Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket

After reading several glowing reviews from magazines I decided to invest my hard-earned money on a jacket that would last me a lifetime (check the price again!).

I'm happy to announce that I seem to have made a wise investment in purchasing the Beta jacket by Arc'teryx.

Having a three quarter cut jacket already I chose the Beta for its shorter cut and 3-layer Gore-Tex laminate. Standing just over 5'8" and weighing 180 the jacket fit just enough when worn with a thin vest or fleece.

The attention to detail is incredible! I loved the exposed pocket zips with watertight zippers that are easily accessed with one hand and the pit zips are also exposed and are easily accessed, even with gloves on. The structured hood is lamenated and is large enough to accomodate a cap or any other head gear and has pull cords located on the collars and behind to adjust for viewing.

I also appreciated the laminated chin guard with the soft fleece imbedded in the fabric.

As for the feel of the jacket when worn, being a 3 ply gore-tex it does feel a bit stiff at first but after a while you get used to it. Last but not least, it surpasssed all my expectations when submitted to the elements from pouring rain, to a torrential downpour in the B.C. coastal mountains. Not only did it leave me bone dry but well ventilated thanks to the pit zips!

If you are looking to purchase a jacket that will keep you dry in the wettest circumstances take a good look at the Beta jacket from Arc'teryx, for the amount you pay--it's worth every penny!

This is a short (3/4 cut) 3-ply Gore-Tex jacket. Weight is exactly as listed: 495 g. It is intended for 3-season use but I use it with semi-bibs in winter conditions. It's quite simple (i.e. functionable) without a bunch of unecessary and annoying bells and whistles.

The DWR of the outer fabric is excellent. The silicon coated zippers are fully waterproof as advertised. Breathability is mediocre but far better than the two-ply Gore-tex jackets I've owned in the past. The lack of flaps on the under-arm zips makes them easy to use. I get only 'slightly moist' from perspiration when wearing it on the B.C. coast.

The workmanship in the jacket is superb -- the best I've ever seen. Stitching and seam-taping are of absolutely unparalled quality. There are a number of die-cut pieces in the jacket which meld seamlessly into the cut. This is especially evident on the wrist cuffs, which are curved rather than the standard rectangular cut and hence do not catch on shell gloves.

The hood is non-detachable, but large enough to accomdate a helmet easily and it adjusts to fit a large variety of headware. The brim on the front of the hood is molded and quite stiff so it does a good job of not dripping on your face. The collar is high and has a die-cut patch of 'fuzz' to prevent chin rash, but it still catches on my beard.

There is a lot to like about Arc'Teryx jackets. For the drooling reviews, read elsewhere. My problem with this jacket is that the ripstop is too lightweight to be abrasion resistant. I punctured one sleeve the first time I wore it backpacking. There is another review in this section that makes the same complaint about another Arc'Teryx model. Be forewarned.

I also have a Theta LT that at least has some abrasion resistant panels along the shoulder and sleeves. The rest of it is the same paper-thin ripstop.

BTW, when I had my Beta repaired, it went to Rainy Pass in Seattle, not to Arc'Teryx. No complaints about the patch job, but it made me wonder why this vaunted company did not perform their own repairs.