Designed for adventures within the mountains, the Arc’teryx Beta SL jacket is a flexible piece of package applicable for a variety of makes use of – from sport cragging to rugged alpine climbs. It’s 100% waterproof and windproof whereas nonetheless being breathable and light-weight, simply packing down right into a small pack. The Beta SL replaces the Arc’terx Beta Light-weight, swapping the 40-denier outer cloth for a extra burly 40 by 70-denier materials.
The Beta SL is comprised of the most recent GORE-TEX ePE membrane, which is PFC-free, offering safety from water and wind whereas nonetheless being breathable. This membrane is laminated to a bio-based nylon face made with fibres derived from crops. Behind this membrane is a layer of GORE C-KNIT backer expertise, selling breathability and giving the within of the jacket a gentle, clean really feel that feels snug towards the pores and skin. The skin of the jacket is coated in a DWR end to repel moisture.
The cuffs of the sleeves have Velco closures, the hood is helmet-compatible, and there are two exterior zippered hand pockets and one inside zippered pocket for stowing gadgets. The jacket additionally incorporates pit zippers for venting warmth. The hood is adjustable in the back and front, as is the underside hem of the jacket. The Beta SL is available in six completely different colors in sizes from XS to XXL.
I not too long ago had the possibility to check out the Beta SL. I’ve worn the jacket in a variety of purposes – lengthy hikes, trad climbs, sport climbs, multi-pitches – and in quite a lot of situations – from stunning climate to absolute downpours in temps from close to 0°C to 25°C.
As anticipated from an Arc’teryx jacket at this price-point, its waterproofing and windproofing are second-to-none. It simply handles heavy rains with out soaking by way of. What’s extra spectacular in my view is its breathability. On tough approaches I didn’t really feel like I used to be overheating, and when issues did get a little bit heat, the pit zips vented any extra undesirable warmth.
The development of the jacket is top-notch, and you’ll inform that all the small particulars have been fastidiously thought of. The arm cuff Velco straps are burly and straightforward to control with gloves on. The hood adjusts shortly with little fuss, permitting you to get that good match whether or not or not you’re carrying a helmet. All of the zippers are high quality – too usually costly jackets are made with awful zippers, which is certainly not the case on the Beta SL. The within of the jacket has a pleasant really feel, even when carrying only a t-shirt beneath. It doesn’t really feel scratchy or sticky or plastic-y. The fleece chin guard is a pleasant contact of consolation when the jacket is absolutely zipped up over the underside of the face.
I sometimes use ultra-light shells when climbing. These have the profit weighing subsequent to nothing and packing down into even the smallest multi-pitch packs. The draw back of ultra-light jackets is that they lack sturdiness. The Beta SL remains to be fairly light-weight (340g /12oz), however it has a extra rugged development, permitting it to face as much as the use and abuse of mountaineering. I wasn’t involved that I used to be going to tear the jacket or do any actual lasting abrasion injury when rubbing the jacket towards rock on granite or limestone climbs.
The jacket additionally has an ideal match for climbing, hugging the physique intently with out limiting mobility, particularly within the arms-overhead place. It’s a little bit crinkly sounding throughout motion, however much less so than conventional three-layer shells, due to the GORE C-KNIT inside layer. The Beta SL packs down in its hood right into a measurement smaller than a Nalgene bottle, simply becoming into any cragging pack. When situations aren’t excessive – there’s little rain or wind within the forecast – I nonetheless choose an ultra-light shell for multi-pitch climbing as they’re lighter, extra packable, and cheaper.
For those who’re available in the market for a brand new shell, and also you don’t need to compromise on efficiency, consolation, sturdiness, and packability, try the Arc’teryx Beta SL.
