Beyond Clothing ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Jacket

This robust expedition-fit rain jacket is not only built to last, but is also designed for hard working functionality in inclement weather. A three-layer rainshell, it easily allows for layering underneath, yet is trim enough to not obstruct movement. From outside work to commuting, this highly durable jacket is ideal for someone who is looking for durability over weight savings. It is ideal in cool and cold weather, but can be sufficient in warmer weather during downpours.

In a world saturated with outdoor products, people have more opportunity than ever to fine-tune their personal rig to their needs. BEYOND Clothing is a Seattle-based designer, focused on providing their customers stylish yet functional outdoor apparel. The ARX 2.0 L6 is BEYOND Clothing’s flagship full-featured rain jacket.

Rugged and feature rich, the ARX 2.0 L6 is aimed toward long days outdoors. Review for the BEYOND ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Pants can be read here.

Features, Function & Adjustability:

The ARX 2.0 L6 jacket has four pockets for storage—two standard hand warmer-style, one located at the upper left chest area, and a semi-concealed one in the upper right arm area.  

The upper chest pocket has a port and added loop for routing headphones.

The helmet-compatible hood has a standard adjustable crown cinch.

Field of view with the hood is good, but not without slight limitation. A full-feature jacket of this caliber could certainly benefit with a wire sewn into the brim.  

A similar cinch is located at the hem, which has an elasticized below-the-waist fit.

Standard hook and loop wrist adjustment at the wrist.

Two-way zippered side vents are secured with additional snaps. 

These side vents allow access to pant pockets, and may aid for firearm access (not tested), but does not adequately aid in hot air ventilation applications. 

Gear that is this feature rich may not be suitable for the minimalist, but people that have a lot of need for adjustment and gear to protect will find qualities like these to be very important, justifying the weight. 

Fit, Comfort, & Layering:

The ARX 2.0 L6, Men’s Medium size fits well for a 5'10", 160lb. tester. Many additional sizes for fitting are available for this jacket.  

BEYOND Clothing has a very descriptive layering system which is very informative; more can be read here.

Layering under the rain shell worked well, from warm rains backpacking on the Appalachian Trail to typical East Coast wintery weather. Described to be "Expedition-fit, developed to accommodate up to four layers, for extensive use in extreme weather" is an accurate and realistic statement from BEYOND Clothing. 

Despite its burly abrasion resistance, the outer shell material was found to be very soft and comfortable. 

Breathability, Moisture, & Water Resistance:

When it comes to breathability, the three-layer construction of this shell has similar outcomes to previously tested shells, like the RAB Latok jacket. Ventilation is the necessary vehicle for unloading moisture, this jacket is clearly designed to keep cold rain out!

During high-output activity like backpacking, the side vents need to be opened to minimize sweat buildup. Although effective, any heavy-duty rain shell seems to best ventilate by opening the main zip. 

With fully taped interior seams, keeping the rain out it does! Extended excursions eventually led the outer shell material to wet out, which is typical of all Cordura nylon woven fabrics. Although not noted in the specifications, this rain shell appears to block 100 percent of wind. 

Abrasion Resistance, Construction, & Durability:

The BEYOND ARX 2.0 L6 rain shell gets top marks for construction quality. Top quality, easy to use zipper-pulls, comfortable pocket locations all show off the jacket’s quality construction. Typical day-to-day life with large dogs, several overnight backpacking trips, and six months of near daily use has failed to show any wear on the jacket whatsoever. 

Additional Construction Specs:

• Bluesign certified manufacturing (read more here)
• OEKO-TEX certified (read more here)
• Proprietary Lutra 3-layer ripstop
• Cordura nylon 66 'face fabric'
• 20-denier tricot nylon liner
• Internally taped seams 

Although BEYOND Clothing is a Berry Compliant brand, it should be noted that the ARX series Jackets and pants are manufactured in Cambodia. More reading on the company and Berry Compliance can be read below. 

BEYOND Clothing manufacturing

Berry Compliance

Conditions:

The ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Jacket has been tested almost daily from November 2021 to April 2022 in the mid-Atlantic USA. The coat has seen testing conditions from snow and ice, to heavy driving rains lasting hours. Heavy winds in the 50+ mph range were also immune to the security of this stout jacket.  

Conclusion: 

For those seeking durable bomb-proof quality at a fair price, the BEYOND ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Jacket is most certainly a competitor in today’s ambitious market. Thanks for reading!

Many thanks to the people over at Beyond Clothing for the opportunity for the Trailspace Gear Review Corps to test the ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Jacket.

 Additional thanks to D. Jankovic for several photo credits on this review.

Background

After more than thirty years of backpacking, I have tried nearly every weight and class of rain gear available on the market. From Gore-Tex to eVent, shells to ponchos, rain gear is a particular challenge to stay comfortable in the mid-Atlantic East Coast USA area.