Logo
    Show
    Hide
    Login
    Close

    SITE LOGIN

    • Forgot your password?

    Register

    New Ski Touring Maps and Guides
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
          • Rain Shells
          • Day Packs
          • Apparel
          • Footwear
          • Safety
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
          • Coolers / Cooking
          • Furniture / Storage
          • Lighting / Power
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Best New Summer Gear
        • Best New Summer Gear 2023
        • Best New Summer Gear 2022
        • Best New Summer Gear 2021
        • Best New Summer Gear 2020
      • Holiday Gift Guide
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2022
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2021
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2019
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2018
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2017
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2016
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Best New Summer Gear
      • Holiday Gift Guide
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us

    HOTTEST REVIEWS


    RMU North Shore 114 Skis MADE Custom Apparel G3 R3 Recyclable Skis Garmin inReach Messenger Peak 104SC Skis Burton Hometown Hero Splitboard MEC Couloir Jacket/Pants

    VIDEOS YOU'LL LIKE


    Helly Hansen Lifa Infinity Dalbello Quantum Boots Line Vision 118 Skis The North Face Futurelight Black Crows Corvus Skis Plum OAZO Bindings Tecnica Zero G Tour Boots

    NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

    Unsubscribe
    Ortovox
    Zoleo
    • Home
    • »
    • Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and Acto MX Hoody

    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and Acto MX Hoody

    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and the Arcteryx Acto MX HoodyThe Arc’teryx Beta FL Gore-Tex Active Shell jacket may well be the eventual follow-through of a promise made a few years ago, but not delivered upon. At that time (probably five or six years back) various manufacturers came out with what they claimed would be life-changing lightweight shells. These shells were intended to be used as a wind and weather block over a softshell jacket while backcountry ski touring. I had one and it didn’t breathe. After a season or two, the inner layer started to peel off. Now, it’s a work coat and the pit zips are blown.

    When the Arc’teryx Beta FL Gore-Tex Active Shell jacket arrived in all its squid inky glory, I was a little underwhelmed. It looked a little lightweight and there wasn’t much to it. Little did I know, these were the two things I’d learn to love most about the jacket. The more I tour, the more I appreciate less. The Arc’teryx Beta FL Jacket, coupled with the Arc’teryx Acto MX Hoody (that I’ll get into more below) is the perfect combo for a tour on all but the coldest days. And it is ridiculously lightweight, well-fitting and effective at keeping you warm and dry.

    FL stands for fast and light. I may not be too fast, but I certainly appreciate the lightness. Like many Arc’teryx products, the Beta FL’s feature set is economic—no pit zips, no multiple fabrics sewn together, smart. Let’s take a gander at what there is, and isn’t, below:


    Simple three way StormHood design with laminated brim.
    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and the Arcteryx Acto MX Hoody

    Minimalist funky coloured zipper pulls (crowd pleasers). WaterTight zips and zipper garages. Heck, the logo is even reflective so oncoming traffic can see the high-end brand you’re sporting.
    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and the Arcteryx Acto MX Hoody

    Gore-tex Active Shell fabric is a new kind of very breathable 3-layer laminate. A moisture management backer is integrated directly into the membrane. No pit zips.
    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and the Arcteryx Acto MX Hoody

    Some of the reflective striping on the back. Take me biking please.
    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and the Arcteryx Acto MX Hoody

    Micro seam allowances for reduced bulk. Inside hood drawcord.
    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and the Arcteryx Acto MX Hoody

    Close-up of the lamintion. Look Mom, no stitching.
    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and the Arcteryx Acto MX Hoody

    Super minimalist velcro cuff closure that work just fine.
    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and the Arcteryx Acto MX Hoody

    It! Even! Stuffs! Into! Its! Own! Hood!
    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and the Arcteryx Acto MX Hoody

    Check out the vid for even more info.

    Arc’teryx Acto MX Hoody:

    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and the Arcteryx Acto MX HoodyAnd a quick word on the ideal companion piece, the Arc’teryx Acto MX hoody. The Acto MX (and I’m not sure what MX stands for) is similar in its minimalist design to the Beta FL. It also seems to be “tailored” in the same way as the Beta FL—it drops slightly over one’s backside and has a close, athletic fit. This midweight hoody is part of the hardfleece series and, as such, sheds snow and minor rains without much problem. It works super well under the Beta FL and works well on its own on the uptrack or when the temps start to climb. I’ve never once felt wet with it on. On very cold days, I would wear an expedition-weight baselayer top, the Acto MX and the Beta FL. (I always have a down layer in my pack for lunchtime or in case of emergency.) As long as I am moving, I’m comfortable climbing and skiing down. Let’s look at some details:

    The ACTO MX splayed. No inside pockets or doo-dads. Why bother?
    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and the Arcteryx Acto MX Hoody

    Aeries Grid Loft interior (that’s the grey checkerboard stuff). Keeps me dry and happy.
    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and the Arcteryx Acto MX Hoody

    Keeping things snacked with the interior draw cord.
    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and the Arcteryx Acto MX Hoody

    Front and centre. Crossover pockets. Harness happy and simple.
    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and the Arcteryx Acto MX Hoody

    Verdict:

    Over the course of a season, I have come to love the Arc’teryx Beta FL Active Shell jacket and Arc’teryx Acto MX hoody. I sometimes skin in just a softshell but if I think high winds are likely, I always chuck the Beta FL in my pack. I think I’ll be wearing this jacket for year round weather protection. I might get laughed off a sailboat but I think I can definitely get away with it on my bike. Both pieces have held up well so far. I have brushed by many trees skiing and haven’t torn anything yet. I wonder how durable this will be over the years but it’s still going strong after a season’s use, for sure.

    The Beta FL hard at work in the backcountry. (Acto MX working hard too, but concealed)
    Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and the Arcteryx Acto MX Hoody

    SPECS:

    Arc’teryx Beta FL Active Shell Jacket
    Price: $500 CAN
    Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL
    Colour: Squid ink, citron, cardinal, black
    Weight: 322 g / 11.4 oz (for medium, I believe)
    Fit: Athletic fit, with e3D patterning, hip length
    Material: GORE-TEX® Active Shell

    Beta FL ~ It’s a little spendy. I’m curious to see how durable it’ll be through extended wear.
    Acto MX ~ It’s also a little spendy. Zippers seem a little flimsy (but are still working fine).


    Arc’teryx Acto MX Hoody
    Price: $300 CAN
    Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
    Colour: Black, brimstone, cardinal
    Weight: 508 g / 1 lb 1.9 oz
    Fit: Trim fit, hip length
    Material: Aerius™ Grid Loft, Hardfleece

    PROS:

    Beta FL ~ lightweight, weatherproof, compressible, breathable, stylish jacket. Nice.
    Acto MX ~ high warmth-to-weight ratio. Fits well, shed water and snow.

    CONS:

    Beta FL ~ It’s a little spendy. I’m curious to see how durable it’ll be through extended wear.
    Acto MX ~ It’s also a little spendy. Zippers seem a little flimsy (but are still working fine).

    Rating: 8.5/10

    Fit / Mobility                   2/2
    Packability                       2/2
    Waterproof / Breathable  2/2
    Features                          1.5/2
    Quality / Price                 1/2

    buy backcountry skiing gear

    This is only our opinion. Do you disagree? Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Join the discussion in the forums here, and let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.

    Back to the rest of the reviews. 


    We built this backcountry skiing community for you, the passionate skier, and hope you enjoy the hard work we put into all the reviews, routes, videos, and posts we create. It’s been free from day one but that doesn’t mean it’s not a valuable resource. If you enjoy this website and value the content we create for you, then please support Backcountry Skiing Canada by donating today or by clicking on those sponsor ads and 'Buy Now' links at the bottom of the reviews. Thank you!

    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2022-23 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved.