A replacement for the Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight (LT) Jacket, the Arc’teryx Beta SL has similar features but in a more sustainable package. It is also the lightest in the Beta family.
Waterproof, windpoof, breathable, lightweight and durable, the Arc’teryx Beta SL is loaded with technical features ready to meet weather conditions that can quickly turn in Colorado’s high country where I live.
With a forecast of late afternoon storms, the weather cooperated the first week I had the Arc’teryx Beta SL so I got to put all its technical features to the test fairly quickly.
Although the day of the hike had started dry and sunny, the conditions later in the day became windy followed by light rain which morphed into heavy rain by the time I returned home.
Despite the lightweight feel of the jacket (I only wore a t-shirt underneath), the Arc’teryx Beta SL successfully blocked the wind and repelled moisture. I was kept dry the entire time as the rain just rolled right off.
Additionally, its PFC-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane provided breathable weather protection so I didn’t get that sticky, uncomfortable feeling that some other rain jackets provide.
Additional ventilation features such as pit zips, taped seams, adjustable cuffs with velcro, and a cleverly designed Stormhood also contributed to keeping me dry.
Feature-Rich
The Arc’teryx Beta SL is a well built, feature-rich jacket that is surprisingly light.
In comparison to some Marmot and Patagonia rain jackets that I’ve worn in the past, the Arc’teryx Beta SL boasts more features (i.e. weather proofing technology) and is significantly lighter weight.
I was pleasantly surprised how durable it was for such a lightweight jacket. Even though I sometimes brushed against rocks and trees, I didn’t worry about it tearing. Additionally, the C-KNIT backer technology yields a fabric that is more breathable than the traditional tricot typically used.
Be forewarned, however, that the jacket is loud and makes sounds that evoke a potato chip bag being crinkled up- not unlike what you’d expect from any other hardshell designed for protection in extreme conditions.
A couple of other things to mention.
While Arc’teryx constructed an environmentally responsible product, they also created one with your safety in mind. For example, the Stormhood is helmet compatible and does not obstruct vision. Even more importantly, the Arc’teryx Beta SL has a RECCO reflector that can aid in search situations.
This is the second piece of gear I’ve reviewed this year with RECCO technology (the other was a pair of Scarpa Moraine hiking shoes) that provides a simple rescue system. I believe that we will see more outdoor gear include RECCO technology because it provides outdoor recreationists a peace of mind.
How it Looks
The overall look of the Arc’teryx Beta SL is that it looks like a jacket designed for the outdoors.
There’s nothing trendy about it (no boxy retro fads going on here), because it was designed with mountain recreation, environmentally-conscious science, and safety in mind.
The jacket’s only ornamentation is its subtle signature embroidered Archaeopteryx fossil on the chest and branding embroidered on the hood.
I liked the black color because it goes with everything I wear, but I would encourage others to wear bright colors to be seen more easily in the backcountry.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
As mentioned above, the Arc’teryx Beta SL has FC0 DWR (Durable Water Repellent), is constructed from a next generation version of GORE-TEX that is PFC-free, and features an ePE (expanded Polyethylene) membrane laminated to a bio-based nylon face made with fibers derived from plants.
The Arc’teryx Beta SL represents Arc’teryx’s commitment to reduce emissions that it announced in April of this year.
Arc’teryx’s new science-based climate commitments include:
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Reach Net Zero by 2050 or sooner.
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Reduce total scope 1 and 2 emissions (aka operational emissions) by 90% from a 2022 base year.
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Reduce scope 3 emissions (aka value chain emissions) by 42% from a 2022 base year.
These targets are aligned with the Paris Agreement commitment to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius, and make Arc’teryx among the most ambitious organizations in the industry when it comes to emissions reduction. And that’s pretty impressive in itself. No lipservice for Arc’teryx. Overall Impressions With regards to its wind proofing properties, while I felt protected against the gusts of wind, I still felt somewhat cold (it is a shell afterall) and made a mental note to myself to bring a midlayer next time.
Despite it being offered in a fitted cut, the Arc’teryx Beta SL fortunately was not as tight around my torso as I had feared, and there was enough room to wear a mid layer underneath. Sidenote: I wish the arms were a tad bit shorter for my petite body.
The Arc’teryx Beta SL is available in seven sizes (XXS to XXL) and five colors (Solaris, Black Sapphire, Interstellar, Tatsu and Black).
It offers the ideal combination of water resistance and breathability, making it a good all-arounder jacket for multiple activities.
Paired with an environmentally conscious design with technical and safety features built into its construction, the Arc’teryx Beta SL is worth the splurge.
Kate Agathon
Dr. Of Stoke
Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.
A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers.
Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.
The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.
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