Made for alpine travel and mountain realities, the Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket Men– the lightest Beta – is carefully designed to deliver complete waterproof, windproof, breathable protection without sacrificing features or packability. Its next-generation Gore-Tex ePE membrane is light, thin, strong, and PFC free. C-Knit backer technology improves comfort and breathability. The helmet-compatible StormHood protects without compromising vision, pit zippers ventilate, and a Recco reflector can aid in search situations.
Made for alpine travel and mountain realities, the Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket Men– the lightest Beta – is carefully designed to deliver complete waterproof, windproof, breathable protection without sacrificing features or packability. Its next-generation Gore-Tex ePE membrane is light, thin, strong, and PFC free. C-Knit backer technology improves comfort and breathability. The helmet-compatible StormHood protects without compromising vision, pit zippers ventilate, and a Recco reflector can aid in search situations.
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The lowest price for Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket M - Jacket right now is $656.00 at Arc'teryx Australia.
The all-time low was $656.00 on 22 Mar 2026. That's the lowest price we've ever tracked — a great time to buy.
Prices last updated 22 Mar 2026.
Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket M - Jacket
Made for alpine travel and mountain realities, the Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket Men– the lightest Beta – is carefully designed to deliver complete waterproof, windproof, breathable protection without sacrificing features or packability. Its next-generation Gore-Tex ePE membrane is light, thin, strong, and PFC free. C-Knit backer technology improves comfort and breathability. The helmet-compatible StormHood protects without compromising vision, pit zippers ventilate, and a Recco reflector can aid in search situations.
Made for alpine travel and mountain realities, the Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket Men– the lightest Beta – is carefully designed to deliver complete waterproof, windproof, breathable protection without sacrificing features or packability. Its next-generation Gore-Tex ePE membrane is light, thin, strong, and PFC free. C-Knit backer technology improves comfort and breathability. The helmet-compatible StormHood protects without compromising vision, pit zippers ventilate, and a Recco reflector can aid in search situations.
Last updated at 22/03/2026 01:28:39
Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket Men's, Sequoia / Solaris / XL
Free delivery between Tue – Thu
originally posted on REI
THIS IS AN INITIAL REVIEW. I PLAN TO UPDATE AFTER SOME UPCOMING OUTINGS ON THE AT HERE IN CENTRAL PA!Arc'Teryx is synonymous with high quality gear. They outfit some of the best in the business so a certain level of performance is expected.This is a top notch piece of gear and performs well. I took it out on an initial foray of poking around my house exterior during the rain from the leading edge of Tropical Storm Debbie with rain coming down at a rate of 2 inches per hour. The jacket performed admirably (I had no worries that it wouldn't) and was comfortable. It breathed well and I even gave myself a bit of extra air with the pit zips and still didn't get soaked. The hood was really roomy so I had to play with the adjustments to get it to a tight enough fit, ... MoreTHIS IS AN INITIAL REVIEW. I PLAN TO UPDATE AFTER SOME UPCOMING OUTINGS ON THE AT HERE IN CENTRAL PA!Arc'Teryx is synonymous with high quality gear. They outfit some of the best in the business so a certain level of performance is expected.This is a top notch piece of gear and performs well. I took it out on an initial foray of poking around my house exterior during the rain from the leading edge of Tropical Storm Debbie with rain coming down at a rate of 2 inches per hour. The jacket performed admirably (I had no worries that it wouldn't) and was comfortable. It breathed well and I even gave myself a bit of extra air with the pit zips and still didn't get soaked. The hood was really roomy so I had to play with the adjustments to get it to a tight enough fit, but it wasn't difficult. Plenty of room for a hat or helmet, if you want or need one. I REALLY like the location of the front drawstrings for the hood as they are mounted a few inches below the openING making them easy to find and adjust and also far enough from my face that the wind didn't whip them into my cheeks.The only real issue is that I feel that my normal plan of going a size up with Arc'Teryx gear due to a normally "athletic" fit was unnecessary here as it is plenty roomy with the more relaxed fit in the arms and hood. Another minor nitpick is that the front zipper is only a single zipper. Having the capability to open the bottom for venting or waist pack access would be welcome. This may not be a concern to you, but it was an observation.I plan to spend more time with this jacket on the trail in the next few weeks and will report back, but I have no hesitation in counting on it to keep me dry and comfortable.PROs- High Quality Materials and Construction- Definitive Capability in the Worst Rain- Comfortable Fit and Breathability- Well Thought Out DesignCONs- Price Is High (but you do get what you pay for here)- Seems a Bit TOO Roomy (compared to my Zeta LT, but I think its mostly in the arms as there are zippers where the Zeta has none)- No Two-Way ZipperYou may want to order this true to size as the standard more athletic fit of Arc'Teryx seems more relaxed here. Not a complaint, just an observation.
originally posted on REI
One of the best constructed rain & wind jackets I’ve ever owned! Just like every other Arc’teryx jacket I’ve owned, the design and build quality are fantastic.There are a few things I would like to highlight.1) The fit in the torso is slightly trimmer than other Arc’teryx jackets I’ve had, but I still take the same size as usual.2) The sleeves on the other hand are a little larger in diameter, but the velcro cuff ends make it fit comfortably to your liking.3) The pockets are not lacking! Every rain coat I’ve ever owned has been lacking in pockets in useful places. This jacket has great storage and in the right places.All in all, this is a fantastic lightweight option for rain & wind for your outdoor adventures or just around town! One thing I would have loved ... MoreOne of the best constructed rain & wind jackets I’ve ever owned! Just like every other Arc’teryx jacket I’ve owned, the design and build quality are fantastic.There are a few things I would like to highlight.1) The fit in the torso is slightly trimmer than other Arc’teryx jackets I’ve had, but I still take the same size as usual.2) The sleeves on the other hand are a little larger in diameter, but the velcro cuff ends make it fit comfortably to your liking.3) The pockets are not lacking! Every rain coat I’ve ever owned has been lacking in pockets in useful places. This jacket has great storage and in the right places.All in all, this is a fantastic lightweight option for rain & wind for your outdoor adventures or just around town! One thing I would have loved is a two way main body zipper. It’s not a deal breaker, just my personal preference.
originally posted on arcteryx.com
Mixed feelings,This was the first ever arcteryx jacket that i have bought and it is half decent, From the factory the DWR is not that good, however the first wash restored the properties of it. I have not had other rain jackets but working out in this and playing some badminton for a few hours it is decently breathable with the side cuffs open. (indoors)Biking and general trail running with just a t shirt underneath is great as a windbreaker, with a down jacket is it good for very low temperatures.Features are good, Stormhood is great for pouring rain. However water does not bead off very well and streaks of water, and little droplets get stuck to the nylon exterior.Cant justify spending 500 dollars for a more "environmentally" good product (EPE) that ... MoreMixed feelings,This was the first ever arcteryx jacket that i have bought and it is half decent, From the factory the DWR is not that good, however the first wash restored the properties of it. I have not had other rain jackets but working out in this and playing some badminton for a few hours it is decently breathable with the side cuffs open. (indoors)Biking and general trail running with just a t shirt underneath is great as a windbreaker, with a down jacket is it good for very low temperatures.Features are good, Stormhood is great for pouring rain. However water does not bead off very well and streaks of water, and little droplets get stuck to the nylon exterior.Cant justify spending 500 dollars for a more "environmentally" good product (EPE) that benefits them more than me
| Technology/construction | Hardshell |
Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket Men's, Sequoia / Solaris / XL
Free delivery between Tue – Thu
THIS IS AN INITIAL REVIEW. I PLAN TO UPDATE AFTER SOME UPCOMING OUTINGS ON THE AT HERE IN CENTRAL PA!Arc'Teryx is synonymous with high quality gear. They outfit some of the best in the business so a certain level of performance is expected.This is a top notch piece of gear and performs well. I took it out on an initial foray of poking around my house exterior during the rain from the leading edge of Tropical Storm Debbie with rain coming down at a rate of 2 inches per hour. The jacket performed admirably (I had no worries that it wouldn't) and was comfortable. It breathed well and I even gave myself a bit of extra air with the pit zips and still didn't get soaked. The hood was really roomy so I had to play with the adjustments to get it to a tight enough fit, ... MoreTHIS IS AN INITIAL REVIEW. I PLAN TO UPDATE AFTER SOME UPCOMING OUTINGS ON THE AT HERE IN CENTRAL PA!Arc'Teryx is synonymous with high quality gear. They outfit some of the best in the business so a certain level of performance is expected.This is a top notch piece of gear and performs well. I took it out on an initial foray of poking around my house exterior during the rain from the leading edge of Tropical Storm Debbie with rain coming down at a rate of 2 inches per hour. The jacket performed admirably (I had no worries that it wouldn't) and was comfortable. It breathed well and I even gave myself a bit of extra air with the pit zips and still didn't get soaked. The hood was really roomy so I had to play with the adjustments to get it to a tight enough fit, but it wasn't difficult. Plenty of room for a hat or helmet, if you want or need one. I REALLY like the location of the front drawstrings for the hood as they are mounted a few inches below the openING making them easy to find and adjust and also far enough from my face that the wind didn't whip them into my cheeks.The only real issue is that I feel that my normal plan of going a size up with Arc'Teryx gear due to a normally "athletic" fit was unnecessary here as it is plenty roomy with the more relaxed fit in the arms and hood. Another minor nitpick is that the front zipper is only a single zipper. Having the capability to open the bottom for venting or waist pack access would be welcome. This may not be a concern to you, but it was an observation.I plan to spend more time with this jacket on the trail in the next few weeks and will report back, but I have no hesitation in counting on it to keep me dry and comfortable.PROs- High Quality Materials and Construction- Definitive Capability in the Worst Rain- Comfortable Fit and Breathability- Well Thought Out DesignCONs- Price Is High (but you do get what you pay for here)- Seems a Bit TOO Roomy (compared to my Zeta LT, but I think its mostly in the arms as there are zippers where the Zeta has none)- No Two-Way ZipperYou may want to order this true to size as the standard more athletic fit of Arc'Teryx seems more relaxed here. Not a complaint, just an observation.
One of the best constructed rain & wind jackets I’ve ever owned! Just like every other Arc’teryx jacket I’ve owned, the design and build quality are fantastic.There are a few things I would like to highlight.1) The fit in the torso is slightly trimmer than other Arc’teryx jackets I’ve had, but I still take the same size as usual.2) The sleeves on the other hand are a little larger in diameter, but the velcro cuff ends make it fit comfortably to your liking.3) The pockets are not lacking! Every rain coat I’ve ever owned has been lacking in pockets in useful places. This jacket has great storage and in the right places.All in all, this is a fantastic lightweight option for rain & wind for your outdoor adventures or just around town! One thing I would have loved ... MoreOne of the best constructed rain & wind jackets I’ve ever owned! Just like every other Arc’teryx jacket I’ve owned, the design and build quality are fantastic.There are a few things I would like to highlight.1) The fit in the torso is slightly trimmer than other Arc’teryx jackets I’ve had, but I still take the same size as usual.2) The sleeves on the other hand are a little larger in diameter, but the velcro cuff ends make it fit comfortably to your liking.3) The pockets are not lacking! Every rain coat I’ve ever owned has been lacking in pockets in useful places. This jacket has great storage and in the right places.All in all, this is a fantastic lightweight option for rain & wind for your outdoor adventures or just around town! One thing I would have loved is a two way main body zipper. It’s not a deal breaker, just my personal preference.
Mixed feelings,This was the first ever arcteryx jacket that i have bought and it is half decent, From the factory the DWR is not that good, however the first wash restored the properties of it. I have not had other rain jackets but working out in this and playing some badminton for a few hours it is decently breathable with the side cuffs open. (indoors)Biking and general trail running with just a t shirt underneath is great as a windbreaker, with a down jacket is it good for very low temperatures.Features are good, Stormhood is great for pouring rain. However water does not bead off very well and streaks of water, and little droplets get stuck to the nylon exterior.Cant justify spending 500 dollars for a more "environmentally" good product (EPE) that ... MoreMixed feelings,This was the first ever arcteryx jacket that i have bought and it is half decent, From the factory the DWR is not that good, however the first wash restored the properties of it. I have not had other rain jackets but working out in this and playing some badminton for a few hours it is decently breathable with the side cuffs open. (indoors)Biking and general trail running with just a t shirt underneath is great as a windbreaker, with a down jacket is it good for very low temperatures.Features are good, Stormhood is great for pouring rain. However water does not bead off very well and streaks of water, and little droplets get stuck to the nylon exterior.Cant justify spending 500 dollars for a more "environmentally" good product (EPE) that benefits them more than me
I purchased this jacket roughly two months ago, and I must say, it has been nothing short of great. One of the best features I've noticed about this jacket is its lightweight nature. Wearing it feels like I'm barely wearing an extra layer! This makes it perfect for any outdoor activities where mobility is key such as mountain biking. I've also used this jacket on hikes and around the city.The Black Sapphire colour, which I have always been fond of, was just as captivating on this piece. The colour's deep, rich hue added an element of style to the jacket's overall appeal.I've taken this jacket on a few adventures already, and it has held up remarkably well. The waterproofing feature, a critical aspect for any outdoor jacket, has so far performed up to my ... MoreI purchased this jacket roughly two months ago, and I must say, it has been nothing short of great. One of the best features I've noticed about this jacket is its lightweight nature. Wearing it feels like I'm barely wearing an extra layer! This makes it perfect for any outdoor activities where mobility is key such as mountain biking. I've also used this jacket on hikes and around the city.The Black Sapphire colour, which I have always been fond of, was just as captivating on this piece. The colour's deep, rich hue added an element of style to the jacket's overall appeal.I've taken this jacket on a few adventures already, and it has held up remarkably well. The waterproofing feature, a critical aspect for any outdoor jacket, has so far performed up to my expectations. Whether it's light drizzle or a sudden downpour, the jacket has managed to keep me dry, enhancing my overall outdoor experience.Stoked and curious to see how this jacket will continue to perform over time!
This jacket has incredible fit and finish. Not only is it incredibly lightweight and easy to pack, but the material feels impressively durable. The C-Knit backing adds a soft touch, and feels great against your skin. The adjustability of the Stormhood is outstanding. Whether you’re rocking a helmet, a hat, or nothing at all, you can adjust it so it still looks great. I feel this version really hit the sweet spot with fit. You’ve got enough space for layering with a Cerium Hoody jacket underneath but yet it still maintains a sleek silhouette with only a T-shirt underneath. I’m 5’11, 190 lbs, athletic build and the Large fit perfectly.
I bought bought the Beta lightweight hoping it would be a leap forward in comfort, breathability, weight, and protection to replace a very old beta LT that is past it's service life and to fill a void that my Alfa SV can't handle because of weight and heat.Trying it on in the store, the fit was good, the c-knit backer is comfortable, the storm hood is amazing, the stitching and attention to detail is there, and I had great hopes......until I started using it in the field and putting the jacket through it's intended paces in bad wet weather. Like many other reviews, I found the DWR wore off at an incredibly alarming pace. The jacket wetted out at a rate that if I hadn't known otherwise, would have assumed it was a softshell rather than a hardshell product.I'm ... MoreI bought bought the Beta lightweight hoping it would be a leap forward in comfort, breathability, weight, and protection to replace a very old beta LT that is past it's service life and to fill a void that my Alfa SV can't handle because of weight and heat.Trying it on in the store, the fit was good, the c-knit backer is comfortable, the storm hood is amazing, the stitching and attention to detail is there, and I had great hopes......until I started using it in the field and putting the jacket through it's intended paces in bad wet weather. Like many other reviews, I found the DWR wore off at an incredibly alarming pace. The jacket wetted out at a rate that if I hadn't known otherwise, would have assumed it was a softshell rather than a hardshell product.I'm not sure what went wrong with the ePE membrane or PFC-free DWR, but the environmental sustainability marketing gimmicks do NOT offset the total disappointment that I have in this product. This is nothing short of a disaster if this jacket is purchased for anything other than style and light use around town.Hardshells are a crucial piece of life safety and I (along with many others) rely on premium brands like Arc'Teryx for premium products for extreme use to keep us safe out in the field. This new weather "proofing" formula is NOT it . More alarming, the pure volume of issues this jacket/membrane is showing (both on the official page but also other forums) makes me wonder if Arc'Teryx even did actual field testing or if all their testing was done in a lab. No one in their right mind could take this jacket up a mountain or on a multi-day wet and rainy trip. I don't have the luxury to wash or re-DWR my jacket every 2-3 times I wear it when out on a multi-day trip.
This review is based on my initial impressions, as I've only had this jacket for about 3 weeks, with only a few outdoor trips in mild weather, but so far, I've been impressed with the quality, design, features, how lightweight the jacket is, and its relatively compact size in a pack. This is the type of jacket you want to keep in a pack for just-in-case adventures. It's aesthetically simple and lightweight but functional where it matters.I'm 6'2", 185 lbs, 40" chest, 31" waist with a longer-than average torso and arms (sleeve size 33/34”). Sizing-wise, I went with the large, which is baggier in the torso than I'd prefer, so if you share similar dimensions, the medium will likely fit much better. I decided to go with a large for more room to layer in cold weather, ... MoreThis review is based on my initial impressions, as I've only had this jacket for about 3 weeks, with only a few outdoor trips in mild weather, but so far, I've been impressed with the quality, design, features, how lightweight the jacket is, and its relatively compact size in a pack. This is the type of jacket you want to keep in a pack for just-in-case adventures. It's aesthetically simple and lightweight but functional where it matters.I'm 6'2", 185 lbs, 40" chest, 31" waist with a longer-than average torso and arms (sleeve size 33/34”). Sizing-wise, I went with the large, which is baggier in the torso than I'd prefer, so if you share similar dimensions, the medium will likely fit much better. I decided to go with a large for more room to layer in cold weather, but if I were using this jacket exclusively for warmer and wet, windy conditions, I'd go with a medium.Since I'm in SLC and its summer, it's been hot and dry for weeks, so the only wet or windy weather I've had the opportunity to wear the jacket in lately has been a mountain thunderstorm that lasted about 15 minutes, with a lot of wind but relatively light rain. When waiting out the storm, I stayed 100% dry as expected with a Gore-Tex jacket. I confirmed with an Arc'Teryx product rep that the jacket has a 28000mm water column rating, so I have no doubt this jacket would keep me dry in heavy rain or even snow (which I’ll be testing this fall/winter).Fit/Design: The jacket is on the trimmer or more fitted side (close to the body), especially in the torso, but allows for a great range of motion thanks to the sleeve width/length and slightly wider shoulder areas. I can lift and rotate my arms and turn my head easily without the jacket feeling restrictive, with or without the hood on.Materials: High quality. I was frankly expecting this jacket to be heavier and bulkier as a 3L waterproof jacket, but that is not the case at all. On my gear scale, the jacket (size large) weights 12.4 ounces (.77 lbs), just slightly over the claimed weight. The interior backer is also comfortable against the skin if just wearing a t-shirt. It's not clammy or annoyingly plastic feeling.Features: The hood is helmet compatible and has good adjustability without restricting vision, a plus for rock climbing, mountaineering, or, so far in my case, wearing the jacket in some windy weather hiking and MTB. You can easily wear a brimmed hat under the hood with room to spare. The two front zippered pockets are high enough to be accessible while wearing a pack and are quite large/deep, so sufficient storage for gloves and a few snacks if needed. The interior zippered chest pocket is made of a slightly stretchy material that fits an iPhone 15, so plenty of space there. Including pit zips was an excellent decision for this jacket. In terms of breathability, without using the pit zips, the jacket is noticeably not as breathable as Gore-Tex's Paclite Plus material. It runs warmer, especially when you work up a sweat. The zipper pull-tabs are an interesting lightweight plastic. Ergonomically they work just fine, and I suspect are to help with keeping the overall weight of the jacket down. Initially I wondered if the plastic pull-tabs would blow around against the fabric and be noisy in wind, but no issues so far.Functionality: This is a very versatile jacket. I think this is the type of jacket you keep on hand and can take along for a variety of outdoor activities, especially for mountaineering, climbing, hiking, backpacking, spring skiing, and even MTB or bikepacking for stormy weather protection in rain, wind, and/or snow. The jacket is so lightweight and relatively compact that it’s barely noticeable in a backpack.What could be improved? The ability to pack the jacket into one of its own pockets would be a welcomed feature and adding a two-way main zipper would be useful for helping vent moisture and heat during higher exertion activities.Unknowns? Durability. I haven't had the jacket long enough to make any conclusions about long-term use, but so far the jacket appears solidly built with no obvious issues. I’ve owned other Arc’Teryx and Gore-Tex jackets and haven’t had any durability issues after years of use and regular maintenance, so hopefully that’ll be the case with this jacket.
These new Beta Jackets Wet out very quickly and I cannot recommend this jacket to be used for anything other than fashion. Like others have stated here this should not be used as a rain jacket as it cannot withstand a heavy rainfall for more than a few minutes. I was walking for less than 20 minutes in moderate rain and the entire jacket was almost completely wet out when I got home. The factory DWR is terrible, you should not have to reapply a DWR after 1 occurrence of getting wet. I reapplied a better DWR but for some reason it doesn't like to adhere to the fabric and I tested the jacket out and still had areas that wet out for some reason. Once the Jacket wets out it makes the goretex useless and not breathable. These new PFAS free goretex jackets are terrible ... MoreThese new Beta Jackets Wet out very quickly and I cannot recommend this jacket to be used for anything other than fashion. Like others have stated here this should not be used as a rain jacket as it cannot withstand a heavy rainfall for more than a few minutes. I was walking for less than 20 minutes in moderate rain and the entire jacket was almost completely wet out when I got home. The factory DWR is terrible, you should not have to reapply a DWR after 1 occurrence of getting wet. I reapplied a better DWR but for some reason it doesn't like to adhere to the fabric and I tested the jacket out and still had areas that wet out for some reason. Once the Jacket wets out it makes the goretex useless and not breathable. These new PFAS free goretex jackets are terrible and anyone recommending them are either not testing them in heavy rain or are lying for the sake of the environment.
I purchased this jacket soon after release in early February as a replacement for my very old Beta AR. I loved my Beta AR’s pocket placement and easy to use pit zips, and wanted a replacement that kept these features, shed significant weight, and didn’t compromise much on durability. Additionally, I was interested in trying out the new ePE membrane and PFC-free DWR that Gore-Tex has been rolling out. In the following two months I’ve use it about 15 times in precipitation both while hiking and around time.Construction: coming from my old Beta AR, the evolution of Arc’teryx shells is most apparent here. High stitch count remains on every seam without loose stitches or loose threads, while advancements include a refinement of the patterning and narrower seam tape, ... MoreI purchased this jacket soon after release in early February as a replacement for my very old Beta AR. I loved my Beta AR’s pocket placement and easy to use pit zips, and wanted a replacement that kept these features, shed significant weight, and didn’t compromise much on durability. Additionally, I was interested in trying out the new ePE membrane and PFC-free DWR that Gore-Tex has been rolling out. In the following two months I’ve use it about 15 times in precipitation both while hiking and around time.Construction: coming from my old Beta AR, the evolution of Arc’teryx shells is most apparent here. High stitch count remains on every seam without loose stitches or loose threads, while advancements include a refinement of the patterning and narrower seam tape, refined wrist adjusters, and a welcomed longer length. The Stormhood style is simpler, lighter, and easier to layer with hooded mid-layers compared to my AR’s Drophood.Fabric and ePE Membrane: The 40D and 70D hybrid construction of the Lightweight is similar to my Beta AR’s, but slightly smoother and quieter, and much more supple and light. The C-knit backer is more comfortable than the tricot backer my AR has. Breathability of the ePE feels better than my Beta AR (with the caveat that my Beta AR is literally over a decade old) and about the same as my other shell, a Mountain Equipment Garwhal which is made of Paclite. When really exerting myself or in warmer precipitation, I find any waterproof/breathable membrane eventually can’t keep up, so the pit zips of the Lightweight are a welcome addition (despite the similar good breathability of the Garwhal, they are sorely missed on that jacket). I haven’t used Gore-Tex Active or Pro Most Breathable, so I can’t compare the breathability to shells made of that.Fit: for my somewhat lanky self, 182 cm/82 kg, the medium is a great fit and the shell nicely accommodates any baselayer+midlayer combination I’ve tried out. At the same time, it avoids being needlessly bulky to accommodate said layers. The fabric patterning is refined from my other shells, and offers great mobility without restriction, without or without a midlayer on underneath.The PFC-DWR: Obviously the biggest question has been the durability of the PFC-DWR, and I’m happy to say my experience has been overall good. While the PFC-Free DWR obviously does not last as long as my AR’s C8 DWR, I can’t say I’ve noticed it’s performance or durability being significantly worse than the C6 DWR on my Beta LT Hadron pants, which I believe is the DWR used on the original Beta Lightweight. Just this weekend, after nearly two months, did I notice significant DWR failure on the shoulders of my Lightweight - however, I also saw this on the outer side of my Beta LT Hadron pants which I’ve not even worn 5 times since purchase. Today I washed my Lightweight with Atsko Sport Wash, reproofed the DWR with Granger’s, and the shell is back to beading like new.Overall, I think the revised Beta Lightweight represents a great choice for a jack-of-all-trades shell. It has a fit that nicely adapts to any midlayer combo you could want to use, a hood that can fit a helmet if your adventures should need one, and has functional and easy to use pockets and pit zips. In my opinion, the small price of having to wash and reproof slightly more frequently than before is worth the elimination of PFCs from the jacket’s life cycle, and honestly might help me just stick to regularly washing my shells as we all already should be doing.
I first thought this jacket’s uses would be limited. Like it would do really specific things really well, but I didn’t think it would be very versatile and fit other needs too. It’s like an ultralight shell, but sometimes shells can feel like overkill for everyday use; while tough, they can lack in comfort.After a couple weeks of use in a range of scenarios, I can say this jacket is great. The materials are well chosen and it feels both rugged and well-made. It has an almost tailored fit, which has its pros and cons. It’s summer and there isn’t much need for insulation, but I could see this getting tight with more layers underneath. As a summer rain jacket, its breathes ok, but really regulates well with the pit zips opened. The hem also synchs tight to collect ... MoreI first thought this jacket’s uses would be limited. Like it would do really specific things really well, but I didn’t think it would be very versatile and fit other needs too. It’s like an ultralight shell, but sometimes shells can feel like overkill for everyday use; while tough, they can lack in comfort.After a couple weeks of use in a range of scenarios, I can say this jacket is great. The materials are well chosen and it feels both rugged and well-made. It has an almost tailored fit, which has its pros and cons. It’s summer and there isn’t much need for insulation, but I could see this getting tight with more layers underneath. As a summer rain jacket, its breathes ok, but really regulates well with the pit zips opened. The hem also synchs tight to collect the extra material when it’s unzipped so it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a cape (my other rain jackets all feel too baggy when open, but this one is just right).The lining is high-quality and needs to be felt to appreciate it.The interior pocket is fused so it looks seamless and big enough for most smartphones, but not much else.The hood is great over a helmet, but kinda big when not up. The RECCO reflector is on the back of the hood, out of the way and not noticeable. The sleeves are cut long, which is always helpful in a downpour.Highly recommend this jacket if it fits in your price range - you will appreciate the materials, craftsmanship, and fit. It does a lot of things really well and you’ll look great too.
| Technology/construction | Hardshell |
