Arc'teryx Beta LT Review

This triple-layer, waterproof, and windproof shell is a great addition to most wet- or cold-weather kits. Its Gore-tex shell and taped seams create a waterproof barrier that's made to withstand hard weather. The cut of the fabric is flattering for warm weather but accommodating of bulky fleece jackets.

Performance Comparison

Water Resistance

Made from N40p Gore-Tex fabric with 3L tricot technology, this jacket is one of the most waterproof models that we tested. It has a Gore-tex membrane bonded to an outer shell fabric and an inner layer ("3L technology"). In fact, it did so well that we barely noticed any wetting out after a few minutes in our shower test, which subjects our coats to much higher water pressures than they face from natural rain. In fact, the biggest issue that we noticed is that water simply slid off of the jacket and onto our pants. The back of the jacket also hangs slightly lower than the front. It's not low enough to protect your butt while sitting down, but it does shield you from moisture when leaning against a wet log or rock.

Every zipper is waterproof, from the main body to the pockets to the pit zips. The taped seams inspire confidence, and the hood has a robust visor and wonderfully high collar that is both comfortable and protects against drips coming off of the top and from sideways rain. It is also roomy enough that you can really pull it down almost entirely over your face if you need to wait out a gust of wind or hail before moving forward. The shell is also equipped with standard velcro tabs at each wrist as well as two toggles - one on each side of the waist - that create a tight seal to keep underlayers protected. We were pleasantly surprised that these toggles never really inadvertently loosened, which is something that often happens after miles of wear.

Breathability

It certainly has some redeeming breathability features, but we want this model to be more breathable than it is. Two large pit zips are equipped to vent heat. Each one has two zippers so they can be opened from either the top or bottom. It is a slightly awkward motion, but it's possible to unzip them while wearing the jacket.

However, this jacket can certainly feel hot fast when on the move. We loved having it on in 50-degree windy conditions but moving into still conditions and warmer temperatures into the 60s we got sweaty pretty quickly. Once that happened, even the pit zips were not enough to make wearing the jacket comfortable enough while actively hiking.

Comfort & Mobility

Overall, this jacket is a little stiff, but it makes up for it with its weather protection. It is roomy enough to fit comfortably over a heavy mid-layer but has a slim fit cut that prevented us from swimming in it in warmer weather. Because of its stiffness, it has a distinct crinkle when on the move, but we didn't notice any meaningful mobility limitations beyond what we would expect from the average jacket. The drop hem (the extra part that hangs down at the back) also ensured that it didn't ride up above our waistline when reaching up.

The hood is large enough for a heavy winter hat or climbing helmet but also cinches down in three places — one cord at the back of the head and one on each side of the neck to secure it tightly. We also appreciate the microsuede chin guard that prevents a cold zipper from coming in direct contact with skin, as well as the long zipper, pulls that make it easy to zip and unzip the jacket while wearing glove liners. There are both pros and cons when considering the comfort of this model but ultimately, we think it offers more mobility and a good balance of fit and performance features than other comparable but bulkier jackets.

The pockets aren't exceptionally large, and they aren't quite high enough to avoid being covered by the hipbelt of a backpack, but neither of these quips is a dealbreaker.

Weight

We measured the Beta LT at 13.3 ounces, over half an ounce less than advertised. It is over an ounce heavier than the average jacket in the category, however, the protection it provides is well worth the nominal extra weight.

It is certainly much heavier than the lightest models in this review so it isn't a perfect option for ultralight trips. However, for most people on a day hike or multi-day adventures, it packs down small enough that we wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for the long haul.

Durability

The triple-layer material is super durable. It's not liable to get snagged on rogue branches or thorns. The metal zippers are all hearty and glide smoothly without getting caught on the interior fabric. Even the plastic toggles inspired confidence that they would last for pull after pull.

Like any jacket, it will have to be re-waterproofed eventually, but water beaded up just as well by the end of the test period as it did at the beginning. Fortunately, it is machine washable, so cleaning and care are no hassle for this bluesign-approved shell.

Should You Buy the Arc'teryx Beta LT?

This jacket is for those who need exceptional protection from wet weather hour after hour, day after day. It stands up to inundation beyond what we have come to expect from other jackets and it has thoughtful, durable features that make it stand out from the pack. It's very expensive so it is more than most people need for most activities. However, for extended backpacking trips in soggy climates like the Pacific Northwest or New England, this is a phenomenal choice. It is highly durable, adjustable, and one of the best jackets we have ever tested. If you are willing to shell out for it, we recommend it highly.

What Other Men's Rain Jackets Should You Consider?

Other options with great weatherproofing include the Outdoor Research Microgravity AscentShell and Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. If you need even more ventilation than the pit zips in the Betta LT offer, then the Outdoor Research Foray II is the right move. For greater comfort and mobility, you can't go wrong with theMountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket or Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0.