What is the Arc’teryx Beta AR waterproof jacket?
If you want a waterproof jacket that’s lightweight, effective and attractive enough to wear in concrete jungles, as well as on gritstone peaks, then the Arc’teryx Beta AR could be an all-round essential.
Arc’teryx is a premium outdoor clothing label, and this model is close to the summit of the brand’s range of waterproof, windproof shells with a vertiginous £600 RRP. It’s not insulated to warm you up, but it should keep your torso and arms dry with its Gore-Tex PRO ePE waterproof material and taped seams. You’ll need warm layers underneath it during winter, unless wearing it during high-intensity exercise.
The Beta AR comes in men’s and women’s variants, each in a choice of six colourways. Sizes range from XXS to XXXL. It ranked as Best Buy for men in our guide to the best waterproof jackets.
After its original popularity, this jacket was revised in 2025. We tested the newer, updated version, which has lighter, thinner and harder-wearing material than the original.
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We test waterproof jackets by wearing them in the rain – often paired with the best walking boots or wellies. I’ve tested about a dozen jackets in the last few months, taking them out on hikes, training runs and everyday trips out of the house.
We score waterproof jackets against five key criteria. Waterproofing is the deal-breaker, so we test the jackets in wet conditions (and via a watering can stress test), monitoring any water ingress through the material. We also assess their breathability by checking for buildup of moisture inside the garment during vigorous activities like scrambling or running.
To gauge suitability for adventure travel, we factor in weight and packability, and we also look at each jacket’s comfort and fit. Finally, we factor in construction quality, to ensure we’re confident that you’re getting a durable, dependable product for your money.
Following on from milder weather testing in November 2025, I continued assessing the Arc’teryx Beta AR throughout December and January 2026, while running or worn over a warm jumper.
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Score: 10/10