or sl be better ventilated for warmer humid climates or better to look at the Gamma line? Thanks
Before watching this got a fantastic beta ar in tan through their worn clothing site for a steal of a deal. This video reaffirmed my feelings that its the right one and should last me a cool minute
I work at a job where I wear a green vest (guess). The primary differences for most people come down to two things. The pockets, and the hood. If you're ever planning on putting your hands in your pockets (like, hiking), the Alpha is lousy for this. The hood is more of a fit/comfort issue for people. Most people definitely do not need either of these for most outdoor activities. While the AR are indeed superior, incredible products, my experience is that the Beta LT, or even less expensive, less featured, Zeta SL works extremely well. The latter people refer to "emergency" as if it were a plastic poncho, but it's anything but. Check it out. It may not be as durable, or feature laden, but most people aren't often in extreme situations where they truly need the Alpha or Beta AR. If you're one of them, go for it!
In a nut shell the only difference is the abrasion resistance of the Gore-Tex shell even the price tag is identical. N80d for the Alpha AR versus N40d denier for the Beta AR !
Great review! Thank you. I'm looking for a hardshell jacket that is going to be durable. I'm considering this brand. How breathable are they if you are hiking up a mountain or in a tropical rainstorm?
I recommend looking the different Gore-Tex product types to see which one meets your needs: www.gore-tex.com/technology/original-gore-tex-products. The jackets in this video use Gore-Tex Pro, but look at the other types to see what might be best in a tropical area. Thanks for watching!
What are your dimensions and what size are you wearing? Is the Alpha AR a little bit trimmer? The Beta AR desn't fit my chest on size M but is a little bit baggy on size L. Do you think that the alpha is a good middle solution?
Thanks for your comment! I am wearing a size S in the video for both jackets. I'm 5'8". Yes, the Alpha AR is a little trimmer and would probably be a good option if you find the Beta AR too baggy. I currently wear the Alpha AR when mountaineering and snowboarding. I'll also use it this summer when hiking.
Yes, the jackets have enough room where they'll accommodate a mid-layer underneath for winter use. I use the Alpha AR while mountaineering and snowboarding.
Hey man love your video, can i know what size are you wearing for this jacket? and whats your height and weight ? probably that would help me decide which to buy.
I am considering spending the money on one of these for Hiking and Backpacking. I will be using this in Northern Sweden and Finland mainly. Everyone recommends the Zeta line, but I know the Beta better. What's your take? So many to chose from and while I do gear reviews as well, my actual use knowledge of ArcTeryx shells is limited. THANKS!!!
Thanks for your comment. While I'm not very familiar with the Zeta line, for hiking and backpacking, it looks like both jackets would suit you well. It looks like there are some definite differences in the type of Gore-Tex membrane that is used, thickness of shell material, and no pit zips on the Zeta. If you were going to use the jacket at all in winter, I'd lean towards the Beta because it is a regular fit and you'd have room to layer underneath. The Zeta is a trim fit. For more info, here's an article with a comparison: www.rei.com/blog/hike/comparing-arcteryx-beta-zeta-jackets
Hi Nicholas. We bought these posters in every National Parks/Monument we visited. There is a limited selection available on the National Park store online: shop.americasnationalparks.org/store/category/27/272/Posters/
@@WithinHikingDistance Thanks! I'm exactly the same height as you and will also be wearing the Patagonia down sweater hoodie underneath the Alpha AR, so this video was perfect. How has the Alpha AR held up for you in the past 2 months? have you worn it for casual use or solely mountaineering?
How does the Beta AR work with a hooded mid-layer? It doesn't seem to be a problem with the Patagonia in your video, but what if you don't have the hood up? Would you just recommend mid's without hoods?
Thanks for your comment. The jacket works fine with or without a hooded mid-layer. It's your preference if you use one or not. I use my the Arc'teryx AR for mountaineering so having a mid-layer with a hood works best for me in the cold weather.
@@WithinHikingDistance Well, ended up returning the AR for the LT. Then picked up an Atom LT. The hoods work so much better together. Although I miss the pit zips.
Hey, men, im considering the beta Ar yet i want someone to tell me first-hand experience like yourself if it's pouring cats and dogs outside and i mean heavy heavy rain would the beta Ar would be able to handle it? Would the water get trough? Would gushing winds get through? Would i have to worry about anything with this jacket?
Thanks for your question. I haven't used the Beta AR outside. I actually went with the Alpha AR and I'm going to use that for snowboarding and mountaineering this year. I can say for the Alpha AR, I've used it several times snowboarding so far and haven't had any issues with wind or water getting in. I would expect the same with the Beta AR. It's fully seam-sealed and uses Gore-Tex Pro 3L. It's one of the best outdoor jackets on the market and is supposed to be used in some of the toughest conditions, so you shouldn't have any issues with it. You can find more info about the Gore-Tex Pro membrane on their website: www.gore-tex.com/technology/original-gore-tex-products/pro
I returned the Beta AR and kept the Alpha AR. You should be able to find a discount online as stores are beginning to have their winter clothing sales. Good Luck!
It depends on what you'll be using them for and the type of style you want. I explain the similarities and differences in the video 7:33. I ended up choosing the Alpha AR over the Beta AR because I liked the hood and fit better.
The jacket noise is probably a little exaggerated because I'm inside and have a microphone on the camera. The jacket does make some noise, but I think you'll find that noise for almost any GORE-TEX hardshell jacket. I used the Alpha AR earlier this year for snowboarding and some mountaineering and any noise from the jacket didn't bother me when doing those activities.
Hi Gianmarco. Both jackets will work great for skiing. I used the Alpha AR last season for snowboarding and it was great. It'll depend on your preference for the hood and pocket styles as they're slightly different. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with either jacket.
Great video thanks exactly what I wanted to know. Im after either the arcteryx beta alpha ar or jottnar odin. Think its between the alpha ar or jottnar now
So glad to hear our video helped you making a decision between both jackets (even though you now have to chose between the alpha and jottnar). Thank you very much for letting us know with a comment, we really appreciate it.
I understand Anthony, anything with a brand is so much more expensive in Europe than in North America. I remember that. And you can find decent discounts here on occasion. Thanks for watching Anthony, we really appreciate it!
REI with the dividend and the sale is very much clutch. Bought my Beta AR with the dividend and the sale and paid around less than $200 So far loving it
Thank you so much for the great review! Which one would you recommend for hiking with a heavy pack? I guess the Beta would probably handle the abrasion better than the Alpha and the hood seems to be longer on the Beta which could also be an advantage with a pack pulling down the shoulder part of the jacket. But I´m not sure which kind of pocket is better (but probably no pocket works with a pack). What do you think?
Thanks for watching! I think you can't go wrong with either jacket. You're probably correct that the Beta might handle the abrasion better with its ripstop fabric. I'm going to the use the Alpha AR for mountaineering this year so I'll be wearing a backpack for that. I might do a review later on how the jacket performs. Both jackets have pockets high enough that you can still reach them even with backpack waist straps on.
@@WithinHikingDistance Thank you so much! I´ve read a few comments from buyers now and one claimed that the impregnation only works for a short time. Did you have any problems with that after a while?
How did you find the fit of the jackets relative to other jackets you have? What size do you wear normally, and what did you wear here? I learned a lot from this video. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Richard. The Arc'teryx Alpha AR and Beta AR in the video are a size small. I normally wear a size small in my other jackets as well. Compared to the my other jackets, the Alpha AR and Beta AR are a regular fit and it is easy to put layers under them and still have a full range of motion. Some of my other jackets are a slimmer fit and maybe I'd wear those if I wasn't putting on layers.
@@WithinHikingDistance I have a Gamma jacket, small size. I feel it's not long enough. However, the sleeves are too long, which makes it inconvenient. That's why i am considering a medium-sized one
@dhwdue8769 i find that with alot of arcteryx. Some of the zippers are trash some are really nice. I cant see ordering online for gear unless its a replacement of something i previously owned.
Hi Evan. First of all: great job. Second: let me apologize in advance for any grammar mistake and unintelligible word - it is bound to happen as I'm not a native speaker. I'd like to buy the Beta AR jacket. But, when it comes to pick the right size, especially when you buy stuff on the internet, the nightmare begins. I tried a Beta SL hybrid, which has a trim fit, and the XL was perfect (I did it wearing a base layer and a down filled mid layer - West Scout puff) But I saw from your video that the Beta AR has a regular fit. So, I fear that if I buy a size XL of the Beta AR, I'll get a very large and oversized jacket. Should I buy a size L instead? Thanks in advance. Edit: I'm 185 cm (6'0" - 6'1") x 91 Kg (200 Lbs)
Hi. Glad you liked the video. For me the Beta AR felt big even when I had my puffy jacket underneath. I guess it depends on what you use the coat for. If you use it with a puffy layer, then the jacket might be fine. However, if you use the jacket without a puffy layer, then it might feel big. The Arc'teryx webite has a good sizing chart that might be helpful. It provides sizing measurements and has a fit and layering guide. arcteryx.com/us/en/help/sizing/mens#find-your-measurements
I just bought a Beta AR yesterday and I went a size down. I wear M in everything, but I bought a S Beta AR. Despite being sized down, I can still comfortably fit my Patagonia R1 (M) & Arcteryx Atom LT (M) inside the Beta AR without any mobility restrictions.
The poster are awesome! We bought these posters in every National Parks/Monument we visited. There is a limited selection available on the National Park store online: shop.americasnationalparks.org/store/category/27/272/Posters/
Alpine climbing jackets don’t have handwarmer pockets at the hips because they would interfere with a climbing harness. Also, if you can afford an Arc’Teryx shell, you can afford good gloves.
I wear a size small and the Arc'teryx jackets usually run a little big so layers can be put under the jacket. These two jackets are a regular fit (not a slim fit).
All the SV (for severe conditions) and the AR (all round) series have a regular fit. The SL (super light) and the FL (fast & light) have a trim/slim fit. I'm a slim guy (65 kilos) and i owe the same Beta AR of this video (small size). The jacket has plenty of room for movement and layering. It's true that looks a little buggy, but it doesn't look bad on me. Also, i have to mention that this Beta AR is the older version.
The Beta has a larger hood, but both jackets will accommodate helmets. I wore the Alpha AR this past winter with snowboarding and rock climbing helmets without any issues.
No bullshit or theatrics, just straight up information. Great video man!
Thank you Filip. I hope it was useful.
@@WithinHikingDistance few days after i left that comment i bought a beta SV. Have since taken it I’ve climbing, skiing, etc and i absolutely love it. Thank you for requiring me with the information to confidently make that decision :)
Loved the side by side hood comparison, with midlayers included. Great job and content.
Thank you very much Michael, we appreciate it.
I have been looking for such a comparison for many weeks now and stumbled across this video. By far the best and precise no nonsense comparison that I have seen. Many thanks on a job well done. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the review, sometime it is just too difficult to decode the marketing product descriptions so review like yours really help.
Glad it was helpful!
Great job, Evan. Actually that's the one in-depth video comparison that was still missing on TH-cam! Here comes your 1111th subscription. Keep it up!
Glad you found it helpful, thank you very much for your comment and for supporting our channel!
Bought a Beta AR while I was in Juneau AK on vacation, didn't know anything about Arc'teryx before that trip but I prefer not having a storm hood to be honest. After a 7 mile hike with a hoodie and a neoprene long sleeve with t shirt under as a base I have zero complaints.
Thanks for the comparison :-) I have the Beta SL, and love it. Very lightweight, extremely compactable, and goes everywhere. Last fall it did 350km on the Camino de Santiago with me and was (after my hiking shoes) my #1 piece of gear. By the way - I've never heard anyone say "tie - ten" the way you do :-)
Apologies for our late answer and thank you for sharing your hiking adventures, what an experience it must have been! A good jacket (and good boots) make a difference :)
S Jackson I was looking at this video because in the fall I’m doing Camino De Santiago. I’m needed a good rain jacket for my trip.
What hiking shoes would you recommend for the Camino de Santiago??
What shoes did you use?
Thanks for the video! I’m torn between both of these jackets! I like the trim of the Alpha, but the rip stop material on the Beta sounds good too!
My pleasure. It is a difficult choice, both jackets are great.
If you wear a pack get the thicker, more durable option in your price range. I blew out my Rush jacket after 180 days & 1.2 million vertical meters of skiing (400,000 meters per year X 3 years - 60 ski days per year). Backpack abrasion. The high price is still very reasonable if you calculate dollars per meter! I replaced with Alpha SV similar to Alpha AR.
Great to hear from you experience. Thanks for sharing!
Love the side by side comparison, Evan! They look and sound like great jackets. I'm looking for a new outer layer coat. Tired of using my work coat, lol! I'll keep both of these in mind! Much love to you guys, and hugs from the whole Crew!
When Evan was looking for a jacket, both looked similar. When he tried them on, they felt very different. It's hard to tell when you buy online. You can find discounts on them sometimes. Keep your eye open :) Thank you so much Tony! Big hug right back at you and your Crew!
@@WithinHikingDistance Fits Like A Fine Tailored SUit!
I like the blue ones better but both of them fits pretty good on you brother 👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks man, I appreciate it! 👍
@@WithinHikingDistance You're welcome bud!
Nice product review. Well done. I like the Beta AR, but prefer the hood on the Alpha AR. Still both very nice jackets.
Definitely great quality jackets! There is a big difference on the hoods and Evan preferred the Alpha AR's hood better too. That's the jacket he will use for mountaineering. Thank you very much Lance and have a great week!
Well executed comparison video! Great job!
We appreciate it, thank you!
Thank you so much for this video. I have bought the Alpha AR because of it
Thank you very much Harry. I am glad you found the video useful and hope you like the jacket as much as I do.
I’ve tried on both and the Beta always impressed me more and felt more heavy duty and ‘bomb proof’. I always go with ripstop fabric if there’s a choice even if it costs more. May get one one day but I couldn’t go past a special I got recently on a Patagonia Pluma with Goretex pro… beautiful hard shell and it was $200 off at $531 in australia where I am. The Arcteryx jackets are stupidly expensive and around $1000, their quality has always impressed me but the Patagonia I bought is equally excellent. If I had unlimited money I’d get the Arcteryx for snob factor 😂😂..seriously they are excellent but in some ways overpriced.
Sweet, got to love those Canadian companies. Like the colour of the Alpha! Sweet jackets! Been using them for years.
Is there anything Canadian that we can't love?!? Your country has a lot of awesomeness, including your family Mattias! We liked the color of the Alpha better as well. Both great jackets though! Thanks so much and have a fantastic week!
I love being from a western nation revelling in these western companies getting their shit made in China/Taiwan/Bangladesh by peasants. I would love to hear the story of the person who sewed our jackets :)
They’re Chinese owned since 2018
My wife and I both own Beta AR jackets. Mine seems to be a more snug of a fit, at a men’s large, we both love our jackets, and use them mostly for spring and fall, here in Canada. I have a larger Patagonia shell for the winter, where I can get another thermal layer under it.
Good to hear that you are both happy with the Beta AR jacket. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Great video. Well done mate.
Glad you enjoyed it
Superb video. Just what I needed. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful, Andrew! Thank you for letting us know.
I’ve got the exact same one in the same navy color with tags in a small size, have never worn it as its not my style! I will put it on sale
Great idea :)
Wish the Beta AR had the Storm hoodie, but besides that, I think I will be buying that one for my hikes and all! Thanks for the video!
Glad the video was helpful.
7:32 Nice content. It's awesome that you are uploading videos regularly on TH-cam. Thumbs up 👍
Thank you Ethan! Fun coincidence, I watched one of your videos last week (on how much you made for your channel), thanks for being candid about how it works, I appreciate it.
I've been known to be wrong sometimes. Let's established that.
Alpha, Zeta have longer sleeves than Beta due to its Alpine Market or Climbers, that have to "reach out" more than Beta users.
Hence, the tails are longer to offer more protection while keeping the rigger belts in place.
The materials on the Beta is different on the shoulders and parts of the sleeve are there to offer more protection from abrasion.
Both hood are designed for Climbers Helmet, hence, it's roomier.
The Alpha are cut to offer less material=cut ounces=lighter without sacrifing protection from the elements,e.g. high winds, water and snow.
Beta offers more ventilation to allow or sweat to escape.
My Alpha LT in the LEAF (LEO & Armed Forces) production line gave plenty of protection from torrential rain (all day rain) in Rainforest of Costa Rica for about a Day until the jungle's humidity made the seam fall apart.
I took pictures of the seams and Arc'teryx replaced my Jacket.
Yes, their warranty is that good.
Thought I don't own one, the SL are great for rain and packability for travel.
For hikers that may experience rain, I'd recommend the Beta AR.
If you're a sweaty active person, MAKE SURE your Arc'teryx jacket have a pit zip.
If your not active and just for casual stroll, pit zip are not needed and may only add to the weight.
Forwarding, any Arc'teryx layers are Gateway Obsession.
Next thing you'll know your closet will be full of them.
If you want a starter Winter layer, I suggest starting with Atom LT for Average user. Atom AR for Active Users. Atom SV for harsher Artic, Montana, Minnesota during harsher zero temp use.
Stay Safe
Thank you for sharing!
Zeta line isn't part of the ascent line, but for hiking. Atom AR for active users would be a mistake since it is less breathable than the LT (the side panel isn't breathable except at the pits, unlike the Atom LT where the entire side is a breathable fleece panel) and uses Coreloft 120 in the body, 80g in the arms, and 60g in the hood, while the LT uses 60 all around. That is exceptionally warm for high output/intensity activity. Last, I'm pretty sure there isn't an Atom SV anymore, the atom line in 2020 consists of SL, LT and AR.
I have included a page for reference. outdoorcrunch.com/atom-ar-vs-atom-lt/
What'd you suggest for a warmer but rainy climate? Beta AR looks like an end all be all rain shell. Would Beta lt or sl be better ventilated for warmer humid climates or better to look at the Gamma line?
Thanks
I like the Gray ones color better but the blue one seemed to fit better on Evan. Both very high quality jackets definitely.
Indeed Eric, the Alpha fitted Evan better, given his height and body built. The Beta has more room for sure. Thanks a lot Eric :D
stunning review
Thank you!
Those are some pretty awsome coats great review and company sledgehammered that like button
It was a touch choice, both are really nice jackets! Thanks so much awesome fam!
Before watching this got a fantastic beta ar in tan through their worn clothing site for a steal of a deal. This video reaffirmed my feelings that its the right one and should last me a cool minute
Thanks for letting us know. It sounds like you found a great deal!
@@WithinHikingDistance $350 :)
Really nice and informative comparison!
Glad you liked it, thank you for watching!
Thanks for sharing. Great information.
Thank you very much!
Do you happen to know if you are wearing a size small in the Patagonia, and the arcteryx jackets?
Yes - the jacket was a size small
2. i wonder what the brand of goose down jacket you are wearing in the section is??
I was wearing a Patagonia down jacket in the video as one of my layers. Thanks for watching!
Hello dear! Amazing the color of the Alpha, we liked, beautiful comparison! Thanks for sharing! Have a nice weekend
Thank you Ariel and Martin! We too prefer the color of the Alpha. Have a great weekend!
Within Hiking Distance what colorway is the Alpha? Is that Triton?
Thank you fir the comparison
You're welcome! Glad it was helpful.
Awesome vid, keep up the good work
Thank you!
Please do the rab electron vs electron pro-
cant find a comparison anywhere on yt and google
I saw loads of these being worn around the shopping malls of Melbourne. Go figure.
People tend to do that with clothing, regardless of where the designers and the retailers think they should be worn.
Great review. Thank you!!
Thank you for your feedback!
Hi, do you know which has the shorter front hem? Beta or alpha? Or are they the same? Thanks
Hi. I think they're the same in the front. The alpha is a bit longer in the back though.
I work at a job where I wear a green vest (guess). The primary differences for most people come down to two things. The pockets, and the hood. If you're ever planning on putting your hands in your pockets (like, hiking), the Alpha is lousy for this. The hood is more of a fit/comfort issue for people.
Most people definitely do not need either of these for most outdoor activities. While the AR are indeed superior, incredible products, my experience is that the Beta LT, or even less expensive, less featured, Zeta SL works extremely well. The latter people refer to "emergency" as if it were a plastic poncho, but it's anything but. Check it out. It may not be as durable, or feature laden, but most people aren't often in extreme situations where they truly need the Alpha or Beta AR. If you're one of them, go for it!
Great info. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
In a nut shell the only difference is the abrasion resistance of the Gore-Tex shell even the price tag is identical. N80d for the Alpha AR versus N40d denier for the Beta AR !
Really well done!
Thank you!
Thank you your awesome videos! 😊
Thank you so much Javier! Your comment made my day 😊
Great video.
Thanks!
Great review! Thank you. I'm looking for a hardshell jacket that is going to be durable. I'm considering this brand. How breathable are they if you are hiking up a mountain or in a tropical rainstorm?
I recommend looking the different Gore-Tex product types to see which one meets your needs: www.gore-tex.com/technology/original-gore-tex-products. The jackets in this video use Gore-Tex Pro, but look at the other types to see what might be best in a tropical area. Thanks for watching!
@@WithinHikingDistance Great link too! Thank you for taking the time to respond and provide that link.
What are your dimensions and what size are you wearing? Is the Alpha AR a little bit trimmer? The Beta AR desn't fit my chest on size M but is a little bit baggy on size L. Do you think that the alpha is a good middle solution?
Thanks for your comment! I am wearing a size S in the video for both jackets. I'm 5'8". Yes, the Alpha AR is a little trimmer and would probably be a good option if you find the Beta AR too baggy. I currently wear the Alpha AR when mountaineering and snowboarding. I'll also use it this summer when hiking.
Can i use these for winter or are the jackets are for summer?
Yes, the jackets have enough room where they'll accommodate a mid-layer underneath for winter use. I use the Alpha AR while mountaineering and snowboarding.
Excellent video
Thank you! Glad you liked it.
Damn good review!
Glad it was helpful!
Hey man love your video, can i know what size are you wearing for this jacket? and whats your height and weight ? probably that would help me decide which to buy.
I'm wearing a size S jacket. I'm 5'8" 160lbs. Hope that helps.
I am considering spending the money on one of these for Hiking and Backpacking. I will be using this in Northern Sweden and Finland mainly. Everyone recommends the Zeta line, but I know the Beta better. What's your take? So many to chose from and while I do gear reviews as well, my actual use knowledge of ArcTeryx shells is limited. THANKS!!!
Thanks for your comment. While I'm not very familiar with the Zeta line, for hiking and backpacking, it looks like both jackets would suit you well. It looks like there are some definite differences in the type of Gore-Tex membrane that is used, thickness of shell material, and no pit zips on the Zeta. If you were going to use the jacket at all in winter, I'd lean towards the Beta because it is a regular fit and you'd have room to layer underneath. The Zeta is a trim fit. For more info, here's an article with a comparison: www.rei.com/blog/hike/comparing-arcteryx-beta-zeta-jackets
Can anyone tell me where to get the posters featured in the background?
Hi Nicholas. We bought these posters in every National Parks/Monument we visited. There is a limited selection available on the National Park store online: shop.americasnationalparks.org/store/category/27/272/Posters/
Thanks!
You bet!
I didn’t hear you mention what size you went for?
Thanks for the comment. Both jackets are a size small.
@@WithinHikingDistance Thanks! I'm exactly the same height as you and will also be wearing the Patagonia down sweater hoodie underneath the Alpha AR, so this video was perfect. How has the Alpha AR held up for you in the past 2 months? have you worn it for casual use or solely mountaineering?
How does the Beta AR work with a hooded mid-layer? It doesn't seem to be a problem with the Patagonia in your video, but what if you don't have the hood up? Would you just recommend mid's without hoods?
Thanks for your comment. The jacket works fine with or without a hooded mid-layer. It's your preference if you use one or not. I use my the Arc'teryx AR for mountaineering so having a mid-layer with a hood works best for me in the cold weather.
@@WithinHikingDistance Well, ended up returning the AR for the LT. Then picked up an Atom LT. The hoods work so much better together. Although I miss the pit zips.
Hey, men, im considering the beta Ar yet i want someone to tell me first-hand experience like yourself if it's pouring cats and dogs outside and i mean heavy heavy rain would the beta Ar would be able to handle it? Would the water get trough? Would gushing winds get through? Would i have to worry about anything with this jacket?
I own the beta ar it will handle anything you use it for with complete water and wind protection ✔
@@user-jj1ph3mq1x i appreciate your response. But i rather get an answer from the person who i actually know it has it. Thank you.
Thanks for your question. I haven't used the Beta AR outside. I actually went with the Alpha AR and I'm going to use that for snowboarding and mountaineering this year. I can say for the Alpha AR, I've used it several times snowboarding so far and haven't had any issues with wind or water getting in. I would expect the same with the Beta AR. It's fully seam-sealed and uses Gore-Tex Pro 3L. It's one of the best outdoor jackets on the market and is supposed to be used in some of the toughest conditions, so you shouldn't have any issues with it. You can find more info about the Gore-Tex Pro membrane on their website: www.gore-tex.com/technology/original-gore-tex-products/pro
@@WithinHikingDistance would you consider selling me the beta Ar since you don't have a use for it?
I returned the Beta AR and kept the Alpha AR. You should be able to find a discount online as stores are beginning to have their winter clothing sales. Good Luck!
Hi
I’m really torn between these two jackets..please help me out which one do I pick ? The alpha or the beta??
Awaiting your reply
It depends on what you'll be using them for and the type of style you want. I explain the similarities and differences in the video 7:33. I ended up choosing the Alpha AR over the Beta AR because I liked the hood and fit better.
I’m hearing a lot of noise when you move. Are those jackets really noisy especially when they get cold?
The jacket noise is probably a little exaggerated because I'm inside and have a microphone on the camera. The jacket does make some noise, but I think you'll find that noise for almost any GORE-TEX hardshell jacket. I used the Alpha AR earlier this year for snowboarding and some mountaineering and any noise from the jacket didn't bother me when doing those activities.
Can the Alpha AR be used as a ski jacket as well ? tia
Yes. I use the Alpha AR as my snowboarding jacket. It works great!
Nice jackets, nice review! 👍👍😎 ~Maverick
They are both nice. Thank you very much Mav! 😃
in your opinion which is better for skiing?
Hi Gianmarco. Both jackets will work great for skiing. I used the Alpha AR last season for snowboarding and it was great. It'll depend on your preference for the hood and pocket styles as they're slightly different. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with either jacket.
@@WithinHikingDistance thanks
Great video thanks exactly what I wanted to know. Im after either the arcteryx beta alpha ar or jottnar odin. Think its between the alpha ar or jottnar now
So glad to hear our video helped you making a decision between both jackets (even though you now have to chose between the alpha and jottnar). Thank you very much for letting us know with a comment, we really appreciate it.
Great demo and useful info, sadly both are out of my price range! Lol! 👍👍👍
I understand Anthony, anything with a brand is so much more expensive in Europe than in North America. I remember that. And you can find decent discounts here on occasion. Thanks for watching Anthony, we really appreciate it!
REI with the dividend and the sale is very much clutch. Bought my Beta AR with the dividend and the sale and paid around less than $200
So far loving it
Thanks for sharing
Thank you Dave! Hope you had a great weekend with fun adventures!
Thank you so much for the great review! Which one would you recommend for hiking with a heavy pack? I guess the Beta would probably handle the abrasion better than the Alpha and the hood seems to be longer on the Beta which could also be an advantage with a pack pulling down the shoulder part of the jacket. But I´m not sure which kind of pocket is better (but probably no pocket works with a pack). What do you think?
Thanks for watching! I think you can't go wrong with either jacket. You're probably correct that the Beta might handle the abrasion better with its ripstop fabric. I'm going to the use the Alpha AR for mountaineering this year so I'll be wearing a backpack for that. I might do a review later on how the jacket performs. Both jackets have pockets high enough that you can still reach them even with backpack waist straps on.
@@WithinHikingDistance Thank you so much! I´ve read a few comments from buyers now and one claimed that the impregnation only works for a short time. Did you have any problems with that after a while?
@@WithinHikingDistance how’d the Alpha perform on your trips?
I’m just curious, I’m 5’7, slim fit, what size would you recommend small or medium?
I'd recommend a small. I'm 5'8" and I had plenty of room in both jackets.
Within Hiking Distance awesome! Thank you!!!
Great video! Could you help me as well? I'm 5'10'' would you recommend a small or medium size? I will appreciate your comment
Nice jackets and share.
Thank you very much Jane
How did you find the fit of the jackets relative to other jackets you have? What size do you wear normally, and what did you wear here?
I learned a lot from this video.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Richard. The Arc'teryx Alpha AR and Beta AR in the video are a size small. I normally wear a size small in my other jackets as well. Compared to the my other jackets, the Alpha AR and Beta AR are a regular fit and it is easy to put layers under them and still have a full range of motion. Some of my other jackets are a slimmer fit and maybe I'd wear those if I wasn't putting on layers.
Between the two which would you say is more dailyable? 75% daily wear 25% climbing
Both jackets are pretty similar. It just depends on your preference for the hood and pocket location.
What size and height are you
The jackets in the video are a size small. My height is 5'8". Thanks for watching.
I actually have a similar height to you. I am considering buying a medium. Do you think it is necessary?
I had plenty of room in a small and a medium would be too big on me. If you're able to try the jacket on before you purchase it, that would be best.
@@WithinHikingDistance I have a Gamma jacket, small size. I feel it's not long enough. However, the sleeves are too long, which makes it inconvenient. That's why i am considering a medium-sized one
@dhwdue8769 i find that with alot of arcteryx. Some of the zippers are trash some are really nice. I cant see ordering online for gear unless its a replacement of something i previously owned.
Love ur vid
Thanks!
what are the colorway names of each?
Thanks,
Also, if im 5'7 155 lbs do you think a small would fit me as well? or could i size down to xs? thank you in advance.
The Alpha AR is Triton and the Beta AR is Midnighthawk
Yes, a small would be fine if you plan on layering underneath. The Alpha AR is a little bit slimmer than the Beta AR.
@@WithinHikingDistance Thanks for the reply!
I’m 5’9 about 140 should I get a medium in the beta ar or a small? I’m worried if the jacket might be too long
Really helpful compare / contrast - thanks - (was that your twin? Ha ha )
Ha ha! Evan has a twin and I discovered it watching this video 😉😂 Thank you so much for watching Jennifer! Have a great week.
What size are these jackets and what size do you where?
The jackets in the video are both a size small.
Hi Evan. First of all: great job.
Second: let me apologize in advance for any grammar mistake and unintelligible word - it is bound to happen as I'm not a native speaker.
I'd like to buy the Beta AR jacket. But, when it comes to pick the right size, especially when you buy stuff on the internet, the nightmare begins.
I tried a Beta SL hybrid, which has a trim fit, and the XL was perfect (I did it wearing a base layer and a down filled mid layer - West Scout puff)
But I saw from your video that the Beta AR has a regular fit. So, I fear that if I buy a size XL of the Beta AR, I'll get a very large and oversized jacket. Should I buy a size L instead? Thanks in advance.
Edit: I'm 185 cm (6'0" - 6'1") x 91 Kg (200 Lbs)
Hi. Glad you liked the video. For me the Beta AR felt big even when I had my puffy jacket underneath. I guess it depends on what you use the coat for. If you use it with a puffy layer, then the jacket might be fine. However, if you use the jacket without a puffy layer, then it might feel big. The Arc'teryx webite has a good sizing chart that might be helpful. It provides sizing measurements and has a fit and layering guide.
arcteryx.com/us/en/help/sizing/mens#find-your-measurements
I just bought a Beta AR yesterday and I went a size down. I wear M in everything, but I bought a S Beta AR. Despite being sized down, I can still comfortably fit my Patagonia R1 (M) & Arcteryx Atom LT (M) inside the Beta AR without any mobility restrictions.
drop hood just dont look good do they...
I want all of those posters. lmao
The poster are awesome! We bought these posters in every National Parks/Monument we visited. There is a limited selection available on the National Park store online: shop.americasnationalparks.org/store/category/27/272/Posters/
Thanks for sharing.. I was wondering the cost.. Wow.. Watching and Supporting with Full View Like 29
Thank you Allen! You can occasionally find discounts on these. Keep an eye out if you are interested.
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I can't believe these don't have hand warmer pockets. Good review
Alpine climbing jackets don’t have handwarmer pockets at the hips because they would interfere with a climbing harness. Also, if you can afford an Arc’Teryx shell, you can afford good gloves.
hey my name's evan too
it's looks like medium size instead of small size.
I wear a size small and the Arc'teryx jackets usually run a little big so layers can be put under the jacket. These two jackets are a regular fit (not a slim fit).
All the SV (for severe conditions) and the AR (all round) series have a regular fit. The SL (super light) and the FL (fast & light) have a trim/slim fit. I'm a slim guy (65 kilos) and i owe the same Beta AR of this video (small size). The jacket has plenty of room for movement and layering. It's true that looks a little buggy, but it doesn't look bad on me. Also, i have to mention that this Beta AR is the older version.
The Gore-Tex Pro is so crinkly sounding.
One more take home note: if you plan on wearing a helmet, choose the Beta
The Beta has a larger hood, but both jackets will accommodate helmets. I wore the Alpha AR this past winter with snowboarding and rock climbing helmets without any issues.
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Koreans should stop eating dogs🤮