Arc'Teryx Beta AR Gore-tex Pants

I got a pair of the Arc'Teryx Beta AR Gore-tex Pants this fall and was very excited to put them to the test. Ski pants have always been a struggle for me to find. When it comes to Gore-tex pants each person has to decide on which factors are important to them; fashion or function. In the past, function has always won out. I usually tour in my soft-shell pants and only break out the gore-tex for the descents; the only exception are for the wettest or coldest of days. Having the ability to but my shell pants on over my boots means that a full leg zip is a must. Often this has limited me in my selection of pants. Arc'Teryx has really found a balance with the Beta AR pants, they feature a full zip but have a cut that can be stylish on the entire mountain, even inbounds. The cuffs are just wide enough to fit over ski boots without flaring out or being baggy.

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One of the best features of these pants would have to be the right-hand side pocket. It's the perfect size for an iPhone (no coincidence I'm sure). As an Avalanche Instructor my phone is a crucial tool, whether it's for checking the Whister lift status, reviewing CAC Avalanche bulletins with students or just taking photos for the website; having easy access to my phone is clutch. Not only is the pocket placed in a great spot but it's also internal; so if you're the type of person who ditches the beacon harness and prefers the pocket method then you'll love this feature as well.

The built-in gaiters work with ski boots beautifully but fall short when it comes to hiking boots. That doesn't come as much of a surprise, I usually don't go for pants with a built in gaitor because they don't work. I do appreciate them well wearing my ski boots. My one real negative is that these pants don't come in any colours. I love everything about them, I just wished they popped a little bit more!

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These pants retail for $450 CAD and can be purchased online or in store at the new Arc'Teryx Brand Store on West 4th Ave in Vancouver. A huge thanks to Laura from Arc'Teryx for hooking me up with these pants. I couldn't have chose a better pair myself, they fit perfectly!