Arc’teryx Beta Rain Pants Review

Bottom Line

The Arc’teryx Beta Pants (men’s / women’s) are an amazing value add to your outdoor wardrobe if you’re looking for maximum protection and a comprehensive feature set. Full-length thigh zips allow for dialed in ventilation control and make it easy to put on or take off over even the largest boots. Adjustable ankle cuffs help prevent water from entering footwear, even without gaiters. Additionally, the three-layer GORE-TEX fabric excels in weather resistance, keeping you dry even in the worst storms.

On the flipside, this intention of design for the alpine environment and extreme conditions means they are built more heavily for rugged use. They are also less packable, so you wouldn’t necessarily want to bring them on an extended ultralight backpacking trip. If you’re looking for something on the lighter or more comfortable side of the spectrum we’d recommend checking out some other options in our guide to the best rain pants. But if you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes to weather protection and durability, the Arx’teryx Beta Pants are an absolute steal.

How We Tested

We tested the Arc’teryx Beta Pants for several months in both southern and northern Colorado, putting them to the test in the high alpine on some of Colorado’s 13,000-foot peaks. We also subjected the Beta Pants to a thorough shower test and pooled water fabric test to simulate the harshest conditions possible.

Comfort & Mobility

If there’s one area where the Arc’teryx Beta Pants fall short, it’s in comfort. The bulkier cut is designed for layering another pair of pants underneath, which can be useful in harsher conditions, but not necessarily for casual hiking.

It also causes a lot of fabric rubbing, which creates extra noise and doesn’t make for the most comfortable walking experience. Additionally, the waistband is quite inflexible and doesn’t have much stretch when squatting or bending.

That being said, the waistband and buckle are adjustable and can be dialed to your desired fit much quicker than a traditional drawcord closure system. The bulkier fit also lends to great maneuverability, especially when scrambling and climbing rock.

Weather Resistance

The Arc’teryx Beta Pants excel in weather resistance and waterproofness. Made for high alpine trips and tough conditions, the Beta Pants feature a three-layer GORE-TEX fabric that is virtually impenetrable to the elements.

We subjected the Beta Pants to high alpine conditions in Colorado and found them very comfortable, feeling well-prepared for any storms that might arise. We also tested the Beta Pants with two simulations that mimic extreme conditions – direct pressurized water from a shower head and a pooled water test on the fabric, both for extended periods.

Neither test revealed any weakness in the fabric or potential leak points, so you can feel safe and secure with your Beta Pants in the wild. Last but not least are the adjustable ankle cuffs, which let you tighten over a boot to reduce water getting into your footwear without any use of gaiters.

Ventilation

When it comes to ventilation, the Arc’teryx Beta Pants do an excellent job considering how thick and waterproof the fabric is. Full-length side zippers with multiple compartments provide mechanical ventilation by creating adjustable ventilation ports of any size, while keeping the ankle cuffs tight and out of the way.

The boxier fit, while having some drawbacks, significantly improves airflow throughout the entire pant, providing a sense of breathability even with the side zips fully sealed. You couldn’t ask for better ventilation in rain pants designed for the worst weather storms.

Weight

The Beta Pants lean toward the heavier side of rain pants, but could definitely be much heavier given how well-featured and rugged they are. It’s clear Arc’teryx aimed for high protection with the three-layer fabric construction and waterproof zippers, yet they also managed to keep weight in mind during the design process.

What the GORE-TEX fabric doesn’t do well, unfortunately, is pack down small. While the weight isn’t too much of a penalty in most scenarios, the lack of packability makes you think twice if you’re aiming for a minimalist approach or ultralight. 

Durability

The Beta Pants do a phenomenal job when it comes to durability and sustainability. We brought the Beta Pants into rugged terrain where we expected to find some sort of blemish afterwards upon inspection, but we truly couldn’t find any. 

Designed for mountain alpine conditions, they truly held up under pressure.Plus, all this durability is achieved with sustainability in mind, as the fabrics are made from recycled materials and are free of PFAS forever chemicals, something we always support behind.

Should You Buy the Arc’teryx Beta Rain Pants?

The Arc’teryx Beta Pants are an amazing value even at their high price point for those venturing into rugged terrain, extreme conditions, or the unknown. Designed with alpine terrain in mind, they are our top choice for those who prioritize durability and protection. 

They are incredibly waterproof and fully-featured with everything you could want out of a rain pant. That being said, they are certainly overbuilt for mild conditions and warmer days, where you might want to consider something lighter or more packable which you can find in our rain pants buyer’s guide.

What Other Rain Pants Should You Consider?

Still want to shop for a rainy day? Here are some top contenders to the Arc’teryx Beta Pants on our best rain pants gear guide.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Review: Our top choice with 3-layer H2No® technology for excellent waterproofing and breathability. They’re durable and ideal for hikers seeking a higher-end option with sustainable features materials.

Outdoor Research Foray / Aspire Review: A premium option with GORE-TEX® fabric, the Foray pants provide top-quality waterproofing and breathability. They’re ideal for more technical hikes and backcountry adventures, with full-length zippers for ventilation.

REI Rainier Review: A budget-friendly choice, the Rainier pants offer reliable waterproofing and breathability for casual hikers. They are lightweight, packable, and designed for moderate outdoor use without breaking the bank.