Gear Review: Women’s Arc’teryx Beta LT
This review comes from a female outdoor enthusiast completely immersed in the backcountry lifestyle. Not as an occasional user, but a person that literally has their soul immersed it. While I realize that the female version of Arc’teryx Beta LT, the product, materials, and use itself are virtually gender neutral, there are key aspects that are well defined from a woman’s perspective. With that said, I introduce you to a guest review done by Tiffany Hansen. I will break down the Arc’teryx Beta LT and define why Arc’teryx shells are amongst my most prized pieces of gear.
TECH SHELL DESIGNATORS:
FIT CATEGORIES:
Intro
The Beta LT is the perfect balance between room for layers and fitted. When I say fitted, I mean flattering. It is so perfect, in fact, that it feels like the natural solution to the question of fit, as opposed to a compromise between two options. And, while vanity isn’t a concern when buying gear, looking good is definitely a great bonus! And, truthfully, well-fitting gear makes all the difference in terms of performance and utility as well. More importantly to me, the fit of the jacket signifies the thought and care put into the design, which is evident in all aspects of the jacket. Simply put, I love this shell, but I will get to that in a minute. Let me start with the manufacturing specifications under the following tabs.
Arcteryx Beta LT Specs
- Technical Features
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Packs up small for easy travel storage
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Construction
- Micro-seam allowance (1.6 mm) reduces bulk and The force created by gravity acting on a mass." class="glossaryLink " target="_blank">weight
- DWR finish (Durable Water Repellent) helps repel water from fabric surface
- Taped seams for added weatherproofness
- Design
- Trim fit for athletic performance
Patterning
- Anatomical shaping for fit and comfort
- Articulated elbows
- e3D Ergonomic 3-Dimensional patterning for enhanced comfort and mobility
- Gusseted underarms
- Hood Configuration
- Laminated brim
- Helmet compatible StormHood™
- Adjustable hood drawcords
- Collar Configuration
- Chin guard with brushed microsuede facing for added comfort
Zippers & Fly Configuration
- WaterTight™ Vislon front zip
- Micro corded zipper pulls
- Zipper garages to protect zipper closure from snow and rain
- Cuff & Sleeves Configuration
- Die-cut Velcro® cuff adjusters reduce bulk, and won’t catch or tear off
Hem Configuration
- Drop back hem
- Adjustable hem drawcord
- Pocket Configuration
- Two hand pockets with WaterTight™ zippers
- Internal chest pocket with zip
- Note: Our WaterTight™ zippers are highly water resistant, but not waterproof. We do not recommend keeping items in your pockets that may be damaged by moisture
HELMET COMPATIBLE STORMHOOD™ The Arc’teryx helmet compatible Stormhood™ is designed to provide the ultimate protection in cold or wet weather. The laminated brim and hood adjusters secure tightly and deliver full coverage without restricting movement or visibility.
- Laminated brim
- Adjustable hood cinch cords
- Tall collar for full coverage
How to find your measurements Sleeve: With your arms in a slightly bent position, measure from the center of the back of your neck, along the length of your arm, to the wrist. Chest/Bust: Measure around your chest/bust, holding the measuring tape under your armpit. Waist: Measure around your waist at the narrowest part. Hip: Measure around your hips at the widest part.
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Body Size
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- Machine wash in warm water (30°C).
- Double rinse.
- Do not use fabric softener.
- Tumble dry on medium heat.
- Do not iron.
My story
I put my gear through all types scenarios. While I can shine up like a penny and turn heads in Pradas, outdoor pursuits are my real passion. I would rather be jumping off cliffs than concerning myself with the hues of eyeshadow combinations. Yes, my gear gets put to the test, and rarely does the weather in the mountains hold me back.
Function, Flattery, and Use
As I said in the introduction, vanity isn’t a concern when buying gear, but flattery is a bonus! The Beta LT is functional in every to include hiking, rock climbing, trail running in three season weather. It is a minimalist technical shell for outdoor pursuits. A true trim fit. The Beta LT is an extremely lightweight, coming in at 11 ounces (medium size) to be exact. It is versatile keeping me dry and cool in demanding activities and warm during cool down. It functions as both rain and wind protection yet weight and space are not a factor with this shell. This jacket is amazing. It is incredibly versatile with lots of room for layers but doesn’t look baggy without them. In conjunction with the right layering systems this jacket could work anywhere from -25 to 75 degrees. When it comes down to it, that is pretty versatile.
I find that the cut of this jacket is just so much more flattering than any other jackets or shells I have owned. It just hangs right and feels comfortable no matter what, without any awkward bunching. The back is tailored to upper thigh length – which is perfect. The pocket placement and length is perfect for under a harness! As with most Arc’teryx technical shells, the pockets face inner versus outer which is of course a huge plus for pack straps or a harness. The hood is adjustable for over my helmet or without, although I rarely wear a helmet with this jacket and the hood adjustment is not quite as versatile as the Beta AR. I have muscular shoulders and longer arms and legs. I can easily wear this over other layers I own, but the cut is still flattering enough that I don’t look like I’m wearing my tent. It is a true fit. Other shells I’ve owned in the past were narrow through the shoulders and really restricted movement or lifted when the arms were up, but this one is perfect. The range of motion and mobility is exactly what I look for in a lightweight technical shell. Last but not least, the internal pocket is just large enough for my iPhone with its bulky waterproof impact-resistant case.
What the Arc’teryx Beta LT is Not
Don’t expect the Beta LT to be something it is not. The construction is Gore-tex Pro®, it is not the heavier technical shell. It is less durable than it’s Beta AR cousin, and less abrasion resistant. It is not designed to be an expeditionary jacket. It does not have the pit-zips for regulating temperature when used with a layering system. It is designed for lightweight pursuits and sudden inclement weather. While the Beta LT does use the Gore-tex Pro®, this jacket is essentially a lighter version of the Beta AR. Although I have never had an issue with it wetting out, it will wet out faster than upper series Arc’teryx technical shells. While the Beta LT does have an amazing ‘trim fit’ it is not patterned gender specific like the Beta AR.
Details
Next I will go over a few of the finer details.
Conclusion
The Arc’teryx Beta LT is a nice minimalist look that works for around town, as well as the details that make rainy outdoor pursuits much more enjoyable. A bullet-proof technical shell modeled after the heavier weight Beta AR. My jacket reviewed was a size medium 2014 Women’s Arc’teryx Beta LT in the color ‘Mai Tai’. Retail price: $499.00 USD Personally I would keep an eye for sales and specials if seeking out this shell. Although they do not happen often and when they do the color selection and size can be a challenge. But if you are patient you will find them. Note that sometimes certain retailers only carry certain colors from the product line, while other retailers carry other specific colors. You can find more information on the Arc’teryx website. www.arcteryx.com
Check out my full review on the Women’s Arc’teryx Beta AR 
Check out my comparison of the Women’s Arc’teryx Beta AR & Beta LT 
