Arc'teryx Beta LT vs Asics Fujitrail Packable Jacket

In all honesty, I’m the type of user who isn’t hard enough on their gear to require the robustness of the Beta AR, I’m currently only doing weekend hikes so being super UL isn’t my religion, I only have hooded midlayers so I was concerned about the Beta AR hood (though I admit it’s cool), I don’t deal with a lot of snow so having something as bomber as an SV would be overkill, I don’t climb so I don’t gravitate to the Alpha line, I like pit zips so I didn’t go with the Beta LT/FL (though I almost did), I really like the quieter/softer C-Knit even if it means I have to wash it more (helps with using this more casually), and it’s actually pretty packable as I compared it to the Zeta SL and found it folds down nearly as much in my pack.

It is super thin and packs into the only pocket it has. I recommend purchasing this so are not left running on a treadmill on those drizzly days.

I’m a size 36 waist, which sometimes suggests a size L, and I sometimes find myself between Arc sizes with broader cut pieces like the Fission SV or LEAF Cold WX LT fitting me better in a L. Certain fleeces like the Delta LT and Kyanite LT also fit me best in a L, so I had some concerns the Acto FL might be a bit too baggy, but it is a very trim cut piece and ultimately fits exactly how I wanted it to.

I figured I'd be ok because I wear a medium in some outwear and large in some. Figured even if it approached a medium, I'd be fine. No way! The large size of this jacket would be a SMALL in any other brand! I wouldn't have minded swapping it for an XL because I got it on a really good price as a lightning deal but exchange wasn't an option -- just return for refund. I didn't really like the zipper pull anyway