As a travel writer, some years you’re blessed with places you can fly to. In the winter of 2021-2022, I got to explore Jackson Hole, Wyoming, three times within six months. But coming from sunny Los Angeles, it was hard to perfect my winter layering strategy in real mountain weather. After my third snowy trip, I finally vowed to invest in a serious winter jacket and picked up the Arc’teryx Beta Insulated Coat. So far, it hasn’t disappointed.
Luckily, I currently live in Colorado, so I was able to put this jacket to the test. The spring of 2023 was unusually wet and had a string of early snowstorms, which pushed the warmth of the Beta Insulated Coat to its limits. Not only that, but I’ve also spent the past two holiday seasons skiing and vacationing with my mom in South Lake Tahoe, a place famous for its snow.
I’ve used it in everything from late night dog walks to off-season storms to high altitude mountain expeditions to everyday winter wear in my hometown of Boulder, and I’m confident in saying it beats them all. Is it the warmest jacket or the lightest? No. But it’s a very warm, very packable, insulated parka-style jacket that works and looks great.
Ultra-warm and ultra-waterproof, the Beta Insulated Coat from Arc’teryx is a versatile winter jacket built for the toughest conditions. Made with legendary Gore-Tex fabric and recycled Coreloft synthetic insulation, this parka-style top coat features generous pockets and is great for everything from windy slopes to snowy cities.
Like many Arc’teryx products we’ve tested, there’s a lot to love about the Beta Insulated Coat. This product is similar to its sister product, the Beta Coat, but underneath the excellent weather resistance is a significant additional layer of recycled synthetic insulation. Here’s what stood out to us most:
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While its sister product, the Beta Insulated Jacket, is only available in waist length (for men and women), the Beta Insulated Coat is a longer thigh length that is more flattering and perfect for heavy storms, fresh snow, or a night out. The longer hem means that rain is less likely to soak into the waistband and chill your core. Unfortunately, the men’s version of the Beta Insulated series is only available in shorter jacket lengths.
One of the fun things about my job as a gear tester is that I get to do some crazy things to my favorite outdoor clothing that I would never normally do, like standing under a cold shower for two minutes and spinning around to see if this jacket can withstand a heavy storm. The verdict? Yes, it can.
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As I mentioned before, I’ve had this jacket for over 18 months now and have washed it a few times in that time, so it’s especially impressive that the Beta Insulated Coat remained completely dry even without re-applying a DWR (durable water repellent) finish to the fabric and after wriggling around trying to get the seams and hood wet. The only water droplets I noticed after a two-minute shower were tiny droplets around the face opening of the hood, but frankly, that was my fault for sticking my face under the water.
Besides the rain, I’ve worn this jacket a few times in actual snowstorms and loved how its excellent waterproof fabric means that very little water gets in. I also love that the longer length means it easily sheds any rain that comes your way.
Another thing I noticed during the two-minute shower immersion test was that my torso and arms remained incredibly warm even as the cold water was “pouring” upon me. For reference, I was only wearing a simple long-sleeved t-shirt underneath the jacket, and my bare feet were freezing against the water in the tub.
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Of course, most people aren’t going to wear this great winter coat in the shower, so I did some outdoor testing with it. For the past few months, it’s been my go-to dog-walking jacket for 20-degree morning walks and snowy afternoon trips to the dog park. I also spent a day hiking around Lake Tahoe with my partner, but to be honest, this jacket was too hot for our comfortable 45-degree weather. The recycled Coreloft insulation keeps it warm even when wet (unlike down feathers), so it’s definitely an outer layer for cold, rainy, snowy weather or trips to mountain towns. It’s waterproof and warm, so it’s also a great ski jacket, so you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on another coat for the slopes.
Unlike many insulated jackets on the market (which have a bad reputation for being bulkier and heavier than down jackets), the Beta Insulated Coat is surprisingly light and slim considering its full coverage profile and excellent warmth. When I flew to Reno with this jacket on vacation, I was impressed with how easily it compressed into the top of my carry-on luggage. Combined with a simple Smartwool base layer, this jacket delivered amazing warmth despite being super light at 1 pound 5 ounces. Because the Beta is essentially an insulated shell, it is significantly lighter than most puffer-and-shell combinations that are waterproof and warm.
Even with my favorite gear, there are always a few little things that annoy me. Here are some things I didn’t like about the Beta Insulated Coat:
Not surprisingly, as with most Arc’teryx products, you should be prepared to pay a premium price ($700) for a premium product. For outdoor enthusiasts or city dwellers who live in climates with a lot of rain, wind, and snow, having a good winter coat that is warm, has plenty of pockets, and easily repels harsh weather is worth the price. Also, the Arc’teryx brand name comes with good sustainability efforts and a practical product lifetime warranty. For casual outdoor hikers looking for something to help them stay warm, check out the Decathlon Volclaz Hoody ($100) or the Fjallraven Kiruna Padded Parka ($350).
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One of the few issues I had when trying on the Beta Insulated Coat was that because it was mid-thigh length, it was difficult to zip and I often struggled to pull it up at first. Once zipped up, I never had any issues with the fabric or taped seams catching or tearing. However, other online reviewers have also mentioned that the zipper was difficult to close, meaning it may be time for a redesign.
As we mentioned, the Arc’teryx Beta Insulated Coat is pricey at $700. The brand also sells a shorter Beta Insulated Jacket, which may be appealing to those who want a shorter hem or who absolutely want underarm zippers for breathability. The jacket is slightly more insulated than the coat, which is $50 more expensive. The Arc’teryx Patera Parka ($800) is also pricey, but if you like the brand and don’t need synthetic insulation, it’s a worthy waterproof down alternative.
Though it’s not particularly warm, Fjallraven’s Kiruna Padded Parka ($350) is stylish, perfect for roaming around town, and half the price of the Beta insulated coat. REI Co-op also makes the highly-rated Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka, which looks poised to compete directly with the Beta at a fraction of the price ($299). My partner has Patagonia’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka ($699) and not only do I love its versatility and cut, but the brand is also an industry leader when it comes to sustainability. Want something with a faux-fur hood? Online reviews seem to favor The North Face’s Arctic Down Parka, which is only $350.
While it’s certainly pricey, if you’re looking for a go-anywhere winter jacket that can withstand even the heaviest storms and strongest winds and still look great over your evening clothes, look no further than the Arc’teryx Beta Insulated Coat. This coat boasts a durable waterproof outer shell and recycled Coreloft insulation, essentially giving you two jackets in one. With a lightweight profile of just 1 pound 5 ounces and industry-leading Gore-Tex fabric, it’s a great top coat to layer underneath in harsh conditions or wear on its own during the off-season or while hiking. Summary: This is my new go-to outfit this winter.
