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Head-to-head · Best Rain Jackets

Arc'teryx Beta SL vs Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.9 vs 4.6). Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 is best for: Serious skiers who prioritize weather protection over minimal weight. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Arc'teryx Beta SL
Ranked #1 in Best Rain Jackets
Arc'teryx Beta SL
2 sources$500as of Oct 11

The Arc'teryx Beta SL delivers top-tier waterproofing through its three-layer Gore-Tex ePE membrane, keeping users dry in heavy rain and sleet as base-mag found. Long pit zips provide significant ventilation for high-output activities, while the helmet-compatible StormHood effectively blocks wind and rain from the face. However, at $500, this jacket is very expensive, placing it out of reach for budget-conscious shoppers. Additionally, its fitted cut can be restrictive, with some reviewers finding they needed to size up to comfortably wear layers underneath.

Strengths
  • — Three-layer Gore-Tex ePE membrane provides top-tier waterproofing that kept reviewers dry in heavy rain and sleet.
  • — Long pit zips offer significant ventilation, allowing wearers to regulate body heat during high-output activities like trail running or climbing.
  • — Large, helmet-compatible StormHood with multiple adjustments effectively blocks wind and rain from the face.
Watch-outs
  • — The $500 price point is considered very expensive, placing it out of reach for budget-concious shoppers.
  • — Fitted cut can be restrictive; some reviewers found they needed to size up to comfortably wear layers underneath.
$500 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Rain Jackets
Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
1 source$225as of Oct 11

The Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 delivers exceptional breathability through its LIFA INFINITY membrane, which hikingdaily found prevents sweating even with pit zips closed, while outdoorsmagic confirmed it remains fully waterproof and windproof in heavy rain. The jacket features a helmet-compatible hood with four drawcords for secure adjustment and high-placed pockets that remain accessible under climbing harnesses or backpack hipbelts. However, at 17.64 ounces, the shell is heavier than many ultralight alternatives, and its one-way pit zips limit fine-tuned ventilation control compared to two-way designs. This durable, professional-grade jacket suits serious skiers and mountaineers who prioritize weather protection over minimal weight, while budget-conscious buyers or those seeking lighter gear for mild conditions should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — LIFA INFINITY membrane provides exceptional breathability, with reviewers noting it prevents sweating even when pit zips are closed.
  • — Fully waterproof and windproof construction using Helly Tech Professional three-layer fabric keeps wearers dry in heavy rain and snow.
  • — Large hand pockets feature two-way sliders and sit high enough to remain accessible while wearing a backpack or climbing harness.
Watch-outs
  • — At approximately 17.64 oz (500 g), the jacket is heavier than many ultralight alternatives.
  • — The pit zips are one-way only, limiting fine-tuned ventilation control compared to two-way designs.
$225 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Arc'teryx Beta SL

The Arc'teryx Beta SL weighs 12 oz, against 17.64 oz for the Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 and 15.3 oz for the Outdoor Research Foray 3L. Its long pit zips give ventilation that the Patagonia Boulder Fork, which has no pit zips, does not offer. Its waterproof rating is 28,000 mm against 20,000 mm for the Foray 3L, and it costs more than the Helly Hansen and the Foray 3L.

Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0

The Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 excels in breathability with its LIFA INFINITY membrane, preventing sweating even when pit zips are closed, a feature the Patagonia Boulder Fork lacks entirely due to having no ventilation zips. However, it is heavier at 17.64 oz than the Arc'teryx Beta SL (12 oz) and uses one-way pit zips, which offer less fine-tuned control than the two-way zips on the Arc'teryx model.

Specs side-by-side

SpecArc'teryx Beta SLHelly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
Waterproof Rating28,000 mm—
MaterialGORE-TEX ePE with C-KNIT backer100% Polyester (Recycled)
Weight12 oz (Men's)17.64 oz / 500 g
Fabric Layers3-layer—
VentilationPit zipsYes (One-way)
HoodHelmet-compatible—
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