Another insightful video - thanks for taking the time to make it. In regards to the wetting out, my AR is not even a year old (so no wetting out yet) but I was told that the Gore Tex Pro needs to be washed more frequently. I also found out through a Reddit post that Arcteryx won't officially recommend Nikwax - apparently it's formulation doesn't mix will with their own. I was told to use Grangers and I've had very good results on Arcteryx (I use Nikwax on non-Arcteryx). In that vein, if I really want to reproof the DWR I use the in wash treatment AND then spray it after as well, run it on a short but higher heat dryer cycle and that really gets the DWR going. Never as good as factory but it works well. Generally as we move away from the forever chemicals (which is a good thing) we lose some of the performance. Just like asbestos is grand stuff for insulation, not great on the lungs though.
Thanks for chiming in! Sounds like you’ve got a cool system going. Good to know about the Grangers too; I might have to try that out again. I've only tried it once or twice before and did notice on an Arc'Teryx video that it is what they used. Very helpful!
Thanks for the review. I just bought the newest version of the BETA AR. I'm aware of the quality downgrades that arcteryx has received in the last couple of years but I'll try it anyways. Can you maybe do a review on the newest BETA AR models ? I would be really interested in how they perform. Greetings from Germany!
I hope Arcteryx are paying you well haha, this video has me considering the Beta AR more than any other I've seen so far! I'm deciding between it, and the Fjällraven Keb, which is made out of their own "EcoShell" Goretex alternative, supposedly more nature friendly, also heard lots of praises sung around that one
Maybe one day Arc'Teryx will sponsor me 😂. I haven't seen the Keb before but looks like a solid alternative. Will definately check it out next time I am near a store! Thanks!
@malibustacy3606 have no idea, I've since been having foot surgery and recovery. No more trecking, no camping, etc. I can only suspect bad zipper manufacturing
HI Mowser, I have enjoyed your reviews on Beta AR. In the videos, you have described that even after rough and tough adventures, your Beta AR still shines as the day you got it. I wonder if it is true on appearance or look of the Jacket. Does the jacket still look new as the day you bout it? Please, let me know. Just in case if my words are insufficient, let me tell you point of my question. First, I am just a fan of Arcteryx jackets. I wear Beta AR in town. I love my jacket so much and would like to learn how to keep my jacket look so new. You have shown me an awesome video on how to wash and maintain the jacket that I really appreciate. In the video and today's video, as you described, your Beta AR looks as fresh and nice as you just bought it. So, I would like to know the secret if there is any. That is my point. And if I would apologize if I made you uncomfortable with my first comment. I am Japanese and not very familiar with your culture and proper communication. Thank you for reading.
Hi, Thanks for watching my videos! Yes, my Beta AR jacket still looks almost new. It really does not show any sign of wear or tear and does look very much like new. I only use it for big trips and expeditions (maybe gets 4-8 weeks full time use per year), and use other jackets for around the city and shorter trips, which helps reduce wear. I clean it maybe once per year and there really is no specific secret. When not in use i hang it in my wardrobe and ensure it is never stored crumpled or stuffed in a bag. Hope this helps! I love Japan and have travelled there on a few occasions. I need to go back! Thanks for watching! Best, Mowser
Thanks for an excellent overview! Can you please suggest if the difference between Beta LT and Beta AR is in durability only or fabric’s performance in terms of breathability and waterproofness is also different?
Thank you for your comment! The difference between Beta LT and Beta AR goes beyond just durability. While Beta LT is designed for lightweight performance, they do say that the AR is more breathable. Not sure if there's any difference in waterproofness but at a guess I'd say they are very similar there.
I ended up going the MontBell storm cruiser as I struggled with the price tag for the Arcteryx. Looks good for breathability and is light. Watching this made me want to buy one though haha
I wonder if will beat my One planet Or J and H jacket 15 years. After 15!years it started to delaminate.:-( . But the weight….. win some loose some. So looking for a new jacket Beta Ar looks like a good choice.
One Planet make some good gear. I used a Paddy Pallin Jacket on most trips for nearly 20 years and still use it occasionally after nearly 30 years of use!
That isn’t the current model which is easily less durable than the older versions. The current model doesn’t have the corded ties. I know because my old one delaminated and was replaced with a new model but it’s a lot more fragile and doesn’t have the tank like quality of the old one. I think you have to consider the Beta SV if you want similar quality today. Older one is shorter as well. Given how long you’re has last I’d like see how you maintain your jacket.
I am hearing this a bit. The SV is probably what I would replace it with if sticking with Arc'Teryx. I take really good care of my gear and wash and rewaterproof once or twice a year.
NOT ANYMORE. ARCTERYX HAS BEEN BOUGHT OUT BY A CHINESE COMPANY AND COMPLETELY CHANGED THE MATERIALS FITS AND BASICALLY THE WHOLE JACKET TO A CHEAP LOW QUALITY CHINESE KNOCK OFF.
The Arc'teryx Beta AR is garbage. All my jackets have tears, broken zips and delamination. Arc'teryx customer support is nonexistent, and the warranty is not worth the paper it's written on!
That's unfortunate. It looks like they've changed it a bit since I bought mine years ago. Definately doesn't feel as durable when I've checked out newer models. Mine has taken an absolute beating and still going strong. I have found Arc'Teryx in Australia to be helpful in the past and they have replaced/repaired some of my down products under warranty.
Another insightful video - thanks for taking the time to make it. In regards to the wetting out, my AR is not even a year old (so no wetting out yet) but I was told that the Gore Tex Pro needs to be washed more frequently. I also found out through a Reddit post that Arcteryx won't officially recommend Nikwax - apparently it's formulation doesn't mix will with their own. I was told to use Grangers and I've had very good results on Arcteryx (I use Nikwax on non-Arcteryx). In that vein, if I really want to reproof the DWR I use the in wash treatment AND then spray it after as well, run it on a short but higher heat dryer cycle and that really gets the DWR going. Never as good as factory but it works well. Generally as we move away from the forever chemicals (which is a good thing) we lose some of the performance. Just like asbestos is grand stuff for insulation, not great on the lungs though.
Thanks for chiming in! Sounds like you’ve got a cool system going. Good to know about the Grangers too; I might have to try that out again. I've only tried it once or twice before and did notice on an Arc'Teryx video that it is what they used. Very helpful!
I've had Norrøna Trollveggen for many years and changed to Beta AR this winter. Two really good jackets indeed! Great video!
Oh wow. Great to hear! Glad you enjoyed!
I used to dance to that single My Narrona by The Knack back in 1979, great tune at the time.
Thanks for the review.
I just bought the newest version of the BETA AR. I'm aware of the quality downgrades that arcteryx has received in the last couple of years but I'll try it anyways.
Can you maybe do a review on the newest BETA AR models ? I would be really interested in how they perform.
Greetings from Germany!
Hey, thanks for the comment! Would love to give the newer model a review at some stage. Will need to get my hands on one!
I hope Arcteryx are paying you well haha, this video has me considering the Beta AR more than any other I've seen so far!
I'm deciding between it, and the Fjällraven Keb, which is made out of their own "EcoShell" Goretex alternative, supposedly more nature friendly, also heard lots of praises sung around that one
Maybe one day Arc'Teryx will sponsor me 😂. I haven't seen the Keb before but looks like a solid alternative. Will definately check it out next time I am near a store! Thanks!
The Keb is an entirely different jacket. It soaks easily in wet conditions.
Hello from 🇨🇦 . I'm with my 2nd Alpha SV jacket, and both have failed main zip. Dissapointing being their top model.
How are you going through zippers that fast?
@malibustacy3606 have no idea, I've since been having foot surgery and recovery. No more trecking, no camping, etc. I can only suspect bad zipper manufacturing
Had two alpha lt jackets and had to buy a new one due to sizing. Bought a beta ar and love it. Would probably prefer the storm hood version though
i still hesitate whether im going to Beta AR, Alpha, or Alpha SV. i just want to buy 1 for a lifetime, u have any suggestion?
HI Mowser, I have enjoyed your reviews on Beta AR. In the videos, you have described that even after rough and tough adventures, your Beta AR still shines as the day you got it. I wonder if it is true on appearance or look of the Jacket. Does the jacket still look new as the day you bout it? Please, let me know.
Just in case if my words are insufficient, let me tell you point of my question. First, I am just a fan of Arcteryx jackets. I wear Beta AR in town. I love my jacket so much and would like to learn how to keep my jacket look so new. You have shown me an awesome video on how to wash and maintain the jacket that I really appreciate. In the video and today's video, as you described, your Beta AR looks as fresh and nice as you just bought it. So, I would like to know the secret if there is any. That is my point. And if I would apologize if I made you uncomfortable with my first comment. I am Japanese and not very familiar with your culture and proper communication. Thank you for reading.
Hi,
Thanks for watching my videos! Yes, my Beta AR jacket still looks almost new. It really does not show any sign of wear or tear and does look very much like new. I only use it for big trips and expeditions (maybe gets 4-8 weeks full time use per year), and use other jackets for around the city and shorter trips, which helps reduce wear. I clean it maybe once per year and there really is no specific secret. When not in use i hang it in my wardrobe and ensure it is never stored crumpled or stuffed in a bag. Hope this helps! I love Japan and have travelled there on a few occasions. I need to go back! Thanks for watching!
Best,
Mowser
Thanks for an excellent overview!
Can you please suggest if the difference between Beta LT and Beta AR is in durability only or fabric’s performance in terms of breathability and waterproofness is also different?
Thank you for your comment! The difference between Beta LT and Beta AR goes beyond just durability. While Beta LT is designed for lightweight performance, they do say that the AR is more breathable. Not sure if there's any difference in waterproofness but at a guess I'd say they are very similar there.
@@mowsertas Thank you for the answer!
on a side note i am curious as to what your skincare routine is you have really nice facial skin thanks
Ah, the age-old question! My skincare routine is like my TH-cam content-full of layers and constantly evolving!
@@mowsertas so you do have one? cause im getting old now and im aging pretty bad.. need to find a good routine lol. your skin is looking good
Hello, could you say how tall are you? I'm between buying the M or the L. I'm 6ft or 183cm tall. Thanks.
I'm 194cm and am a large in all my Arc'Teryx stuff. Definately worth trying on if you can before buying OR seeing if they do free exchanges/returns.
I ended up going the MontBell storm cruiser as I struggled with the price tag for the Arcteryx. Looks good for breathability and is light. Watching this made me want to buy one though haha
I have a Montbell for short walks, running and around town. Absolutely love it!
@@mowsertas I’m hoping it serves me well to chase these Tassie Abel’s when I return from the Tiwi Islands. Starting the WAT December 27!
I wonder if will beat my One planet Or J and H jacket 15 years. After 15!years it started to delaminate.:-( . But the weight….. win some loose some. So looking for a new jacket Beta Ar looks like a good choice.
One Planet make some good gear. I used a Paddy Pallin Jacket on most trips for nearly 20 years and still use it occasionally after nearly 30 years of use!
That isn’t the current model which is easily less durable than the older versions. The current model doesn’t have the corded ties. I know because my old one delaminated and was replaced with a new model but it’s a lot more fragile and doesn’t have the tank like quality of the old one. I think you have to consider the Beta SV if you want similar quality today. Older one is shorter as well. Given how long you’re has last I’d like see how you maintain your jacket.
I am hearing this a bit. The SV is probably what I would replace it with if sticking with Arc'Teryx. I take really good care of my gear and wash and rewaterproof once or twice a year.
NOT ANYMORE. ARCTERYX HAS BEEN BOUGHT OUT BY A CHINESE COMPANY AND COMPLETELY CHANGED THE MATERIALS FITS AND BASICALLY THE WHOLE JACKET TO A CHEAP LOW QUALITY CHINESE KNOCK OFF.
Oh man. Well, gives me an excuse to go with a different brand next time. Disappointing!
The Arc'teryx Beta AR is garbage. All my jackets have tears, broken zips and delamination. Arc'teryx customer support is nonexistent, and the warranty is not worth the paper it's written on!
That's unfortunate. It looks like they've changed it a bit since I bought mine years ago. Definately doesn't feel as durable when I've checked out newer models. Mine has taken an absolute beating and still going strong. I have found Arc'Teryx in Australia to be helpful in the past and they have replaced/repaired some of my down products under warranty.