Arc’teryx Beta £350

At £350 for a lightweight shell, it’s hard to argue the Beta’s good value, but this is one of the most well-balanced waterproofs around in terms of combining low weight and excellent packability with decent weather protection, breathability and comfort.

The features are pared back to the essentials but are well-designed. This includes two well placed, fully lined hand pockets plus a zipped inner chest pocket. The laminated main zip has a small inner stormflap with a soft chinguard, and all the zips have chunky, easy-to-grab pullers. There are dual hem drawcords, Velcro-adjustable cuffs and an adjustable hood (albeit with only a single rear volume adjustment) with a stiffened peak. The overall cut is slightly roomier than most European mountain brands, but we loved the coverage provided by the longer hemline and sleeves.

The Beta is made from 3-layer Gore-Tex C-Knit fabric (an extremely thin circular knit for a less bulky backer) with a 30-denier ripstop nylon face. It’s soft and smooth and slides easily over other layers. As well as top-level waterproof and breathable performance, it offers improved durability and comfort (though like almost all GoreTex membranes it is slightly crinkly). All in all, it’s a quality waterproof fabric that outperforms typical 2-layer or 2.5-layer rivals like Gore-Tex Paclite, while being just as lightweight and packable. There aren’t too many other brands that can turn out 3-layer Gore-Tex jackets that tip the scales at just 300g. It’s an impressive feat.

■ MEN’S SIZES XS-XXL

■ WOMEN’S SIZES XXS-XXL

■ WEIGHT 300g (men’s M), 270g (women’s 10)

■ FABRICS 3L 30D Gore-Tex fabric with C-Knit backer