Arc’teryx has always placed great importance on their design and the integrity of waterproof breathable fabrics. In 1994 Arc’teryx began working with Gore-Tex on a new waterproof breathable clothing range, the initial 6 month development stretched out to nearly 4 years to 1998. However when they finally launched Arc’teryx had changed the waterproof breathable game forever. They invented the now industry standards of WaterTight™ zippers, micro seams and the lamination of pockets & cuffs. With all of these ideas purely aimed and reducing the bulk and weight of the jacket.

The award winning Beta LT has been in the Arc’teryx range for many years and has recently has an upgrade to use the N40p-X GORE-TEX® Pro 3 layer fabric, which is built for maximised ruggedness and are ideal for extreme and extended use.

Tech Specs

The Beta LT falls into Arc’tery’s all around mountain range, which are built with highly durable top performance materials but are designed with a streamlined minimalist set of features to provide light weight jacket. The Beata LT uses N40p-X GORE-TEX® Pro 3L which is a highly breathable, supple, lightweight fabric while still being durable for high wear & tear and performance.

Arc’teryx’s 3-Dimensional (e3D) patterning provides an amazing level of articulation which provides a large range-of-motion. The use of e3D patterning allows for enhanced mobility for active activities like, mountaineering, climbing & hiking. The Beta LT has a trim fit that isn’t bulky but still allows a base and a mid weight down filled layer to fit under.

Other features include two hand pockets which are positioned high to be above the hip belt of a pack and a internal laminated chest pocket. WaterTight™ zippers troughout to reduce the bulk and weight. It has a helmet-compatible StormHood which rotates without blocking vision but can be cinched in to fit the naked head.

With all these feature plus many more the Beta LT still comes in at a highly packable and very reasonable weight of 355 grams for a Medium.

What I wanted

I have been on the look out for a new shorter cut light weight jacket to complement my longer heavy duty jacket for a while now. As I already had the more durable jacket for bush bashing with a heavy pack this new jacket would be used for light weight overnight hikes, climbing and mountain biking.

rain other

Windy & cold day trekking in the Austrian Alps

My criteria was a minimum of two hand pockets, shorter cut but not uber short, room for a light weight down jacket, a durable face fabric for some wear & tear and in a perfect world sit around 350  grams.

On the trail

Firstly I have to admit I am a huge fan of Arc’teryx and over over the years I have owned a number of their insulated jackets. So when it came to justifying a new waterproof breathable jacket the Beta LT was already high on my list after lusting over it for a few years. Over the last couple of months the Beta LT has been used climbing in the Blue Mountains, on all day mountain bike rides, trekking in European Alps, via ferrata in the Dolomites and general travel.

The cut on a large was perfect for me (185cm & 85kg with long lanky arms) but still had enough room for a insulated jacked underneath. The hand pockets are placed nice and high above the hip belt of a pack which allowed for easy access when getting to them and stopped any discomfort of the contents being squashed under the hip belt.

IMG_8273

Summer storm after a few days via ferrata in the Dolomites Italy

While I wouldn’t class the Beta LT as a super light weight jacket I still think 355g is a very reasonable weight while it packs away into its hood into a nice and compact bundle. I’m still a little old fashioned and prefer a jackets that has a durable face fabric for some peace of mind when pushing through some scrub or abrasion against the rock when climbing. So far the N40p-X GORE-TEX® Pro 3L has taken anything I have been able to throw at it. Only multiple years of use will prove the fabrics durability, however so far so good.

The waterproofness & breathability of the jacket has been second to none with the jacket repelling showers, storms & hail without a drop getting through. The breathability has been exceptional there was only one day of 30+ temperatures, high humidity where I feel slightly warm. More info on waterproof breathable/fabrics can be found here on our blog.

Final Word

Again I find it very hard to fault the Arc’teryx Beta LT jacket. If there is an down point it would be the relative high price, however I justified this through already owning a number of Arc’teryx products & knowing their quality, design and durability and the fact that the Beta LT is a true Jack of all trades and will get many years of use. As strange as it sounds I now look forward rain and a reason for me to pull the Beta LT out of the pack and put it on.

REVIEW: ARC'TERYX BETA LT GTX
WATERPROOFNESS 95%
BREATHABILITY85%
FIT95%
WEIGHT90%
FEATURES90%
VALUE85%
PROS
  • Great cut, fit & design
  • Durable face fabric while remaining light weight
  • Designed for many outdoor pursuits
CONS
  • Bit expensive however was justified through use
  • Hasn't rained enough when Ive been out so I haven't worn the Beta TL as much as I like
90%Overall Score

About The Author

Dave Casey

Dave has worked as an International Expedition Leader and in Outdoor Education for over 15 years. He has extensive travel and guiding experience in Australia, NZ, Asia, South/North America and Europe. In his spare time Dave is a keen bushwalker, mountain biker and climber while also dabbling in some mountaineering and sea kayaking.

One Response

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.