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Home / Gear / Jackets / Shell Jackets / Hardshell Jackets

Arcteryx Beta AR vs LT

Last updated: August 5, 2021 by Canberk Koksal 13 Comments

CAUTION: Beta LT just got revised in Feb 2021, and this review isn't updated yet. 

Let me give you a short answer first: Arc'teryx's Beta line products (SL Hybrid, LT, AR and SV) are focused on versatility and all-round use. You can see this in Arc'teryx's Naming Scheme Page here as well - for both "LT" and "AR", as well as "Beta". 

  • #A sidenote here: Arcteryx.com's PDF guide to their jackets is GOOOLLDDD. Highly recommend you to check it out before you buy. 
So you can think of: 

  • AR (All Round) as the most well balanced and hence the center of these 4 jackets,
  • And the LT (Lightweight) as the lighter model of AR {345 grams (12.2 oz) vs 455 grams (16 oz)} - with %10-15 breathability, %10-15 weather resistance and %25 durability sacrifices when compared to the AR. 

So what's the take-away here? 

If you're an ultralight traveler/backpacker, then the lighter weight and more packable structure of Beta LT can most likely be a more suitable option for you. For all the other folks (probably 90% of you?), Beta AR is probably the way to go. 

You can see their side-by-side comparison on Arc'teryx's site here. 

Now the longer answer: 

Beta LT

Beta AR

MSRP

525 USD

575 USD

Breathability


Packability


Weather Resistance


Durability


Length


Bagginess

7/10
7/10
7/10
6/10
7/10
7/10
8/10
5/10
8/10
8/10
7/10
8/10

Beta LT

Beta AR

Weight

345 grams (12.2 oz)

455 grams (16 oz)

Gore-Tex

N40p-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L

N40r-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L

N80p-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L

Current Price

Beta LT Men's:

See on Arcteryx.com
See on Amazon
See on Backcountry.com

Beta LT Women's:

See on Arcteryx.com
See on Amazon
See on Backcountry.com

Beta AR Men's:

See on Arcteryx.com
See on Amazon
See on Backcountry.com

Beta AR Women's:

See on Arcteryx.com
See on Amazon
See on Backcountry.com
Cell

#Note: All face fabrics are DWR (durable water repellent) applied.

  • What's DWR by the way?

DWR is a coating. It's basically sprayed on to the surface of these jackets as a finish. It stands for Durable Water Repellent - which means that water will be repelled under wet conditions instead of soaking into the fabric. DWR also decreases dry time.

It's a good thing these jackets are coated in DWR, but pay attention to the fact that DWR is a coating - meaning that it will wear off over time.

Which is why you might want to invest in a DWR spray such as this one for after treatment.

Beta LT

Beta AR

MSRP

525 USD

575 USD

Breathability


Packability


Weather Resistance


Durability


Length


Bagginess

7/10
7/10
7/10
6/10
7/10
7/10
8/10
5/10
8/10
8/10
7/10
8/10

Beta LT

Beta AR

Weight

345 grams (12.2 oz)

455 grams (16 oz)

Gore-Tex

N40p-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L

N40r-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L

N80p-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L

Cell

#Note: All face fabrics are DWR (durable water repellent) applied.

  • What's DWR by the way?

DWR is a coating. It's basically sprayed on to the surface of these jackets as a finish. It stands for Durable Water Repellent - which means that water will be repelled under wet conditions instead of soaking into the fabric. DWR also decreases dry time.

It's a good thing these jackets are coated in DWR, but pay attention to the fact that DWR is a coating - meaning that it will wear off over time.

Which is why you might want to invest in a DWR spray such as this one for after treatment.

The biggest difference between these jackets is in their different Gore-Tex fabrics.

N40p-X (Beta LT) vs N40r-X & N80p-X (Beta AR)

If you'll mostly be ultralight traveling/backpacking to do various high output activities (climbing, skiing, snowboarding etc) then the LT can be a better choice then the AR - which is probably the only scenario where it's better than the AR.

Let me clear this first: N40r-X & N80p-X of Beta AR aren't used simultaneously throughout the entire face of the jackets.

Instead, the N80p-X is used in high wear areas that are better reinforced: Shoulders, back, forearms and top of the hood.

In order to prevent the weight and price of the jacket going through the roof (N80p-X is very heavy, robust and expensive), N40r-X is used throughout other areas where less durability is more acceptable. 

This is also why Beta AR is the most well-balanced of all Beta jackets because Beta LT is 40D and Beta SV is 80D everywhere (they aren't balanced but rather intended for more niche uses).

Beta LT is equipped with N40p-X everywhere.

So what do the numbers 40 and 80 exactly mean?

If you're unaware, the number after the first letter represents the denier (weight) of the fabric. It's usually referred to as 40D and 80D (denier), etc.

As the denier increases (which is 40 vs 80, in this case) the durability and weather resistance will increase, but the jacket will also end up being heavier, more stiff (and hence less packable) with a less pleasant touch.

You can now see the main difference between Beta LT and AR - but let's continue, more to come.

The letter (p or r) after this number represents the fabric weave. R stands for ripstop, which, unlike plain weave (P), is woven with a grid texture.

Ripstop weave.

This is the only difference between them. And as a result:

  • Ripstop weave (Beta AR) is expected to prevent the potential tears from propagating considerably less then the plain weave by blocking their paths with elevated fabrics. 
  • Whereas the plain weave (Beta LT) is expected to bead the water droplets better than the ripstop because unlike the ripstop, the pathway of droplets won't be crossed by elevated fabrics.

If you won't be "ultralighting" much, then the Beta AR is probably the way to go.

This outcome kind of makes sense when you think about it in theory, but is minimal (or almost non-existent) in practical gear use.

Because:

  • Gore-Tex 3L Pro is already very high quality by itself, so ripstop doesn't really add much to Beta AR's durability in practice.
  • Both jackets are already DWR coated, so the plain weave of Beta LT doesn't really cause a noticeable difference in water beading.

So, as you can guess now; the vast, vast majority of the extra %10-15 weather resistance & %25 durability of Beta AR and more packable & lighter structure of Beta LT result from the denier difference (40D vs 80D) - NOT the weave difference (ripstop vs plain).

But what about the %10-15 breathability difference?

Breathability

This one will be much shorter.

LT is much less than the AR because it doesn't offer mechanical venting: LT doesn't come with pit zips, whereas the AR does.

If you haven't used them before, you'll quickly realize that the pit zips are a godsend especially during high output activities since they keep you from overheating very well.

Also consider: Bagginess

...especially if you're planning to under layer these shells with fairly thick and/or multiple garments.

Beta AR is slightly baggier than the LT, so it'll allow for a wider variety of under layering options which, in the end, ultimately makes it more versatile.

Conclusion

If you're having a hard time deciding, then checking out this post of mine that covers all the Arc'teryx Beta and Zeta Jackets might be helpful for you.

If you think none of these jackets would be able provide your desired weather resistance and durability, then I'd recommend you to check out my Beta AR vs SV comparison.

Now if this is you:

  • "I really don't need any specific features. I want to stay active during the quite cold winters in my town: A lot of fat biking, outdoor climbing, hiking, skiing, snowboarding etc. I'm looking for a shell jacket I can easily use during all these."

I'd recommend you the Beta AR.

Beta AR Men's:

See on Arcteryx.com
See on Amazon
See on Backcountry.com

Beta AR Women's:

See on Arcteryx.com
See on Amazon
See on Backcountry.com

If, on the other hand, you want something much lighter and more packable than the AR, and you can sacrifice some breathability (LT doesn't come with pit zips unlike the AR), durability and weather resistance in return, then the Beta LT would probably be your best bet.

Beta LT Men's:

See on Arcteryx.com
See on Amazon
See on Backcountry.com

Beta LT Women's:

See on Arcteryx.com
See on Amazon
See on Backcountry.com

My Arc'teryx database: 

NameTemp (°F / °C)BreathabilityWeather Res.DurabilityPackabilityReviewREI PriceBackcountry Price
Alpha Parka Men's-17/-276/1010/1010/108/10
Alpha Parka Women's-17/-276/1010/1010/108/10999.00
Ceres SV Men's-15/-267/1010/1010/106/10Review
Firebee AR Men's-10/-237/1010/109/107/10Review
Firebee AR Women's-10/-237/1010/109/107/10Review
Fission SV Jacket Men's3/-166/1010/1010/101/10Review
Nuclei SV Parka Men's5/-15TestingTesting5/108/10
Nuclei SV Parka Women's5/-15TestingTesting5/108/10
Cerium SV Hoody Men's7/-145/109/109/103/10Review
Cerium SV Hoody Women's7/-145/109/109/103/10Review
Kappa Hoody Men's7/-145/109/109/102/10Review
Thorium AR Hoody Men's8/-136/108/108/105/10Review325.00
Thorium AR Hoody Women's8/-136/108/108/105/10Review325.00
Thorium AR Jacket Men's8/-136/108/108/105/10Review
Atom AR Hoody Men's18/-86/108/109/103/10Review
Atom AR Hoody Women's18/-86/108/109/103/10Review
Atom AR Jacket Men's18/-86/108/109/103/10Review
Cerium LT Hoody Men's28/-26/107/107/106/10Review379.00
Cerium LT Hoody Women's28/-26/107/107/106/10Review
Nuclei FL Jacket Men's32/07/107/106/108/10Review
Nuclei FL Jacket Women's32/07/107/106/108/10Review
Atom LT Hoody Men's36/28/106/108/105/10Review259.00
Atom LT Hoody Women's36/28/106/108/105/10Review259.00
Atom LT Jacket Men's36/28/106/108/105/10Review239.00
Atom LT Jacket Women's36/28/106/108/105/10Review239.00
Proton LT Hoody Men's37/39/106/107/105/10Review299.00
Proton LT Hoody Women's37/39/106/107/105/10Review
Proton LT Jacket Men's37/39/106/107/105/10Review
Seton Jacket Men'sTestingTestingTestingTestingTesting
Rico Jacket Men's39/4TestingTestingTestingTesting
Cerium SL Hoody Men's43/67/105/104/1010/10Review359.00
Cerium SL Hoody Women's43/67/105/104/1010/10Review
Proton FL Hoody Men's48/910/104/106/109/10Review
Proton FL Hoody Women's48/910/104/106/109/10Review
Argus Jacket Men's45/7TestingTestingTestingTesting
Gaea Jacket Women's45/7TestingTestingTestingTesting
Atom SL Anorak Men's52/119/104/106/109/10Review
Atom SL Anorak Women's52/119/104/106/109/10Review
Atom SL Hoody Men's52/119/104/106/109/10Review229.00
Atom SL Hoody Women's52/119/104/106/109/10Review182.93
Nexis Jacket Women'sTestingTestingTestingTestingTesting
Semira Jacket Women'sTestingTestingTestingTestingTesting
Alpha AR Jacket Men'sN/A9/108/108/105/10Review
Alpha AR Jacket Women'sN/A9/108/108/105/10Review
Alpha SL Anorak Men'sN/A6/105/105/109/10
Alpha SL Anorak Women'sN/A6/105/105/109/10
Alpha SV Jacket Men'sN/A8/1010/1010/103/10Review799.00
Alpha SV Jacket Women'sN/A8/1010/1010/103/10Review799.00
Beta AR Jacket Men'sN/A8/108/109/105/10Review599.00
Beta AR Jacket Women'sN/A8/108/109/105/10Review478.93
Beta LT Jacket Men'sN/A7/105/104/107/10Review399.00
Beta LT Jacket Women'sN/A7/105/104/107/10Review399.00
Beta SV Jacket Men'sN/A8/1010/1010/103/10Review
Beta SV Jacket ReBird Men'sN/A8/1010/1010/103/10Review
Beta SV Jacket ReBird Women'sN/A8/1010/1010/103/10Review
Beta SV Jacket Women'sN/A8/1010/1010/103/10Review
Cassiar Jacket Men'sN/A8/107/108/103/10Review
Cassiar LT Jacket Men'sN/A6/106/106/105/10Review
Cita Hoody Women'sN/A7/104/105/1010/10Review
Cita SL Hoody Women'sN/A7/104/104/1010/10Review
Gamma LT Hoody Men'sN/A10/103/107/105/10Review
Gamma LT Hoody Women'sN/A10/103/107/105/10Review
Gamma LT Jacket Men'sN/A10/103/107/105/10Review
Gamma MX Hoody Men'sN/A8/104/108/104/10Review349.00
Gamma MX Hoody Women'sN/A8/104/108/104/10Review
Gamma SL Hoody Men'sN/A10/102/103/108/10Review
Gamma SL Hoody Women'sN/A10/102/103/108/10Review179.93
Incendia Jacket Women'sN/A8/109/109/103/10Review749.00
Incendia One Piece Women'sN/A8/109/109/103/10Review999.00
Incendo Hoody Men'sN/A7/104/105/1010/10Review
Incendo SL Hoody Men'sN/A7/104/104/1010/10Review
Nodin Jacket Men'sN/A8/105/105/1010/10
Nodin Jacket Women'sN/A8/105/105/1010/10
Norvan SL Hoody Men'sN/A7/106/108/108/10Review
Norvan SL Hoody Women'sN/A7/106/108/108/10Review
Micon Jacket Heather Men'sN/ATestingTestingTestingTesting
Micon Jacket Men'sN/ATestingTestingTestingTesting
Procline Jacket Men'sN/ATestingTestingTestingTesting
Ravenna Jacket Women'sN/A8/107/108/103/10Review
Ravenna LT Jacket Women'sN/A6/106/106/105/10Review
Rush Jacket Men'sN/A8/109/109/103/10Review749.00
Rush Jacket ReBird Men'sN/A8/109/109/103/10Review
Sabre AR Jacket Men'sN/A7/108/107/107/10Review675.00
Sabre LT Jacket Men'sN/A7/108/107/108/10Review
Sentinel AR Jacket Women'sN/A7/108/107/107/10Review675.00
Sentinel LT Jacket Women'sN/A7/108/107/108/10Review
Shashka Stretch Jacket Women'sN/ATestingTestingTestingTesting
Solano Coat Women'sN/ATestingTestingTestingTesting
Solano Hoody Men'sN/ATestingTestingTestingTestingReview
Solano Hoody Women'sN/ATestingTestingTestingTestingReview
Solano Jacket Men'sN/ATestingTestingTestingTestingReview
Squamish Hoody Men'sN/A5/105/107/109/10Review
Squamish Hoody Women'sN/A5/105/107/109/10Review
Trino SL Anorak Women'sN/A8/107/108/107/10Review219.00
Trino SL Hoody Men'sN/A8/105/107/106/10Review219.00
Venda Anorak Women'sN/ATestingTestingTestingTesting
Zeta SL Jacket (US) Men'sN/A3/105/103/108/10Review299.00
Zeta SL Jacket (US) Women'sN/A3/105/103/108/10Review299.00
Andessa Jacket Women's5/-158/108/109/105/10
Alpha IS Jacket Men's7/-145/107/108/109/10
Norvan SL Ins. Hoody Men's14/-10TestingTestingTestingTesting
Norvan SL Ins. Hoody Women's14/-10TestingTestingTestingTesting
Macai Jacket Men's5/-158/108/109/105/10Review
Macai LT Jacket Men'sTestingTestingTestingTestingTesting
Rush IS Jacket Men'sTesting5/108/106/103/10Review
Sentinel IS Jacket Women'sTestingTestingTestingTestingTesting
Shashka IS Jacket Women'sTesting5/108/106/103/10Review
Thorsen Parka (US) Men's-7/-22N/AN/AN/AN/AReview
Therme Parka (US) Men's-2/-19N/AN/AN/AN/AReview
Piedmont Coat Men's-2/-19N/AN/AN/AN/A
Camosun Parka Men's0/-18N/AN/AN/AN/AReview
Radsten Parka Men's3/-16N/AN/AN/AN/A
Patera Parka (US) Women's5/-15N/AN/AN/AN/AReview
Radsten Insulated Jacket Men's7/-14N/AN/AN/AN/A
Sensa Parka Women's7/-14N/AN/AN/AN/A
Koda Jacket Men's8/-13N/AN/AN/AN/A
Magnus Coat Men's19/-7N/AN/AN/AN/A
Fraser Jacket Men'sTestingN/AN/AN/AN/A499.00
Keppel Trench Coat Men'sTestingN/AN/AN/AN/A
Sawyer Coat Men'sTestingN/AN/AN/AN/A
Andra Coat Women'sTestingN/AN/AN/AN/A
Andra LT IS Coat Women'sTestingN/AN/AN/AN/A
Codetta Cinch Coat Women'sTestingN/AN/AN/AN/A
Codetta Coat (US) Women'sTestingN/AN/AN/AN/A
Codetta Cinch H. Coat Women'sTestingN/AN/AN/AN/A
Durant Coat Women'sTestingN/AN/AN/AN/A
Mistaya Coat Women'sTestingN/AN/AN/AN/A
Nuri Coat Women'sTestingN/AN/AN/AN/A
Sandra Coat Women'sTestingN/AN/AN/AN/A
Seyla Coat Women'sTestingN/AN/AN/AN/A
Wynd Softshell Coat Women'sTestingN/AN/AN/AN/A
Atom LT Vest Men'sN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A175.00
Atom SL Vest Men'sN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Atom SL Vest Women'sN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Cerium LT Vest Men'sN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A249.00
Cerium LT Vest Women'sN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Cita Vest Women'sN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Incendo Vest Men'sN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Nexis Vest Women'sN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Piedmont Vest Men'sN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Seyla Vest Women'sN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A


Filed Under: Hardshell Jackets Tagged With: arcteryx, arcteryx jackets, arcteryx shell jackets, jackets, shell jackets

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Comments

  1. Daniel Lin says

    June 12, 2021 at 3:53 am

    Hello Canberk,
    Thank you for sharing these awesome reviews. Really helpful for me.
    For the current Beta LT (2021 New), Do you have any thoughts on that? I’m considering buying it but would like to hear your thought. Is Beta AR still a go-to compares to the latest Beta LT update?

    Reply

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Hey, what's up? Canberk here. Arc'teryx addict, gym rat, and Tame Impala fan of the OutdoorCrunch Team. Here's more about me.

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