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.
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).
So... why the hell do I roast this jacket that much?
Colors indicate design intentions:
- Red: All-round, general purpose;
- Green: Hiking, backpacking, trekking;
- Blue: Snow sports,
- Grey: Climbing & alpine activities.
Bold are my top picks for each category. Also see my Arc'teryx Favorites post to read more about this.
| Breath-ability | Pack-ability | Weather Resistance | Durability | Length | Bagginess |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | 3/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
T.B.D | T.B.D | T.B.D | T.B.D | T.B.D | T.B.D | |
8/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
8/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
8/10 | 3/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | |
10/10 | 8/10 | 2/10 | 3/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | |
10/10 | 5/10 | 3/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
8/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | |
3/10 | 8/10 | 5/10 | 3/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
4/10 | 10/10 | 5/10 | 2/10 | 7/10 | 5/10 | |
6/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 4/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
7/10 | 4/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 | |
8/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
8/10 | 5/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 | 5/10 | |
8/10 | 3/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | 3/10 | |
6/10 | 5/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 3/10 | |
8/10 | 3/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 6/10 | |
7/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 | |
7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
5/10 | 3/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | 10/10 | 6/10 | |
8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
9/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
8/10 | 3/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 |
If you still can't decide, here's something that might be of help:
- JacketFinder Tool: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/jacket-finder/
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.
For some reason, Arc'teryx decided to separate the product pages of Therme Parka for US and non-US visitors:
- https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/zeta-sl-jacket-(us)
- https://arcteryx.com/ca/en/shop/womens/zeta-sl-jacket
Navigate accordingly.
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.
Lastly, here's another good review of Beta SL Hybrid:
I hope this post was helpful for you to learn more about the jacket(s) in your mind.
Feel free to ask me any questions or provide feedback and I'll be happy to respond in the comment section below.
Guide: Insulated & Shell Jackets
Start here:
Complete list:
Also see:
Thank you for reading!
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