Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Beta SL Pants

I see why these are marketed as an emergency pant, because they are very light weight, roll/pack to a very low volume and absolutely water/wind proof. However, I carry these in my commuter cycling pack (along with a Beta hybrid jacket) as my rain gear. They run a bit larger than true-to-size, but this is to allow ease of use when/if needing to put on over something you already have on. The Beta SL pant is a bare-bones, light weight pant that will not let you down.

I've had this model for 3 years now, and have used them as my MAIN rain pants, (occasionally for snow as well) and they have held up remarkably well. I loved them so much, that when my hubby found he wasn't satisfied with his OR rain pants, I suggested he go with the Beta SL's for men and he hasn't looked back since. They say these are for "emergency use" suggesting that they are fragile. They are way more robust than I expected them to be from the description. I sat in a marsh for hours every day for a week and stayed dry in these. I take them with me backpacking regularly, even just to throw on over top my base layers if I'm feeling a little chilly. They only way they could be better is if the zipper on the sides by each foot went up a little higher so a person could put them on without taking their boots off, but I guess they do that to get you to upgrade to higher-tier model. Fair enough; instead, at the SLIGHTEST hint of rain in the backcountry, I stop, remove my shoes and put on the pants. I use these for anything from daily walks with the dogs in the rain, XC skiing, backpacking, camping in the rain etc. As for sizing, I'm 5'3", 26" waist, 32" inseam and an XS in these fits me perfectly.

I've had this model for 3 years now, and have used them as my MAIN rain pants, (occasionally for snow as well) and they have held up remarkably well. I loved them so much, that when my hubby found he wasn't satisfied with his OR rain pants, I suggested he go with the Beta SL's for men and he hasn't looked back since. They say these are for "emergency use" suggesting that they are fragile. They are way more robust than I expected them to be from the description. I sat in a marsh for hours every day for a week and stayed dry in these. I take them with me backpacking regularly, even just to throw on over top my base layers if I'm feeling a little chilly. They only way they could be better is if the zipper on the sides by each foot went up a little higher so a person could put them on without taking their boots off, but I guess they do that to get you to upgrade to higher-tier model. Fair enough; instead, at the SLIGHTEST hint of rain in the backcountry, I stop, remove my shoes and put on the pants. I use these for anything from daily walks with the dogs in the rain, XC skiing, backpacking, camping in the rain etc. As for sizing, I'm 5'3", 26" waist, 32" inseam and an XS in these fits me perfectly.

Great overall pants for the price. Fits a bit larger, I weigh 190 lbs with a 34 inch waist and the medium fits with room to layer underneath

I bought the Beta SL Pant as an emergency pant for getting caught in the rain while cycling to/from work. Mine are roughly five seasons old and still function well. I would recommend this pant to anyone looking for a spare/emergency pant. The fit is loose enough such that the pant can be put on over road bike shoes without having to remove the shoes. When rolled up and put in a pack, the volumetric weight is minor. Physical weight of the pant is light enough to justify keeping the pant in my pack on a full time basis. I have also used the Beta SL pant for hiking and camping with no issues. The run relaxed fit to accommodate modest layering and in my opinion quick deployment if needed.

I bought the Beta SL Pant as an emergency pant for getting caught in the rain while cycling to/from work. Mine are roughly five seasons old and still function well. I would recommend this pant to anyone looking for a spare/emergency pant. The fit is loose enough such that the pant can be put on over road bike shoes without having to remove the shoes. When rolled up and put in a pack, the volumetric weight is minor. Physical weight of the pant is light enough to justify keeping the pant in my pack on a full time basis. I have also used the Beta SL pant for hiking and camping with no issues. The run relaxed fit to accommodate modest layering and in my opinion quick deployment if needed.

The large short Beta SL's are somewhat baggy but quite comfortable. Purchased mainly for fishing, hiking and overall general use. I was sick of feeling clammy and chilled on moderate days and decided to pull the trigger on these. The Beta SL's breath quite well and has yet to wet out or leave me feeling clammy. I am satisfied so far with my purchases and hope to get may years of enjoyment from these pants.

I Have had the Beta SL pants for about a year and a half now and thought i would post a review. So here it goes, i find the fit a bit large/baggy, im 5'10" and a regular build and went with a size small, theyre not overly baggy to the point that it looks like im wearing bin bags on my legs but theyre a little roomier than the Beta Ar pants, they use a drawchord to adjust the waist which works very well (no real need for a belt), there is also a water resistant fly zip under a storm flap which is a nice touch, the side zips stop just short of my knees which is good for putting on over boots althogh i would prefer 3/4 lengh zips like on the Zeta LT, when i tried these on in the shop i was initially worried that there are no storm flaps behing the side zippers like there are on the THETA SV's but after over a year of wearing these in the worst of british weather conditions i have no doubt that they will continue to keep water out (Arc'teryx water resistant zippers are the best on the market) the Face fabric is very lightweight but durable enough for everything but mountain use, the drawchords at the bottom of the legs are great and let you tighten the hem to your boots and the lace hooks are one of my favourate features, the workmanship is second to none as usual for arc'teryx, every detail has been properly thought out. i didnt expect these to be as good as they are being paclite but the waterproofing is as good as a standard 3 layer membrane although not as breathable, iv'e heared peole say paclite is very clammy and not breathable enough for all day use, i wear these with a Rho AR baselayer and a pair of fleece joggers underneath in the winter and only find them clammy when doing strenuous activity

Alright, here is a secret. The description for these pants say they are for an emergency. Other reviewers will say they get a bit warm and clammy. Those things are both true if you use them for hiking. However, these are AWESOME snowboarding pants when paired with a base layer. They keep you warm and you really don't need anything else. There are no buckles or straps at the waist to annoy you or dig while riding. They are so light and so tuff that it feels like you are snowboarding in your underwear. Seriously, pair these with a Beta AR jacket and you have the perfect shells for snowboarding!

Parfait pour l'utiliser sur un pantalon lorsque les conditions climatiques changent: pluie, vent, froid... Je l'utilise pour aller travailler avec mon vlo, randonne, voyage... Il se range dans le sac sans trop encombrer (il n'est pas minimaliste, vous trouverez beaucoup plus petit dans le march), mais surtout vous trouverez un excellente qualit. J'ai fait rcemment un voyage et il tait dans mon sac lorsque le vent et le froid ont apparu: absolument impeccable! voire discret (le noir videmment).

I saw this pant on another hiker I met on the trail - it was the middle of a snow/rain/hail extravaganza and he noted that he's been super dry all day. I ended up buying the pants soon afterward and brought on my next trip. While on top the mountain, in rain and wind, I put these on and stayed dry and warm (but not overheating) while I descended and climbed a couple more peaks. After the rain stopped, I took them off and easily packed them away without adding weight to my pack. I will say that I kind of wish I had gotten the alpha version because I do really like having pockets and the belt. Other than that, I'm incredibly satisfied with these pants and would recommend them to anyone. Note that I went a size down.

I saw this pant on another hiker I met on the trail - it was the middle of a snow/rain/hail extravaganza and he noted that he's been super dry all day. I ended up buying the pants soon afterward and brought on my next trip. While on top the mountain, in rain and wind, I put these on and stayed dry and warm (but not overheating) while I descended and climbed a couple more peaks. After the rain stopped, I took them off and easily packed them away without adding weight to my pack. I will say that I kind of wish I had gotten the alpha version because I do really like having pockets and the belt. Other than that, I'm incredibly satisfied with these pants and would recommend them to anyone. Note that I went a size down.

being 6ft 4" i always keep an eye out for long leg, and was fortunate to find find avaialble the cut is just right

I bought this primarily to do cool weather camping, quick hikes through the forest, snowshoeing as well as for the really rainy autumn days at work as I am usually visiting a few job sites during 9-5. The material actually seems quite durable, medium weight (even though advertised as SL), and another reviewer is right, there is no stretch so the regular fit allows for good movement. I found the side hip buckles to be innovative and they never accidentally got dislodged. There is no front zipper so if you need to take a pee pee, you'll need to look for the side zippers and unzip the pants down to your thighs when you are using the urinal (or in the woods). Also keep in mind there are no pockets. I found this a bit annoying as something for my phone, wallet or keys, or other loose items like receipts would be nice. Overall good pant and does what it is meant to do. No issues with it. I am 6'1 and choose medium. Another 1" added to the length would be perfect. I see the arcteryx models that are my exact height and wearing medium too but if you look closely, the end of the pants on the models can use another inch of length as well as the pants don't reach down to the sole of the shoes. I would also like to comment on the sizing of Arcteryx attire in general. They seem to fit larger than normal. For example, my physique of 6'1 and 170lb would generally be fitting into medium...or large. However I am fitting in size small in the beta series of jackets with a sweater and t-shirt underneath

These Gore-Tex pants are extremely lightweight, packable, and waterproof that I always take with me when trekking or rock climbing, just in case of emergency. While rock climbing, I more often than not carry my Beta SL pants and Beta SL jacket in the bottom of my backpack as I've gotten caught in the rain on more than once occasion (better safe than sorry). We had great weather on the trek up to Everest Base Camp (EBC) and only needed to pull these pants out a couple of times due to inclement weather that included the short hike from Gorak Shep up to EBC for added warmth.

These pants are fantastic - waterproof, light and durable. My only gripes with the pants are that: (1) It needs a button at the top of the side zips so that when you open them up for venting they're not just hanging loose. It already has them on the bottom of the zips... (2) It needs a slightly larger fly zipper pull (I end up not zippering it up to the top because it then becomes really difficult to find/open). (3) More of a fit issue, but I found the M a little too loose and the S a little too tight.

These pants are fantastic - waterproof, light and durable. My only gripes with the pants are that: (1) It needs a button at the top of the side zips so that when you open them up for venting they're not just hanging loose. It already has them on the bottom of the zips... (2) It needs a slightly larger fly zipper pull (I end up not zippering it up to the top because it then becomes really difficult to find/open). (3) More of a fit issue, but I found the M a little too loose and the S a little too tight.

These pants have kept me dry during rainy bike rides and early morning rows, and with the proper base layers, warm as well! The best but also worst part about these pants is that they zip the entire length of each pant leg. This is great when you need to put them on without removing boots/shoes. However, it's slightly awkward when using the bathroom because half the waist sort of flops around (whereas when using a normal front zip, the pants just get pulled down). Overall I'm so pleased with my first pair of waterproof pants that aren't snow pants!

These pants have kept me dry during rainy bike rides and early morning rows, and with the proper base layers, warm as well! The best but also worst part about these pants is that they zip the entire length of each pant leg. This is great when you need to put them on without removing boots/shoes. However, it's slightly awkward when using the bathroom because half the waist sort of flops around (whereas when using a normal front zip, the pants just get pulled down). Overall I'm so pleased with my first pair of waterproof pants that aren't snow pants!

I have two pairs of these pants and use them almost daily. Great for emergency use at work or when hiking and have never let me down. The only thing i would say is that if you prefer a little bit of a cleaner look, the zeta SL pants are the way to go and also has a fly zip.

Bought these pants to always have in my bag when I'm biking and hiking. Love the waterproofness of these pants and when I have them in my bag I don't even notice it. They compact to such a small size that I can have Atom Lt and Beta Ar and I will barely feel it. Loving it!

Purchased these for a 30 hour Adventure Race, as a back-up but ended up wearing them. They were very light in my pack, for the race, and provided good wind and water protection, as I wore them on the Mtn Bike Ride and Paddle sections at night (3 degree temperatures) where I was dry from the splashing from the paddling. (it never rained during the race) I like the waist fit, but the legs are bigger through the thighs and calves than I had expected. I was able to tightened the ankle draw strings and the clip for the laces kept the pants in place when we hit some open dirt roads on the bikes.

Purchased these for a 30 hour Adventure Race, as a back-up but ended up wearing them. They were very light in my pack, for the race, and provided good wind and water protection, as I wore them on the Mtn Bike Ride and Paddle sections at night (3 degree temperatures) where I was dry from the splashing from the paddling. (it never rained during the race) I like the waist fit, but the legs are bigger through the thighs and calves than I had expected. I was able to tightened the ankle draw strings and the clip for the laces kept the pants in place when we hit some open dirt roads on the bikes.

Bought these half a year ago and have packed it for emergencies. These pants have seen only less than a handful of uses in heavy rain on longer hikes or overnights on the trail. They are waterproof and offer very good movement due to its size. They are sized extremely large so you can just wear it over your pants in emergency down pours. That said, I would not wear these as a stand alone as they are super baggy, like snowboard pants baggy for my liking. They are extremely large in the butt area as to prevent and movement or riding up in situations where extreme articulation is needed, which is the purpose for its cut. On the downside, like many gore fabric lined shells, they are extremely noisy to move around in, The size zippers allow for good boot access. I wish I had gone for the ones with 3/4 zips as those would be more helpful in venting air. That being said these are not breathable, which is one of the reasons I would suggest not wearing them as a standalone in aerobic intensive activities, only for emergencies. Overall, great quality piece I will always keep stashed in my pack for potentially wet outings.

For walking around the city (yeah, Vancouver) in a downpour, walking the dog, or light activities, fantastic pant. Super light, and packable. But for uphill hikes, snowshoeing, cycling hills--anything strenuous--go with the Beta AR, or even the Alpha SL with the side venting zippers. As the product description says, for emergency use when the weather turns. PacLite can be a bit clammy when you get warm-especially against skin. Not bad with a base layer underneath. Warning...if you wear these pants and your shoes aren't waterproof, your feet will get soaked!