<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nI find the Arc’teryx Beta SL to be very comfortable. With some rain jackets, I don’t like to wear short-sleeved shirts underneath because the material can be scratchy, but with this jacket, the C-Knit backer is soft against my skin. <\/p>\n
Right where the jacket hits your chin, there is also strip of soft fabric along the inside of the zipper that prevents the zipper from rubbing against your skin.<\/p>\n
The jacket isn’t too stiff, and I have full range of motion when I’m hiking. I don’t feel restricted in any way.<\/p>\n <\/figure>\nThe two hand pockets are big enough to easily and comfortably fit my entire hand, along with any other essentials I need quick access to. <\/p>\n
I’m docking half a star because the jacket is a bit noisy. It’s not as bad as some of my other jackets, including my old Arc’teryx Beta AR, but I would like it if I couldn’t hear it at all. <\/p>\n
Fit<\/h3>\n\n
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<\/span><\/div>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nArc’teryx is known for making apparel with an athletic, slimmer cut. This holds true with this jacket. <\/p>\n
I’m 5’5″ and 140 pounds. The women’s medium was a bit too tight, so I decided to get a large. The large is a bit baggier than I prefer, but I wanted to be able to layer underneath if I decide to wear it in winter. <\/p>\n <\/figure>\nThere are two cinch cords along the bottom hem that you can pull to tighten the bottom of the jacket, so that does help compensate for it being a bit big. This also allows you to adjust the airflow that comes in from the bottom of the jacket.<\/p>\n <\/figure>\nThe sleeves are the perfect length. They are long enough to cover part of my hands and have a velcro strap to tighten the hand cuffs.<\/p>\n <\/figure>\nI’ve talked about the hood already, but I love how the hood is spacious enough to fit a helmet or a winter hat with a pom, but it can be cinched down to the size of my head too. The hood is one of my favorite parts of this jacket. <\/p>\n
Finally, I love the length. The back measures 28″ and is plenty long to cover the top of my pants.<\/p>\n <\/figure>\nVerdict: Is the Arc’teryx Beta SL worth the price?<\/h2>\n If you frequently hike and backpack in the rain and need a stormproof jacket that can stand up to the worst kinds of conditions, then I do think the Arc’teryx Beta SL is worth the price. Yes, $500 is crazy expensive, but this should be the last rain jacket you have to buy for a very long time. <\/p>\n
It’s lighter than the competition, allowing you to shave a few ounces from your load, and this rain jacket is about as eco-friendly as they come. The adjustable hood with it’s stiff brim is significantly better than your average rain jacket. Finally, the built in RECCO\u00ae reflector could end up saving your life if you get lost or have an accident in the backcountry.<\/p>\n
If you are a fair weather hiker and only day hike in the rain once or twice a year, then I’d suggest looking at one of the cheaper alternatives I link to below. <\/p>\n <\/figure>\nWhere to Buy<\/h2>\n The Arc’teryx Beta SL is available now at REI<\/a> as an REI Member exclusive through 9\/30\/24. After that, you don’t have to be a REI Member to purchase. Learn about all of the REI Member benefits here<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe benefit of buying at REI is you’ll get 10% back in the form of Member rewards. That means you’ll get $50 in REI credit to apply towards some other gear purchase. REI also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a 1-year return policy. That means if the jacket just isn’t working out, you can return it and get your money back.<\/p>\n <\/figure>\n