Reviews You Can Rely On

Arc'teryx Beta AR Pant Review

For certain users, the rugged construction and bullet-proof weather protection might be just what you need
arc'teryx beta ar pant rain pants review
Credit: Arc'teryx
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Price:  $500 List
Manufacturer:   Arc'teryx
By Jediah Porter ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Feb 28, 2023
75
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 9
  • Water Resistance - 25% 10.0
  • Comfort and Mobility - 20% 6.0
  • Breathability and Venting - 20% 9.0
  • Weight - 15% 4.0
  • Packed Size - 10% 5.0
  • Features - 5% 8.0
  • Durability - 5% 10.0

Our Verdict

This is a heavy pant, purpose-built for extended periods out in the wettest and wild of outdoor weather. If you spend back-to-back days or weeks in driving rain and harsh environments, the protection and durability of the Arc'teryx Beta AR might be just what you need. The features are comprehensive; these pants are (over) built for almost all human-powered adventuring we can think of. Rain pant usage often involves a lot of time not wearing the pants, and for that reason, we generally lean towards lighter and more compact choices.
REASONS TO BUY
Rugged
Very weather-ready
Excellent features
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Expensive
Large and bulky cuffs
Editor's Note: We updated this review on February 28, 2023, with further rain pant recommendations and buying advice.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Best Buy Award  
Price $500 List
$500.00 at REI
$107.97 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$77.97 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$38.49 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$80 List
$59.96 at Backcountry
Overall Score Sort Icon
75
86
80
73
72
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pros Rugged, very weather-ready, excellent featuresLightweight, stormworthy, quiet fabric, good breathability, 3/4 length side zips, effective elastic cuffsUltralight, super compact, good mobility, extremely comfortable elastic waistband, stows nicely in a reversible pocketBest inexpensive pant, above average durability, excellent storm-worthinessFantastic price, very light, impressively small compact volume, solid storm protection, respectable breathability
Cons Heavy, expensive, large and bulky cuffsNo zip fly, one marginally useful pocketLower durability, feels clammy, hard to pull on over most bootsNo pockets, low breathability and ventilation, not easy to put on without removing footwearNot as breathable as other models, not as durable or as long-lasting, no ventilation options
Bottom Line For certain users, the rugged construction and bullet-proof weather protection might be just what you needHighly protective pants that are light and compact for tucking away in your backpackHard to beat for any trip where weight and packed space are at a premiumA killer pant for the price, offering better than expected feel and weather resistanceA simple, lightweight, and compact rain pant that excels at a range of outdoor activies at a price that's tough to beat
Rating Categories Arc'teryx Beta AR Pant Outdoor Research Fo... Outdoor Research He... Columbia Rebel Roamer Marmot PreCip Eco Pant
Water Resistance (25%)
10.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
Comfort and Mobility (20%)
6.0
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Breathability and Venting (20%)
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
Weight (15%)
4.0
8.0
10.0
7.0
9.0
Packed Size (10%)
5.0
9.0
10.0
8.0
7.0
Features (5%)
8.0
6.0
5.0
5.0
8.0
Durability (5%)
10.0
7.0
6.0
8.0
7.0
Specs Arc'teryx Beta AR Pant Outdoor Research Fo... Outdoor Research He... Columbia Rebel Roamer Marmot PreCip Eco Pant
Measured Weight 18.3 oz 10.2 oz 6.5 oz 12.5 oz 8.5 oz
Waterproof Fabric Material Gore-Tex Pro 2L Gore-Tex with PacLite Technology 2.5L Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse Omni-Tech Waterproof/Breathable NanoPro Eco
Face Fabric and Layer Construction N40r-X Gore-Tex Pro 100% polyester 50D 30D 100% nylon ripstop 70D 100% nylon 100% recycled nylon ripstop
Pockets 1 1 1 None 3
Side Zips Length Upper thigh vents and 1/4 ankle zips 3/4 length 1/4 length ankle zips None 1/4 length
Put On Over Hiking or Mountaineering Boots Yes Yes No No Yes
Stows Into Pocket No Yes Yes No Yes
Waistband Closure Zip fly with integrated belt Elastic + shock cord Elastic with drawcord Elastic + shock cord Elastic + shock cord

Our Analysis and Test Results

Product Updated
Since our testing, the Beta AR has been graced with a new thigh pocket hidden under a storm flap. There are also thigh zips for venting in addition to the 1/4 length ankle zips.

The Arc'teryx Beta AR Pant is a sturdy product designed to bridge the gap between rugged ski pants and regular rain pants. Some will use these as your typical hiking and mountaineering shell pants, while others will find them totally appropriate as ski and snowboard resort pants. Spanning this broad gap leaves significant compromises in either extreme, but the end result might just work for you. They are plenty protective and breathable; the fabric, especially when brand new, is stiff and crinkly. They are heavier than we'd like for hiking and mountaineering and more confining and close-fitting than many seek for resort ski wear.

Performance Comparison


In sum, these are nothing special. The construction is immaculate, and the materials are excellent, but the niche they fill is a strange one. If you find yourself hiking for weeks in cold rain, these would be a good choice. Not many enjoy hiking like that, though. Even for extended rainy exposure, lighter construction and less bulky cuffs are preferred.

arc'teryx beta ar pant rain pants review - the arc'teryx name has long been synonymous with excellent weather...
The Arc'teryx name has long been synonymous with excellent weather protection. In this case, the product is heavier than most will need.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Water Resistance


Here, these pants excel. The Gore-Tex fabric and careful construction work together to keep all the weather outside; we expect nothing else from the long-time partnership between Arc'teryx and Gore-Tex. Even in snowy and brushy walking, the integrated gaiter keeps moisture out of your boots. Few hiking rain pants have an integrated gaiter similar to this; it definitely adds some weather resistance (though careful use of an added elastic stirrup can replicate a gaiter even in regular cuffed pants) but adds a lot of bulk.

Comfort and Mobility


We expect excellent tailoring from Arc'teryx, and the Beta AR shell pants meet our expectations. What is interesting, especially as other companies move forward in this regard, is that they use relatively stiff and "loud" fabrics for their shell gear. They must have some reason, but the result is shell clothing that isn't quite as comfortable as we'd like. We want shell pants and jackets with the Arc'teryx tailoring and attention to detail but with softer fabrics. The Beta AR pants are downright loud in use, and this has been our experience with other Arc'teryx gear as well. It eventually quiets with use, but the initial experience is scratchy.

arc'teryx beta ar pant rain pants review - the two-part cuffs of the beta ar are more similar to those we'd...
The two-part cuffs of the Beta AR are more similar to those we'd expect on ski and snowboard pants. This format is a way to make a secure seal while still maintaining a clean visual appearance. In hiking gear, this fashion-over-function approach isn't necessary.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Breathability and Venting


When it comes to breathability, Gore-Tex fabrics are near the top of the heap. Only the air-permeable fabrics are more breathable than any of the Gore-Tex products. The Beta AR augments the breathability of the fabric with pretty good venting, and the 3/4 side zips vent basically as much as full zips do. Even the zip fly can be used as a vent, modesty permitting.

arc'teryx beta ar pant rain pants review - the 3/4 side zips of the beta ar serve to both get the pants on over...
The 3/4 side zips of the Beta AR serve to both get the pants on over boots and to vent the upper legs when weather and precipitation allow.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Features


The usability, protection, and comfort features of the Beta AR are plentiful and handy. The adjustable and low-profile integrated belt works with a zippered fly and central waistband snap to hold the pants up but not interfere with a climbing harness or backpack waist belt. The long side zips open to vent and to get the pants on over even the bulkiest ski boots. The lack of full-size zips is only a problem when trying to put the pants on or off over crampons, snowshoes, or skis. The double-layered cuffs seal tightly over boots of many dimensions. The cuffs are nicest for very large boots and for a tight seal while maintaining the appearance of regular hanging pant cuffs.

arc'teryx beta ar pant rain pants review - the inner cuff of the beta ar is set up with hooks and tabs for...
The inner cuff of the Beta AR is set up with hooks and tabs for elastic stirrups. The result is a strong seal, obscured by the outer cuff.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Packed Size


All the features and durability add up to make the Beta AR a relatively bulk package. Some of our test products pack down to the size of a Nalgene, or even a large apple. The Beta AR is closer to the size of a pineapple.

arc'teryx beta ar pant rain pants review - these dual-part cuffs are the most salient attribute of the beta ar...
These dual-part cuffs are the most salient attribute of the Beta AR. This is what partially what makes the product so heavy and bulky.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Weight


At well over a pound, the Beta AR is the sort of thing you choose when you absolutely know you need all of its protection. These are not the pants you carry "just in case". When there are options that are less than half the weight, choosing the Beta AR is not a choice you make for light weight. In extended poor weather, the Beta will be much more comfortable and protective, but for most general uses, the lighter weight pants in our review will do the trick.

Durability


Here the Beta AR excels. That stiff, rugged fabric and Arc'teryx's proven construction techniques combine to make pants that will last for years of even the most robust and stormy use. These pants will last longer than the ultralight products.

Should You Buy the Arc'teryx Beta AR?


The Beta AR is rugged, durable, and very weather-ready. It is as stout as many ski resort pants, without some of the more important features (insulation, for instance). For really warm and wet ski conditions, consider the Beta AR. For hiking in the rain, they will keep you dry and will do so for a long, long time. The catch for human-powered adventures is in the weight. And of course, another huge catch here is the cost. These are exorbitantly expensive and were outperformed in some metrics (like comfort) by other contenders.

What Other Rain Pants Should You Consider?


Most people don't need a rain pant this burly (or this expensive). The Outdoor Research Foray Pant is our favorite of the bunch and a fraction of the cost of the Beta AR. If you want an ultralight rain pant, the Outdoor Research Helium Pant is our recommendation. For an uber-affordable pant, the Columbia Rebel Roamer or even the Marmot PreCip Eco Pant are both great options with totally decent performance.

arc'teryx beta ar pant rain pants review - in rowdy weather, full gore-tex clothing does indeed protect and...
In rowdy weather, full Gore-Tex clothing does indeed protect and breathe better than most. The Beta AR pants are no exception.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Jediah Porter
 
You Might Also Like

Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by Testing.

GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.

Learn More