Beyond Clothing ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Pant

Durable and functional, the BEYOND ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Pant is a three-layer expedition-fit hardshell that is best suited for long days in inclement weather. These highly durable rain pants are best for people who prioritize hard-wearing rain gear over weight savings. They are 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 pant.

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

Features, Function & Adjustability:

The ARX 2.0 L6 rain pant has two traditionally placed front pockets.

An elasticized internal belt is sewn into the pant. 

Note that an external belt or belt-loop style suspenders can be fitted. 

Additional suspender loops are sewn in, however "vertically oriented" suspender mount points are very difficult to find. It will be nice to see if BEYOND adds a compatible accessory. 

Full length two-way zippers allow pants on/off without boot removal.

Additional reinforcements are sewn into the instep area.

Hems with two snaps provide additional security.

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, and Layering:

The ARX 2.0 L6, Men’s 30 (32-33" waist per BEYOND size chart) fits well for a 5'10", 160lb. tester. Two additional lengths are available. 

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 Cordura nylon 66 face fabric was found to be very soft and comfortable.

Breathability, Moisture, & Water Resistance:

When it comes to breathability, the three-layer construction of these rain pants have similar outcomes to previously tested shells, like the RAB Latok pant. Ventilation is the necessary vehicle for unloading moisture, these pants are clearly designed to keep that cold rain out!

During high-output activity like backpacking, the side vents need to be opened to minimize sweat buildup. 

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 BEYOND’s specifications, these rain pants appear to block 100% of wind.

The two-way zippers allow necessary ventilation during high output activities.

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 pockets 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 these rain pants 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
• Two-way zippers throughout 

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 Pant 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 pair of pants.

Conclusion:

For those seeking durable bomb-proof quality at a fair price, the BEYOND ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Pant 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 Pant.

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

Background

After over 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.