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The Beyond Arx 2.0 K6 Rain Jacket is the second generation outer layer designed to protect against the worst that the elements can throw at you. This is the first time I’ve seen bomb proof cordura combined with breathability and water repellant coatings to create a jacket that is very strong and resistant to tears whilst still being breathable and waterproof. With 2 waterproof zipped pockets and an adjustable hood and generous tailoring to fit multiple layers beneath this jacket is the ultimate in outdoor protection at half the price of some of the ‘big brands’.
In Depth Review
At time of writing this the jacket isn’t yet available to the public so Ive been lucky enough to get a pre release preview.
This is the first time I’ve seen body armor cordura combined with a breathable and waterproof layer and its like using a jacket with ‘GOD MODE ENGAGED’
Fabric
Beyond have created their own fabric called LUTRA. It’s combines a waterproof and breathable fabric with a CORDURA weave. I have used cordura in military spec bags and in a diving dry suit and its basically incredibly tough and almost impossible to tear or damage. It’s also used a lot in body armor. This is the first time Ive ever seen a waterproof and breathable jacket that ALSO has extreme resistance to abrasion and tearing. I cant stress enough how well this combination works and I was surprised at how light and flexible the result was too.
The jacket also has taped seams to keep out water and I was surprised at how packable it can be when stowed in a backpack.
Fit
The jacket has a slightly generous fit which is important so that you have the option to have 2 or even 3 layers on beneath the jacket depending on the weather conditions. The articulated elbows allow good freedom of movement and I like that Beyond offer all their jacket sizes in a regular or long option as well as the usual body sizes. People that are tall will find this a real benefit.
Pockets
There are the usual 2 pockets you would expect for your hands and they come with waterproof zips too. There is also a smaller chest pocket ( good for phone and GPS receiver) and a bicep pocket that I found useful for things like lip or face protector.
Zips
All of the zips are rubber seal zips that keep at the rain.
Massive Side Vents
There are times in the cold and wet when you are working hard, like going up a steep hill or pushing through deep snow so having the option to vent out extra heat and moisture is really useful. The vents are huge and run the length of the jacket from the hem to the armpit.
Hood
The hood is adjustable so you can keep a helmet on underneath it when skiing or bring it in much tighter and more securely to protect more of your face and head when you are out in hard rain.
Color Options
The jacket is available in black, grey, blue or putty.
Gripes
This jacket performs at a level comparable with top name jackets of twice the price. Its fantastic. My only minor gripe would be that the arms feel a little bit too long from a fit point of view but this may be to help with the layering system they have created.
Verdict
The Beyond Arx 2.0 K6 Rain Jacket is the second generation outer layer designed to protect against the worst that the elements can throw at you. This is the first time I’ve seen bomb proof cordura combined with breathability and water repellant coatings to create a jacket that is very strong and resistant to tears whilst still being breathable and waterproof. With 2 waterproof zipped pockets and an adjustable hood and generous tailoring to fit multiple layers beneath this jacket is the ultimate in outdoor protection at half the price of some of the ‘big brands’.
Specs and Features
Layer Level6
Weight (Size L)19oz
Insulated No
Waterproof Yes
Windproof. Yes
Breathable. Yes
Fast Drying. Yes
Body Material. Lutra™ 3L Waterproof Breathable Fabric
Articulated Elbow. Yes
Cuff. Hook & Loop
Hem. Drawcord & Elastic
Zipper Pulls. Yes
About Beyond
Truly wild places—well beyond your local park or bicycle trail—have so many enriching experiences just waiting to be had. But moreover, we firmly believe they provide unique benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional health. The trick is how to safely access them, and that’s where we come in: Beyond Clothing is your access pass to the world’s wild places.
Beyond’s highly technical products enable you to meet the environmental challenges standing between you and your outdoor adventure. Our products may look like clothes, but they’re quite a bit more than that: they’re tools, gear crafted to work together as a system of layers. There are many different layers and they do many different things, but the main thing that unites them is moisture management. Every single layer is exceptionally breathable, lifting moisture—whether it’s yours or the climate’s—up and out of your system to get you dry in a hurry.
Beyond’s years and years of system development stretch back to 1996. Layering systems are highly technical tools: nature’s elements are powerful and unpredictable, and so protection from them must be of the most exacting capability. Beyond’s first system, AXIOS™, was the product of ever-innovating fabric technology and rigorous testing by professional teams in some of the harshest environments on Earth.
