First Look: The New Arc’teryx Beta AR Featuring Gore-Tex PRO ePE (Fall 2025)

The 2025 Arc'teryx Beta AR released this week is less of a refresh than a breakthrough. This new version of Arc’teryx’s best-selling Beta line introduces the innovative Gore-Tex PRO ePE, a PFAS-free waterproof membrane made to stand up to the harshest conditions and uses. In fact, the new Beta AR, Alpha, and Alpha SV (also released this week) jackets are the first three Arc’teryx shells to adopt the next-gen PRO ePE tech. Let’s take a closer look at the brand-new Beta AR.

What's New in the 2025 Beta AR?

Gore-Tex PRO ePE: A New Standard

Yes, the headline here is that this is the first Beta AR to feature Gore-Tex PRO ePE. That’s significant because it represents the first PFAS-free waterproof membrane to deliver the same elite protection as traditional Gore-Tex PRO laminates but with a lighter footprint and better long-term durability.

• No PFAS: From the membrane to the face fabric and DWR (Durable Water Repellant), the entire Beta AR jacket is now free of “forever chemicals.” That’s notable in an outdoor industry that’s continuing to emphasize sustainability and decreased environmental impact without performance degradation. 
• More Rugged Than Ever: Thanks to a higher-denier face fabric and a lighter, thinner membrane, the 2025 Beta AR is considered more durable than previous models without any added weight. (More on how that's achieved below.)
• Tested to Gore’s Highest Standards: While Arc’teryx is relatively tight-lipped on specifics, the new Gore-Tex PRO ePE membrane is said to achieve testing benchmarks for waterproofing and durability that standard Gore-Tex ePE membranes don’t have to meet - hence the "PRO" moniker.

A Sustainable Step Forward — Without Sacrificing Performance

Arc'teryx has long been a leader in innovation, and the shift to PRO ePE is the latest example of the company pushing the industry forward. Improving the sustainability of a technical hard shell like the Beta AR without sacrificing its performance in real-world applications is a feat unto itself. Among the new Beta AR’s key sustainability features:

• Recycled Nylon Face Fabric: Durable yet eco-conscious
• Dope-Dyed Backer: The Ripstop Grid Dope-dyed backer is durable while also manufactured with a process that reduces water and energy use
• FC0 DWR: Arc'teryx's Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish applied to the face fabric of the Beta AR is PFAS-free. As a result, it's also more susceptible to oil contamination. What that means in the real world is that the water repellancy of the jacket's outer fabric is likely to need to be refreshed more often than previous DWR finishes that contained forever chemicals. For jacket owners, keeping your Beta AR clean with regular washing and drying (yes, drying!) will help the FC0 DWR maintain its performance longer. 

Real-World Performance: Does the New Beta AR Pass the Test?

Arc’teryx says its athletes as well as partners like Search and Rescue teams and professional mountain guides have given the new PRO ePE technology overwhelmingly positive reviews. The fabric’s early prototypes have been tested in environments ranging from high-alpine storms to all-day ski tours. We’ve yet to put the new Beta AR, Sabre, or Sabre SV with Gore-Tex PRO ePE to the test, so we’ll have to take their word for it - for now. We have our new Beta AR and Sabre SV in hand and will publish our first impressions and hands-on reviews shortly. (Check out our overall comparison of the Arc'teryx Beta vs Alpha lines)

Key Takeaways:

• Durability is better than before, thanks to the upgraded face fabric and lighter membrane. Herein lies an important characteristic of ePE membranes: they’re significantly lighter than traditional Gore-Tex waterproof membranes, which means companies like Arc’teryx can use higher-denier face fabrics to improve the overall durability of the shell without increasing its weight. Case in point: the new PRO ePE Beta AR comes in at 460 grams - essentially identical to the previous non-ePE version (461 grams). 
• Waterproofing is unchanged. Waterproof means waterproof, so don’t expect the PRO ePE membrane to be any less reliable than prior generations. Arc’teryx hasn’t yet confirmed for us the waterproof rating of the new Beta AR, but there’s zero reason to believe its anything less than the 28,000mm water column rating that is Arc’teryx’s standard for all its Gore-Tex waterproof jackets.
• Gore-Tex ePE is here to stay. Arc'teryx is making Gore-Tex ePE the default membrane across all its professional product lines, even those exempt from PFAS regulations. 

FAQs: Arc'teryx Beta AR (2025) with Gore-Tex PRO ePE

What is Gore-Tex PRO ePE?

A new waterproof-breathable laminate that uses a PFAS-free ePE membrane, designed to match or even exceed the durability and weatherproof performance of legacy Gore-Tex PRO but with improved sustainability.

Is the new Beta AR more durable than the previous version?

Yes. Thanks to a higher-denier face fabric and enhanced construction, the new Arc’teryx Beta AR promises greater durability with no weight penalty. The new Beta AR uses 100D plain weave recycled nylon across high-wear areas and 80D plain weave recycled nylon everywhere else. Compare that to the previous generation Beta AR, which had 80D nylon in high-wear areas and 40D nylon elsewhere. The more robust deniers of the new jacket equate to increased durability and resistance to abrasion, snags, cuts, and general wear.  

Is this jacket still waterproof?

Absolutely. The Gore-Tex PRO ePE used in the Beta AR passes Gore’s Storm Test — an extreme benchmark simulating hurricane-force rain conditions. Oh, and it’s windproof and breathable as well. 

Does it feel different from the previous Beta AR?

The new version is slightly stiffer and more structured, a trait of the PRO laminate’s rugged construction. If you're used to the softer feel of C-KNIT™ backers, expect a firmer hand with this latest Beta AR. Is it very noticeable? No, it's not.

Has Arc'teryx updated other jackets with PRO ePE?

Yes. The Beta AR leads the way, but other PRO-level shells (e.g., Alpha, Alpha SV, LEAF Forces, SAR kits) are also getting the ePE upgrade. To note, the Beta SL and other Arc’teryx jackets have previously introduced Gore-Tex ePE, just not the PRO variation. (We have an in-depth comparison of the Beta AR vs Beta SL to help you decide which is best for you) 

How should I care for the new DWR?

Wash and tumble dry your jacket regularly. The FC0 DWR used on ePE laminates supposedly has the best regeneration rate on the market, but oil buildup can reduce water beading over time.

Bottom Line: A Future-Ready Classic

The 2025 Arc'teryx Beta AR with Gore-Tex PRO ePE is an important step forward in high-performance sustainability. It delivers the same legendary Beta AR (AR stands for "All-Round" in Arc'teryx lexicon) performance with claims of better durability and zero PFAS. The price for these updates? $650, which represents a $50 increase over previous models of the Beta AR. Is it worth it? That's up to you and your wallet. If sustainability is important to you, then this is an obvious choice for a do-everything hard shell that will last for years and years. If saving money is your top priority, you can find deals on the previous generation Beta AR at REI right now.