Best Premium Upgrade
Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket
$500The jacket testers reach for when money is no object. Lighter, more breathable, and more supple than the Torrentshell — but at $500, it's a serious investment.
what experts say
- >“If price is truly no object, the Arc'teryx Beta SL is hands down a tester favorite, and the jacket we would select for extended periods of rainfall.”— OutdoorGearLab
- >“It's worth upgrading to a higher-performing option like the Arc'teryx Beta for more strenuous activities like ski touring or biking.”— Switchback Travel
- >“If you want absolute top-tier performance and don't care about the cost to achieve it, consider the Arc'Teryx Beta SL, which is lighter and more water resistant than the Torrentshell 3L.”— OutdoorGearLab (Men's)
- >“Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket [score: 97/100] — Best for technical hikes, moderate hikes, camping, multisport.”— REI Expert Advice
pros & cons
[+] what's great
- +Gore-Tex construction is noticeably softer, more supple, and quieter than H2No
- +Lighter at 12.0 oz (men's) / 10.6 oz (women's) despite premium protection
- +Best-in-class breathability for a 3-layer hardshell
- +Watertight zippers — no reliance on storm flaps
- +Preferred by testers for extended periods of heavy rainfall
[-] what's not
- -$500 list price — more than double the Torrentshell
- -Overkill for casual hikers, commuters, and everyday use
- -Less color variety and casual styling than the Torrentshell
- -Still heavier than ultralight minimalist options
