Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket (Men's)

The Beta SL is the lightest shell in the Beta lineup. At 340g in a men’s medium it’s a 3-layer Gore-Tex jacket that packs down small enough that there's never really an argument for leaving it home.

The membrane is Gore-Tex ePE, the expanded polyethylene membrane Arc’teryx now runs across the Beta line. It’s PFAS-free throughout and laminated to a bio-based nylon face with fibres derived from plants, a meaningful step forward on the sustainability side. The face fabric is 40-denier by 70-denier nylon with a C-KNIT backer, which is softer and more comfortable against a mid-layer than the standard Gore-Tex backer. Waterproofing tests at 28,000mm. Breathability is solid for a 3-layer construction, and Outdoor Gear Lab ranked it first in their men’s rain jacket category across multiple seasons.

The feature set is full for a jacket this light: StormHood is helmet-compatible with articulated patterning for peripheral vision, pit zips vent on the way up, two zippered handwarmer pockets, one internal chest pocket, adjustable Velcro cuffs. RECCO reflector built in. WaterTight zippers throughout.

Fitted cut sits close enough to eliminate bulk under a harness or a pack, while still accommodating a mid-layer. Reviewers consistently note it runs slightly generous in the shoulders, making the fitted label a bit misleading at that point.

The Beta SL is the jacket that covers hiking, climbing approaches, ski touring days, and everyday wet weather. For those who want one shell that handles most of what the mountains and the weather forecast throw at them, this is the most logical starting point in the Arc’teryx lineup.