Head-to-head · Best Rain Jackets

Arc'teryx Beta SL vs REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket

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 3.8). 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 #7 in Best Rain Jackets

REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket

3.8

4 sources

Better Trail found that while the REI Co-op Rainier offers reliable protection against light rain and steady drizzle, its 2.5-layer construction wets out during heavy or sustained rainfall. The jacket suffers from limited breathability, causing clamminess against bare skin due to a plasticky interior coating that reviewers advise avoiding by wearing a base layer. SectionHiker praised the pit zips for mitigating heat buildup but noted the hood lacks precise shaping and can flap loudly in high winds without a tight fit. This budget-friendly shell is ideal for urban commutes or short hikes where weight savings are not critical, but it is unsuitable for intense aerobic output or extended exposure to wet conditions.

Strengths

— Includes pit zips to help vent heat during active use.
— Stuffs compactly into one of the zippered hand pockets for easy packing.
— Features an adjustable hood with side neck toggles and rear cinch.

Watch-outs

— The 2.5-layer interior coating feels plasticky and can become clammy against bare skin.
— Limited breathability makes it unsuitable for high-output activities in warm weather.
— Fabric tends to wet out during heavy or sustained rainfall rather than light drizzle.

Buy at rei.com 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.

REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket

It includes pit zips for ventilation, unlike the Patagonia Boulder Fork, but suffers from limited breathability and a plasticky interior coating compared to the more premium materials in the Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Arc'teryx Beta SL	REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket
Waterproof Rating	28,000 mm	—
Material	GORE-TEX ePE with C-KNIT backer	Ripstop nylon with non-PFC DWR
Weight	12 oz (Men's)	11.3 oz (men's medium)
Fabric Layers	3-layer	2.5-layer HydroWall
Ventilation	Pit zips	—
Hood	Helmet-compatible	—

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