As most of you already know, I've been sharing helpful guides to all kinds of Arc'teryx jackets for the last couple of years now (find full post list at the bottom). Recently I keep getting asked to make an Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid Review, so here you go.
Caution: Since you're here reading this post, going forward, I'll assume you're looking for an emergency shell jacket. If this isn't what you're primarily after, then stop reading this post and go see my Best Arc'teryx Jackets post instead!
Summary
Beta SL Hybrid is Arc'teryx's one of very few products I don't recommend. Leaks like a busted house roof. Let's hope Arc'teryx is on the case and planning to revise its design & materials all together, to improve the waterproofing.
I'd strongly discourage you from getting a Beta SL Hybrid and would instead recommend you its (cheaper AND better) alternatives: Zeta SL (Men's - Women's) or Zeta FL (Men's - Women's).
Name | Activity | Temp (F/C) | Breathability | Weather Res. | Durability | Bottom line | Review | Pit zips? | Two way zipper? | Stuffs into itself? | Face Fabric | Fit | Weight | Length | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alpha (aka AR) (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | N/A | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 4/10 | Go-to climbing harshell. | Review | Yes | No | No | N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 430 g / 15.2 oz | 79.5 cm / 31.25 in | No |
Alpha SV (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | N/A | 8/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 3/10 | Strongest climbing hardshell. | Review | Yes | No | No | N100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 510 g / 1 lb 2 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | No |
Beta (Men's - Women's) | All Round | N/A | 6/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | Streamlined all-doer shell. | Review | No | No | No | N30p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 300 g / 10.6 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | No |
Beta AR (Men's - Women's) | All Round | N/A | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 4/10 | Go-to all-round harshell. | Review | Yes | No | No | N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 460 g / 1 lb | 76 cm / 30 in | No |
Beta AR StormHood (Men's - Women's) | All Round | N/A | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 4/10 | Review | Yes | No | No | N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 460 g / 1 lb | 76 cm / 30 in | No | |
Beta Coat (Women's) | All Round | N/A | 6/10 | 5/10 | No data | 5/10 | No | Yes | No | 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 320 g / 11.3 oz | 88 cm / 34.5 in | No | ||
Beta Down Insulated (Men's) | All Round | 0/-18 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | No data | Yes | Yes | No | 2L 40D Gore-Tex | Regular | 760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | No | ||
Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 21/-6 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | No data | Go-to hybrid jacket. | Review | Yes | Yes | No | N40d 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 680 g / 1 lb 8 oz | 78.5 cm / 31 in | No |
Beta Insulated Coat (Women's) | All Round | 16/-9 | 7/10 | No data | No data | No data | No | Yes | No | N40d 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | 86 cm / 34 in | No | ||
Beta Lightweight (Men's - Women's) | All Round | N/A | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | Review | Yes | No | No | N40p 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 380 g / 13.4 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | No | |
Beta LT (Men's - Women's) | All Round | N/A | 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | Review | Yes | No | No | N40d 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 395 g / 13.9 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | No | |
Gamma (aka LT) (Men's - Women's) | All Round | N/A | 7/10 | 3/10 | 7/10 | 3/10 | Go-to softshell. | Review | No | No | No | Wee Burly Double Weave | Regular | 545 g / 1 lb 3.2 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | No |
Gamma MX (Men's) | All Round | N/A | 6/10 | 4/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | Strongest softshell. | Review | No | No | No | Fortius 2.0 | Regular | 555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | No |
Norvan Shell (Men's) | Running | N/A | No data | No data | No data | No data | No | No | No | 13D 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 190 g / 6.7 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | No | ||
Rush (Women's) | Skiing | N/A | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | Go-to ski jacket. | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p-X & N100p-X 3L Most Rugged Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz | 79.5 cm / 31.25 in | No |
Rush Insulated (Women's) | Skiing | 16/-9 | 3/10 | 5/10 | 5/10 | 9/10 | Review | No | No | Yes | Hadron 2L Gore-Tex Infinium | Regular | 515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | Yes | |
Sabre (Men's) | Skiing | N/A | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 705 g / 1 lb 8.9 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | No | |
Sentinel (Women's) | Skiing | N/A | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | Go-to ski jacket. | Review | Yes | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 640 g / 1 lb 6.6 oz | 73.7 cm / 29 in | No |
Sentinel Insulated (Women's) | Skiing | 21/-6 | 8/10 | No data | No data | No data | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | 79.8 cm / 31.5 in | No | |
Sentinel Relaxed (Women's) | Skiing | N/A | No data | No data | No data | No data | Yes | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 655 g / 1 lb 7.1 oz | ? | No | ||
Sidewinder (Women's) | Skiing | N/A | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | Yes | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 570 g / 1 lb 4.1 oz | ? | No | ||
Solano (Men's - Women's) | Around Town | N/A | No data | No data | No data | No data | Review | No | No | No | Gore-Tex Infinium | Relaxed | 355 g / 12.5 oz | 72 cm / 28.3 in | No | |
Squamish (Men's - Women's) | Running | N/A | 5/10 | 4/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | Go-to running jacket. | Review | No | No | Yes | 30D Tyono | Trim | 140 g / 4.9 oz | 77.5 cm / 30.5 in | No |
Theriss Down (Women's) | Skiing | No data | 7/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 709 g / 1 lb 9 oz | 63 cm / 24.8 in | No | |
Alpha FL (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | N/A | 7/10 | No data | No data | 10/10 | No | No | Yes | Hadron 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 209 g / 7.4 oz | 76.5 cm / 30 in | Yes | ||
Alpha IS (Men's) | Climbing | 23/-5 | 7/10 | 5/10 | No data | 8/10 | No | Yes | Yes | N40p-X 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | Yes | ||
Alpha SL (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | N/A | 5/10 | 7/10 | No data | 9/10 | No | No | Yes | N40p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 326 g / 11.5 oz | 77.5 cm / 30.5 in | Yes | ||
Beta SV (Men's - Women's) | All Round | N/A | 8/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 3/10 | Strongest all-round harshell. | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 495 g / 1 lb 1.5 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | Yes |
Gamma SL (aka lightweight) (Men's - Women's) | All Round | N/A | 7/10 | 2/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | Review | No | No | No | Fortius 1.0 | Trim | 310 g / 10.9 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | Yes | |
Incendia (Women's) | Skiing | N/A | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | Review | Yes | No | No | NP100d 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | Yes | |
Incendo (Men's) | Running | N/A | 7/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | Review | No | No | Yes | Lumin | Trim | 125 g / 4.4 oz | ? | Yes | |
Incendo Airshell (Men's | Running | N/A | No data | No data | No data | No data | No | No | Yes | ? | Trim | 105 g / 3.7 oz | ? | Yes | ||
Incendo SL (Men's) | Running | N/A | 7/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 10/10 | Review | No | No | Yes | Permair 20 & Canim | Trim | 80 g / 2.8 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | Yes | |
Macai (Men's) | Skiing | 5/-15 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | 1/10 | Review | Yes | No | No | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 990 g / 2 lb 2.9 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | Yes | |
Macai Lightweight (aka LT) (Men's) | Skiing | 8/-13 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | 2/10 | Review | Yes | No | No | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz | ? | Yes | |
Macai Shell (Men's) | Skiing | N/A | No data | No data | No data | No data | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 775 g / 1 lb 11.3 oz | ? | Yes | |
Micon (Men's) | Skiing | N/A | No data | No data | No data | No data | Yes | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | Yes | ||
Micon Heather | Skiing | N/A | No data | No data | No data | No data | Yes | No | No | NP100-d 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | Yes | ||
Nodin (Men's - Women's) | Running | N/A | 8/10 | 5/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | No | No | Yes | 20D Tyono | Trim | 130 g / 4.6 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | Yes | ||
Norvan LT (Men's - Women's) | Running | N/A | 5/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | No | No | No | N13p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 190 g / 6.7 oz | ? | Yes | ||
Norvan SL (Men's - Women's) | Running | N/A | 7/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | Review | No | No | Yes | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 120 g / 4.2 oz | 77 cm / 30.4 in | Yes | |
Norvan SL Ins. (Women's) | Running | 39/4 | No data | No data | No data | No data | No | No | Yes | Gore-Tex ShakeDry | Trim | 270 g / 9.5 oz | 71.5 cm / 28.1 in | Yes | ||
Norvan Windshell (Men's | Running | N/A | No data | No data | No data | No data | No | No | Yes | Permeair 20 | Trim | 90 g / 3.2 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | Yes | ||
Procline (Men's) | Skiing | N/A | No data | No data | No data | No data | Yes | No | No | N70p Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | Yes | ||
Ravenna (Women's) | Skiing | N/A | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | Review | Yes | No | No | N70s-4 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 725 g / 1 lb 9.6 oz | 69.5 cm / 27.4 in | Yes | |
Ravenna LT (Women's) | Skiing | N/A | 6/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | Review | Yes | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz | 69 cm / 27.2 in | Yes | |
Sabre AR (Men's) | Skiing | N/A | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | Review | Yes | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 700 g / 1 lb 8.7 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | Yes | |
Sabre Insulated (See related products) | Skiing | No data | 7/10 | No data | 6/10 | No data | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 815 g / 1 lb 12.7 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | Yes | |
Sabre LT (Men's) | Skiing | N/A | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 660 g / 1 lb 7.3 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | Yes | |
Sabre SV (Men's) | Skiing | N/A | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 1/10 | Strongest ski jacket. | Review | Yes | Yes | No | N100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 595 g / 1 lb 5 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in | No |
Sentinel AR (Women's) | Skiing | N/A | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | Review | Yes | No | No | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz | 72.5 cm / 28.5 in | Yes | |
Sentinel LT (Women's) | Skiing | N/A | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | Review | Yes | No | No | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 565 g / 1 lb 3.9 oz | 73.5 cm / 29 in | Yes | |
Shashka Stretch (Women's) | Skiing | N/A | No data | No data | No data | No data | Yes | No | No | N70p Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 670 g / 1 lb 7.6 oz | 71 cm / 28 in | Yes | ||
Trino SL (Men's) | Running | N/A | 8/10 | 5/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | Review | No | No | No | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 340 g / 12 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | Yes | |
Trino SL Anorak (Women's) | Running | N/A | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | Review | No | No | No | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 290 g / 10.2 oz | 65 cm / 25.5 in | Yes | |
Venda Anorak (Women's) | Around Town | N/A | No data | No data | No data | No data | No | No | No | Gore-Tex | Relaxed | 255 g / 9 oz | 75.5 cm / 29.7 in | Yes | ||
Zeta AR (Men's) | Hiking | N/A | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 4/10 | Yes | No | No | 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 425 g / 15 oz | 80 cm / 31.5 in | Yes | ||
Zeta FL (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | N/A | 4/10 | 6/10 | 4/10 | 6/10 | No | No | No | N20r 2L Gore-Tex | Trim | 221 g / 7.8 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | Yes | ||
Zeta LT (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | N/A | 5/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 5/10 | No | No | No | N40P-X 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 335 g / 11.8 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | Yes | ||
Zeta SL (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | N/A | 3/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | Review | No | No | No | 2L Gore-Tex | Trim | 310 g / 10.9 oz | 77.8 cm / 30.6 in | Yes |
Performance data axis of synthetic jackets (table above) and shell jackets (this table) are different. Don't compare them.
So... why the hell do I roast this jacket that much?
- Poll results: Giant Arc'teryx & Patagoina survey (Gore-Tex, pockets, hoods, fit, & more) [1000+ participated]
- Pics from outrageous discounts I ran into at Arc'teryx Parndorf Outlet
- I bought Gamma Lightweight (aka SL), Gamma (aka LT) and Gamma MX
- Patera Parka (one year update): Ain't worth the price...
- Alpha vs Beta: I bought all 4 Beta's and both Alpha's. Settling this for good
- Proton Hybrid: A "hidden" way to stuff it in itself!?
- Best Insulated Jackets: A hands-on Arc'teryx & Patagonia face-off
- 2024 Nano Air is in! Bought it immediately...
- I bought all 7 of Winter '24 Atom and Proton jackets
- Best Arc'teryx Ski Jackets: Rush is ideal, Sabre SV is overkill
- Arc’teryx colors: Most and least liked (poll results)
- Took my Nuclei SV to the Alps near Pfander, Austria
- Arc'teryx Alpha Parka Review: The most impressive jacket of all time
- Arc'teryx ReGEAR: OutdoorCrunch exclusive promo code!
- Beta Insulated Jacket is in: Pit zips AND two way zipper
- DropHood vs StormHood: Pros/cons and best uses
- 7 things all Arc'teryx newbies should know
Waterproofing
Look. I don't mind the poor breathability and durability the emergency pop-up shells like the Beta SL offer. After all, it's all a trade-off for superior packability.
Jackets I recommend instead of the Beta SL Hybrid, the Zeta SL and FL; aren't really much different in this manner either.
Poll results: Best colorways of Beta Series
Upvote your favorites.
Phenom
Sprint
Black Sapphire
Solace
Black
Forage
Wicker
Phenom
Sprint
Black
Solace
Cloud
Jungle
Black Sapphire
Daze
Black/Multi
Quick links:
Jungle Maze
Wicker Sapphire
Serene
Black
Phenom
Black
Phenom
Moonlit
Sprint
Moonlit
Retreat
Fika
Solasta
Black Sapphire
Bitters
Black
Atmos
Black Sapphire
Black
Fika
Serene/Solace
Wicker/Sprint
Quick links:
Black
Solace
Sky Groover
Groovie
Forage
Fika/Bliss
Solitude
Black
Black Sapphire
Serene
Moonlit
Serene
Black
Bliss
Retreat
Quick links:
Beta SL Hybrid Women's.
Check out my Arc'teryx Beta vs Zeta post to see how the Zeta SL and FL compare to the Beta SL Hybrid in terms of breathability and durability. It's not much different.
Having said that...
What really grinds my gears is the fact that the Beta SL Hybrid can't even mildly accomplish the only thing it's intended to do: Waterproofing.
Not only the pockets get soaked completely (I mean a degree like several inches of water! Good night sweet wallets), but the material also leaks.
You had one job, Beta SL Hybrid...
This is why I gave you a 2 out of 10 in weather resistance department.
Zeta SL and FL, on the other hand, work just as expected. The waterproofing capability they offer are higher than the industry standards. Being Arc'teryx pieces, this isn't surprising.
Combine this with the fact that they're also cheaper than the Beta SL Hybrid... and it should be an easy decision for most of you - assuming your type of use won't be much different than everyone else.
Canberk is 5'11" and 165 pounds, with an athletic build. Size Medium fits him perfectly across almost all brands and product lines.
Lastly, here's another good review of Beta SL Hybrid: