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arcteryx shell jackets

Arcteryx Zeta FL Review

Last updated: June 1, 2022 by

As you can also see in my Best Arc'teryx Jackets post, Zeta FL (Men's - Women's) would be my top emergency shell pick for hiking purposes. 

As most of you already know, I've been sharing helpful guides to all kinds of Arc'teryx jackets for the last couple of years now (find full post list at the bottom). Recently I keep getting asked to make a Zeta FL Review, so here you go. 

Summary

Zeta FL is light, packable and streamlined. But, as you can guess, this enforces some significant performance sacrifices in breathability, weather resistance and durability departments. 

Now... Having said that... 

In order to gain weight and packed size advantages, all emergency shells like Zeta FL inevitably make some performance sacrifices in return. 

Fortunately, Zeta FL is positioned in the "sweet spot" of performance vs weight trade-off: All performance sacrifices are kept at a minimum while making the most of packability and weight benefits. If you'll be using it as an emergency shell when hiking, then I'd highly recommend it. 

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You might also want to check out my Arc'teryx Zeta vs Beta post to see my performance ratings for all Zeta (and Beta) jackets. 

Now let's get to the nitty gritty. 

Zeta FL Review: Packability 10/10

I gave Zeta FL a rating of 10 out of 10 in terms of packability. It's actually the only hardshell I gave a 10/10 packability rating. 

This doesn't require much explanation. It simply packs very tiny: 

Zeta FL Review: Durability 2/10

This might be a problem if you'll be wearing a backpack most of the time. 

  • If you'll almost always be wearing a backpack with Zeta FL...

...then it might get old quicker than you think. Especially in the shoulders and back. Because, Zeta FL is quite minimalist, and hence more fragile. 

So, if that's the case for you, then I'd recommend you to check out Beta FL (Men's - Women's - read my review).

  • Beta line isn't hiking specific like the Zeta line. It's more of an all-round line. It is, however, used perfectly fine for hiking. In fact, in some cases like a lot of backpack use, it can often be even more suitable than the Zeta line. 

For the record, I would not recommend the Beta SL Hybrid (Men's - Women's - read my review), if that's also in your mind. 

Zeta FL Review: Breathability 4/10

Yes, in surface, a score of 4 does make the Zeta FL look like it puts forward worse breathability capabilities compared to its cousins Zeta LT (6/10) and Zeta AR (7/10). 

Zeta FL Women's. 

This, actually, is far from where we should be look at things. Like I said earlier, Zeta FL is an emergency shell, and it should be assessed that way. 

So, when you look at this from emergency shell standards, then you'll realize that its breathability is actually not bad at all. 

I gave other emergency shells like Zeta SL and Beta SL Hybrid lower breathability ratings. Not to even mention that the emergency shells of most other brands out there perform much worse than these two. 

In summary... Zeta FL offers sufficient breathability. 

Zeta FL Review: Weather Resistance 5/10

Again, 5/10 might seem low, but it actually isn't bad at all among emergency shells. 

  • Zeta refers to products with hiking purpose. 
  • FL, on the other hand, is short for Fast and Light.

Zeta FL face fabric and zippers are sufficiently water resistant. They of course wouldn't protect you from storms, but they'll be perfectly fine for unexpected downpours. 

...which is the standard expectation one should have from an emergency shell. 

Zeta FL is also DWR coated. 

  • What is 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. 

As you see, there's a strong correlation between FP x FW and temperature ratings, but not more than, say, 80%. I explained why this happens here in this post of mine. 

Lastly, I'd also recommend you to take a look at the Jacket Finder tool at arcteryx.com. Arc'teryx jackets are far from being cheap. Better be sure before you get one. 

The product video for Zeta FL: 

Arcteryx Beta FL Review

Last updated: June 1, 2022 by

Beta FL (Men's - Women's) would be my top recommendation for those looking for a packable, general purpose shell jacket.

As most of you already know, I've been sharing helpful guides to all kinds of Arc'teryx jackets for the last couple of years now (find full post list at the bottom). Recently I keep getting asked to make an Arc’teryx Beta FL Review, so here you go. 

After taking it down 8 years ago, Arc'teryx finally decided to bring the once-loved Beta FL back to life in Jul 2020. As a big fan of Beta AR and SV (read my review), and a big "hater" on Beta SL-Hybrid (read my review), I was excited to review this new member of the line-up. 

Summary

Arc'teryx's Beta line corresponds to general purpose shell jackets (source at arcteryx.com).

Among 4 Beta jackets (SL-Hybrid, FL, AR and SV), think of Beta AR as the most well-balanced, central pick; and the Beta FL as the packable version of it (with some sacrifices in weather resistance and durability). 

If you're looking for a general purpose hardshell that packs small, look no further. Beta FL (Men's - Women's) is probably exactly what you're after.

  • Latest on the blog:

If, however, this is not what you're looking for, then stop reading any further and see my Best Arc'teryx Jackets post instead. 

You might also want to check out my Arc'teryx Beta vs Zeta post to see my performance ratings for all Beta and Zeta jackets. 

Beta FL Review: Packability 6/10

I gave the packability of Beta FL a 6 out of 10. 

It's true that the Beta SL-Hybrid packs a bit smaller than the Beta FL. But it's inferior to Beta FL big time in other departments such as breathability, weather resistance and durability. 

  • Arc'teryx jackets aren't cheap by any means...

So, before you make up your mind, I'd strongly recommend you to give Jacket Finder tool at arcteryx.com a try. 

Not to even mention that the Beta SL Hybrid leaks like a busted roof. So, until a future revision arrives to address this deal breaker problem, I wouldn't even consider it as a viable option. 

Beta FL Review: Breathability 8/10

In my rating scale, 8/10 is a quite high score. 

The reason for Arc'teryx to replace the Beta LT with Beta FL in the first place was because they aimed to upgrade the face fabric of Beta LT to the most rugged and breathable Gore-Tex. 

Beta FL is equipped with N40d Most Rugged 3L GORE-TEX PRO in hood, yoke, sleeves and with N40d Most Breathable 3L GORE-TEX PRO in other areas. 

This makes it highly breathable AND weather resistant at the same time. 

This is actually why I love everything about Beta FL, AR and SV. They offer decent breathability AND weather protection at the same time. 

This is something many (all?) other jackets struggle to do. It's a huge advantage if you'll be performing a variety of high output activities. 

  • Arc'teryx jackets aren't cheap by any means...

So, before you make up your mind, I'd strongly recommend you to give Jacket Finder tool at arcteryx.com a try. 

Speaking of which... 

Beta FL Review: Weather Protection 7/10

Beta FL is also pretty weather resistant, although not as much as Beta AR, as I mentioned earlier. And definitely not nearly as much as the monster Beta SV. 

Unless you'll be doing anything extreme, I'd doubt it'll fail meeting your expectations, though. 

Beta FL is also DWR coated. 

  • What is 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. 

As you see, there's a strong correlation between FP x FW and temperature ratings, but not more than, say, 80%. I explained why this happens here in this post of mine. 

Fit

Comes with a trim fit.  

But, attention female readers; Beta FL might fit a little bit larger than typical trim fit Arc'teryx jackets. So you might want to get one size larger than your usual size. 

Alternatives

If packability is extremely important to you, AND you'll be hiking and trekking with this jacket mostly (say, 80-90% of the time), then you might get a Zeta SL (Men's - Women's). 

It packs super tiny, though lacks breathability and durability big time. 

  • Arc'teryx jackets aren't cheap by any means...

So, before you make up your mind, I'd strongly recommend you to give Jacket Finder tool at arcteryx.com a try. 

Here's the Beta FL product video: 

Arcteryx Beta SL Hybrid Review

Last updated: June 7, 2022 by

Beta SL Hybrid in action. I'm sure Arc'teryx will address its flaws ASAP, but for now, I wouldn't recommend it. I'd get the Zeta SL (Men's - Women's) or Zeta FL (Men's - Women's) instead. 

As most of you already know, I've been sharing helpful guides to all kinds of Arc'teryx jackets for the last couple of years now (find full post list at the bottom). Recently I keep getting asked to make an Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid Review, so here you go. 

Caution: Since you're here reading this post, going forward, I'll assume you're looking for an emergency shell jacket. If this isn't what you're primarily after, then stop reading this post and go see my Best Arc'teryx Jackets post instead! 

Summary

Beta SL Hybrid is Arc'teryx's one of very few products I don't recommend. Leaks like a busted house roof. Let's hope Arc'teryx is on the case and planning to revise its design & materials all together, to improve the waterproofing. 

I'd strongly discourage you from getting a Beta SL Hybrid and would instead recommend you its (cheaper AND better) alternatives: Zeta SL (Men's - Women's) or Zeta FL (Men's - Women's). 

So... why the hell do I roast this jacket that much? 

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Waterproofing

Look. I don't mind the poor breathability and durability the emergency pop-up shells like the Beta SL offer. After all, it's all a trade-off for superior packability. 

Jackets I recommend instead of the Beta SL Hybrid, the Zeta SL and FL; aren't really much different in this manner either. 

Beta SL Hybrid Women's. 

Check out my Arc'teryx Beta vs Zeta post to see how the Zeta SL and FL compare to the Beta SL Hybrid in terms of breathability and durability. It's not much different. 

Having said that... 

What really grinds my gears is the fact that the Beta SL Hybrid can't even mildly accomplish the only thing it's intended to do: Waterproofing. 

Not only the pockets get soaked completely (I mean a degree like several inches of water! Good night sweet wallets), but the material also leaks. 

You had one job, Beta SL Hybrid... 

This is why I gave you a 2 out of 10 in weather resistance department. 

Zeta SL and FL, on the other hand, work just as expected. The waterproofing capability they offer are higher than the industry standards. Being Arc'teryx pieces, this isn't surprising. 

Combine this with the fact that they're also cheaper than the Beta SL Hybrid... and it should be an easy decision for most of you - assuming your type of use won't be much different than everyone else. 

Lastly, here's another good review of Beta SL Hybrid: 

Arcteryx Rush vs Rush IS

Last updated: August 1, 2022 by

The new Rush IS.

As you might know, Arc'teryx scored an additional sub-model to the already existing Rush in 2019: The new Rush IS Jacket (women's counterpart is Shashka IS). They also revised the Rush (not Rush IS) in Jul 2020. 

Rush IS isn't my favorite Arc'teryx ski jacket out there as you can see in this Best Arc'teryx Jackets for Skiing post of mine. Being one of the only two Arc'teryx ski jackets with insulation; it's the only alternative to Macai (which, in my opinion, is a great jacket), though. 

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To understand the differences between Rush vs Rush IS jackets, I contacted Arc'teryx Customer Service myself and provided their differences in a nutshell in this post.

I contacted Arc'teryx Customer Service myself and am provided their differences in a nutshell. 

But first, let's see where the Rush and Rush IS stand in Arc'teryx's entire line-up. 

Now let me reveal what the customer service told me: 

"There are a few differences between those jackets. The Rush will be more durable {due to their different face fabrics N80p-X (Rush) VS N40p-X (Rush IS)} and more breathable (not an insulated jacket). 

The Rush IS will be warmer (Octo Loft insulation). They will both be very weather resistant, and the regular fit is approximately the same.

Your choice between the two will depend on how you are layering underneath and what activity you will use it for.

Here is a useful link that shows all the technical aspects:

https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/25736-galactic-halo/24027-24k-black"

You can check out my Sabre vs Rush comparison post to learn more about both Rush and Rush IS jackets.

Pockets

This can also be important for some of you. Applies to both Rush and Rush IS.

The internal pocket of both jackets are large enough to fit an iPhone 6, 7, 8 (even with a case) and all the other similar sized phones (duh). But it's not large enough to fit their plus models. 

It measures:

  • Height: 18 cm (7 inches)
  • Width: 13 cm (5.1 inches)

DWR Coating

Both jackets are DWR coated.

  • What is 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. 

As you see, there's a strong correlation between FP x FW and temperature ratings, but not more than, say, 80%. I explained why this happens here in this post of mine. 

You can check out my Sabre vs Rush comparison post to learn more about both Rush and Rush IS jackets.

Arc’teryx Beta AR vs Beta SV

Last updated: October 5, 2022 by

Although Beta AR and SV have their differences in face fabrics, their differences in the hoods (StormHood of Beta SV vs DropHood of Beta AR) will play a much larger role in your satisfaction with these jackets. 

In short, base your decision on the type of the hood you like before anything else. If the hood will mostly be up, then the StormHood of Beta SV is very likely to be more pleasing than the DropHood of Beta AR. If it'll be down most of the time, then a Beta AR will probably be more comfortable and convenient. 

Links: 

In the end, this mostly boils down to the intended use.

Since the hood is mostly down during high output activities when it's not that inclement, Beta AR is more likely to be the better option for it. This is why it's treasured by climbers and mountain bikers. 

Beta AR is the only hardshell in Arc'teryx line-up offered with the DropHood, by the way. All the others are offered in StormHood. You can read more about StormHood vs DropHood in https://outdoorcrunch.com/stormhood-vs-drophood/. 

Hoods aside, though, Beta SV is without a doubt the slightly better product when it comes to Beta AR vs SV, unless packability is an issue (which shouldn't be so anyway because otherwise you shouldn't have been looking at these jackets in the first place). 

Arc'teryx Beta SV. 

Lastly, SV is also baggier: Gives you the option to under layer using thicker and/or more garments than the AR (AR is also baggy - but just not as much). 

All in all, both Beta AR and Beta SV are fantastic jackets and they're not going to disappoint. 

  • Arc'teryx shell ratings (updated for Fall & Winter 2023)

NameActivityBreath-abilityWeather Res.Durab-ilityPack-abilityPit zips?Two way front zip?Hood?Packed into its own stuff sack?Review
Alpha FL (Men's - Women's) Climbing4/105/108/10NoNoStormHoodYesYesM WNo
Alpha SL Anorak (Men's - Women's)Climbing5/105/1010/10NoNoStormHoodYesNoM WNo
Alpha AR (Men's - Women's)Climbing8/108/108/105/10YesNoStormHoodNoReviewNoM WNo
Alpha SV (Men's - Women's)Climbing8/1010/1010/103/10YesNoStormHoodNoReviewNoM WNo
Alpha IS (Men's)Climbing8/10TestingTestingTestingNoYesStormHoodYesYesMYes (Synthetic)
Beta (Men's - Women's)All RoundTestingTestingTestingTestingNoNoStormHoodNoNoM WNo
Beta Long (Men's)All Round5/108/108/103/10NoNoStormHoodNoReviewNoMNo
Beta LT Hadron (Men's - Women's)All Round5/105/103/109/10NoNoStormHoodNoNoM WNo
Beta LT (Men's - Women's)All Round6/105/104/107/10NoNoStormHoodNoReviewNoM WNo
Beta AR (Men's - Women's)All Round9/108/109/105/10YesNoDropHoodNoReviewNoM WNo
Beta SV (Men's - Women's)All Round8/1010/1010/103/10YesNoStormHoodNoReviewNoM WNo
Gamma SL (Men's - Women's)All Round8/102/103/108/10NoNoStormHoodNoReviewNoM WNo
Gamma LT (Men's - Women's)All Round8/103/108/105/10NoNoStormHoodNoReviewNoM WNo
Gamma MX (Men's - Women's)All Round7/104/109/104/10NoNoStormHoodNoReviewNoM WNo
Zeta FL (Men's - Women's)Hiking4/105/102/1010/10NoNoStormHoodNoYesM WNo
Zeta SL (Men's - Women's)Hiking3/105/103/108/10NoNoStormHoodNoReviewNoM WNo
Zeta LT (Men's - Women's)HikingTestingTestingTestingTestingNoNoStormHoodNoYesM WNo
Zeta AR (Women's) Hiking7/108/107/104/10YesNoStormHoodNoNoWNo
Macai (Men's - Women's Andessa)Skiing8/108/109/105/10YesNoDropHoodNoReviewNoM WYes (Down)
Macai LT (Men's)SkiingTestingTestingTestingTestingYesNoStormHoodNoNoMYes (Down)
Micon Heather (Men's)SkiingTestingTestingTestingTestingYesNoStormHoodNoNoMNo
Micon (Men's)SkiingTestingTestingTestingTestingYesNoStormHoodNoNoMNo
Cassiar (Men's)Skiing8/107/108/103/10YesNoDropHoodNoReviewYesMNo
Cassiar LT (Men's)Skiing6/106/106/105/10YesNoDropHoodNoReviewYesMNo
Ravenna (Women's)Skiing8/107/108/103/10YesNoDropHoodNoReviewYesWNo
Ravenna LT (Women's)Skiing6/106/106/105/10YesNoDropHoodNoReviewNoWNo
Procline (Men's)SkiingTestingTestingTestingTestingYesNoStormHoodNoNoMNo
Rush (Men's)Skiing8/109/109/103/10YesNoStormHoodNoReviewNoMNo
Shashka Stretch (Women's)SkiingTestingTestingTestingTestingYesNoStormHoodNoNoWNo
Sabre AR (Men's)Skiing7/108/107/107/10YesNoStormHoodNoReviewNoMNo
Sentinel AR (Women's)Skiing7/108/107/107/10YesNoStormHoodNoReviewNoWNo
Sabre LT (Men's)Skiing7/108/107/108/10YesNoStormHoodNoReviewYesMNo
Sentinel LT (Women's)Skiing7/108/107/108/10YesNoStormHoodNoReviewNoWNo
Sentinel IS (Women's)SkiingTestingTestingTestingTestingYesNoStormHoodNoNoWYes (Synthetic)
Ski Guide Jacket (Men's - Women's) SkiingTestingTestingTestingTestingYesNoDropHoodNoNoWNo
Incendia (Women's - OP Women's)Skiing8/109/109/103/10YesNoStormHoodNoReviewNoWNo
Incendia IS (Women's) SkiingTestingTestingTestingTestingYesNoStormHoodNoNoWYes (Synthetic)
Norvan SL Ins. (Men's - Women's)RunningTestingTestingTestingTestingNoNoStandardYesYesM WYes (Synthetic)
Cita (Women's)Running7/104/105/1010/10NoNoStandardYesReviewNoWNo
Cita SL (Women's)Running7/104/104/1010/10YesNoStandardYesReviewNoWNo
Incendo (Men's)Running7/104/105/1010/10NoNoStandardYesReviewNoMNo
Incendo SL (Men's)Running7/104/104/1010/10NoNoStandardYesReviewNoMNo
Incendo Airshell (Men's)RunningTestingTestingTestingTestingNoNoStandardYesNoNo
Norvan SL (Men's - Women's)Running7/106/108/108/10NoNoStandardYesReviewYesMNo
Trino SL (Men's)Running8/105/107/106/10NoNoStandardNoReviewNoMNo
Trino SL Anorak (Women's)Running8/107/108/107/10NoNoStandardNoReviewNoWNo
Nodin (Men's - Women's)Running8/105/105/1010/10NoNoStandardYesNoM WNo
Squamish (Men's - Women's)Running5/105/107/109/10NoNoStormHoodYesReviewNoM WNo
Solano (Men's - Women's)Around TownTestingTestingTestingTestingNoNoStandardNoReviewNoM WNo
Venda Anorak (Women's)Around TownTestingTestingTestingTestingNoNoStandardNoNoWNo

More about this chart: https://outdoorcrunch.com/best-arcteryx-shells/ 

If you're confused now and don't know which jacket best corresponds to your own needs, then follow the advice given below: 

 

N80p-X (Beta SV) vs N40r-X & N80p-X (Beta AR)

The numbers 40 and 80 represent the thread mass - usually referred to as denier and indicated as 40D and 80D. The heavier the thread, the stronger it is.

80D is one of the strongest and most expensive most robust fabrics used in Arc'teryx's high quality technical jackets.

Equipping a jacket solely with a 80D fabric will result in robust structure and very weather resistant & durable nature - but also a heavier weight and less pleasant & somehow "stiff" touch compared to lighter fabrics such as 40D. 

That's exactly the case for Beta SV which uses 80D fabric. 

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So why are there two different fabrics (N40r-X & N80p-X) for Beta AR?

Because, like I said before, AR is meant to be the most versatile and well-balanced jacket of all 4 different Beta jackets. 

In order to achieve that, the high wear areas are reinforced using N80p-X: Shoulders, back, forearms and top of the hood. Whereas for all the remaining low wear areas, N40r-X is used. 

By combining two different thread mass where necessary throughout the entire jacket, AR successfully manages to catch a very well balance between weight, packability and price advantages on one side (so called fragile but fast side) and durability and weather-resistance advantages on the other side (so called sturdy but bulky side).

Beta LT, for example, uses 40D throughout the entire jacket. Beta SV uses 80D. These are the jackets with more extreme intended uses compared to the AR.

By combining these two, Beta AR avoids both extremes and offers to be a suitable option for all-rounders like most of us.

Arc'teryx Beta AR. 

Speaking of which, you can check out my Beta LT vs AR comparison here.

What I covered so far makes up almost all the differences between Beta AR and SV, but let's continue. 

Links: 

What about r and p?

First of all, both jackets offer the highest quality Gore-Tex: 3L Pro. This makes the weave (r and p) less important. 

  • As you can see..

I didn't mention warmth anywhere, because these jackets probably won't be enough on their own out in fairly cold weather. I'd recommend you to under layer them with a mid layer such as one of these.

  • R stands for ripstop, a grid texture where the borders of each square are elevated.
  • P stands for plain, where there are no elevated fabrics whatsoever.

So how do they work out in practice?

  • Typically, ripstop is expected to cross the pathways of potential tears in the fabric and prevent them from propagating. But in our case Gore-Tex 3L Pro of both jackets is already high quality, so this doesn't cause a noticeable difference to say the least.
  • Similarly, plain weave is expected to bead the water more effectively since there aren't any elevated fabrics that block the droplets from sliding. However, in our case, both jackets are DWR coated, so the elevated fabrics doesn't cause a negative impact in water-proofing.
  • What is 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. 

As you see, there's a strong correlation between FP x FW and temperature ratings, but not more than, say, 80%. I explained why this happens here in this post of mine. 

The differences caused by the weave (ripstop vs plain) are really minimal (if not non-existent) especially considering more important stuff like the Gore-Tex type and thread mass (denier).

Breathability

This practically feels the same in both jackets.

Equipped with very robust fabric and strong Gore-Tex, neither of these jackets lean on the breathability side of the equation unlike what some synthetic insulated mid layers such as Arc'teryx Proton LT or Patagonia Nano Air tend to do.

That's why most of what you get for breathability comes from mechanical venting, instead of genuinely breathable membranes. 

This trade-off is actually the case for all the shell jackets, not just Beta SV and AR. A shell is meant to be abrasion and weather resistant first, other things second.

  • If you'll be using your jacket mostly when hiking...

Then make sure to check out this post of mine as well.

Both jackets come with pit zips (which is a mechanical venting method) so they're the same in breathability - and considering all the other shells out in the market, they're pretty breathable. 

Alpha AR, Alpha SV, Beta AR and Beta SV are the only Arc'teryx hardshells that are offered with pit zips. 

Length

Beta SV is an inch longer than the AR (31 vs 30 inches, or 79 vs 76 cm). 

This can be important if you won't be wearing insulated pants - since the SV is lengthy enough to cover your butt whereas AR reaches down to mid-butt level, but the difference isn't much. 

Bagginess

Beta AR already offers more than enough room for under layering, but SV offers even more of it. 

I'd doubt the ample room you get beneath the AR will come deficient for you when you're using it in non-extreme conditions. 

This is another outcome of Arc'teryx's approach to these jackets. AR is intended to be for all-round users and SV is for extreme weather users. 

Fit

Both are true to size. 

I don't recommend sizing up or down, even if you're thinking of under layering it with thick insulated jackets like Atom AR, for example. 

Conclusion

Now if this is you:

  • "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. 

If, on the other hand, you either (1) want something even more durable than the Beta AR, (2) will be hiking in quite severe weather or (3) want something baggier to maximize your under layering options, then Beta SV can be an amazing choice for you. 

Links: 

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