Description
A lightweight suit of armor.
- 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
Terms And Conditions
This Usage Agreement (the "Agreement") governs your conduct while using various services on the web site Backcountry.com and its affiliate web sites (collectively, the "Site"). All references to "we," "us," and "our" shall mean Backcountry.com and all references to "you" and "your" shall mean the user of the Site and Site Services. This Agreement applies to various services and activities on the Site as well as to gear review and product ratings (collectively, "Site Services"). Please read this Agreement carefully.
BY ACCESSING, BROWSING, AND USING THE SITE, ANY SITE SERVICES AND OTHER SERVICES THEREIN, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THIS AGREEMENT AND ITS TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY SUBSEQUENT MODIFICATION THEREOF, DO NOT ACCESS, BROWSE OR OTHERWISE USE THE SITE OR SITE SERVICES, INCLUDING THE SUBMISSION OF ANY REVIEWS OR COMMENTS.
Your use of the Site is governed by this Agreement and any other agreements and/or terms of use adopted by Backcountry.com and/or its affiliates. This Agreement shall govern in the event of, and to the extent of, any inconsistency with the Site. For more information on our privacy practices, read the Privacy Policy to understand our practices regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal information on the Site and with respect to Site Services.
Any comments, reviews (including gear reviews and product ratings), posts, feedback, questions, answers, notes, messages, images, video, audio, materials, documents, data, graphics, ideas, suggestions or other communications (collectively, "User Content") you submit on the Site are not private or proprietary. By submitting User Content on or through the Site, you grant, assign and transfer to Backcountry.com all of your rights, title and interest, including without limitation, all intellectual property rights and moral rights, in and to such User Content. To the extent the preceding assignment and transfer is ineffective, you hereby grant Backcountry.com an irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual right and license to use, copy, modify, adapt, display, publish, archive, store, distribute, reproduce and create derivative works based upon such User Content, in any form, media, software or technology of any kind now existing or developed in the future.
By submitting such User Content on or through the Site, you are confirming that (a) you are the sole author of the User Content and the User Content originated with you and not copied in whole or in part from any other work; (b) you have obtained all necessary permissions associated with the User Content, including without limitation permissions relating to copyrights, trademarks, rights of publicity and/or rights of privacy; (c) the User Content does not contain hate speech or profanity and is not unlawful, threatening, abusive, harassing, tortuous, defamatory, vulgar, libelous, obscene, racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable, an invasion of another's privacy, or otherwise in violation of this Agreement; (d) that you are not a minor and have the legal right and capacity to enter into and comply with this Agreement; (e) such User Content does not and will not, in any way, violate or breach any of the terms of this Agreement; and (f) Backcountry.com shall not in any circumstances be required to pay or incur any sums to any person or entity as a result of its use or exploitation of the User Content.
With respect to your conduct on the Site or while using the Site Services, you agree not to: (a) attempt to disguise the origin of any User Content transmitted to the Site Services whether through the Site or any third party site; (b) act in any manner that negatively affects other users' ability to use the Site and Site Services; (c) impersonate any person or entity, including without limitation, a manufacturer or owner of any product, or falsely state or otherwise misrepresent your affiliation with a person or entity; (d) interfere with the Site or Site Services, or servers or networks connected to the Site or Site Services, or disobey any requirements, procedures, policies, or regulations of networks connected to the Site or Site Services; (e) upload, post, or otherwise transmit any User Content that with respect to the Site Services: (i) is not relevant to the product, service, person or entity being reviewed; (ii) you do not have a right to transmit under any law or under contractual or fiduciary relationships (by way of example but not limitation, inside information, proprietary and confidential information learned or disclosed as part of employment relationships or under nondisclosure agreements); (iii) contains software viruses or any other computer code, files or programs designed to interrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of any computer software or hardware or telecommunications equipment; or (iv) is unsolicited or unauthorized advertising, promotional materials, "junk mail," "spam," "chain letters," "pyramid schemes," or any other form of solicitation.
By submitting any such User Content on or through the Site, you grant Backcountry.com permission to use your name, alias and any other information (as provided by you) to attribute such User Content to you. Without limiting the generality of the previous sentence, and subject to our Privacy Policy, you authorize Backcountry.com, its affiliates, and sublicensees to share the User Content across all affiliated Web sites, and to use your name and any other information in connection with its use of such User Content, as they may choose. You also grant Backcountry.com and its affiliates the right to use any material, information, ideas, concepts, know-how or techniques contained in such User Content. We are not responsible for the similarity of any of our Content or programming in any media to User Content submitted by you. Any and all rights granted in this section are granted without the need for any compensation to you in any form.
User Content does not reflect the views of Backcountry.com, and Backcountry.com does not represent or guarantee the truthfulness, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, integrity, quality or reliability of any User Content, nor does Backcountry.com endorse or support any opinions expressed in any User Content. In no event shall Backcountry.com have or be construed to have any responsibility or liability for or in connection with any User Content, Any gear reviews and/or product ratings submitted on the Site, if displayed, are displayed for entertainment and informational purposes only. Under no circumstances will Backcountry.com be liable in any way for any User Content, including but not limited to, any errors or omissions in any User Content, or for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of any User Content posted, emailed or otherwise transmitted via the Site or Site Services.
If Backcountry.com determines, in our sole and absolute discretion, that you or any User Content you submit violates this Agreement, we reserve the right, at any time, without notice and without limiting any and all other rights Backcountry.com may have under this Agreement, to: (a) refuse to allow you to submit further User Content; (b) remove and delete your User Content; (c) revoke your registration and right to use the User Content Submission Features; and (d) use any technological, legal, operational or other means available to enforce the terms of this Agreement, including, without limitation, blocking specific IP addresses or deactivating your registration, access to the Site and Site Services using your e-mail address, and your user name and password. Without limiting the foregoing, once User Content is submitted to the Site, Backcountry.com may take any or no action with respect to such User Content, including without limitation, deleting, editing, modifying, rejecting, or refusing to post such User Content, but is under no obligation to offer you the opportunity to edit, delete or otherwise modify User Content once it has been submitted. Backcountry.com shall have no duty to attribute authorship of User Content to you and shall not be obligated to enforce any form of attribution by third parties.
If, despite the foregoing assignment and transfer of rights in the User Content, it is determined that you retain moral rights (including the rights of attribution or integrity) in the User Content, you hereby declare that: (a) you do not require that any personally identifying information be used in connection with the User Content or any derivative works of or upgrades or updates thereto; (b) you have no objection to the publication, use, modification, deletion and exploitation of the User Content by Backcountry.com or its licensees, successors or assigns; (c) you forever waive and agree not to claim or assert any entitlement to any and all moral rights of an author in any of the User Content; and (d) you forever release Backcountry.com, and its licensees, successors and assigns from any claims that you could otherwise assert against Backcountry.com by virtue of any such moral rights.
You are prohibited from violating the security of any system or network compromising the Site or the Site Services, including but not limited to the following: (a) unauthorized access to or use of data, systems, or networks, including any attempt to probe, scan or test the vulnerability of the Site or Site Services or to breach security or authentication measures; (b) unauthorized monitoring of data or traffic on the Site or of the Site Services; (c) interference with the Site or Site Services including without limitation, any type of flooding technique or deliberate attempt to overload the system such as denial or service attacks; (d) forging of a message header or any part of a message header; or (e) using manual or electronic means to avoid any use or access limitation placed on this Site or the Site Services. Such violations may result in criminal or civil liability.
Backcountry.com reserves the right to report any activity or persons that Backcountry.com suspects has violated any law or regulation to appropriate law enforcement officials, regulators, or other appropriate third parties (including the disclosure of appropriate subscriber information). Backcountry.com may also cooperate with appropriate law enforcement agencies to assist in the investigation and prosecution of any illegal conduct. Indirect or attempted violations of this Agreement and actual or attempted violations thereof by a third party on behalf of any user shall be considered violations of this Agreement by such user.
BACKCOUNTRY.COM DOES NOT ENDORSE THE USER CONTENT, IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE USER CONTENT AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY TO ANY PERSON OR ENTITY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, PERSONS WHO MAY USE OR RELY ON SUCH USER CONTENT) FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE (WHETHER ACTUAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR OTHERWISE), INJURY, CLAIM, LIABILITY OR OTHER CAUSE OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER BASED UPON OR RESULTING FROM ANY USER CONTENT PROVIDED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.
Share your thoughts
What do you think of the
Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket - Men's
? Share a...
Great Lightweight Shell
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.
A nice shell, by me.
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
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
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
thanks. appreciate the help.
PAUL UDOVIC
Member since
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
Paul, very helpful, much appreciated.
Love it
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.
Gotta love this jacket
Tanner Hodges
Member since
- 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.
Expected slightly better from Arc'teryx
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.
Very light and packable, but large torso
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.
This jacket killed my iPhone
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.
My Favorite Jacket
John Langer
Member since
- 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
Ditto! I own one and there are few that compare
Go-To Adventure Rain Jacket
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).
Great, light jacket, would like pit zips
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.
Perfect lightweight shell
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.
Beta SL jacket
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.
My Go-To 3 Season Rain Jacket
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
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
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.
AWESOME!!!
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.

Adam
Member since