Arc'teryx Men's Beta SL Jacket

This shell is great as long as you dont pretend it is something that it is not. This is a great layer to throw in your bag in case it might rain or to use if you want to go super light-weight but without stressing about getting caught out in the rain. It weighs almost nothing, packs down super small, looks stylish, and is waterproof/breathable enough to make it a few days in the rain.
This is not a long term expedition shell. It is noticeably less waterproof and breathable than a Gore-Tex pro shell, less durable too. It doesn't have pit zips, and I would usually get a little wet in a downpour. I wouldn't take it skiing in the trees either.
All in all, it's great, it just isn't a great coat if you plan/expect on being out in the rain for days at a time while exercising. I've had mine for a few years, it mostly lives in the bottom of my day-pack, but when I get caught in the rain, it does just fine till I get home.

Here is a jacket that weighs next to nothing and lets you laugh at the rain. Made out of Gore-tex paclite material, it sheds rain with ease and still breathes pretty well. The sleeves are plenty long enough and the hood is easily adjustable. It is not large enough to wear over a helmet, but I don't expect to wear such a light coat if I need my ski helmet on. The pockets are placed lower on the jacket so it is easy rest you hands in them. This jacket is my around town rain jacket and my just in case it rains jacket because it is so easy to throw in the pack. I hardly know I am wearing a jacket it is so light. This is the perfect jacket for hikes spring to fall time. I belong to a group that gets to test clothing and this is one of the favorite items I have tested so far.

As a member of Gore MountainTechs, I have the opportunity to field test GORE-TEX gear in some of the harshest conditions. This jacket is my go to jacket for backpacking. Very lightweight and packabe, yet still very waterproof. Zippers are not as hefty as I'd like, but help shave ounces so I guess it's worth it. No pit zips, which is a huge downfall for me, but not a show stopper as it's still quite breathable. The length is good for sleeves and torso, but it's pretty bulky in the torso (I'm 6', 185 lbs, and have this jacket in large.) The bulk does help when layering with down underneath, so I wear this jacket in all conditions. But as a shell, just a bit large in the torso for my liking. Overall, would still highly recommend this jacket, but you may want to consider stepping one size down if you're slim and don't need the length.

I am a Gore MountainTech and I test products for W.L. Gore. I have tested numerous styles and brands and can say that this is definitely my go-to jacket from spring to fall. What I love about it is that it is extremely light-weight and extremely comfortable. It almost feels as though I am not wearing a jacket at all. Although it was clearly designed for expeditions where minimizing weight and bulk are essential, this jacket gets a lot of casual use from me as well. Construction is high quality, which is expected coming from Arc'teryx. Hood is appropriately sized and has a simple and effective rear cord for easy adjustment. I was initially concerned about ventilation, since there are no pit zips, but I am pleased with the breathability of the Gore-Tex PacLite fabric. No pit zips necessary. I am 6'5" tall and 195 pounds and the XL fits great.

I had used the Beta SL Jacket for over 2 years and I had great moments and bad experience. It is very very small and compact so great for traveling, backpacks and very light. I love the fitting and the color looks good. I had the Patagonia and does not like the fitting. I paid high price for this so I used it all winter and keep me dry. I had couple of bad experience where it soak during heavy rain. I had to apply rain proof wash again to make sure that it is water proof and it works like magic again. Does not keep you warm since you need to layer with a fleece but block wind very well. I would recommend it but the price is just too expensive for rain jacket.

I have been a patagonia diehard for decades, but their totally inconsistent sizing has finally done me in. Started looking at the arc jackets - looking for lightweight raingear for hiking, etc. led me to this. I also got the corresponding pants. There's a patagonia jacket, the M10, that is 2/3's the weight. Doesn't have pockets, though, and an XS was big on my 6'2 170 friend. REALLY? Fit on this jacket is better for me, but at 5'8, 130lbs, I probably need a (nonexistent) XS. Sleeve length and arm fit is ok with a puffy on underneath, but otherwise it's a little baggy. Ideally, this would come in an XS, and have 20% lighter fabric. Otherwise, the collar, hood closure/adjustments, pockets, and details make it absolutely fantastic.

Anyone who has experienced Arc'teryx products before knows that they are in a league of their own when it comes to quality. This jacket is no exception. I've used it on the Oregon coast, hiking Montana in the spring, and climbing in the Utah Wasatch. I can't find a single complaint with the performance or style of this jacket. A lot of people casually throw around the term "favorite" on reviews, but I sincerely mean it when I say that this is my favorite jacket! The taped seams and gore-tex keep you dry, but it also breathes like no other jacket I've had! Well done, Arc'teryx. Well done.

Full disclosure, I test and review products as a GORE-TEX MountainTech. This is my favorite lightweight rain shell for extended trips in the backcountry and for fast and light climbs in the mountains. The beauty of this jacket is that it weighs next to nothing and compacts so small, I can forget about it in the bottom of my pack (until the rain starts falling!) The long hem and cinch cord on bottom fit well with my harness and help keep things dry. The sleeves and shoulders offer good range of movement. The hood is pretty good, but is a little small for my helmet (BD Half Dome).

This is my first Arcteryx jacket and I gotta say I might be fully converted. Just from picking it up and putting it o you can tell its made with excellent craftsmanship and materials. Being from Oregon I know how being in the rain every day for 4 months feels. Its great to have a go to rain jacket that can also be used for so much more> I have used it for hiking, fishing, and even duck hunting(threw a camo shirt over the top of it and I stayed dry all day long.) I like the storm hood and its versatility. Great overall jacket.