CAUTION: Beta LT just got revised in Feb 2021, and this review isn't updated yet.
Let me give you a short answer first: Arc'teryx's Beta line products (SL Hybrid, LT, AR and SV) are focused on versatility and all-round use. You can see this in Arc'teryx's Naming Scheme Page here as well - for both "LT" and "AR", as well as "Beta".
- #A sidenote here: Arcteryx.com's PDF guide to their jackets is GOOOLLDDD. Highly recommend you to check it out before you buy.
- AR (All Round) as the most well balanced and hence the center of these 4 jackets,
- And the LT (Lightweight) as the lighter model of AR {345 grams (12.2 oz) vs 455 grams (16 oz)} - with %10-15 breathability, %10-15 weather resistance and %25 durability sacrifices when compared to the AR.
So what's the take-away here?
If you're an ultralight traveler/backpacker, then the lighter weight and more packable structure of Beta LT can most likely be a more suitable option for you. For all the other folks (probably 90% of you?), Beta AR is probably the way to go.
You can see their side-by-side comparison on Arc'teryx's site here.
Now the longer answer:
MSRP | 525 USD | 575 USD |
Breathability Packability Weather Resistance Durability Length Bagginess | ||
Beta LT | Beta AR | |
Weight | 345 grams (12.2 oz) | 455 grams (16 oz) |
Gore-Tex | N40p-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L | N40r-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L N80p-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L |
Current Price | Beta LT Men's: Beta LT Women's: | Beta AR Men's: Beta AR Women's: |
Cell | #Note: All face fabrics are DWR (durable water repellent) applied. DWR is a coating. It's basically sprayed on to the surface of these jackets as a finish. It stands for Durable Water Repellent - which means that water will be repelled under wet conditions instead of soaking into the fabric. DWR also decreases dry time. It's a good thing these jackets are coated in DWR, but pay attention to the fact that DWR is a coating - meaning that it will wear off over time. Which is why you might want to invest in a DWR spray such as this one for after treatment. |
MSRP | 525 USD | 575 USD |
Breathability Packability Weather Resistance Durability Length Bagginess | ||
Beta LT | Beta AR | |
Weight | 345 grams (12.2 oz) | 455 grams (16 oz) |
Gore-Tex | N40p-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L | N40r-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L N80p-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L |
Cell | #Note: All face fabrics are DWR (durable water repellent) applied. DWR is a coating. It's basically sprayed on to the surface of these jackets as a finish. It stands for Durable Water Repellent - which means that water will be repelled under wet conditions instead of soaking into the fabric. DWR also decreases dry time. It's a good thing these jackets are coated in DWR, but pay attention to the fact that DWR is a coating - meaning that it will wear off over time. Which is why you might want to invest in a DWR spray such as this one for after treatment. |
The biggest difference between these jackets is in their different Gore-Tex fabrics.
N40p-X (Beta LT) vs N40r-X & N80p-X (Beta AR)
If you'll mostly be ultralight traveling/backpacking to do various high output activities (climbing, skiing, snowboarding etc) then the LT can be a better choice then the AR - which is probably the only scenario where it's better than the AR.
Let me clear this first: N40r-X & N80p-X of Beta AR aren't used simultaneously throughout the entire face of the jackets.
Instead, the N80p-X is used in high wear areas that are better reinforced: Shoulders, back, forearms and top of the hood.
In order to prevent the weight and price of the jacket going through the roof (N80p-X is very heavy, robust and expensive), N40r-X is used throughout other areas where less durability is more acceptable.
This is also why Beta AR is the most well-balanced of all Beta jackets because Beta LT is 40D and Beta SV is 80D everywhere (they aren't balanced but rather intended for more niche uses).
Beta LT is equipped with N40p-X everywhere.
So what do the numbers 40 and 80 exactly mean?
If you're unaware, the number after the first letter represents the denier (weight) of the fabric. It's usually referred to as 40D and 80D (denier), etc.
As the denier increases (which is 40 vs 80, in this case) the durability and weather resistance will increase, but the jacket will also end up being heavier, more stiff (and hence less packable) with a less pleasant touch.
You can now see the main difference between Beta LT and AR - but let's continue, more to come.
The letter (p or r) after this number represents the fabric weave. R stands for ripstop, which, unlike plain weave (P), is woven with a grid texture.
Ripstop weave.
This is the only difference between them. And as a result:
- Ripstop weave (Beta AR) is expected to prevent the potential tears from propagating considerably less then the plain weave by blocking their paths with elevated fabrics.
- Whereas the plain weave (Beta LT) is expected to bead the water droplets better than the ripstop because unlike the ripstop, the pathway of droplets won't be crossed by elevated fabrics.
If you won't be "ultralighting" much, then the Beta AR is probably the way to go.
This outcome kind of makes sense when you think about it in theory, but is minimal (or almost non-existent) in practical gear use.
Because:
- Gore-Tex 3L Pro is already very high quality by itself, so ripstop doesn't really add much to Beta AR's durability in practice.
- Both jackets are already DWR coated, so the plain weave of Beta LT doesn't really cause a noticeable difference in water beading.
So, as you can guess now; the vast, vast majority of the extra %10-15 weather resistance & %25 durability of Beta AR and more packable & lighter structure of Beta LT result from the denier difference (40D vs 80D) - NOT the weave difference (ripstop vs plain).
But what about the %10-15 breathability difference?
Breathability
This one will be much shorter.
LT is much less than the AR because it doesn't offer mechanical venting: LT doesn't come with pit zips, whereas the AR does.
If you haven't used them before, you'll quickly realize that the pit zips are a godsend especially during high output activities since they keep you from overheating very well.
Also consider: Bagginess
...especially if you're planning to under layer these shells with fairly thick and/or multiple garments.
Beta AR is slightly baggier than the LT, so it'll allow for a wider variety of under layering options which, in the end, ultimately makes it more versatile.
Conclusion
If you're having a hard time deciding, then checking out this post of mine that covers all the Arc'teryx Beta and Zeta Jackets might be helpful for you.
If you think none of these jackets would be able provide your desired weather resistance and durability, then I'd recommend you to check out my Beta AR vs SV comparison.
Now if this is you:
- "I really don't need any specific features. I want to stay active during the quite cold winters in my town: A lot of fat biking, outdoor climbing, hiking, skiing, snowboarding etc. I'm looking for a shell jacket I can easily use during all these."
I'd recommend you the Beta AR.
Beta AR Men's:
Beta AR Women's:
If, on the other hand, you want something much lighter and more packable than the AR, and you can sacrifice some breathability (LT doesn't come with pit zips unlike the AR), durability and weather resistance in return, then the Beta LT would probably be your best bet.
Beta LT Men's:
Beta LT Women's:
Hello Canberk,
Thank you for sharing these awesome reviews. Really helpful for me.
For the current Beta LT (2021 New), Do you have any thoughts on that? I’m considering buying it but would like to hear your thought. Is Beta AR still a go-to compares to the latest Beta LT update?