Arc’teryx simply launched the model new Arc’teryx Beta SL rain jacket – their lightest Beta rain jacket up to now. This summer time I’ve been testing it whereas mountain climbing in heavy thundershowers, and it’s carried out fantastically. It’s stored me bone dry, is comfy to put on, and has all the options that I search for in a stable rain jacket.
Arc’teryx can also be making environmental strides with the Beta SL by eliminating using eternally chemical compounds (PFCs) which can be virtually all the time current in rain gear.
However the Arc’teryx Beta SL isn’t low cost. At $500, it’s probably the most costly rain shells in the marketplace. That results in the query – is it well worth the value?
On this Arc’teryx Beta SL overview, I’ll share what I like, what may very well be improved, and whether or not this is likely to be a good selection to your adventures.
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Arc’teryx Beta SL Overview
Specs
The place to purchase
Professionals
Cons
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Technical Options
The Arc’teryx Beta SL has all the technical options I contemplate to be vital in a rain jacket. Listed below are a few of my favourite issues about this rain jacket.
Development
On the REI web site, the supplies for the Arc’teryx Beta SL are listed as this:
3L 40-denier x70-denier GORE-TEX ePE with C-KNIT backer expertise, FC0 sturdy water repellent (DWR)
If that feels like a overseas language (ummmm sure), I’m going to interrupt all of this jargon down so that you perceive precisely what this rain jacket is made from earlier than I get into my full overview.
3-layer GORE-TEX consists of three separate items of material – the outer cloth, a membrane, and a backer (the layer subsequent to your pores and skin) which can be adhered collectively.
The outer layer is made from 40-denier x 70-denier GORE-TEX. The denier score refers back to the thickness of the material. A decrease denier is lighter and extra versatile, whereas the next denier is thicker, stiffer, and extra sturdy. 40-denier is fairly customary for a rain jacket. To extend longevity, the Arc’teryx Beta SL is bolstered with 70-denier in areas which can be most definitely to expertise friction, just like the shoulders that rub in opposition to your backpack straps.
The center membrane layer is made from GORE-TEX ePE (expanded polyethylene). ePE is a brand new materials that was created to section out using fluorocarbons (PFCs/PFAS) – in any other case often known as eternally chemical compounds – which can be quite common in waterproof attire. The brand new PFC-free ePE membrane is a extra eco-friendly different that gives the identical waterproofing properties.
Within the Arc’teryx Beta SL, the backer is made from C-Knit. I’ve discovered this light-weight nylon cloth to be versatile and smooth in opposition to the pores and skin. Research present that it has larger wicking means than different materials generally used as backers, contributing to the breathability of the jacket.
Lastly, the jacket has a FC0 sturdy water repellent (DWR) end. You might marvel why you want a DWR end when the material itself is waterproof. The DWR end helps water bead up on the skin of the jacket so the outer layer of GORE-TEX doesn’t get saturated, generally known as “wetting out”. And not using a DWR end, you’d nonetheless keep dry beneath, however the GORE-TEX would moist out, compromising the breathability of the jacket.
Just like the ePE membrane, the FC0 DWR end can also be PFC-free, making this jacket extra environmentally pleasant than most different rain gear in the marketplace.
My Expertise with the Arc’teryx Beta SL
The Arc’teryx Beta SL is a high-performing rain jacket designed for the harshest climate. In my overview beneath, I share some issues which have stood out as I’ve been testing this jacket.
Waterproof Efficiency
It’s been a moist summer time right here in Park Metropolis, so I’ve had an opportunity to check the Arc’teryx Beta SL on a number of wet day hikes. I additionally took it to a music competition on the east coast the place we received caught out in a torrential thunderstorm.
It’s no shock that this jacket carried out exceptionally properly even after being out in a heavy downpour for a number of hours. I didn’t expertise any seepage by the three layered GORE-TEX, zippers, or the absolutely taped seams.
I instantly observed the water beading up because of the PFC-free FC0 DWR end. It’s necessary to notice that DWR finishes do put on off with time and should be reapplied. Different opinions of FC0 DWR, particularly, recommend that it must be reapplied extra steadily than DWR finishes containing dangerous PFCs. As somebody who is worried in regards to the setting, this appears to be a worthy trade-off.
The excessive collar and structured brim on the entrance hood additionally did an amazing job of retaining the water off of my face and out of my eyes. The hood is absolutely adjustable with a set of drawstrings on the neck and likewise on the again of the hood. I tightened these drawstrings and received the right match, and the hood didn’t block any of my peripheral imaginative and prescient.
Packability
Within the title Arc’teryx Beta SL, “SL” stands for tremendous mild, and it’s one of many main promoting factors of this jacket. Not solely is the lightest rain jacket within the Arc’teryx Beta lineup, but it surely’s additionally a number of ounces lighter than the competitors.
The ladies’s model weighs a mere 10.6 ounces. To check with different 3-layer rain jackets, the Outside Analysis Aspire weighs 13.93 oz, and the Mountain Hardwear Trailverse, which doesn’t have any pit zips, weighs 16 oz.
One other function I like is you’ll be able to flip the hand pocket inside out and stuff the whole jacket within the pocket. You possibly can’t zip the pocket closed, but it surely’s a straightforward solution to preserve the jacket contained in a pleasant, small package deal inside your pack so it doesn’t take up an excessive amount of room.
On a brief day hike, this won’t make that a lot of a distinction, however if you’re backpacking or touring along with your mountain climbing gear, all of these ounces add up. The efficiency, mixed with the packability of the Arc’teryx Beta SL, I’ll most definitely be grabbing this over my different rain jackets anytime weight issues.
Breathability
I’ve but to attempt a rain jacket that I contemplate actually breathable. It doesn’t matter what rain jacket I’m sporting, as soon as it stops raining and the solar comes out, I are inclined to get sweaty shortly.
With that mentioned, the ePE membrane and the C-KNIT backer in Arc’teryx Beta SL have been designed to make the jacket as breathable as a rain jacket could be.
When it was raining and 60 levels, I felt nice and by no means received swampy contained in the jacket. I’ve discovered the Arc’teryx Beta SL jacket to be extra breathable than my Outside Analysis and North Face rain jackets.
When it stopped raining, I opened the massive pit zips that helped me air out. Nonetheless, as soon as the solar got here out and the temps rose to the higher 70s, I shortly overheated and needed to take the jacket off.
In actuality, this jacket isn’t designed to be worn on heat, sunny days. So so long as you stick with its meant goal, the breathability shouldn’t be a significant situation.
Sturdiness
I’ve solely had the Arc’teryx Beta SL for a short while, so I can’t but converse to long-term sturdiness, but when my expertise with my different Arc’teryx items is any indication, I feel this jacket goes to final a really very long time.
I personal Arc’teryx ski pants, a fleece mid-layer, mountain climbing pants, and an insulated jacket, and the standard and sturdiness of those items appears far above what’s customary within the outside trade.
The 40 denier x 70 denier cloth of the Arc’teryx Beta SL is designed to face up to quite a lot of abuse whereas mountain climbing, tenting, and on a regular basis outside actions. I’ve additionally held my canine on this jacket and her sharp little claws haven’t brought about any harm.
Now, should you’re backcountry snowboarding and also you clip a tree, I can’t make any guarantees. If that feels like one thing you may do, then the Arc’teryx Beta AR is likely to be a greater choice.
The principle zipper is lined to forestall snagging, and the zippers are all metallic and simply glide alongside their paths.
This jacket may be very simple to clean since it may be thrown within the washer. I’d advocate utilizing Nikwax Tech Wash which is designed particularly for GORE-TEX merchandise. Simply be certain that to observe the instructions on the Arc’teryx web site – no bleach, no cloth softener, don’t dry clear, and so on. Not following directions can harm the waterproofing.
Consolation
I discover the Arc’teryx Beta SL to be very comfy. With some rain jackets, I don’t wish to put on short-sleeved shirts beneath as a result of the fabric could be scratchy, however with this jacket, the C-Knit backer is smooth in opposition to my pores and skin.
Proper the place the jacket hits your chin, there may be additionally strip of soppy cloth alongside the within of the zipper that forestalls the zipper from rubbing in opposition to your pores and skin.
The jacket isn’t too stiff, and I’ve full vary of movement once I’m mountain climbing. I don’t really feel restricted in any means.
The 2 hand pockets are sufficiently big to simply and comfortably match my whole hand, together with every other necessities I would like fast entry to.
I’m docking half a star as a result of the jacket is a bit noisy. It’s not as dangerous as a few of my different jackets, together with my previous Arc’teryx Beta AR, however I would love it if I couldn’t hear it in any respect.
Match
Arc’teryx is thought for making attire with an athletic, slimmer reduce. This holds true with this jacket.
I’m 5’5″ and 140 kilos. The ladies’s medium was a bit too tight, so I made a decision to get a big. The massive is a bit baggier than I want, however I wished to have the ability to layer beneath if I determine to put on it in winter.
There are two cinch cords alongside the underside hem that you would be able to pull to tighten the underside of the jacket, in order that does assist compensate for it being a bit massive. This additionally permits you to regulate the airflow that is available in from the underside of the jacket.
The sleeves are the right size. They’re lengthy sufficient to cowl a part of my fingers and have a velcro strap to tighten the hand cuffs.
I’ve talked in regards to the hood already, however I like how the hood is spacious sufficient to suit a helmet or a winter hat with a pom, however it may be cinched right down to the scale of my head too. The hood is one among my favourite components of this jacket.
Lastly, I like the size. The again measures 28″ and is lots lengthy to cowl the highest of my pants.
Verdict: Is the Arc’teryx Beta SL well worth the value?
If you happen to steadily hike and backpack within the rain and wish a stormproof jacket that may stand as much as the worst sorts of circumstances, then I do assume the Arc’teryx Beta SL is well worth the value. Sure, $500 is loopy costly, however this must be the final rain jacket you must purchase for a really very long time.
It’s lighter than the competitors, permitting you to shave a couple of ounces out of your load, and this rain jacket is about as eco-friendly as they arrive. The adjustable hood with it’s stiff brim is considerably higher than your common rain jacket. Lastly, the inbuilt RECCO® reflector might find yourself saving your life should you get misplaced or have an accident within the backcountry.
If you’re a good climate hiker and solely day hike within the rain a few times a yr, then I’d recommend one of many cheaper alternate options I hyperlink to beneath.
The place to Purchase
The Arc’teryx Beta SL is on the market now at REI as an REI Member unique by 9/30/24. After that, you don’t should be a REI Member to buy. Find out about all the REI Member advantages right here.
The good thing about shopping for at REI is you’ll get 10% again within the type of Member rewards. Which means you’ll get $50 in REI credit score to use in direction of another gear buy. REI additionally presents a 100% satisfaction assure and a 1-year return coverage. Which means if the jacket simply isn’t understanding, you’ll be able to return it and get your a refund.
Arc’teryx Beta SL Alternate options
If the Arc’teryx Beta SL isn’t match for you, listed here are a couple of different light-weight rain jackets to think about.
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Do you personal any Arc’teryx clothes? Do you might have questions in regards to the Beta SL? Let me know within the feedback beneath.