Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket Review

a woman smiles while wearing an arc'teryx beta lt jacket in the snow

Overview | Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket Review

If you’re looking for the best hiking rain protection money can buy, the Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket is for you. This what we would wear for hiking into a torrential downpour, and we would feel safe and comfortable in doing so thanks to the durable 3L design with pitzips. It’s not ultralight, but it sure will keep you dry.

Arc’Teryx Beta LT Features

For starters, Gore-Tex is still the gold stand for waterproofness, and we love a 3-layer construction for the superior interior feel, and extending the lifespan of the laminate by protecting against oils and abrasion. The 40D nylon exterior is exceptional durable and water resistant.

The Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket is a no-holds-barred design when it comes to features, including pit zips, hood/hem/cuff cinching, microsuede chin guard, helmet compatible hood, tall collar, taped micro-seaming, and hip-belt compatible pockets.

Designed for rigorous alpine conditions, this is a multisport jacket that performs amazing well for climbing, ski touring, and pretty much anything else you can throw its way. The only drawback aside from price is that all of the amazing features and benefits come at the cost of weight.

At 13.9 oz it’s on the heavier end of what we would consider to be a lightweight hiking jacket. All that to say, this is a truly incredible piece of rain gear that will reliably keep you dry for years, and an obvious pick for most protective jacket.

Key Stats

  • Weight: 13.9 oz
  • Price: $450
  • Fabric: 3L Gore-Tex Membrane
  • Pros: 3-Layer. Gore-Tex. Pit Zips. Fully-featured. Durable.
  • Cons: Relatively heavy. Expensive.

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I’ll be honest, I have said (more than once) that Arc’teryx is over-hyped. Why stomach an insane price tag when you can get a very similar jacket for way cheaper?

Well, testing this jacket during spring in Utah has started to convert me into a budding Arc’teryx fan. Its protection in a variety of conditions, from snowstorms to strong winds, makes it my jacket of choice whenever I see the clouds start to roll in.

Lighter Than the Beta AR

The “LT” on this version of their Beta jacket stands for “lightweight.” This version is almost 4 ounces less than their Beta AR (all-around) hardshell, and is also $200 cheaper. These weight and cost savings come from the decision to use 40-denier fabric in high wear areas as opposed to the 80D used in the Beta AR.

The 80D on their Beta AR is used in high wear areas like the shoulders, back, forearms, and top of the hood. However, it made these areas incredibly stiff and less packable. Though the 40D fabric in theory decreases the durability of the Beta LT, it is still an extremely well constructed hardshell and it can handle rough wear and tear.

Field Testing

I’ve been testing the Arc’teryx Beta LT jacket in Salt Lake City’s “spring,” which is actually winter with a couple of 70 degree days here and there, and more rain than snow. So far, I’ve taken it running and hiking through windy rainstorms and snow showers, and backcountry skiing as my outer wind layer on warmer days.

It’s performed exceptionally well in every condition, and though it’s heavier than my ultralight 2-layer jacket I find myself choosing this one because it keeps me 100% dry. 

How it Compares

Be sure to check out our Best Lightweight Rain Jackets For 2023 for a complete overview of the best rain jackets on the market including competition for the Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket.

Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket in yellow

Key Specs | Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket

Be sure to check out our: Best Lightweight Rain Jackets For 2023 for a complete overview of the best rain jackets on the market including the competition for the Arc’teryx Beta LT jacket. 

Measurements

  • DESIGN: Hooded, lightweight rain jacket, fully featured with durable 3 layer fabric and Gore-Tex waterproofing
  • WEIGHT: 13.9 oz (m’s) 12.3 oz (w’s)
  • MSRP: $450
  • TECH: N40d 3L GORE-TEX fabric with tricot backer technology
  • VENTILATION: Pit-zips

Description

FEATURES: Arc’teryx products are made for high performance, breathability, and protection in alpine conditions. Their BETA hardshell series have been a favorite for backpackers, climbers, and alpinists for years; and this new model delivers the same quality with a simpler design.

The jacket features pit zips for ventilation, and articulated sleeves for a full range of motion.

Their WaterTight zippers prevent any moisture from sneaking in, and the hood is helmet compatible and adjustable, allowing you to see and stay protected from rain and snow. Adjustable cuffs, dual hem adjusters, and a droptail hem all make it so the jacket can be fully sealed, protecting you from wind, rain, and snow.

BEST FOR: Anyone who is looking for a highly breathable, durable, and fully waterproof jacket and not scared off by the price tag. This stands up to serious storms, whether you’re fighting sleet, snow, rain, or wind. The fabric is also durable enough to withstand bushwacking, scrambling, and being worn under a heavy pack day after day.

ARC’TERYX BETA LT RAIN JACKET storm hood hood cinch mechanism

The adjustable StormHood is excellent, and fully blocks rain or snow without compromising your vision. It’s big enough to fit a helmet underneath.

What We Like

  • Rugged and Durable. You don’t have to baby this jacket. The three-layer construction is highly durable, and will not tear easily. This makes it more versatile, because it can be taken on long backpacking trips, climbing trips, winter expeditions, and anywhere else you might need a shell against weather protection.
  • Actually Want to use it I actually end up wearing this jacket more often than I had predicted, because it works so well to protect against wind and very cold temperatures (even when it’s not raining or snowing).
  • Highly Breathable. So far, I haven’t felt stuffy in this jacket. The combination of pit zips, adjustable cuffs, and lightweight allow it to breathe better than many jackets at a similar weight. Also, the fit is not too close to the skin. I will however note that I have not yet tested it above 45 degrees. For summer storms, I will likely opt for something lighter. 
  • Fully Waterproof Gore-Tex Fabric. I’ve taken this out during some gnarly storms with a nice mix of rain, snow, and sleet and stayed completely dry the entire time. Also, the DWR finish helps the jacket dry extremely quickly which makes it great for day after day use on rainy backpacking trips. 
  • Large Pit-Zips. Ventilation is very important in a rain jacket, where you need to stay dry yet comfortable while moving. These pit zips allow you dump excess heat during a sweaty hike, bike ride, run, or wherever you need your jacket. I also like using pit zips when I’m wearing this jacket as a shell to protect from the wind. 

More things to like

  • “Just Right” Fit. This jacket is roomy enough to fit an insulating layer underneath, yet not so large that it’s uncomfortable and breezy when just wearing a thin layer. The fit adds versatility to the jacket, so you can wear it during warm weather rain storms without overheating yet also take it as an outer shell on winter trips. 
  • Adjustable and Helmet-Compatible Hood. The fully adjustable hood actually works to frame your face and fit under a ball cap, helmet, or beanie. The drawcord in the back allows you to tighten it enough to keep rain out of your eyes, without blocking your vision. 
  • Sustainability. This jacket is made partly with bluesign® approved sustainable materials.
  • One-year Warranty. When you buy this jacket at REI, you have the peace of mind that you can return it if it doesn’t work out. For a $450 jacket, that’s important.

What Could Be Better

  • Price. There’s no way around it, $450 is a large chunk of change. Especially for a jacket that is not in the ultralight category it can be hard to swallow that price tag. However, it’s so bomber and performs so well and will likely last so long that it is not a bad value proposition when all factors are considered
  • Long Sleeves. For some reason, Arc’teryx women’s jackets have insanely long sleeves. It works for me being 5’10 and a size medium, but for a lot of women this is a source of frustration. 
  • Heavy. While I haven’t regretted the weight once (yet), it is a little much for a summer backpacking trip where you may encounter a storm or two. For a wide assortment of lighter jackets, check out our full guide to the best rain jackets of the year

hiker in the snow smiling wearing a red arcteryx beta lt jacket

Conclusion

For 13.9/12.3 ounces, the Arc’teryx Beta LT jacket performs exceptionally well as a fully weatherproof bomber hard shell jacket.

Though this is on the heavier side for a 3-layer Gore-Tex jacket, the durability, protection, and features like pit zips that you get are worth it for when you truly need a rain jacket that delivers. However, the price tag and weight are both drawbacks if your priorities are weight and budget.

For summer hiking and backpacking trips where you may need a “just in case” layer, this is not the best pick. However, for full protection against any conditions with room to layer underneath, this is an excellent jacket that we expect to last for years to come. Walk into a storm with confidence wearing the Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket

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