Review · All-round hardshell
Arc'teryx Beta Jacket Review
A pared-back all-round hardshell where the money goes into hood, cuff and pattern engineering rather than into extra features.
Manufacturer specification
Published by the manufacturer — reproduced, not interpreted
- Construction
- 3L
- Waterproof membrane
- GORE-TEX ePE
- Waterproof rating
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- Breathability rating
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- RET
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- MVTR
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- Air permeability
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- DWR finish
- PFC-free durable water repellent finish
- PFAS status
- Manufacturer states a PFC-free DWR and ePE membrane; confirm per season
- Seam construction
- Fully taped
- Main zipper
- Water-resistant centre-front zip
- Pit zips
- No
- Other ventilation
- Front zip only
- Hood
- StormHood, helmet compatible
- Helmet compatible
- Yes
- Face fabric
- Nylon face laminate
- Denier
- 80D
- Fabric composition
- Three-layer GORE-TEX ePE laminate
- Weight
- 375 g (13.2 oz), size not stated
- Packability
- Packs into a small stuff volume; no dedicated stuff pocket
- Pockets
- Two hand pockets
- Cuff adjustment
- Hook-and-loop
- Hem adjustment
- Drawcord
- Fit
- Regular
- Layering space
- Room for a midlayer
- Sizes
- XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- MSRP
- USD 400
- Warranty
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Repair programme
- Yes, in supported regions
WaterproofJacket.com assessment
Our analysis — separate from every figure above
Waterproofing
Taped three-layer construction with a water-resistant main zip. As with all GORE-TEX garments, no hydrostatic-head figure is published, so we assess construction only.
Breathability
Without pit zips, moisture management depends on the laminate and the front zip. That is a real limitation on steep, warm climbs.
Durability
Arc'teryx lists an 80-denier face fabric, heavier than most all-round rain shells.
Comfort and mobility
The hood and collar are the standout: they seal without pressing on the jaw.
Features
Two pockets and nothing else. Deliberate, but at this price some buyers expect more.
Value
Expensive in absolute terms; defensible if the shell is worn frequently for years.
Research-based analysis
We have not physically handled or tested this jacket. No numerical score is given.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Beta have pit zips?
This model does not. Other jackets in the Beta family are specified differently, so check the exact model name.
Is this review based on physical testing?
No. It is a research-based analysis. We label field-tested reviews explicitly and separately.