Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket Review
An excellent, lightweight, minimal but effective rain jacket
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January 21, 2025
Our verdict
The Arc’teryx Beta SL (Super Light) jacket is a lightweight, versatile, waterproof shell that is ideal for hiking, climbing, walking, and even biking in wet and windy weather. Winner of Best Upgrade in our Best Lightweight Rain Jackets guide, we’ve put the Beta SL through the wringer, wearing it in Colorado and Wyoming rain, hail, and thunderstorms while completing the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR).
The Arc’Teryx Beta SL is constructed of high-quality materials and a waterproof and windproof GORE-TEX membrane, as well as a C-Knit backer technology that increases breathability (along with pit zips). With thoughtful, useful features, this durable jacket is worth the investment, provided you can manage the hefty $500 price tag.
Along with the high cost, this jacket isn’t the most size-inclusive, either, as it comes in XS-XXL. If the cost or sizing is a deterrent, we recommend checking out our Best Lightweight Rain Jackets guide for other options. However, if this jacket fits your budget and size requirements, we think this long-lasting, feature-rich jacket is worth the investment.
Men's
Women's
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Specs
Weight: 10.6 oz (women’s), 12 oz (men’s)
Material: GORE-TEX ePE with C-KNIT backer
Available sizes: XXS-XXL women's; XS-XXL men's
Fit: Fitted (closer to the body)
Waterproofing: 28,000 mm
Back length: 28"
Ventilation: Pit zips
Recco reflector: Yes
Internal chest pocket: 1
Hand pockets: 2 zippered
Comparison tables
Men’s comparison table
| RAIN JACKET | WEIGHT (OZ) | PRICE* | WATERPROOF MEMBRANE | WATERPROOF RATING | PIT ZIPS | POCKETS | SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc'teryx Beta SL | 12.0 | $500 | Gore-Tex ePE with C-KNIT backer | 28,000 mm | Yes | 3 | XS-XXL |
| Arc'teryx Beta AR | 16.3 | $600 | Gore-Tex Pro | Not stated | Yes | 3 | XS-XXXL |
| Arc'teryx Beta | 13.2 | $400 | Gore-Tex ePE with C-KNIT backer | 28,000 mm | No | 3 | S-XXXL |
| Patagonia Torrentshell 3L | 14.1 | $179 | H2No 3L | 20,000 mm | Yes | 2 | XS-XXXL |
| Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell | 11.3 | $180 | BD.dry 2.5L | 10,000 mm | Yes | 2 | XS-XXXL |
Women’s Comparison Table
| RAIN JACKET | WEIGHT (OZ) | PRICE* | WATERPROOF MEMBRANE | WATERPROOF RATING | PIT ZIPS | POCKETS | SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc'teryx Beta SL | 10.6 | $500 | Gore-Tex ePE with C-KNIT backer | 28,000 mm | Yes | 3 | XXS-XXL |
| Arc'teryx Beta AR | 13.8 | $600 | Gore-Tex Pro | Not stated | Yes | 3 | XXS-XXL |
| Arc'teryx Beta | 10.6 | $400 | Gore-Tex ePE with C-KNIT backer | 28,000 mm | No | 3 | XXS-XXL |
| Patagonia Torrentshell 3L | 12.4 | $179 | H2No 3L | 20,000 mm | Yes | 2 | XS-XXL |
| Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell | 9.5 | $180 | BD.dry 2.5L | 10,000 mm | No | 2 | XS-XXL |
Who is it for
Outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize lightweight gear and need reliable weather protection in varied mountain conditions
Folks who are willing/able to pay more now for a long-lasting jacket
Great for hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, cyclists, climbers, and for wearing around town
How we tested
We tested the Arc'teryc Betal SL rain jacket over 3,000 miles of bike riding and then took it back to our home in the Pacific Northwest for even more testing while hiking, commuting, and backpacking.
Living in the Pacific Northwest, the Arc’teryx Beta SL accompanied me on many rainy hikes and walks around the neighborhood. This is in addition to my mountain biking traverse of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR), during which this jacket kept me dry through near-daily monsoon storms. I've also tested it on shoulder-season backpacking trips in North Cascades National Park, and winter snowshoeing trips in the Methow Valley.
From torrential rain above treeline to drizzly walks at home, this jacket impressed me with its waterproofing, comfort, and relative breathability. Plus, it is feature-rich, including a helmet-compatible hood, which came in handy on the GDMBR. I even wrote about it in our New Gear We’re Testing in Fall 2024 guide.
What we liked
PFC-free waterproofing is better for the environment (why it matters)
Long torso provides excellent coverage, even on a bike
Packable
Lightweight
Extremely effective waterproofing and relative breathability
Roomy pockets fit myiPhone 14 Pro Max
Stylish for wearing around town
What could be better
It's really expensive
Greater size inclusivity
Features
Lightweight GORE-TEX ePE membrane
The GORE-TEX membrane provides durable, fully waterproof, and windproof protection. This is essential for mountain adventures, in particular, where the weather can turn ugly quickly.
In our experience, GORE-Tex waterproofing on rain jackets can last ten years or more compared to the traditional waterproof coating found in most lightweight rain jackets.
I found the Beta SL to be breathable as well (the ventilation zips certainly help with that), even during higher output activities.
Unlike traditional GORE-Tex, the Arc’teryx Beta SL uses state-of-the-art GORE-TEX ePE, which is free of PFCs and other so-called “forever chemicals.”
For information on maintaining GORE-TEX shells, check out our guide on How to Clean and Repair GORE-TEX and Other Shells.
C-Knit backer technology
C-Knit backer technology is a three-layer GORE-TEX construction that enhances comfort and breathability and reduces interior friction. It is lighter and more breathable than previous three-layer laminates.
Helmet-compatible StormHood
This was a favorite feature of mine, as the StormHood protects against rain without obstructing peripheral vision. This worked well for me on the GDMBR. The hood easily fit over my bike helmet and didn't blow off in the wind.
Ventilation zippers
In addition to the more breathable C-Knit construction, pit zippers offer on-demand ventilation and temperature control. This is useful for high-output activities, like hiking or running, when you want rain protection but don’t want to overheat. I tend to run hot, so a jacket with pit zips is essential for me.
RECCO reflector
RECCO technology is integrated into the Beta SL for added search-and-rescue capability. Thankfully, I never had to use this, but it gave me peace of mind knowing it was there. This is another feature that is rare in rain jackets that makes the Arc’teryx Beta SL special.
Minimalist design with packability
I was impressed with how small and easily the Beta SL packs down. This is convenient for stowing away in backpacks when not in use. The jacket weighs 10.6 oz for the women’s and 12 oz for the men’s jacket. While that’s not ultralight, it’s still light, and for the features and quality, the weight is worth it.
On the GDMBR, I kept the Beta SL jacket in my Mountain Laurel Designs front fork bag (2.5 L), along with a Patagonia R1 fleece pullover (in case I was riding downhill during the storm, which seemed to happen a lot). I had no problem fitting the jacket, fleece, and gloves in that 2.5L dry bag.
WaterTight zippers
The weatherproof zippers of this jacket effectively keep out rain and wind.
Adjustable hem and cuffs
The adjustable hem and cuffs of the Beta SL provide a snug fit to seal out drafts and improve comfort in windy conditions. I especially appreciated the adjustability of the cuffs, since I frequently wear gloves or overmitts in the rain.
Articulated patterning and gusseted underarms
Articulated patterning enhances mobility on the Arc'teryx Beta SL jacket.
This jacket is designed to enhance mobility, especially during climbing or scrambling. While I didn’t take this jacket climbing, I’m no stranger to scrambling on trails and found this design comfortable for hiking and biking too. In some ways, the range of motion required on a bike is greater than that during a hike. I found the articulated fit incredibly comfortable.
Pockets
The Beta SL has one internal chest pocket and two hand pockets with zippers. That's all I need, especially since I often had a pack of some sort for more storage. However, even if you’re just wearing this jacket around town, the pockets are relatively large—I easily fit my iPhone Max in them.
Eco-friendly design
Arc’teryx uses a PFC-free GORE-TEX membrane, contributing to a reduced environmental impact. This means it won’t release harmful chemicals when worn or washed. Use of PFC-free materials is becoming the standard now, though, as states are banning PFCs and outdoor brands must find more eco-friendly alternatives. The Beta SL jacket is one of the first lightweight rain jackets to ue GORE-TEX’s ePE membrane, which is PFC-free.
Performance in the field
Weather Protection
The Arc’teryx Beta SL demonstrated incredibly effective waterproofing and windproofing, with excellent breathability and comfort on steep, exposed terrain. I wore this jacket throughout my 3,000-mile GDMBR adventure, which included heavy rain, hail, and thunderstorms, and I stayed completely dry and comfortable.
Breathability
GORE-TEX markets their ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane as breathable. In my experience, most "waterproof-breathable" jackets are not both waterproof and breathable. Eventually, one side wets out.
However, I will say that I have not yet gotten the Beta SL to wet out. I wore it for a solid 7 hours in the rain, hail, and wind with no respite—and it didn't wet out.
Fit and Comfort
I loved the Beta SL's fit and comfort. Arc'teryx calls this a "fitted" jacket, meaning it fits closer to the body. However, I had no problem fitting multiple layers under the jacket (even a down jacket in a pinch), which I needed on the cold bike descents. I bought my usual size, medium.
I also appreciated the longer length—both for bikepacking and backpacking. For bikepacking, I want my jacket to be long enough to cover me as I lean forward. For backpacking, I want the jacket to be long enough that it doesn't ride up underneath my backpack, bunch up, and eventually send water down my backside. The Beta SL was the perfect length for me and passed both of these tests.
The articulated pattern moved quite well with my movements. I tend to lean forward pretty far on the bike handlebars and I never felt constrained in the shoulders or arms.
Finally, the GORE C-Knit backer was soft against my skin. I really don't like jackets that are cold and clammy, and the Beta SL passed this test with flying colors. For $500, a jacket should be really comfortable—and this one is.
Features
The features of this jacket are effective—the helmet-compatible hood actually stays on, even when it’s windy, and the adjustable hems and cuffs help keep out wind and rain. Because of these features, alongside the quality materials and weatherproofing, this jacket makes a great addition to a shoulder season wardrobe.
In short, this jacket handles tough alpine conditions impressively and looks stylish enough for in-town wear.
Should I buy the Arc'teryx Beta SL jacket?
The Arc’teryx Beta SL jacket is excellent for folks who seek a durable, versatile, and packable lightweight shell that performs well in unpredictable mountain weather. The thoughtful and functional features make this jacket fantastic for a variety of outdoor activities, like hiking, backpacking, cycling, mountain biking, climbing, and trail running. We even love it for around-town wear.
However, there's no way to sugarcoat this—it's expensive. The cutting edge features that you won’t find in conventional rain jackets, like RECCO and the GORE-TEX ePE membrane, come at a cost. The $500 price tag may be out of budget for a lot of folks. We recommend checking out other of our favorite rain jackets from our Best Lightweight Rain Jackets guide, like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (which I have also tested and love).
Where to Buy the Arc’teryx Beta SL
At the product launch, the Beta SL was only available at REI. Today you can also find it at evo and Arc’teryx:
Men’s
Women’s
Other versions available
Arc'teryx Beta AR
Weight: 13.8 oz (women’s), 16.3 oz (men’s)
Material: GORE-TEX PRO with Most Rugged Technology
Available sizes: XXS-XXL women's; XS-XXL men's
Fit: Regular
Waterproofing: 28,000 mm
Ventilation: Pit zips
Recco reflector: Yes
Internal chest pocket: 1
Hand pockets: 2 zippered
The Beta AR (All Round) is a beefier version of the Beta SL (Super Light). It's made with Gore-Tex Pro (versus Gore-Tex ePE) with "Most Rugged Technology" – a fabric that Arc'teryx developed with Gore for maximum durability. Unfortunately, the Beta AR contains PFAS chemicals, and therefore isn't available in California or New York.
Arc'teryx uses a heavier denier in high wear areas and a lower denier in the main body to reduce weight. Seams are taped, and zippers are water-resistant but not waterproof. If you're looking for one jacket to do it all – alpine, hike, climb – this is it.
Weight: 13.2 oz
Material: 3-layer GORE-TEX ePE nylon
Ventilation: None
The Arc’teryx Beta Jacket is the pared-down version of the Beta SL. It’s still a durable, waterproof shell, but offers fewer features than the Beta SL. Like the Beta SL, it's PFC free. The hood is smaller and not helmet-compatible, the pockets are smaller, and there are no pit zips. If those features are not important to you, you could save $100 with this model and still benefit from the comfort, protection, and lightweight packability of the Beta line.
Similar lightweight rain jackets
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
Weight: 14.1oz
Material: 100% recycled nylon 3-layer shell
Waterproofing: Patagonia’s H2No with PFAS-free DWR
Ventilation: Pit zips
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L waterproof jacket comes with welded storm flaps over DWR-treated zippers, armpit zips for venting, hand pockets for stowing, and a two-way-adjustable, stowable hood (that, unlike the Arc’teryx Beta SL, doesn’t quite fit a helmet).
The Torrentshell is one of the most eco-conscious jackets we’ve tested, along with the Beta SL, and is the Best Overall in our Best Lightweight Rain Jackets guide. It’s a full-featured jacket for both trail and town, and a great budget alternative to the Beta SL at the mid-range price of $179.
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch
Weight: 11.3 oz
Material: 2.5-layer stretch-woven nylon with DWR
Waterproofing: 2.5-layer fabric, 10K/10K water column rating
Ventilation: pit zips
The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch—previously known as the StormLine Stretch—is our pick for Most Comfortable Rain Jacket in our Best Lightweight Rain Jackets guide. It’s lightweight, stretchy, and offers great features—pit zips, helmet-compatible hood, zippered hand pockets, and underarm gussets—for the price. Like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, the Fineline is an excellent budget alternative to the Arc’teryx Beta SL.
About the author / Why you should trust us
Naomi Hudetz is director of analytics and digital innovation and leads business strategy and revenue operations for Treeline Review. She brings decades of private sector experience in project management, budget and pricing projection, and long-term business vision, strategy, and goals.
Naomi left her corporate career to pursue her passion for the outdoors. She received the Triple Crown award for hiking for completing the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trail and has hiked numerous other distance routes including the Great Divide Trail across the Canadian Rockies (twice), Grand Enchantment Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, the Arizona Trail, (most of) the Idaho Centennial Trail, the first known thru-hike of the Blue Mountains Trail, and the Oregon Desert Trail. She's also gotten into bikepacking, including the Great Divide Mountain Bike Ride.
She previously served as Treasurer of the American Long Distance Hiking Association-West and is based in White Salmon, Washington.
