TESTING CONDITIONS
Fiona tested the jackets on the hills of Scotland and in a range of weather conditions, from cold, wet and windy through to warmer, windier and wetter! She is usually a size small or UK10 although she is fairly tall at 5ft 8in and has long arms. The jackets were weighed on her home digital scales.
BEST BUY
Arc’teryx Beta Jacket
£350
268g(S)
lightweight, roomy
price, colours
Materials: 3-layer Gore-Tex with Gore C-Knit backer
Hood: stiffened peak, single volume adjuster
Front closure: WaterTight Vislon front zip, internal storm flap
Underarm/side zips: no
Pockets: three: two zipped hand packets and a zipped internal pocket
Hem: drawcord, two toggle adjusters
Cuffs: Velcro
Sizes: XXS-XXL (men XS-XXL)
The Beta is a regular-fit jacket, as opposed to the LT model, which is slimmer fit. I have the small (S) size, which is very roomy and offers enough space for a few layers underneath. There are only three colours to choose from, ranging from black to dull ochre. The seven women’s sizes – from XXS to XXL – cover a good range.
At 268g, it’s a lightweight jacket with a bluesign-approved fabric that feels equally durable and lightweight enough to stow away
