Field Journal

Stories Behind The Gear: the GORE-TEX Brand
Written by Harriet Folkes // Photography by Omar Karim & Phil Jameson

I’m in the Lake District with the Arc’teryx Academy to put new and innovative gear through its paces, but more than that – I want to gain access to a new set of skills for me, meeting like-minded people in a beautiful mountain area of the UK. It’s the Lake District, so variable weather is all but guaranteed. Perfect for testing out the latest innovation from the GORE-TEX Brand and Arc’teryx: the Beta Lightweight Jacket.

Imposter syndrome is a significant barrier for many people venturing outdoors. Lack of experience, insufficient gear, and limited representation can also contribute to feeling like we don’t belong. Accessibility is another issue, especially in UK cities, where 40 per cent of households do not own a car, and trains are increasingly expensive. Yet, equal access to the outdoors is essential for our mental and physical well-being, nurturing a sense of connectedness to ourselves, our communities, and the natural world.

Despite growing up in a family that loves the outdoors, I didn’t fully embrace it until later in life. And while I now spend most of my time running, cycling, and swimming, I still feel out of place when I try something new – particularly when it comes to outdoor climbing. As a sport, climbing outdoors not only requires high-quality gear and someone to show you the ropes, but also the means to access remote locations, a community to climb with, and, in some cases, overcoming a fear of heights. A multitude of doors need to be more open to allow for greater participation in the great outdoors – and therefore greater diversity. One of the doors that brands can help to open is the ability to test out gear, putting technical specs and jargon into a real-world context. This helps to demystify gear and improve education.

The Arc’teryx Academy exists to address all key barriers to the outdoors, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber looking to advance your skills with top guides from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Participants can test out a mix of clothing and equipment, including harnesses, ropes, climbing shoes, and GORE-TEX clothing. At base camp, partner brands offer free-of-charge gear rental to make high-quality equipment accessible without the upfront cost. The clinics are non-judgemental, informative, and supportive, and there are also clinics specifically for women.

In my first climbing session, I was joined by Arc’teryx ambassador Haroon Mota, founder of the Active Inclusion Network, a group championing diversity outdoors. His journey from non-runner to 10-time London marathon finisher highlights the impact of accessibility and inclusion. Each year, he secures around 100 places for the London marathon, ensuring access for members of the Muslim hiking, running, and cycling groups.

During the session, I also spoke to his friend Omar Karim, who emphasised the importance of community to break down barriers. Reflecting on his upbringing in Birmingham, he told me, ‘My parents never ventured outdoors; it’s just not something we did growing up. I’ve never been climbing before, so I felt pretty nervous coming here on my own. But as soon as I saw people I knew, I felt better.’

My next session was hiking, where I was joined by Arc’teryx athlete Clinton Thomas, who attended the academy to teach bouldering clinics and upskill in navigation. Clinton started climbing at a gym and ventured outdoors to overcome his fear of heights. For Clinton, getting from London to remote outdoor climbing spots was a significant challenge. ‘Getting out of London wasn’t easy,’ he said. ‘At first, I borrowed my dad’s car, then I rented cars, but that was so expensive. So I bought a cheap run-around, and I’d pick up all of my friends in East London. We’d drive for hours just so that we could go climbing at the weekend.’

Heading home at the end of the weekend, it became clear to me that I hadn’t been an imposter after all. Who decides where we do or don’t belong, anyway? What truly changed my mindset over the weekend were the shared experiences with like-minded people, the confidence of having the right kit to keep me cool, comfortable, and dry, and the experts to point me in the right direction.

REVIEW: Beta Lightweight GORE-TEX Jacket

Price: £450
Website: arcteryx.com

What you wear makes a difference to your outdoor experience. While at the Arc’teryx Academy, I tested the Beta Lightweight GORE-TEX Jacket in ideal conditions: rain, wind, and sun, plus various activities: climbing, scrambling, and hiking.

The Beta Lightweight GORE-TEX Jacket is an updated version of the best-selling Beta LT GORE-TEX Jacket. The main difference is the new GORE-TEX 3-layer Fabric, which is made up of three parts: a GORE C-KNIT™ backer on the inside, which feels soft and comfortable against the skin; a bio-based, solution-dyed, recycled nylon face made from fibres derived from plants; and a new PFC-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane in the middle, which provides waterproof, windproof, breathable weather protection. Overall, the jacket is lighter (300g versus 350g) and more sustainable. Thanks to its use of recycled nylon, fewer virgin resources are needed to make each jacket – and bio-based materials are a major leap forward in reducing the industry’s reliance on oil. The new ePE membrane is also free from harmful PFCs. But how does this translate into real-world performance?

The jacket is fitted so that it moves with the body, but I could easily wear it over my fleece without feeling restricted. It also worked well over my T-shirt without the fabric feeling cold or clammy against my arms. When the weather was too warm for a jacket, I could easily pack it down into my bag. However, this was rarely necessary given how breathable it was – even during moderate hill climbs or scrambles. The pit zips provided additional ventilation when needed, and I could roll up the sleeves and secure them in place with Velcro closures.

In the Lake District (or anywhere in the UK, really), when it rains, it pours! So I took full advantage of the adjustable (and helmet-compatible) StormHood, which moved freely with my head, keeping me completely dry, while the wired peak kept the rain off my face. Rainwater beaded as it should and was easy to shake off when I got inside. The longer hem came in handy when sitting on wet surfaces without getting my trousers wet. I opted to keep my phone zipped up in the inside chest pocket (out of sight and mind). The two front zipper pockets were easily accessible even while wearing a rucksack.

Although I couldn’t test the jacket’s long-term durability in just one weekend, I gained some insight into Beta’s legacy from Arc’teryx athlete Clinton, who told me, ‘The Beta Jacket is the only jacket you will ever need – I recommend it to everyone. It’s lightweight, durable, multifunctional, and looks good on and off the mountain.’

Combining function with aesthetics is important. This jacket delivers on both, with a sleek and modern design that won’t look out of place whether hiking, climbing, or skiing, commuting to work or walking the dog. The bright colourways make a statement in the city or help you to stay seen on the mountain, with reflective details providing additional visibility. I tested the Amaranthus/Edziza (named after Mount Edziza in Canada) with contrasting yellow detailing that attracted compliments throughout the weekend!

At £450, the Beta Lightweight Jacket is a significant investment. However, I’d argue that its high performance, durability, and versatility justify the cost, especially if it reduces the need for multiple jackets over time. While recycled materials sometimes compromise on performance, the Beta Lightweight delivers on both performance and environmental responsibility, which can come at a higher price point. The GORE-TEX Fabric used is the latest innovation from Gore, coupling specially selected textiles with a new membrane. It’s also bluesign Approved, which means that it has been manufactured to strict safety and environmental requirements, meeting the highest standards in the industry. And it’s free from PFAS (Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances), harmful chemicals commonly used in DWR (durable water repellent) coatings and waterproof membranes.

To keep your gear in top condition, the GORE-TEX Brand has a set of simple care instructions for all outerwear categories, including clothing, footwear and gloves here. DWR, which makes water bead and roll off the garment, needs to be reapplied to maintain performance. Due to the necessary shift to more sustainable fabric technology, GORE-TEX ePE garments may need to be reproofed a bit more often than the older, PFC-based tech. Arc’teryx offers a fluorine-free, biodegradable DWR treatment that can be applied after each wash or if the jacket no longer beads water here. They also provide comprehensive advice for repairing your gear yourself, helping to ensure your jacket lasts even longer here.

Overall, the Beta Lightweight jacket is a standout product for anyone looking for a reliable, high-performance, and sustainable shell jacket. Its innovative fabric and well-thought-out features keep you cool, comfortable, and dry in all conditions. It is an investment, but if a jacket encourages reduced consumption and prolonged use of your gear, it can only be a good thing.