Arc’teryx Beta Jacket | Review - Outdoors Magic

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Waterproof Jackets

Arc’teryx Beta Jacket | Review

Sub: The Arc’teryx Beta Jacket is an extremely versatile waterproof shell that remains lightweight and comfortable for three-season use

Why We Chose The Arc’teryx Beta Waterproof Jacket: Versatile, lightweight, comfortable.

The Beta Jacket from Arc’teryx is an extremely lightweight, yet versatile, waterproof jacket for three-season hiking adventures. If you’re usually looking for a jacket packed with all the bells and whistles then this might not be the one for you. But, if you’re after a three-season jacket that’s got a clean cut and just the right amount of features, then it’s definitely worth reading on to check out this versatile shell.

Materials and Construction

The Beta Jacket is cut from the regular Gore-tex waterproof fabric that provides a three layer system for full rain protection. The seams have been taped and the jacket has been washed with a DWR treatment to further boost its waterproof protection.

Photos: Mike Drummond

Sitting below the Gore-tex membrane is Gore-Tex’s C-Knit backer technology. C-Knit is essentially a smooth, lightweight and highly breathable backer material that boosts the comfort levels of the inside of the jacket. It also protects the membrane, preventing dirt and oils from blocking up its pores. The smoother texture of the backer material means the jacket is easy to slip on over a midlayer, while not feeling too ‘plasticy’ (as many other waterproof fabrics feel) when worn next to skin.

Gore claims that this backer tech is able to boost breathability by up to fifteen percent while weight is also reduced by up to ten percent. Arc’teryx have long been users of Gore-tex materials, and it’s great to see this continue with this 2022 edition of the Beta Jacket. Although the breathability sees a boost thanks to the C-Knit backing, be aware that the Beta doesn’t feature any pit zips if you’re looking to dump any extra heat.

Features

As is the way with much of Arc’teryx’s products, the Beta comes sporting that classic minimalist Arc’teryx design, although it’s got just enough features to live up to the versatile use the jacket has been designed for. You’ve got a low profile hood (that’s not helmet compatible) with a single pull adjuster, while further fabric adjustment can be made thanks to hem adjusters and simple velcro cuff tabs.

Then, looking at the pockets, you’ve got two raised hip pockets that are kept well out of the way of a backpack hip belt or climbing harness. These pockets also feature Arc’teryx’s WaterTight zippers that, as the name suggests, have been built to keep water out. These zippers aren’t actually rated to be fully waterproof, but Arc’teryx claims that they are highly water resistant.

Fit

The fit of the Beta Jacket is pretty trim, so don’t expect to be able to fit too many layers beneath if you’ve sized true to size. We found a t-shirt and a lightweight midlayer were the optimal amount of layers to go beneath. The jacket also features articulation to give unhindered mobility.

Tester’s Verdict

Grant Hyatt, North Wales-based outdoor photographer

“This is a brand that I’ve always been curious about, given their reputation and price point in the market. Having used this over 2 weeks in heavy rain, strong winds and high temperatures, both as a shell over an insulating layer, as well as just over a technical tee, I’ve been really pleased with how it’s performed.

“The Gore Tex membrane does what it should, and hasn’t wetted out yet. What I really like about this is its weight and packability. It’s probably the second lightest waterproof I’ve owned and it takes up so little space when rolled or bunched up, so makes for an easy jacket to stuff in an exterior pocket of a rucksack to whip out when required. Or even, as I’ve mostly used it so far, as a windproof layer.

“The pockets are big enough for all your essentials and positioned in the sweet point between chest and waist straps. On their website, they say this is a quiet jacket. I’ve not found it to be particularly quiet, but not in a way that interrupts enjoyment of the outdoors. I’ll definitely be using this as my main jacket for three-season mountain walks and other wet weather outings.”

Buy the Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket: £270 at Ellis-Brigham 

Arc’teryx Beta Jacket

Selected for the Outdoor 100 2022/23
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