Arc’teryx Beta vs Beta AR vs Beta SL

Arc'teryx Beta: Overview

Update: Arc'teryx has just dropped the fall 2025 version of the Beta AR featuring the all-new Gore-Tex PRO ePE waterproof membrane. This newest Beta AR, along with the brand new Alpha and Alpha SV hard shells, are the very first jackets to feature Gore-Tex PRO ePE, a 100% PFAS-free waterproof, windproof and breathable technology that lives up to the highest performance standards reserved for Gore-Tex PRO gear. We just got our hands on the new Beta AR and provide a first look here.

Arc'teryx groups similar products into what it calls "families," and perhaps no Arc'teryx family is better known than its Beta line of jackets. Versatile, high-performance shells that can be used year-round, the Arc'teryx Beta family has undergone some updates recently. What was once four models of Beta jackets is now just three: the tough, four-season Beta AR, the newly reintroduced Beta SL (formerly the Beta Lightweight), and the minimalist Beta. 

The Beta AR (AR stands for "all-round" in Arc'teryx lexicon) is the burliest of the Betas and the only one to feature Gore-Tex PRO. The Beta SL is essentially a revised Beta Lightweight now featuring PFAS-free Gore-Text ePE and nicely fills the void between the fuller-featured Beta AR and the no-frills Beta. Arc'teryx's pricing of the three current models aligns with this hierarchy: Beta AR ($600), Beta SL ($500), and Beta ($400). 

So which Arc'teryx Beta shell is right for you? The answer depends on your use cases and must-have features. 

Click here to see how Arc'teryx compares the Beta AR, Beta SL and Beta to one another.

Here's our take:

If you expect to wear your new Beta for, say, the next decade or so without any performance capability loss, then without a doubt buy the Arc'teryx Beta AR. Its face fabric (40d main with 80d reinforcements) and rugged Gore-Tex Pro 3L membrane is more durable and breathable than the other Beta models. 

If, however, you don't plan to have your shell for that long, or if your typical use cases don't necessitate the burliness of Gore-Tex Pro, then the Beta or Beta SL are great choices for a little less money. Instead of the top-end 3L Gore-Tex Pro, the Beta SL and Beta offer the PFAs-free 3L Gore-Tex ePE fabric. The ePE is lighter weight and "less crunchy" than traditional Gore-Tex waterproof membranes but still offers a waterproof rating of 28,000mm (same as the Gore-Tex Pro). 

The Beta is the most minimalist of the three models: It has no pit zips, no collar drawcords, no helmet-compatible hood, and a smaller internal pocket. And for a long time it was the lightest weight and, in my opinion, the most comfortable. Wearing it feels similar to wearing my softshell Gamma (aka LT). 

The addition of the Beta SL to the lineup makes for an interesting conundrum. The Beta SL's 40-denier face fabric with 70-denier reinforcements in high-wear areas means it is now the lightest Beta model (340 grams vs 375 grams for the Beta). Impressive, considering the SL also has pit zips for some mechanical ventilation. I think the Beta SL is also the most comfortable to wear due to the combination of its light weight and soft-on-skin C-Knit backer (the Beta also has C-Knit backer, which is generally considered more breathable and comfortable that the Tricot backer on the Beta AR).

Make no mistake - all Beta models are well-constructed, high-performance waterproof shells made for three-season adventuring and even winter use depending on your activities and expectations. If you're looking for an Arc'teryx shell for full-on winter pursuits, we review our favorite ski and snowboard jackets for men and women here. 

Weather Resistance

The Beta AR performs better than all the others, including the Beta SL. Why? Because when it comes to Gore-Tex Pro vs. Gore-Tex, the answer is simple: the former always bests the latter in weatherproof performance. 

That said, I'd argue that superior weather resistance is NOT the primary advantage of Gore-Tex Pro items. To me, the main advantage is that Gore-Tex Pro shells experience almost zero loss in weather resistance, even after many years of use. This is what makes the Beta AR a buy-it-for-life kind of purchase. 

For more casual use, the Beta fits the bill perfectly fine in terms of weather resistance. I recently had the chance to try out the Beta in heavy rain. Here's the result: 

Pockets

All Beta models offer two handwarmer pockets and an internal zippered pocket. 

Hoods

There's not one but two reasons I like the hood of the Beta AR the most. 

The first reason is the DropHood. (Just to be clear, the Beta AR also comes in a StormHood version.)  

(I surveyed 100+ readers and nearly 60% reported liking StormHood better than DropHood.) 

Generally, the DropHood is considered more comfortable when the hood is down. When the hood is up, it's the StormHood that's more comfortable. This is because the collar is separate from the hood with the DropHood (see photos). 

Read more about StormHood vs DropHood here: https://outdoorcrunch.com/stormhood-vs-drophood/

But there's another reason I really like the hood of the Beta AR. As you can see in the image, the Beta AR features an additional drawcord at the bottom of the hood, which the other models don't have. 

Here's a closer view. 

This additional drawcord allows you to adjust the vertical position and stability of the hood. Nice. 

Cuffs

The velcro on the cuffs of the Beta AR are thicker than the other Beta models, which are identical to one another. 

Zipper pulls

I don't like the zipper pulls of the Beta LT that much. It may be a minor thing, but it doesn't match the quality, fit and finish of the pulls on the other models. 

Collars

Another difference is in the collar. The simplified Beta is the only model that doesn't offer collar drawcords. 

Fit and comfort

To me, the Beta fits the best by far. The others fit similar to one another. The Beta AR is the noisiest because of its tougher (stiffer) outer fabric. 

• Fit

Canberk is 5'11" and 165 pounds, with an athletic build. Size Medium fits him perfectly across almost all brands and product lines. 

• Arc'teryx's 2024 men's fit revision

Here's what Arc'teryx says about its most recent fit revision: 

Source: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/help/sizing/mens/tops/new

Not all jackets come with the revised fit - only the ones with following statement: