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Three Things To Know:
- Exceptional Weather Protection in a Lightweight Package – Despite being one of the lightest jackets I’ve used, the Beta SL delivers excellent waterproofing and wind resistance thanks to its GORE-TEX Paclite Plus construction
- Highly Functional Design – The helmet-compatible hood, pit zips, and thoughtfully placed pockets make it practical for hiking, climbing, or general outdoor use
- Comfortable and Easy to Move In – The fit is flattering yet roomy, with a dropped hemline and articulated design that allow full mobility without feeling restrictive, even during active outdoor pursuits
Our Rating:
Fit and Comfort
Waterproofing, Wind Protection and Breathability
Practical Features
Durability
Check availability at Arc'teryx (£450)
Arc'teryx (pronounced ark-ter-icks) is a Canadian brand founded in 1989 in North Vancouver, British Columbia, and it has built a reputation for producing high performance gear for most outdoor exploits.
It sits at the premium end of the spectrum, and its prices reflect that. The technology is impressive, but is it worth the money?
Here’s how it held up under review.
- Weight: 300g
- Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
- Breathability Rating: 20,000g/m²
- Intended Use: Hiking, alpine trekking, everyday use, backpacking
- RRP: £450.00
Fit and Comfort
I’m a firm believer that a premium price tag doesn’t always guarantee premium quality – but the Beta SL made a strong impression. It’s exceptionally lightweight and packable, and although the fabric has a slightly “crunchy” feel, it’s surprisingly soft against the skin. The stiffness of the material initially made me think mobility might be compromised, but I was able to move freely with a full range of motion.
The fit strikes a great balance between flattering and functional, with enough room for layering, and the dropped hemline offers reliable coverage no matter how you’re positioned. The hood is oversized – something I found slightly frustrating at first – but it’s helmet and hat compatible, with dual adjustment points to ensure a snug fit when needed. Like many lightweight waterproof jackets I’ve tried, the zip sits directly on the chin, which I found a little irritating and required occasional adjustment, though it did provide excellent protection in poor weather.
Waterproofing, Wind Protection and Breathability
The Arc'teryx Beta SL jacket has a hydrostatic head rating of 28,000mm, which is the highest I’ve ever tried – and means that it can withstand a water column of 28,000mm before water penetrates it.
The waterproofing on this jacket is outstanding. With a 40D GORE-TEX Paclite Plus construction, the Beta SL offers excellent weather resistance for such a lightweight jacket. In sustained rain, it kept me completely dry, and the water beaded instantly off the surface thanks to the DWR treatment. The wind proofing is equally impressive – even in exposed, blustery conditions, I felt well protected without the fabric flapping excessively.
Practical Features
The Beta SL comes with a range of thoughtful features that make it very practical on the trail. The helmet-compatible hood has dual adjustments, allowing me to get a snug fit without restricting vision, and the laminated brim keeps rain off my face. The front zipper is smooth and protected by a minimal storm flap, while the 11 inch dual underarm pit zips – which I believe are an update on the previous model – provide fast ventilation when needed.
There are two large hand pockets that sit high enough to remain accessible when wearing a harness or backpack, and their zippers are easy to operate even with gloves on. The adjustable cuffs and hem help seal out the wind and rain, and the jacket packs down into its own pocket, making it highly portable for multi-day trips or travel. Overall, these small but considered details make the Beta SL feel very intuitive to use outdoors.
Durability
Despite its lightweight construction, the Beta SL feels surprisingly robust. The GORE-TEX Paclite Plus fabric has held up well against branches, backpack straps, and general trail wear without any signs of abrasion or tearing. The stitching and seam taping are solid and show no signs of coming loose, even after repeated use and packing into tight spaces.
The zippers were a little stiff, and it was particularly tricky to unzip the pit vents with my non-dominant hand, but this did ease up with use.
Because the material is thin to keep weight down, I’m mindful to avoid sharp edges or rough surfaces that could compromise the fabric. With reasonable care, however, I feel confident that this jacket will last for many seasons of regular outdoor use.
Value for Money
This is an impressive piece of kit, however, it has to be noted over the last few years the popularity of Arc’teryx has increased and you are paying a premium for the name and logo.
Sustainability
It incorporates recycled content in the GORE-TEX fabric, and Arc’teryx has clear policies around responsible manufacturing. Its lightweight construction also means fewer materials are used overall, and the jacket’s durability ensures it can last for multiple seasons, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
While it isn’t made entirely from recycled materials, I appreciate the brand’s ongoing efforts to minimize environmental impact, which makes wearing the Beta SL feel like a more responsible choice.
Should You Buy It
It’s a great waterproof jacket for those who spend a lot of time in the elements and doing outdoors activities, but for the average outdoor enthusiast there are brilliant other options for less than half the price.
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Looking to find your perfect walking companion? Why not take a look at our guide to the best lightweight waterproof jackets.
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