Arc'teryx  Beta SL Jacket - Women's

Note: I received this product for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. Fit: I wanted a more snug fit for the jacket, so I got a size medium as I typically can fit it in standard sizing/with other more flexible materials. While the jacket fit as I wanted to in the arms and most of the torso, it was a bit too tight in the bust. Because of this, I might have gotten a size large, but otherwise the fit was sufficient. Weight: In terms of weight, you can’t beat this jacket. Putting this in a small pack to go camping and hiking is a breeze, and it doesn’t feel too heavy to wear in warmer weather. It also feels like it could be used with layers in cold weather and be just as effective, but it’s difficult to confirm as I’ve only had it for August through early September in the Virginia area. Notable features: I really appreciate the Velcro on the wrists and the bungee cord on the back of the hood to adjust tightness. There is a small, velvet-like pocket on the inside for valuables and two zippable pockets in the sides. Good mobility overall. Final impressions: Size up for women with big busts, but overall I have no complaints. An all around functional rain jacket that seems like it will last a long time/for many future trips.

I received this product for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review.” I've been waiting for it to rain in Seattle in order to fully review. Well, today was the day. This jacket literally weighs nothing and packs down tiny. Threw it in my pack as I left for an early morning hike and within 10 minutes it was needed as the skies opened up. I sized up to a large, since my other Arc'teryx jacket is a medium and I can barely zip it up if wearing a tshirt. Was surprised how roomy this was, even when wearing a hoody underneath. It did take me a minute to cinch the hood tight enough to be able to see, yes the hood is that big, and up the trail I went. Was expecting to get too warm or get that dreaded muggy sweaty feel, but to my great surprise, this jacket is super breathable. After 90 minutes in the pouring rain I returned to my car, stripped the Beta off and was dry as a whistle! Love the army green color, but a bit of reflective material would make this jacket pure perfection.

Great jacket! It fit me well and was comfortable. It was easily packed and lightweight enough for backpacking. I loved the low profile pit zips, and taped seams. The hood will easily cover a helmet, and has adjustment in the case you aren’t wearing one. I took it to the sierras and it was great for wind protection (fortunately for me, unfortunately for this review, it did not rain). I did test it under a hose and it held up magnificently. Definitely waterproof! My only complaint is the color choices, but that’s a personal preference!

Will for sure keep you dry the entire time. Because of the strong material, it is incredibly waterproof. The water doesn’t sit on your jacket and seep in like some other types. It feels breathable -I like that it doesn’t stick to your skin or feel clammy to the touch on the inside when it rains. The hood has cords that help it stay up and out of your face - you will need to do some adjusting to make it work well.

This jacket arrived just in time for some late summer thunderstorms. Perfect in every way from fit to comfort and I stayed completely dry. It is just a light shell so size up to fit over a fleece or heavy sweater if cooler weather.

I considered a number of waterproof breathable rain jacket options, after having had lower priced options for years (everything from LLBean to Marmot Precip to mountain hardwear and Patagonia models). The numerous rainy weekends with very wet hikes the last few months convinced me it’s time to upgrade as I found every jacket I owned lets in water. I went up a size in this so I can layer in all seasons. Typical arctyrex fit with lots of shoulder room and long enough arms. Easy to snug up the wrists and hem. Super tight quality as you’d expect, a good non-black color (black sapphire) and not super noisy fabric. Very lightweight and packable.

So Light - less than lb. ! Great for journeys where lightweight is critical. Great inner pocket, sleeves can be cinched with Velcro.

This is such a nice coat, with the little extras Arc’teryx usually has. But I’m returning it. The material is so stiff and noisy that it sounds like I’m wrapped in paper. Probably too noisy to be able to converse with someone while walking and wearing it. A shame.

5 stars...I bought this for my daughter. She's 5'3" and 110 lbs. It fits great and no one beats Arc'teryx at waterproofing. She uses this for snowboarding and it's holding up great. Arc'teryx calls this a hiking jacket and wants to charge north of $700 for snowboarding or skiing jackets, but this Beta SL does the job just fine. Save some money and buy the Beta SL. You can pair it with the Atom Hoody for a decent mid layer (good from mid-20's and up) or save more money and go with an REI or Patagonia mid.

I bought this after trying cold rainy weather kayaking for the first time and realizing my current insulated waterproof jacket is too bulky. This one caught my eye as I liked the style and the green color and how light it was. Getting it was a game changer. I do a lot of walking and hiking in the rain during fall and winter in PNW, and this is just perfect for keeping me dry with a base layer underneath, and so much more comfortable and breathable than my warmer insulated jacket. I know when wearing it in fall/winter I have to keep moving to stay warm, so I mainly use it with exercise, reserving an insulated waterproof jacket for when I'm outdoors but less active. I got my usual jacket size and found the fit just right, I prefer clothes with roomier fit and I did not find this one too tight.