Arc’teryx Beta SL Jacket

© Arc’teryx | Beta SL

Any Arc’teryx jackets are well worth the investment. Sure, you’ll pony up a few Benjamins, but if you take your outdoor preparedness seriously, you simplycan’t go wrong.

Among the best options for lightweight hard-shell rain jackets for women is the Arc’teryx Beta SL. The product weighs a miniscule 9.9 ounces and is made from N40r GORE-TEX fabric for ultimate water resistance. Even the zippers are reinforced with garages to keep moisture out. The tough fabric also acts as a windbreaker.

The jacket is designed to be breathable, so you won’t get clammy while hiking, backpacking or skiing. To add breathability, the jacket also has armpit vents to help circulate air flow. The jacket has Velcro closures at the wrists so you can tighten the jacket — or keep it loose for easy removal.

The hood on this jacket is a thing of beauty. The laminated brim is enforced for sturdiness and dutifully keeps rain from dripping on your face. The hood is adjustable via draw cords on the back, so you can tighten it snuggly around your head, ensuring it won’t blow back in a breeze or move too much as you go through an activity. The jacket’s main zipper runs all the way to the laminated chin guard, so on cold days you can tuck your head and neck inside and away from the elements.

The jacket also has roomy pockets with the aforementioned reinforced zippers. While the Arc’teryx website cautions this does not make the pockets completely waterproof and that you shouldn’t store water sensitive items here, I’ve had great success keeping a smartphone and camera dry and safe for hours in driving rainstorms.

A generous bit of fabric at the jacket’s rear prevents the fabric from riding up while you move and exposing your lower back. And the entire product is roomy enough to allow for several layers underneath — even thick, snow-appropriate ones.

Learn about the Arc’teryx Beta SL more at Arcteryx.com.