Free 2-Day Shipping on orders over $50*
Memorial Day SaleMemorial Day Sale
Detail Pics

Description

A lightweight suit of armor.

The Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket offers all the waterproof protection of a heavyweight shell in a lightweight, packable design that you can put in your pack and forget about until you need it.
  • Gore Tex Paclite is lightweight, packable, and guaranteed waterproof breathable
  • Helmet-compatible Storm Hood with volume adjustability
  • Laminated watertight zippers for complete waterproofness
  • Gusseted underarms for added durability and unlimited range of motion
  • Athletic fit is ideal for layering under or over

Share your thoughts

What do you think of the

Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket - Men's

? Share a...

No file chosen

Rather attach a photo from another website?

Rather attach a photo from your computer?

  • Product review:
  • Share a video
  • Share a photo

How familiar are you with the product?(optional)

Invalid filetype.

Save

Here's what others have to say...

4 5

mpl4849261

Member since 

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.

4 5

ronp46239

Member since 

A nice shell - Good cut with simple design and has great range of motion. The End. The large worked for me 6'2 180lbs

Different use. I am thinking of getting a...

Tomas Manon

Member since 
Posted on

Different use. I am thinking of getting a packable waterproof to wear over my suits. I live in London and having something for unexpected rain is required, I would prefer to carry something in my bag as opposed to buying a rain coat, these are usually bulky too warm when it stops raining. Any advise around this jacket (too much? is it long enough?) or alternatives. I want something that def works as my suits are not cheap, not boasting but buying something inexpensive and not reliable defeats the purpose.

Pat Palmer

Member since 
Responded on

This will work for your intended purpose, with two minor caveats.
1) It has an athletic fit, so you will want to sie up for comfort.
2) If wearing over a suit jacket, you may want a proper 3/4 length rain shell/overcoat to make sure the bottom of your suit jacket stays dry.

Tomas Manon

Member since 
Responded on

thanks. appreciate the help.

PAUL UDOVIC

Member since 
Best Answer Responded on

Tomas,
Just a warning about paclite. I own 2 arcteryx paclite shells and have found in heavy rain they in fact will get wet on the inside (and it is not condensation from body heat). I have tested them under a shower with both cold and warm water and found the same results. I just cant trust paclite with anything more than a drizzle. I leave my paclite jackets for windy days or when they call for a light misting in the air. I go for a lightweight proshell (like the Alpha LT, or Theta AR) when it calls for a good downpour and you will be safe and have ample coverage front and rear.

Tomas Manon

Member since 
Responded on

Paul, very helpful, much appreciated.

5 5

Alex D

Member since 

These go on sale everywhere got mine for 140$ just cant beat it.
super light , well thats whats SL is , water proof and breathable. Got it to use in 4 seasons for rain water protection im 6 150lb but i got small because it was onsale i tried it and it fit alright but a bit short something i can deal with. used it couple times on hikes low mid 30s only drawback if u hide ur hands from wind with no gloves pockets get very cold inside.. i know they are made for ventilation . i dont use helments and hood still isnt as big as on my beta ar so with few adjustments it fits perfectly , so i think its best deal for 4season hard shell . I would prob go with medium but in small i still can fit 1 midlayer under it very easy but two layers already picks it up but still doable.

4 5

Tanner Hodges

Member since 
Groups:
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

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.

3 5

Patrick

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I own the prior model Beta SL (drop hood). It's excellent. I bought new Beta SL (storm hood). I have nothing against storm hoods, but I'm highly disappointed with the new model because it's poorly designed around the neck and face. Call me a perfectionist if you like but for more money I expect more. I have three major complaints with the new Beta SL model:

1. When zipping it up the upper part of the jacket isn't comfortable and the draw strings project oddly;

2. My biggest complaint and the reason I'm sending it back is that the draw chords used to tighten the hood on the sides are poorly placed - they're on the INSIDE of the hood at face level rather than OUTSIDE the hood and low (like other Arc'teryx jackets such as the Sidewinder); Consequently when the chords are pulled to tighten the sides of the hood, these chords literally are in one's face. Why? I own the Sidewinder - its draw chords are perfectly placed: on the OUTSIDE of the hood and low - when you pull them they're out of your face and low - there's no way they're going to make you uncomfortable or be in your way.

3. A surprising disappointment with the new Beta SL is the cheap-feeling zipper tab - this might not seem like a big deal but when you grab the new zipper tab it feels like you're touching cheap string. The old model jacket has a thick hard plastic tab at the end to give you something to actually grab onto - it feels like quality. The new zipper tab feels like someone was trying to cut costs and put on this thin string - hardly reflecting the brand that produced quality jackets like the Alpha SV, Sidewinder, and Gamma MX.

I'll gladly retain my "old" and excellent red Beta SL and return the new olive one with its oddly placed draw chords and cheap-feeling string zipper tab.

PS - I'm a huge fan of Arc'teryx and all the other products I own I love, just not this one.

4 5

Nate Johnson

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

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.

1 5

Scotty T

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

After a walk in typical Oregon weather the iPhone I stashed in the "waterproof" pocket got drenched and now I'm in the market for a new phone and a new jacket. Check out the response I got from Arc'teryx customer service and you might think twice about buying this jacket.

Arc'teryx Service Team - Aidan
ARC'TERYX Equipment Inc.
www.arcteryx.com
Although our WaterTight zippers are highly water resistant, they are not fully waterproof. Pockets constructed using waterproof fabrics may collect water if they are opened or accessed during wet or snowy conditions.

We do not recommend keeping items in your pockets that may be damaged by moisture. We strongly recommend that you keep any fragile or electronic devices in a sealable plastic bag inside an internal pocket. Arc'teryx is not responsible for any damage to electronic devices or personal equipment.

Adam

Member since 
Responded on

What a sham! I'd complain till they did more for me. This is an unacceptable response!! You should also put pressure on the store you purchased this jacket from. They will have more sway with arcteryx.

I had my Marmot Alpinist pocket opened in a rain fall without knowing it, the water creeped in. Everything was dry elsewhere but the pocked had a quarter liter of water in it! That was the only time any of my pockets got wet on any of my gore-tex jackets.
Btw I think gore-tex is also very strict about how companies use their materials. You should also write to gore and show them arcteryx's response.

Bottom line, the price you pay for a shell, you shouldn't just let this go.

5 5

John Langer

Member since 
Groups:
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

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.

jetp129814

Member since 
Responded on

Ditto! I own one and there are few that compare

5 5

RacerXK1

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

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).

4 5

TPat

Member since 

I've been using this jacket for two years now and am very satisfied with it. I use it in a variety of sports, activities and conditions, but primarily for mountaineering and backpacking.

The highlights:
-lightweight
-packable
-durable
-comfortable
-well-fitting
-breathable

After two years of use, the jacket is still in great shape: all the seams and high-wear areas are completely intact. Indeed the jacket still likes fairly new despite heavy use. It breaths well and is completely waterproof and I like how the pockets are high enough so as to not be caught behind my backpack waist strap.

The reason that I give the jacket a 4-star review is because I really wish it had pit-zips. Another nice addition would be a a cord that allows you to tighten the area around the neck. The jacket currently has strings allowing you to tighten the hood around the face, but when it is cold I can feel heat escaping out around my neck and it would be nice to be able to cinch this area down.

I don't have any complaints, but just feel these changes would make a rock-solid product a perfect one. If Arc'teryx made these two changes, the jacket would be an absolute 5-star product.

As a disclaimer, I am affiliated with Gore for product testing of Gore-tex products for the purpose of product review and recommendation. I do receive items from Gore for these purposes.

5 5

mikey1299

Member since 

This is my go to jacket for summer when I need to be prepared for thunderstorms or cool temperatures. It compliments my Beta AR which I use in the fall, winter and spring.

The fabric is so light it feels like you aren't wearing a hardshell. The pockets are well placed and keep the weight light.

I am 5'11" and 180lbs and a large fits well.

As a disclaimer, I am affiliated with Gore for product testing of Gore-tex products for the purpose of product review and recommendation. I do receive items from Gore for these purposes.

4 5

ratski1036854

Member since 

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.

5 5

Craig W.

Member since 

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'm just curious how this would fit with...

Aaron Hickey

Member since 
Posted on

I'm just curious how this would fit with the Atom LT Hoody. I'm trying to save some money, so I was looking at the Beta SL. I know the Alpha LT would be the best shell to combine it with, but its a little too pricey. Considering how the Beta SL is part of the Beta line, is the drop hem going to be long enough to fully cover the hem of the Atom? If not, I might just wait to save up for the Fall '12 Black Alpha LT.

Brandon Carlile

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

The Beta SL will work great with the Atom LT Hoody. That being said, a bit of saving is well worth getting the Alpha LT, and the couple months of saving will pay off in years of service and better daily performance.

5 5

Tobias Kai Looper

Member since 

I love this jacket! It was a gift form my sister and I can't thank her enough. I couldn't buy one on my own, so I now understand.... you get what you pay for. Even though this jacket is short on ton of features, it's very well thought out. The fit is great, for reference, I'm 5'9" and 185lbs with medium wide shoulders. I have a large and the atheltic fit is great, the arms are a bit long, but I don't notice, but someone taller with longer arms will still like this jacket. The zippers work well and I like the longer pockets, they work well if you have a pack on. Obviously very woterproof, it's Goretex. suprisingly it breaths pretty well to, no clammy damp feeling after a hike and due to it's light weight construction, it's very comfortable to wear in general. If you can afford one, get one.