Head-to-head · Best Rain Jackets

Arc'teryx Beta SL vs Rab Downpour

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

Arc'teryx Beta SL comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.6 vs 4.1). Arc'teryx Beta SL is best for: Alpinists who need maximum waterproofing and ventilation without excessive weight. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Rain Jackets

Arc'teryx Beta SL

4.6

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 Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Rain Jackets

Rab Downpour

4.1

2 sources$91.38as of Oct 11

The Rab Downpour utilizes Pertex Shield fabric to deliver a soft, quiet feel that reviewers praise as significantly more comfortable than typical crinkly ultralight shells. OutdoorGearLab found the adjustable hood with its stiffened peak provides excellent storm sealing and visibility, while GearJunkie noted the generous pit zips allow for rapid heat dumping during high-output activities. However, the standard model weighs 13.3 ounces, which is heavy for its class, and long-term users report that the Durable Water Repellent finish degrades quickly and is difficult to restore. The jacket also suffers from minor fabric bunching around the stomach when moving or reaching overhead. This shell fits hikers who prioritize comfort and ventilation over minimal weight, but those seeking ultralight packability should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Pertex Shield fabric provides a soft, quiet feel against the skin rather than crinkly plastic.
— Hood design features one-handed adjustment and a stiffened peak for effective storm sealing.
— Pit zips allow rapid heat dumping during high-output activities.

Watch-outs

— The standard Downpour model weighs 13.3 oz, which reviewers describe as heavy for its class.
— Fabric tends to bunch around the stomach area when moving or reaching overhead.
— Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish degrades quickly and is difficult to restore.

$91.38 · Check Price on Amazon Full 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.

Rab Downpour

The Rab Downpour has underarm vents for dumping heat, where the Patagonia Boulder Fork has no ventilation zips. At 13.3 oz it is heavier than the 12 oz Arc'teryx Beta SL and lighter than the 15.3 oz Outdoor Research Foray 3L. It costs less than both of those jackets.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Arc'teryx Beta SL	Rab Downpour
Waterproof Rating	28,000 mm	20,000mm
Material	GORE-TEX ePE with C-KNIT backer	2.5-layer Pertex Shield
Weight	12 oz (Men's)	13.3 oz
Fabric Layers	3-layer	2.5-Layer
Ventilation	Pit zips	underarm vents
Hood	Helmet-compatible	Adjustable Hood with Visor

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