Arc'teryx Women's Beta LT Jacket Review

Fit 9/10
The fit of this jacket is ideal for me. I've given it a 9 because it's not perfect but it is tapered at the waist which not only removes some of the excess fabric, saving weight, I like the fit and offers better breathability.

I can still add a thick fleece underneath without it feeling tight which will be great for walking in the colder months.

The arms are the ideal length for me and the armpits sit comfortably where they should rather than halfway down my torso like other jackets have in the past. The hem of the jacket sits slightly lower at the back to give a bit more protection and comfort and won't ride up when wearing with a backpack or harness while the front is still cut high enough to not get in the way when hiking, scrambling and clambering over stiles.

Performance 10/10
So far this jacket beads in the rain excellently, but they always do when they are new. Given that it’s been built with GORE-TEX 3-layer fabric I trust this jacket to keep me dry and protected from the wind for many more years but only time will tell. The pit zips are ace. They aren't bulky so I don't feel them but they are great for helping to regulate temperature, especially when walking uphill.

Comfort 8/10
The great fit of this jacket combined with the GORE-TEX 3 layer fabric with Tricot backer makes it really comfortable to wear. It offers full range of movement in the arms and the pit zips allow you to dump any excess heat build up rapidly. Another key aspect which I love is that when the hood is up and cinched in and the jacket fully zipped up there is still plenty of room for my face, something not all jackets achieve. The hood is helmet compatible and has a laminated peak and cap adjuster at the back which is really handy. Sadly it doesn’t work quite as well as it could when not wearing a helmet and I found it dislodged easily with a breeze, and didn't really move with my head as I would have expected.

Durability N/A
I don’t feel I can give a mark out of 10 on durability yet as I’ve only owned the jacket less than a month but while this jacket is lightweight it feels pretty tough. I wouldn’t be too concerned about any abrasion from rucksack straps or rocks from scrambling but only time will tell.

In many products a weak spot would always be cuff adjusters and zips but it’s clear to see an extra line of stitching through the middle of the Velcro fastening on the cuff to enhance the durability. The zips have been bonded at the pits and the pockets and seem pretty durable and they will help to keep water on the outside. The main zip seems to have been bonded as well as stitched to improve durability given that it’ll be the most used zip on the jacket.

Materials/Construction 8/10
The construction of the jacket has been thoroughly considered throughout, from the shape and length of the arms right through to the micro seams. The only thing that could perhaps be improved is the bunching at the front of the jacket. It’s something that would likely affect my line of sight to my feet when scrambling and looking for where to put my feet.

The material of the jacket also has quite a significant crinkle sound to it. While I appreciate it’s a waterproof jacket and they all have it to some degree, this seems to have it more than most but it may reduce once worn in a little.

Aesthetics 10/10
As mentioned earlier I love the vibrant blue of the Vitality colour. Not only is it a great looking colour but it will stand out well when walking in foggy conditions and won’t be too dazzling under the light of a headtorch when walking at night.

The trim fit is flattering as well as functional and the hood is big enough to accommodate a helmet but can be cinched in to reduce volume when not using a helmet.