High End Fastpacking Jacket for Bad Weather

I admit that the LT Gen2 is a bit heavier then the AR, but for the rest I like it more.

Andrew,

I was an early adopter with Neoshell and loved it ever since.
None in the industry yet to bit the breathability formula. you MUST give up on something. sometimes it's the weight, sometimes it's the waterproofness, sometimes it's the functionality.. but I think Polartec got the best formula right now. They sacrifice the maximum hydrostatic head to allow better breathability.
Is it waterproof ? yes. it is windproof? very. I used it as wind shell couple of times, performed great. it sounds logical that it allows some air for better vaporization. never had an issue with wind.

Hardshell must be layered correctly. 'warm' is not a function of hardshell. IMO, it has a very clear purpose – put a wall between you and the hazards outside.

Let me know if you have any other question.

True, but I hear about too many delamination issues to my liking. Nothing to really worry about and e.g. Gore had that too and I'm sure it will be fixed if it really is a problem but perhaps is it something to know currently before pulling the trigger and go for it.

I have a Cabela's PacLite Rainy River rain parka and pants. They absolutely do NOT breathe as well as GTX Pro. I use them only when I don't want to risk my eVent suit getting torn.

PacLite was "OK" compared to 2nd gen. GTX but there is no comparison to my Kimtah eVent suit.

Sadly the Kimtah parks has become heavier. REI initially had the Kimtah and a heavier ski-oriented eVent parka that even had a RECCO emergency locating RFID chip sewn into the upper right sleeve. I wish they still sold it. I think the new Kimtah is supposed to be a parka for all seasons and reasons.

As I happen to have a Paclite too, its main drawback according to me is not its (lack of) breathability, but its proness to condensation, particularly with a failing DWR.

in cold windy conditions it's hard to beat EPIC. even if it gets wet, when on the move, the heat you are throwing off keeps the moisture on the outside. my EPIC wind shirt outperforms my event hard shell with pit zips in all but the worst conditions. i'd rather be a little damp from the outside in than wet from the inside out. i like EPIC wind shirt so much i tend to leave my hard shell at home or in the trunk of the car.

"Has anyone used the Beta LT Hybrid? Looks like it uses PacLite instead of Pro and has pit zips, but adds 3 ounces."

No, but I have the Zeta LT Hybrid. Same weight, same features, but has the stowable hood, a very good feature, imho.

(I typically use a helmet or a wide brimmed hat so the hood is usually zipped away.)