What is the Beta LT?The Beta LT is designed for all-mountain activities where you need protection and manoeuvrability with minimum weight. Virtually everyone here at Trekitt has either owned or used one and can't recommend it highly enough.
What is it made of?This superb lightweight all-rounder is made from a 40D nylon, ensuring protection and durability in harsh conditions. Underneath this, a fully waterproof yet breathable Gore-Tex membrane provides reliable weather protection. The inner of the jacket also features a lightweight, comfortable tricot backer to protect the membrane and to glide easily over additional layers.
What are the features?The Beta LT features Arcteryx's StormHood with custom Cohaesive cordlock adjusters that make fine-tuning the hood quick and easy. The StormHood is helmet-compatible, yet can be cinched down to fit your head without restricting vision or mobility. The Watertight front zip keeps rainwater at bay and was the world’s first zip to pass the W L Gore extreme wet weather test. Two zipped hand pockets also feature Watertight zips, but as Watertight zips are only highly water-resistant, we recommend storing electronic valuables in a drybag. These pockets sit high enough that you can still access your bits and bobs while wearing a harness or rucksack hipbelt. Underneath the arms you've got large ventilation zips which do exactly as they say; they ventilate! You really don't appreciate these until you're using them in wet, humid conditions.
How does it fit?The Beta LT features a trim, hip-length fit. This fit is more shaped and fitted than their regular fit, making it more suitable when wearing fewer layers underneath. For reference, the centre back length is 76cm in a size medium.
- Waterproof & Windproof
- Underarm ventilation zips
- Micro-seam allowance (1.6 mm) reduces bulk and weight
- DWR finish (Durable Water Repellent) helps repel water from fabric surface
- Anatomical shaping for fit and comfort
- Articulated elbows
- e3D Ergonomic 3-Dimensional patterning for enhanced comfort and mobility
- Gusseted underarms
- Trim, slim fit, increases breathability during high output
- Helmet compatible StormHood with laminated brim
- Cohaesive cordlock adjusters
- Chin guard with brushed microsuede facing for added comfort
- WaterTight front zip
- Micro corded zipper pulls
- Die-cut Velcro cuff adjusters reduce bulk, and won't catch or tear off
- Drop back hem
- Adjustable hem drawcord
- Two hand pockets with WaterTight zippers and RS zipper sliders
Care and maintenance
To keep your outdoor clothing and equipment in tip top condition and performing to its maximum we recommend the use of Nikwax products. We have been using Nikwax products since day one (26th March 1986) and have found them to be totally reliable, dependable and effective. Today’s Nikwax treatments contain environmentally friendly elastic water-repellent polymers that bond to fabric fibres, leaving the spaces between open and breathable. These stretchy polymers are able to stretch and move with the fabric so they stay put for longer and work better.
Nikwax treatments will not change the look or feel of the fabric and they are all water based, environmentally safe, non-flammable and contain no nasty Fluorocarbons. Nikwax products can be used to clean, re-proof and revitalise all your outdoor technical clothing and equipment.
Waterproof breathable clothing has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish applied to the face fabric during the manufacturing process. The DWR forces water to bead up and roll off the surface therefore preventing the fabric from absorbing moisture. If the outside of your jacket is soaked in a layer of cold water, the warm damp air within can’t escape and will condense on the inside. This makes the jacket feel cold clammy and can make you think that it’s leaking. The DWR finish is not permanent and needs to be maintained and revitalised to optimise performance.
This three layer waterproof jacket should be cleaned regularly with Nikwax Tech Wash; I wash my jacket about once a month, or more often if it gets really filthy. Regular washing with Tech Wash will maintain the DWR for longer and remove salts and oils that can contaminate the fabric, and it will keep your lovely jacket clean and smelling fresh. Washing can be done in a machine according to the manufacturers care guidelines (on the internal label). First clean out any detergent and conditioner residue from the machine dispenser and then add the required amount of Tech Wash and away you go. Hand washing is also suitable but be sure to rinse the garment well.
When you notice that rain/water is no longer beading up and rolling off it’s time to re-proof. Nikwax TX Direct will re-instate a long lasting DWR to completely rejuvenate your jacket. Re-proofing can also be done in the machine once a garment has been washed. Just add the TX-Direct and use the same programme you used for washing. You can also use the spray-on product on a damp garment that has just been washed.
You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari and never have it serviced, so make sure you regularly wash and re-proof your quality kit.