TREKKING
Product 2019
Woman, Man
The Arc’Teryx Beta SL Hybrid is an all-season and multi-activity protective jacket: for mountaineering, ski touring, hiking. It is made of Gore Tex Paclite (+ N40r). This technology is lightweight (355g) and also has the ability to pack down small: NB, the packed down volume is pretty small, but nothing compared to a trail running jacket.
There is no doubt this is an Arc’Teryx product, the manufacturing quality, the precision of panel assemblies is remarkable, all for a high price, but which is not over the top: 380 euros. Because this Arc’Teryx Beta SL Hybrid is very versatile and it can replace several jackets dedicated to particular uses and seasons. That’s what we particularly liked about this Beta SL Hybrid that never leaves our travel bag anymore.
Lightweight, taking up hardly any space, you can confront the wind and rain in all serenity. Its manufacturing quality is highly reassuring: it’s tough and practical. Every detail is carefully thought out. The jacket’s construction looks simple, even basic, yet this is not the case. Even if it plays the minimalist card, everything you need is there. The Velcro at the cuffs are narrow, but effective, zips slide easily despite being waterproof. The straps on the zipper sliders are flexible, and easy to grip with gloves on, and designed to perfection.
Both waist adjustments are powerful and durable, Arc’Teryx could have played the lightweight card by opting for lighter models, but these are also very easy to adjust with gloves on. The double slider under the arms allows you to open the jacket and ventilate it according to your desires. Again, the zip slides well and importantly can be operated with one hand.
We like the height of the collar which protects your neck well and you can wear a polar fleece underneath. Contact with the chin doesn’t cause any friction.
The large hood is designed so you can wear a helmet. If you don’t wear a helmet, it adjusts quite easily using the toggle at the back of the head and the ones on each side of your face. The only thing is that the surplus elastic can hang along the neck, so be careful, the end of the elastic with a plastic tip can slap you in the face in strong winds.
A well-designed cut accommodates the layers needed underneath and doesn’t hinder movements. The fabric is slightly stretchy. It has high waterproofness and any weak point is reinforced. The breathability is more assured by the underarm openings. The membrane is classically efficient, consistent with what is currently on the market (it is more waterproof than breathable). The jacket makes a characteristic noise, a classic gentle “rustling” (wildlife photographers, give this one a miss).
The two large pockets arranged above the harness allow continuous access to any bits of equipment and accessories (gloves, map, etc.), which is very practical.
Despite our tough use for several months we didn’t tear, rip or make any holes in it, it wasn’t damaged in any way. However, in a high mountain setting, during some more physical excursions, especially on rock, you can expose this Beta Sl Hybrid to more wear and tear than Arc’Teryx versions that are specifically designed for this type of use: such as the Beta SV or Alpha AR.
The Arc’Teryx Beta SL Hybrid is a very versatile protective jacket, very comfortable to wear and especially effective in diverse weather conditions and uses. Lightweight, it has the Arc’Teryx brand’s mark of quality. An excellent jacket that can be used all year round.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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