Why We Chose It: Lightweight, durable, streamline
Getting hold of a trusty and reliable waterproof jacket is at the top of the shopping list for all hikers, particularly for those who predominantly spend their time in the changeable mountain climates of the UK. One brand that’s consistently created solid and dependable shells to a high spec is Arc’teryx – and this is certainly true with their Beta LT Jacket.
Who Is the Arc’teryx Beta LT For?
Given the £350 price tag (that’s around £100 more than a jacket from another brand with a regular Gore-Tex membrane) this jacket isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. But, saying that, if you do decide to go for the Beta LT you’re going to be rewarded with a well-built jacket that offers a good performance level.
Materials and Construction
The main talking point of this updated Beta LT is, of course, that Gore-Tex membrane. Sitting at the middle of Gore-Tex’s range of fabrics, regular Gore-Tex strikes a balance between weight, breathability and all-weather protection.
“The Beta LT is sporting an extremely streamlined, and well considered, design.”
Arc’teryx originally created the Beta LT with the heavier, and more durable, Gore-Tex Pro fabric. This time, they’ve instead decided to opt for the standard Gore-Tex fabric for the Beta LT (LT meaning lightweight, by the way). While that might be a downgrade when it comes to the overall durability and wet weather performance, it does at least mean that this new version of the Beta LT is slightly more packable than the previous one. It’s also a bit cheaper in price.
The face fabric still has a tough 40-denier strength rating and it’s been joined together by micro (1.6 mm) weather-proof seams to reduce bulk and any additional weight. Seam taping has always been something that Arc’teryx has done to a high level, and it’s certainly the case with the Beta LT.
