• Overall Rating

  : 4 out of 5

The Arc’teryx Beta SV is a very high performance hardshell, designed for prolonged use in harsh mountain conditions. At £700 it is eye-wateringly expensive, but those that can afford it are likely to be impressed.

The 100D Gore-Tex Pro shell material is highly abrasion resistant. It feels extremely tough without being stiff, and it is more durable than the shell material found in many other jackets of a comparable weight. A size Small only weighs 460g – a pleasingly low weight for such a rugged jacket. The durability allows the Beta SV to be well-suited to higher impact activities such as scrambling or long-term use for backpacking.

The waterproof membrane is highly effective against even prolonged heavy rain or wet snow. The storm hood does a great job in the wettest conditions as well. This is three way adjustable and is large enough to wear over a climbing helmet, but can be cinched in tight as well. A 2 way main zipper is a welcome feature. This is useful for accessing lower pockets in a mid-layer, and makes the jacket useable whilst wearing a climbing harness. All pockets are positioned thoughtfully and are not obstructed by rucksack straps or a hip belt. I like the internal mesh ‘dump pocket’, which I regularly use for quickly stashing gloves.

The two underarm vents are very generous. They are almost 40cm in length and double zipped. Combined with the breathability of the fabric, this level of ventilation allows this jacket to be comfortably used in summer conditions. When used as part of an effective layering system, I would happily recommend this jacket for full-on mountain winter conditions. Equally I have been more than satisfied using it on warm but wet scrambling days on the Cuillin ridge. It is a seriously impressive bit of kit but prohibitively expensive for many.

How James tested

James tested these waterproof jackets in the Scottish Highlands, with weather ranging from heavy snow and prolonged rain to mild, showery days with temperatures up to 16C. James is 180cm tall with quite long arms and usually wears size small jackets. Weights are from his own scales.This review was published in the September 2026 issue of The Great Outdoors. Compare it with others in our guide to the best waterproof jackets.