Light and seemingly strong

By Jonathan Callahan Ranked #316 - Men's Rain Jackets August 31, 2011

I got my Beta SL on sale and feel mostly OK with that, however I don't think it's worth the msrp. For 11 oz it makes a good layer to toss in the pack and forget about, just in case. It obviously doesn't weigh much and the zipper and other features are consequently a little bit waifish. I haven't ripped the shell in 2 years of moderate alpine climbing and backpacking, but that doesn't mean I don't worry about a branch eating up my jacket. I use a different, heavier shell for day-to-day use in the Pac NW because I'm afraid of wearing this one out. Pit zips would be good as I get a little overheated when moving around, but then you'd should just get the Alpha SL for an additional ounce. I like the Beta SL for ultralight layering and 'just in case' situations but it's not a daily driver for me. Sizing in the "small" is consistent with other Arc'teryx pieces.

View Details: Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket - Men's

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