In review: Arc'teryx Beta Jacket & Beta Pants 

We tested Arc'teryx's lightweight Beta jacket and pants combination on a glacier tour. A hardshell combo at its finest. 

First impression: Light, tidy, technical

Clean lines, minimal frills, but thoughtful details. This is the first look at the Beta suit. The build quality is clean and simple, as you'd expect from Arx'teryx.
Instead of traditional seams, many structural elements are laminated. This type of processing reduces weight, prevents seams from becoming weak points, and prevents water penetration.

The material feels pleasantly soft for a hardshell. This is thanks to the Gore-Tex ePE material. It's lighter than its predecessor and, thanks to a membrane that's only half as thick, highly breathable, allowing sweat to easily escape to the outside in the form of water vapor. It's designed to ensure a long product lifespan to conserve resources.   

Both the pants and the jacket weigh less than 300 grams.  

On tour: cold wind, sunny ridge walk

We tested the breathable Beta suit on a one-day glacier tour on the Col d'Entrèves in the Mont Blanc massif. As we stepped out of the gondola early in the morning, a cold wind whistled around our ears. Later, the mountain showed off its best side – pure sunshine, no wind, no rain.

Nevertheless, the hardshells were worth it: During the morning approach, the combination impressed with its wind protection. The StormHood is helmet-compatible, providing extra ear protection. It can also be easily adjusted using a single elastic band at the back.
The two adjusters at the bottom hem of the jacket also contribute to a custom fit—they ensure that no wind can get in and that the jacket fits snugly. As a cold person who doesn't like biting winds, I really liked this jacket.

The Beta pants score highly for their freedom of movement. Nothing pinches when climbing or taking long strides in crampons. Surprisingly, I found the pants very comfortable to wear without a base layer in the afternoon when the sun was shining brightly – despite their hardshell nature, the material feels soft and not uncomfortable next to the skin.
The three-quarter length side zip makes it much easier to put on and take off with crampons and mountain boots and offers quick ventilation in changing weather conditions.

We also find the integrated Recco reflector in the jacket and trousers worth mentioning for improved visibility in emergency situations.

Concentration on the essentials

Both pieces offer a reduced range of features: The jacket offers two side pockets and a small inner compartment. For those who like to carry a lot of snacks in their pockets, this might be a bit of a squeeze, but otherwise, we don't see it as a problem. However, what we liked so much about the Beta pants is unfortunately missing from the jacket: Underarm ventilation would be a real game-changer for changeable weather or more strenuous activities.

On the other hand, anyone traveling with a lightweight backpack, focusing on efficiency and weight savings, such as on ski tours, glacier tours, or challenging multi-day treks, will appreciate the minimalism and the resulting light pack size. We do too, by the way! 

Reducing environmental impact through innovation

The new Betas are thinner and lighter than previous models, while maintaining the same breathability and weather protection. Arc'teryx has consistently used Gore-Tex ePE in the new Beta system. This ePE membrane was developed in collaboration between Arc'teryx and Gore.  

Why is a new ePE membrane needed? Unlike its predecessor, it is manufactured without intentionally added PFAS. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of industrially used chemicals that are extremely persistent, sometimes carcinogenic, and harmful to the environment. Their production pollutes the air and water, and once released into the environment, they are virtually non-degradable. (Source: Federal Environment Agency) 

The new ePE membrane technology, on the other hand, relies on expanded polyethylene (ePE) to ensure permanently waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection without the use of PFAS. (Source: Gore-Tex) 

Reduced, functional and reliable

The Arc'teryx Beta Jacket and Beta Pants are a sophisticated weather protection combination for athletic and alpine activities that require versatility and durability.

The combination impressed us with its high level of comfort, reliable wind protection, and freedom of movement. As a lightweight all-around hardshell with a reduced ecological footprint, the Beta combination makes a very coherent impression.

Thanks to its simple cut and low weight, the jacket is also suitable for everyday use, such as cycling commuting or as a rain jacket.

If you're willing to spend a little more for high-quality workmanship, light weight, and a more environmentally friendly design, the Beta series offers two reliable companions for mountain tours, glacier traverses, and active everyday use.

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Credits Cover photo: Lacrux