For over 25 years, the Arc’teryx Beta AR has been one of these items — a jacket that embodies the frontier where innovation, design, and performance converge. But in 2025, this benchmark piece is no longer just about defying the elements: it has also become a symbol of how sustainability can reshape the way we think about gear. The Beta AR’s latest evolution fits seamlessly into this narrative, showing how an iconic product can be reengineered for a new era.

In our conversation with Tanya Hall, Design Expert in Advanced Concepts, and David Kessler, Designer at Arc’teryx, it becomes clear that the 2025 Beta AR is not just an upgrade in performance, but also a manifesto of intent. 

From the pioneering GORE-TEX PRO ePE — a PFAS-free laminate that drastically lowers environmental impact — to MICRO SEAM technology that reduces weight and material waste, every detail tells the story of design choices rooted in responsibility as much as functionality.

What emerges is a portrait of a company that sees sustainability not as compromise, but as opportunity: a chance to refine, improve, and lead both athletes and explorers to extreme environments and a more conscious future.

The Beta AR jacket has been an iconic piece for Arc’teryx for 25 years. Could you walk us through the story and the key stylistic changes that shaped its evolution to today’s 2025 edition?

Tanya Hall, Design Expert, Arc’teryx Advanced Concept: “25 years ago, the original Beta AR revolutionized the outdoor industry. Its innovative DropHood, hand pockets, and essential pit zippers quickly made it one of the most coveted hardshells—and it was this very DNA that inspired some of the first guide jackets we developed for mountain professionals in the early days. While not a true Beta AR, those custom pieces carried the same features and spirit of innovation from that very first jacket, all rigorously field-tested by those whose lives depend on it.”

Sustainability is becoming a key priority in outdoor apparel. How specifically does the introduction of GORE-TEX PRO ePE help Arc’teryx lower the environmental impact of the Beta AR?

David Kessler, Arc’teryx Designer: “We’ve re-engineered our iconic products from the ground-up. For the Beta AR, we leveraged our very close partnership with Gore to develop the new GORE-TEX PRO ePE – our most durable PFAS-free laminate, which we will continue to build upon and innovate. All products with GORE-TEX ePE or GORE-TEX PRO ePE have been reimagined with FC0 DWR, recycled face textiles, new ePE membrane, and recycled nylon backer. Compared to the previous versions of GORE-TEX PRO laminates, our new GORE-TEX PRO ePE laminates have approximately 23% reduced CO2 impact per m2 ”

With the new MICRO SEAM technology, you’ve significantly reduced the width and bulk of the seams. How does this stylistic innovation also translate into increased sustainability and performance?

David Kessler, Arc’teryx Designer: “We introduced Micro Seam™ Technology in 1998, significantly reducing the width of our hardshell seams — meaning less weight, bulk and material usage. This ultimately made for a lighter weight garment and improved range-of-motion.”

Choosing sustainable materials often involves balancing durability, weight, and environmental impact. Could you describe the main challenges you faced in achieving this balance during the redesign of the Beta AR? 

David Kessler, Designer: “We saw the redesign of the Beta AR more as an opportunity than a challenge. Knowing that the ePE membrane was thinner than PTFE, we knew that we could use heavier face textiles, moving from 80d/40d to 100d/80d, to create a similarly weighted, yet more durable garment. We also updated some of our pattern pieces to minimize fabric waste.”

Reflecting on your extensive experience with Arc’teryx designs, how do you see the intersection between innovative design, user functionality, and sustainability evolving in the next five years?

David Kessler, Arc’teryx Designer: “In our approach to design and sustainability, Arc’teryx is guided by science. We’re committed to doing the right thing for people and the planet.”

The Beta AR includes several new eco-friendly improvements. Which feature are you personally most excited about in terms of its positive environmental impact, and why?

David Kessler, Arc’teryx Designer: “In addition to removing PFAS from the Beta AR, ePE also uses less water in the manufacturing process. As we’ve transitioned to ePE membranes, we’ve also increased our use of recycled materials, such as recycled nylon in the face and backer fabrics, and use of dope dye techniques – which requires less water. All of this adds up to products with a smaller impact on the planet.”

If you could imagine the Beta AR jacket in the near future, what futuristic materials or technologies would you love to see incorporated into its design?

David Kessler, Arc’teryx Designer: “We’re embracing the future of circularity at Arc’teryx. We know the most sustainable product is one that lasts for a lifetime. We’re working to reduce our impact through design, materials, and systems innovation, and we’re excited about what this will unlock in the future for products like the Beta AR.”