Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket

The Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket weighs 340 grams (Men's M) and delivers complete waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection. Features a GORE-TEX ePE membrane that's PFC-free and PFAS-free with a C-KNIT backer for comfort and breathability. Helmet-compatible StormHood pivots with your head. Ultra-packable design fits in its own chest pocket.

I always wanted to own a Beta jacket. Recent travels to the PNW gave me a great excuse to dip my toe into the Beta family with this light version. Previously known as the Beta Lightweight Jacket, this updated version uses a lighter, thinner membrane while remaining just as durable. At 340g, it's ideal for emergency weather protection. The trim fit works great with my 6-foot, 165 lbs frame.

WaterTight zippers seal securely. Pit zips vent heat fast during high-output efforts. A RECCO reflector in the hood aids search efforts. The fabric may wear out more quickly in heavy rain than burlier shells. There is no chance to shop for this on the secondary market because it is riddled with fake jackets selling for close to retail price. I will take very detailed pics and write an article on how to run a legit check.

GORE-TEX ePE and C-KNIT Backer

GORE-TEX ePE membrane eliminates PFCs and PFAS from the waterproofing process. The ePE technology delivers the same waterproof performance without environmental persistence. The lighter, thinner membrane reduces material weight without compromising protection.

340g total jacket weight makes this one of the lightest GORE-TEX shells available. Fits in its own chest pocket for emergency deployment.

C-KNIT backer creates a softer interior feel than standard GORE-TEX liners. No crinkly shell noise during movement. More comfortable against skin when you shed midlayers. Works well when layered over the Covert 1/2 zip midlayer.

Packs Into Its Own Chest Pocket

The jacket compresses into its own chest pocket, taking up minimal pack space. The packability makes this perfect for PNW hiking, where conditions change rapidly. Takes up less room in my Micon 16 backpack than bulkier shells.

340g weight barely registers in your pack. You won't hesitate to bring this along "just in case." Full GORE-TEX protection in an ultralight package.

Emergency weather protection means having a shell ready when unexpected rain hits. The Beta SL transitions from packed to deployed in seconds. The trim fit layers over a baselayer or light midlayer without excess fabric.

StormHood and Pit Zips

The helmet-compatible StormHood pivots with your head instead of rotating independently. Maintains peripheral vision without adjustment. The single-hand cinch system tightens the hood while wearing gloves. The hood fits comfortably over hiking caps and pieces like the Classic Beanie. The laminated brim sheds water away from your face.

Pit zips run from underarm to waist for maximum ventilation. Open them fully during steep climbs. Long zippers dump heat faster than short pit zips. YKK zippers operate smoothly with one hand.

WaterTight zippers on the main closure seal against driving rain. The zipper garage at the chin prevents irritation. Internal storm flap backs up the main zipper. No water penetration even in sustained downpours.

Gusseted underarms allow natural arm movement without restriction. No binding when reaching overhead or scrambling on trails. Unrestricted mobility for technical hiking.

Where I Take It

Hiking in the PNW: This comes in handy when I hike in the Pacific Northwest. I need it to block wind and rain on exposed trails. The breathable, lightweight fabric supports my high-output efforts.

The trim fit works perfectly with my 6-foot, 165 lbs frame. No excess fabric flapping in the wind. The pit zips open when I'm pushing hard uphill.

Travel: It compresses nicely and packs into a backpack for urban or backcountry trips. Weighs nothing in my pack but provides full weather protection. Takes up minimal space compared to the Strato Jacket while offering waterproofing.

The 40D Fabric Won't Last Forever

The lighter, thinner GORE-TEX ePE membrane trades some durability for weight savings. Heavy bushwhacking or rock scrambling will wear the fabric faster than burlier shells. Better suited for trail hiking than off-trail exploration. The fabric may wear out more quickly in heavy rain compared to thicker membranes.

Hybrid 40D/70D face fabric adds reinforcement in high-wear areas. Shoulders and elbows are made from 70-denier material for abrasion resistance. The rest of the jacket uses lighter 40-denier fabric. This strategic placement balances weight and durability.

The secondary market for Beta jackets is riddled with fakes. Counterfeit Beta SL jackets sell for close to retail price. I will take very detailed photos and write an article on how to do a legit check. Buying new from authorized retailers remains the safest option.

How Did Arc'teryx and Gore-Tex Build This Partnership?

Arc'teryx's Gore-Tex relationship started in 1995 after a two-day pitch meeting. The two companies co-developed the XCR membrane together, which was a first for Gore. Arc'teryx introduced die-cut narrow seam tape in 1998, reducing tape width significantly over standard applications. By 2001, they shaved another 9mm off with "tiny tape," cutting bulk along every seam. That same attention to seam engineering carries through to the Beta SL's fully taped construction today. Every Beta jacket since 2000 has built on these Gore partnership innovations, and the current ePE membrane represents the latest chapter in a 30-year collaboration.

From Beta LT to Beta SL

Arc'teryx launched the Beta series in 2000 as versatile Gore-Tex hardshells. The original Beta AR debuted with SpeedHood technology and the tiny tape seam construction that Arc'teryx had just developed. The Beta LT emerged in the early 2010s, featuring the N40p Gore-Tex Pro fabric and weighing around 395g.

The Beta Lightweight succeeded the Beta LT in the early 2020s, featuring a C-Knit backer for a softer feel and better breathability. Updates included RECCO reflectors and adjusted pocket placement.

The model became Beta SL (Super Light) in 2024-2025, featuring a PFC-free Gore-Tex ePE membrane. Hybrid 40D/70D face fabric enhanced abrasion resistance in high-wear areas while maintaining ultralight weight.

Beta SL vs. Beta AR

The Beta SL Jacket prioritizes ultralight packability at 340g. The Beta AR delivers maximum durability with heavier fabric and construction. The SL works better for emergency protection and fair-weather hiking. The AR handles sustained exposure and rough conditions.

The SL's trim fit layers over light clothing. The AR's regular fit accommodates heavy insulation underneath. Choose the SL for high-output activities where you generate heat. Pick the AR when you need warmth from thick midlayers like the Delta AR fleece.

The SL packs into its chest pocket for minimal bulk. The AR requires more pack space but provides robust protection. Different tools for different applications.

Worth the Investment?

For weight-conscious hikers who need emergency weather protection, yes. The Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket delivers GORE-TEX performance at 340 grams. The PFC-free ePE membrane provides eco-friendly waterproofing without compromising function. The packability ensures you'll actually carry this rather than leave it behind.

For dedicated PNW hiking where rain is frequent, maybe. The lighter membrane handles occasional downpours well. Sustained heavy rain may wear the fabric faster than thicker shells. Consider your typical exposure levels before committing.

For travelers who need versatile weather protection, absolutely. The jacket compresses into its own pocket, taking up minimal pack space. Weighs nothing but provides full protection when needed. Works for urban exploration and backcountry trips.

Better for ultralight packability: Beta SL Jacket
Better for sustained harsh weather: Beta AR Jacket
Better for snowboarding: Sabre LT Jacket with freeride features
Better for layering heavy insulation: Beta AR regular fit

The trim fit works great with my 6-foot, 165 lbs frame. The streamlined cut eliminates excess fabric while allowing layering over light midlayers. At 340 grams, this disappears in my pack until Pacific Northwest weather demands deployment. I always wanted to own a Beta jacket, and this light version was the perfect entry point.

Specs

Model: Beta SL Jacket (Super Light)
Weight: 340g (Men's M)
Material: GORE-TEX ePE membrane with C-KNIT backer (PFC-free, PFAS-free)
Face Fabric: Hybrid 40D/70D (70D reinforcement in high-wear areas)
Sizes: XS to XXL (Men's and Women's variants)
Design: Trim fit, helmet-compatible StormHood, gusseted underarms, pit zips
Colors: Black, Black Sapphire, Carob/Canvas, Dynasty, Void, Vitality II
Features: Fully taped seams, WaterTight zippers, breathable, ultra-packable (packs into chest pocket), RECCO reflector
Origin: Made in Asia
Price: $500 USD
Best for: Emergency weather protection, PNW hiking, travel, ultralight applications, variable conditions
Not ideal for: Heavy bushwhacking, constant abrasion, sustained harsh weather, layering over heavy insulation.
Personal fit: Trim fit works great with a 6-foot, 165 lbs frame
Counterfeit warning: Secondary market riddled with fakes - buy new from authorized retailers only
Activities: PNW hiking (blocks wind and rain on exposed trails, breathable lightweight fabric supports high-output efforts), travel
Previously known as: Beta Lightweight Jacket (early 2020s), succeeded Beta LT (early 2010s)

Find current availability at Arc'teryx.

Check out this article on how to legit check the Beta SL.