Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket Review

When it comes to outdoor gear, few brands command as much respect as Arc’teryx, and the Beta SL jacket is a prime example of their commitment to innovation and performance. Previously known as the Beta Lightweight, this updated version retains many of the same trusted features while integrating a more sustainable design. F

eaturing a newly released GORE-TEX ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane that is PFC-free and slightly lighter than its predecessor, along with a Fluorocarbon-free durable water repellent coating (FC0 DWR) as well as a slew of other impressive features, the Beta SL appears, at least on paper, to be one of the top choices for all-around outdoor jackets. 

Needless to say, I was eager to test it firsthand!

Arc’teryx Beta SL At-a-Glance

MSRP: $500
Weight: 12 oz Men’s / 10.6 oz Women’s
Use: Alpine / Hike / Everyday

Women’s Beta SL jacket here.

Circumstances of Review

As a guide in Maine’s Katahdin region, I spend a significant amount of time outdoors in challenging weather conditions — ideal for testing rain gear. I’ve worn this jacket on multiple day hikes and guided ascents of Katahdin, facing everything from steady drizzles to driving rain and winds exceeding 30 mph.

Arc’teryx Beta SL Features

PFC-Free GORE-TEX ePE Membrane: Breathable, waterproof, and eco-friendly, laminated to bio-based nylon derived from plants. Finishes with an FC0 durable water-repellent to shed moisture. 

GORE C-KNIT Backer: Lightweight, soft, and comfortable lining. 

Helmet-Compatible StormHood: Full weather protection without obstructing vision. Includes toggles and drawstrings to tailor the fit, and when not wearing a helmet the extra fabric can be cinched for a snug fit. Also has a stiff brim reinforced with wire to help maintain shape.

Pockets: Two hand pockets, which are placed high for accessibility while wearing a pack or harness, and one internal chest pocket to keep items like a phone safe and dry. 

Pit zippers: This jacket features long pit zips with waterproof, dual-pull zippers for easy ventilation during intense activity.

RECCO Reflector: A built-in RECCO reflector aids search and rescue operations in avalanche conditions with a passive transponder. It’s redundant for those already carrying an avalanche beacon (as you should when avalanches are possible) and unnecessary for most hikers outside avalanche zones.

Great fit: This jacket is cut in a way that provides a more slim profile and less loose fabric in the torso. While some extra room can be nice for layering, rain jackets can quickly become very billowy and they do a good job of managing that with this one. The rear hem is also generously long which helps prevent the garment from riding up when wearing a pack.

Arc’teryx Beta SL Pros

Features: The new Beta SL is jam-packed with features, as mentioned above, just as you would expect for a super-premium product. A jacket priced at $500 had better come out swinging, and this one knocks it out of the park, even perfecting the little things like the velcro wrist cuffs that hold perfectly and have enough fabric to accommodate even the smallest wrists.

PFC-free membrane and DWR: Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have a bad reputation for sticking around in the environment, which is why they’re called “forever chemicals.” The outdoor industry has been working to phase them out, starting with long-chain PFCs and now even the shorter ones. The Beta SL’s PFC-free DWR coating and ePE membrane are big steps forward in making water-resistant gear more eco-friendly.

In use, I found this combination worked wonderfully in hard rain, with water beading on the surface as expected. Over the course of more than 20 hours of rain-soaked hiking, I experienced no seepage through the 3-layer shell, zippers, or taped seams.

Durability: The Beta SL body is constructed with a 3-layer system consisting of an outer material, GORE-TEX membrane, and an inner material (C-KNIT). Its outer material uses a 40-denier x 70-denier nylon membrane, with higher denier numbers indicating increased thickness and durability. This design strategically employs 70d in high-abrasion areas such as the arms and shoulders, while opting for 40d in less stressed areas along the torso.

Compared to lightweight rain jackets like the 2-layer Montbell Versalite, which utilizes a 10d nylon outer material, the Beta SL excels in durability. Even compared to competitors like Patagonia’s 3L Torrentshell, which features up to 50d fabric and weighs 2 ounces more than the Beta SL, its durability and performance are notably compelling.

Arc’teryx Beta SL Cons

PFC-free DWR: The PFC-free membrane and DWR in this jacket are both an advantage and a drawback. PFC-based DWRs have long been the industry standard due to their superior water, oil, and stain-repellent properties. They excel at shedding water and keeping the outer fabric dry, which helps prevent “wetting out”—when fabric becomes saturated, reducing breathability and insulation. However, the downside of PFCs is their environmental impact: they don’t break down easily and have been linked to health risks, leading to stricter regulations aimed at phasing them out.

In contrast, FC0 DWRs are fluorocarbon-free and more environmentally friendly. Being biodegradable, they don’t persist in ecosystems or bioaccumulate, making them a popular choice for eco-conscious consumers and outdoor brands. While FC0 DWRs still offer reasonable water repellency, they often fall short compared to PFC-treated fabrics, particularly in prolonged, heavy rain. Garments with FC0 treatments are more prone to wetting out and tend to lose their water-repellent properties faster, requiring more frequent reapplication or care. With waterproof/breathable garments, there is always a tradeoff. 

Not Ultralight: Arc’teryx uses the “Super Light” (SL) nomenclature to describe this jacket, but at 12oz for a Men’s Medium, it does not compare to other lightweight rain jackets on the market. The aforementioned Montbell Versalite is half the weight, as is the thru-hiker favorite Lightheart Gear jacket. Heck, even the $25 Frogg Toggs jacket is nearly 4oz lighter. While these other jackets don’t compare in terms of features or durability, they are more on the mark with what hikers would consider “ultralight.”

Final Thoughts

The Arc’teryx Beta SL stands out as a premium, feature-rich rain jacket that delivers top-tier performance in a variety of conditions. Its PFC-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane and FC0 DWR finish are significant steps toward creating more sustainable, eco-friendly gear without sacrificing the high-quality waterproof protection that Arc’teryx is known for. The RECCO reflector, helmet-compatible hood, durable construction, and well-placed pockets make it an excellent choice for hikers, climbers, and everyday users alike.

However, like all products, it has its trade-offs. The PFC-free DWR, while better for the environment, requires more frequent care and reapplication to maintain its water-repellent properties, especially in heavy rain. Additionally, while marketed as “super light,” at 12 ounces, it’s not the lightest option on the market for ultralight hikers, though it makes up for that with its exceptional durability and full feature set.

Overall, the Beta SL is an investment that justifies its $500 price tag for those seeking a reliable, well-constructed jacket capable of withstanding just about all weather conditions. Its environmental focus is commendable, but you should consider the need for more maintenance and the weight factor against your intended use before buying.

If you’re an ultralight thru-hiker who needs only minimal protection and durability, there are better choices. But if you’re looking for a durable, feature-packed rain jacket that performs well in the backcountry and offers cutting-edge sustainable technology, the Arc’teryx Beta SL is a top contender.

Shop the Men’s Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket

Shop the Women’s Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket

Comparable Rain Shells

Patagonia Torrentshell (Men’s / Women’s) 

MSRP: $179
Weight: 14.1 oz
Material: 3-layer H2No

Outdoor Research Helium (Men’s / Women’s)

MSRP: $170
Weight: 6.3 ounces
Material: 2.5-layer Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse

Read our review of the Helium Rain Jacket and Pants here.

Black Diamond Treeline (Men’s / Women’s)

MSRP: $140
Weight: 9 oz
Material: 2.5-layer BD.dry

The Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket was donated for the purpose of review.