By:Michael Isaacs

The Arc'teryx Beta is more jacket than most people need, I am not most people, and chances are if you are reading this neither are you. Flat out it is one of the best made pieces of raingear you can buy and it is made in Canada, to the highest standard in the outdoor industry.

Arc'Teryx always goes the extra mile when it comes to building a product they produce. It was started by a bunch of climbers in the early 90's when they felt they could make better climbing gear than was currently available. Using 3D Foam shaping technology they made one of the most comfortable climbing harnesses of all time.

Innovation in the Beta is not hard to find: 1.6mm seam allowances (reduces weight and increases flexibility of seams), molded zipper garages (keeps water out of pockets, Gore-Tex XCR (the most breathable and durable waterproof membrane), water tight zippers (removes need for a flap over zipper saving weight and adding flexibility).

The only piece of innovation that I wish was different is the main zipper. It has delaminated twice and I wish it was the same as the one on the Alpha series. For the most part it is still water tight though, it just looks bad when zipper on a $550 dollar jacket starts peeling apart.

All in all this is a very expensive jacket and if you want to know why, it looks new after I have beat the crap out of it for 4 years. I have taken this jacket through snow storms at 9000 feet in August, though 2 day Tropical Storms in Nova Scotia, countless days skiing. It has been jammed in my pack and pulled out when ever I needed. I wear it constantly and there is not a seam loose the only hint that it has been worn at all is a small amount of wear on the right cuff (which has no seams by the way, it would keep the water from sheeting off) and a small grease mark from repairing my 1973 VW Van on the side of the highway in Alberta.

If you love the outdoors and want a jacket that will keep you comfortable in the rain this is it, it is expensive but you will not need to replace it anytime soon.