Arc’teryx Beta AR Pants Review

Water Resistance

Arc’teryx worked in collaboration with GORE-TEX to create the 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro fabric with Most Rugged Technology these pants are composed of. As you would expect from GORE-TEX, the material is very waterproof, with a rating of 28,000 mm. The DWR (durable water repellent) is Arc’teryx’s excellent Nu water repellent treatment. The zips are all water-resistant.

Breathability

The breathability of the material used to make these pants is excellent, with a rating of 25,000 g/m2/24 hrs. If you require more ventilation, there are side zips that can be opened when needed.

Comfort and Mobility

These pants are articulated at the knee and the seat to provide a wide range of movement. There is also a gusseted crotch to increase mobility further. I didn’t find any sense of constricted movement – even on terrain that demanded a greater range of movement whilst wearing these. The waist has an adjustable belt, so you can be sure they won’t fall down. The GORE-TEX Pro fabric feels soft against your skin and doesn’t get cold and clammy.

Materials

The 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro fabric with Most Rugged Technology is similar to the standard GORE-TEX Pro but has a few tweaks. The face fabric is 80 denier nylon bonded to the membrane. This new membrane has over 9 billion holes per square inch and an additional polyurethane (PU) layer that resists abrasion and contamination. Arc’teryx’s Nu DWR is fluorine-free and made with biodegradable active ingredients. The zips are high-quality reverse coil zippers. Arc’teryx makes a point of stating that their Watertight Zippers are not fully waterproof. At the bottom of the pants, you will find 100D Cordura PowderCuffs and Keprotec instep patches.

Durability

The material used to make these pants is branded as ‘Most Rugged’ as it is designed to be tougher and more durable than previous versions of GORE-TEX. These pants are designed to be hard-wearing. The Nu DWR not only repels rain but also protects against dirt. Arc’teryx has a well-deserved reputation for making high-quality garments that last for years.

These hiking pants come with a Practical Product Lifespan guarantee during ‘the usual and customary wearable life of the product’. If there are any problems with your pants, they will replace or repair them.

Weight and Packability

Even though these pants are made from 3-layer material and have several zips and a pocket, they are lighter than you would expect. They are not the most lightweight waterproof pants available, but they are not excessively heavy. However, they are not designed to be packed down into a compact bundle. The Arc’teryx Beta AR Pants weigh:

Men

470g / 16 oz

Women

450g / 15.9 oz

Features

The Arc’teryx Beta AR Pants are packed with many features. The waist has an adjustable webbing belt and a zippered fly with a press stud. The waist sits quite high, so the strap from a rucksack or harness would sit comfortably below it. Loops are sewn into the waistband to make it possible to attach some 3-point suspenders, but Arc’teryx does not sell any compatible.

There are zips that run along the outside of the upper leg. These zips are for ventilation, and they are Arc’teryx’s high-quality WaterTight zippers with molded zipper garages. On the front of the right leg, there is a handy pocket. The zipper for the pocket runs horizontally and is protected by a storm flap. The pocket has a beacon loop, and there is also a hidden RECCO reflector to make it easier to find you in an emergency situation.

At the bottom of the leg, you will find Cordura PowderCuffs. These have an internal gaiter that is secured with a press stud and a zip. When the zip is open, the leg is wide enough to fit over hiking boots, but it doesn’t fully open as there is a layer of material underneath. There is a drawcord inside the Cordura PowderCuffs to pull the cuffs tight and create a good fit against your boots to keep rain, mud, and snow out. You also have Keprotec instep patches to provide protection against the sharp edges of crampons and skis.

Sustainability

Arc’teryx uses Bluesign-approved materials to make these pants. One of the innovations of the GORE-TEX PRO Most Rugged fabric is that the backer is made from yarn that is dyed first and then woven. This change in manufacturing is better for the environment because it uses fewer resources, such as water. As well as taking steps to make their products and manufacturing processes more environmentally friendly, Arc’teryx also has a trade-in department that gives used items another lease of life by repairing or recycling as much as possible.