What is the Beta SL Hybrid?
The Beta SL Hybrid from Arc’teryx is a lightweight, supple and protective waterproof jacket that combines two specific Gore-Tex fabrics to keep weight and price down to a minimum but maximise on overall performance. Sitting at 360g for a size medium, the Beta SL Hybrid is an ideal choice if you are looking for a jacket to keep in your pack until it is needed. It is also a great option if you are wanting to shed some grams from your pack weight and gain more space without compromising too much on durability and protection.
What is the Beta SL made of?
The incredible weight and pack size of the Beta SL Hybrid is predominantly down to the use of 2L Gore-Tex Paclite Plus. Unlike standard PacLite, Paclite Plus features a new spray-on skim backer that has an increases texture which reduces the fabrics overall contact with the surface of your skin, solving the clamminess issue associated with its older sibling. What you will also notice when you hold it is that it is soft to the touch and doesn't feel cold like standard Paclite.
Getting even nerdier, Paclite Plus is a 2-layer Gore-Tex fabric construction as it doesn’t feature a scrim backer (the woven or knitted backer you see on 3-layer fabrics), which allows it to pack down smaller but if you have read our blog on “which outer layer should you choose” then you might be thinking, “if Gore-Tex Paclite Plus has a spray on skim backer then doesn’t that make it a 2.5-Layer, not a 2-Layer fabric.” Technically speaking Paclite Plus is a 2.5-Layer fabric but for some reason, Gore has called it a 2 Layer fabric.
This jacket also features 3-Layer Gore-Tex C-Knit reinforcements in the shoulders and in the main body for protection against pack straps rubbing and generally increase durability. It’s actually in the main body where the hybrid construction really makes a difference. Focusing on pack size again, what Arc’teryx has done is pretty interesting. There is actually 2 different fabrics covering the same area. The outer part of the main body is Gore-Tex C-knit and the internal fabric that creates the inside on the pocket/the inside of the jacket is Gore-Tex Paclite Plus. How is this interesting? Well, on most standard Gore-Tex jackets the pocket will be backed with the same fabric as the outer of the jacket, but this means you have 2 layers of material of the same thickness in the same area, so having a lighter weight, more packable fabric on the inside and a more durable fabric on the outside actually makes so much more sense if a smaller pack size is your ultimate goal
What are the features?
Starting from the top, the Beta SL Hybrid features the Arc’teryx fully adjustable helmet compatible StormHood, so when you aren’t wearing a helmet you still get a snug fit without too much excess material. The stiffened laminated brim provides excellent coverage and visibility is taken care by the crown synch that fixes the hood securely to your head, so when you turn your head you don’t a face full of the inside of your own hood. The front adjustments bring the peak down tp create a protective seal around the face, the tall collar adds even more protection from the elements and a bushed microsuede lined chainguard adds comfort.
You have a WaterTight Vislon front zipper and the pockets have siloconised WaterTight Zippers with RS zipper sliders. RS means the zip has a little recess so when it’s done up it creates a water tight seal mitigating the need for a zipper garage and excess seams and taping, resulting in a more breathable jacket. If you find yourself over heating when you are working hard, like on steep uphill sections, then the large pit-zips allow you dump all that heat really quickly.
Storage is taken care of by two generously sized hand pockets that sit above the hips for full access to the pocket space even when wearing a hipbelt and they have been sealed with WaterTight zippers. Just remember, whilst highly effective at keeping water out these zips are not 100% waterproof, so we recommend stashing phones in a dry bag in your pack or in a pocket under your jacket.
To seal out the weather and for better coverage, the jacket features as adjustable drop back hem and laminated velcro cuffs which you can also do up or undo just like the pit zips to aid ventilation.
Inside Arc’teryx has used microseam taping to make sure water stays out but also to reduce the amount of surface area the tape occupies. Seam tape is the only part of a Gore-Tex jacket that isn’t breathable so the less there is the more breathable your jacket will be: it also reduces the overall weight and bulk.
How does the Beta SL fit?
The Beta SL fits into Arcteryx's 'Trim Fit' fit block which is designed to be close fitting but still able to accommodate light layers underneath. The revamped Beta SL Hybrid also has an improved e3D patterning which provides an enhanced level of articulation, articulated elbows and gusted underarms giving you unrestricted freedom of movement.
Where does the Beta SL fit in the layering system?
Well, if you haven’t already guessed it’s your waterproof outer layer (A.k.a. your hardshell) and is designed to provide 100% protection from the wind and rain. Pretty simple.
-
Micro-seam taping
-
Compact and lightweight 2L GORE-TEX with PACLITE® Plus product technology is reinforced with 3L GORE-TEX in high wear areas for added protection
-
Trim, slim fit, increases breathability during high output
-
Anatomical shaping for fit and comfort
-
Articulated elbows
-
e3D Ergonomic 3-Dimensional patterning for enhanced comfort and mobility
-
Gusseted underarms for mobility and comfort
-
Laminated brim
-
Helmet compatible StormHood™
-
Adjustable hood drawcords
-
Chin guard with brushed microsuede facing for added comfort
-
Tall collar
-
Pit zippers for easy venting
-
WaterTight™ Vislon front zip
-
DryCuff™ laminated adjustable cuffs
-
Adjustable hem drawcord
-
Drop back hem
-
Two hand pockets with WaterTight™ zippers and RS™ zipper sliders