Beta Isolert Jakke Herre

I was so excited about this jacket and wanted to like it so badly, but two things really turned me off: 1) it ran a bit large and looked baggy on me for the normal size Large I always buy in Arc'teryx; 2) the sound was so "crinkly" I felt like I was wearing a plastic trash bag. I had seen so many good reviews of this jacket, but I couldn't get past the noise it made every time you moved in it. Unfortunately, while it may perform well, I had to return it

I'm 6'1" and 195 lbs and about a 39 chest. The large fits perfectly for layering with a down puffer. I could have gone with a medium but layering would have been tougher. I haven't put the Beta Insulated through all the paces yet, but I was able to take it out in 5F weather. This jacket is more useful and versatile because it, with the right layering, kept me comfortable while inactive (waiting for the train, sitting) and be used in more activities. I'll compare with my previous jacket the Camosun, which was down insulated. I could wear the Camosun in -10F with a t-shirt sitting at a football game and still be comfortable, but even in my quick 8 minute walk to my train, I'd be overheating in it. It was overkill for a lot of situations, but I bought it out of fear of Chicago winters. On just a few winter hikes with the Beta Insulated, I haven't got to the point of overheating. It's a good looking jacket too, so wearing it in the city won't be out of place. Other likes and dislikes are below. -Cuff is a velcro cinch. I miss the internal gasket from Camosun. -Double zipper is annoying to start, but it's also useful. If you haven't used one before, especially with sealed zipper, you should practice. -Hood and waist cinch toggles are very well executed, my favorite of any jacket so far. -Fabric noise is crinkly, but not scratchy. Walking with the Camosun was like rubbing two pieces of sandpaper together.

Only a couple of uses so far...but here's my 2 cents. I couldn't believe how warm this thing was compared to its weight. It feels like a feather but felt like I was indoors while wearing it. The gore-tex outer layer is extremely effective, but there is a certain humidity level that makes it retain a little bit of moisture. The interior was completely dry. I probably had it out on too warm of a day honestly. I would say the only things missing are a powder skirt and a pass pocket on the sleeve (ski jacket staples in my opinion.) I am curious to see how well the outer shell lasts after some time spent in heavy tree skiing. I wish there was a half star option in the ratings because I would give this a 4.5. It is very close to perfect.

The quality of this jacket is exceptional. However, the sizing is off. Medium was way too big and the sleeves were extra-long. Small was too tight around the chest and armpit. I am 5'10", 145#. Had to return both sizes.