Arcteryx Beta FL Jacket and Acto MX Hoody

The 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.

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.

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.

Some of the reflective striping on the back. Take me biking please.

Micro seam allowances for reduced bulk. Inside hood drawcord.

Close-up of the lamintion. Look Mom, no stitching.

Super minimalist velcro cuff closure that work just fine.

It! Even! Stuffs! Into! Its! Own! Hood!

Check out the vid for even more info.

Arc’teryx Acto MX Hoody:

And 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?

Aeries Grid Loft interior (that’s the grey checkerboard stuff). Keeps me dry and happy.

Keeping things snacked with the interior draw cord.

Front and centre. Crossover pockets. Harness happy and simple.

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)

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

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. 

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