Arcteryx Beta LT vs Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. Worth the premium?
Hiya. Since it's raining all the time now and I don't really have any rain jackets, or light jackets in general. My main usecase would be for day to day life and staying dry when it is raining, but I would also like a jacket suitable for hiking since I also do that on occasion.
I shop exclusively second hand and can get an Arcteryx Beta LT for around $200 vs a Patagonia Torrentshell 3L for around $70. From what I can tell, Arcteryx is usually regarded as the pure best in terms of quality, but I don't really see how this difference manifests since Patagonia seems to have similar features and build. I've also heard that the quality of Arcteryx has been going downhill ever since they were bought but I don't know if this would affect me (the jacket from them that I am considering is pretty new but not the revised edition). Plus, as an average dude, do I even need the extra features if they are there? Willing to shell out if it makes a difference, after all I plan on keeping whatever I buy for as long as I can.
Any opinion are appreciated!
15 Replies
i am only one person but for just occasional hiking my torrentshell served me fine for years (until i lost enough weight where it would not fit)
if you're in an area with sustained heavy rain this is probably different, otherwise i (personally) don't find arc'teryx worth it
marmot precip is another good option if you aren't doing super intense activity
Torrentshell is a fine rain jacket, also had mine for a long time before getting a storm10 on a big discount
I have a Torrentshell 3L. I like it, but it is loud (it makes crinkly noises when you move).
In terms of functionality, it's hard for me to see the point of paying so much more for Arcteryx.
I personally find the Beta to be a nicer looking jacket but I value Patagonia's eco friendliness a lot more, think I'll go for the torrentshell. Thanks guys.
my arcteryx is dumb and overpriced
goretex is basically a scam anyway and terrible for the environment
I hiked up a mountain in pouring rain for hours in a torrentshell 3L and it kept me dry
While goretex (pfas) is indeed horrible for the environment, I think it's more breathable and durable than patagonia h2no. I don't think a used secondhand torrentshell 3L will keep you as dry as a new one
I think with all of these types of jackets, you have to maintain the DWR coating periodically
I'm guessing the membrane that Patagonia uses in the torrentshell is very similar to genuine GoreTex, because Gore's patent expired awhile ago.
No, Patagonia uses something without pfas. Silicone if iirc
well, I mean similar in effect and how it works. different material, though.
I think they are both waterproof/breathable plastic membranes
if buying secondhand there's a chance they'll encounter PFAS coated torrentshells
but i think the more recent torrentshells are DWR which should be sufficient unless you're in a deluge
oh...I may have been confusing the membrane with the dwr.
I guess both could be bad for the environment
In any case if it's for day to day use and not for hiking on an Alaskan mountain, you don't need to worry about the difference in waterproofness. Breathability might be more of an issue, I don't really like to wear my Torrentshell when it's warm
True, I actually thought patagucci already phased out pfas but apparently they will fully stop next year
Goretex doesn't work bc of relative humidity. It's not dry and raining at the same time ever so "breathability" is basically bunk. Just make sure it has pit zips
yeah, the torrentshell is not particularly breathable. But it has pit zips, which I leave open. Otherwise, it gets really stifling.
Well other things than rain can make you wet, like when sailing/mountain biking
And it's nice to wear a more breathable rain jacket when it's dry
Then again I don't think the arc'teryx is worth the money unless you really use it for outdoor stuff