If you own an awesome rain jacket shell like the Zeta SL, youll need an awesome down jacket underneath. These compact emergency shell pants are light and compact enough to earn a spot in your ultralight backpacking kit, and still mountain savvy enough to take on your fast-and-light glacier climbs. Officially, the Zeta SL is a multi-sport jacket designed as an emergency shell for unpredictable mountain weather. By the end of this review, you will be saying, dang, I didnt know there was so much to learn about a rain jacket.. It is exceedingly water resistant, great fit, comfortable fabric, good zipper design, . The cuffs are crucial to keeping sneaky raindrops at bay. PACLITE Plus Technology Short of running marathons in summer heat wearing this jacket, the overall comfort experience is very high indeed. What it lacks in breathability and packability, it makes up for by being a seriously beefy rain jacket that won't give up when it comes to keeping you warm and dry. View cart for details. Got feedback? We give it a rating of 4.7 out 5 stars! We are incredibly pleased with the overall durability of this jacket, making it well-equipped for any adventure where durability is a must. Intro Arc'teryx Zeta SL Jacket Review Akavntr 347 subscribers Subscribe 25K views 3 years ago Arc'teryx Zeta SL Jacket Review The Arc'teryx Zeta SL Women's Jacket is a 100% waterproof,. The Zeta SL is a great all around hard shell jacket. Arcteryx Zeta SLReview: Key Features and Performance Breakdown, Arcteryx Womens Jacket vs the World: Competitor Comparison. In terms of construction, the Drypoint uses Gore-Tex Active, which is more breathable than the Zetas Gore-Tex with Paclite Plus, and features core vents for dumping heat. Note: WaterTight zippers are highly water resistant, but not waterproof, Materials: N40r GORE-TEX For even more inspiration, check out our list of the 8 best travel jackets. After years of trial and error with other brands, I dont think I will be walking away from the Zeta SL any time soon. The light and easy-to-pack design makes it a quick option when weather goes bad. Though its far from cheap, the Zeta is one of the most protective jackets we tested and is among our favorite all-around options. Let us know! Privacy | Cookies | Terms. Some everyday users might wish for a chest pocket or additional storage, but I didnt have any issues. It has a beautiful sleek fit and every feature is honed for form and function. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. However, the Zeta SL is more durable with a 40-denier shell vs. the REIs 20-denier, fits trimmer for active use, and has a slightly more premium feel thats more appealing for around-town wear. We balk at the price point of most Arc'teryx jackets, but this Zeta SL offers all that we love about their jackets at an impressively low price. The Zeta SL fit, design, and rain fighting capabilities all come together to make this jacket the perfect companion for all female trekkers and travelers wanting a minimalist approach to a hard-working jacket. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. For more recent exchange rates, please use the. Check this EPIC packing list and make sure you always cover the essentials. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. So unless you live in Seattle, the UK, or some other waterlogged place, you dont always need a rain jacket. For the long term, and arguably also for improved versatility, we really like the use of more durable 40 denier fabric in the Zeta SL. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. If you have ever been caught in a heavy downpour while traveling or hiking, you know that when you need a rain jacket, you need it. Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals. This is light and simple and streamlined to be a great choice for trekking in a variety of climates, save the most extreme cold or hot. The Zeta SL relies entirely on the breathability of the Gore-Tex Paclite fabric for the overall breathability and venting of the jacket. There are lots of other rain jackets out there, but nobody does rain gear as well as Arcteryx. . What I really appreciate about the sizing cut is that I do not feel restricted within the jacket. Below is a list of the Zeta SLs closest competition Afterall, it wouldnt be a fair Zeta SL review without it! On this list, the Aspire is probably the second best to the Zeta SL. The Zeta SL does not have the raglan sleeves we often appreciate most for mobility in hardshell jackets; the sleeves are more traditional, sewn on at the end of your shoulder. for your first email from REI. The minimalist design and articulated patterning gives a superior and freedom of movement while the . From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, were acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. REI Co-ops Drypoint GTX is another lightweight, hiking-focused shell that works well for daily use. Shop Women's Arc'teryx Size M Utility Jackets at a discounted price at Poshmark. Arc'teryx Zeta SL Jacket - Women's | Altitude Sports While it is true that Arcteryx gear was out of reach for me personally for years, once I made the leap, I only wished I would have splashed out the money sooner. Thanks and we appreciate your support! Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. We'll send you a few emails every week. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Length-wise, the Zeta SL falls just below my waist in front, and a slight drop hem in the back provides additional coverage. from United States. What we don't: Expensive; the 2-layer design with no pit zips isn't super breathable. If you are willing to throw down the cash, you will be reaping the rewards for many adventures to come. 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Compact and lightweight, the Arc'teryx Zeta SL women's hooded rain jacket can handle unpredictable mountain weather. Summer hiking and trekking involves unpredictable mountain weather, make sure to have the Arc'teryx Women's Zeta SL GORE-TEX Jacket with you on all your hiking adventures! Check out this article for our complete list of the best down jackets. Light and packable but still plenty durable with a 40-denier shell. ), the Zeta SL comes in lighter, although you forego features like pit zips and additional pockets. Compact, lightweight 2-layer GORE-TEX fabric with PACLITE My size medium in the Arcteryx Zeta SL fit me perfectly. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Arc'teryx Zeta SL Pant - Women's Review | Tested by GearLab If you put them on over lightweight hiking pants or leggings, they move like a dream and look like a pair of dress pants. Featured with a WaterTight front zipper and two hand pockets with RS sliders. It packs up small so it's ready whenever sudden storms arise. An ethos which has created a catalogue of classic and unrivalled jackets such as the Zeta Ar Gore or . I kept stuff inside the pockets during a storm and the things did not get wet, or even damp. StormHood with Halo Adjuster Balloons arent sexy and human bodies are not shaped like circus tents. Fit: Trim fit, Hip Length. Shop | Arc'teryx The Zeta SL is part of the Arcteryx Traverseseries. Browse the range of outdoor clothing, shoes and accessories for women, designed for hiking, climbing, trekking and skiing. It's pretty good at keeping our faces dry, but it's so large and cavernous (without being helmet compatible) that it leaves a ton of extra room for rain or wind to whip inside. The Zeta SL is a bit of an investment compared to other shell pants. Below we break down the best rain Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. Traveler and hiker ladies, listen up! Chris Lininger: the American dude with the heart of gold, beard of stainless steel, and penchant for all things Pakistan. item 5 Arc'Teryx Green Goretex Zeta SL Full Zip Rain Jacket Size S Women's Arc'Teryx Green Goretex Zeta SL Full Zip Rain Jacket Size S Women's. Ho-hum. New! Nobody wants to feel like they are hiking in a medieval corset either. Arc'teryx needs no introduction. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing. FREE EXPRESS SHIPPING on all orders. If you love this jacket, but you want something a little more mountain-ready, check out the Arc'teryx Beta SL Hybrid. For the record, Arcteryx does not claim that the hand pocket zippers are waterproof. This page was last updated: 03-Jun 13:47. Both use Gore-Tex with Paclite, but the Plus version on the SL feels softer against the skin. They have waterproof zippers on the sides, which worked very well in our field testing. If you have had the bad luck of being stuck with a less-than satisfactory rain jacket, then you know exactly what I am talking about. Got feedback? Traverse series jackets focus on ultralight, minimalist performance. Premium build quality, fit, and styling weve come to expect from Arcteryx. They are a more trim fit, so you may feel restricted if you layer them over thicker pants. The Zeta SL inspired absolute confidence in rain and light snow. International shipping availability and rates vary by seller. Lets dive right in to our Arcteryx Zeta SL review , Here are some of the big questions/important topics I cover in this Arcteryx Zeta SL Review. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. (women's); 1 lb. Activity: Hiking, Trekking. Zeta Series: Hiking and trekking apparel. This jacket is an excellent choice for a variety of environments due to its light weight, breathability, and soft feel of the inner fabric. REASONS TO BUY High quality Lightweight Durable Great value REASONS TO AVOID Less features Somewhat less versatile Arc'teryx discontinued this product as of 2022. GearLab is reader-supported. Point being, from the crag, to the trail, to the coast, to the citythe Zeta SL is the ultimate multi-use rain jacket that is practical and functional enough to keep you dry throughout the year. Arc'teryx is committed to achieving Level AA conformance for this website in conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 and achieving compliance with other accessibility standards. The specific fabric in question is N40r Gore-Tex fabric (40-denier ripstop nylon) with PACLITE Plus mapping for the sensitive areas. Our experts test thousands of products each year. And the loss of pit vents to reach this slightly lower weight, we just aren't sure is worth it. For these uses, we prefer a more breathablehardshell jacket, ideally with venting features to dump heat quickly. It does not have many features as a result. The arms allow adequate space for layering, and the longer back length ensures good coverage even when moving around and lifting your arms. Weight: 9.5 oz (270 g) Like anything in life, you get what you pay for. The Zeta is an investment that pays off well in the performance of this versatile and comfortable jacket. Dual waist adjustments and a drop hem help keep you better protected from the elements. Arc'teryx - Zeta SL Jacket Women's . or a lady on the larger side, I recommend going a size up as the trim fit can feel tight on certain body shapes. The Zeta SL incorporates a robust, 40D ripstop nylon fabric, making it a fairly durable jacket that we are rather confident will hold up well throughout its lifespan. The Arcteryx Zeta SL uses Gores Paclite Plus construction, which is an unlined 2-layer build with the outer face fabric laminated to the waterproof and breathable membrane. Peering into the entrance of the Slot Couloir in notoriously wet Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, wearing the Zeta SL. Arc'teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket - Women's | REI Co-op The side zippers reach up to mid-thigh, which makes putting these pants on over boots much easier. Arc'teryx Zeta SL - Women's Review | Tested by GearLab Center Back Length: 27.4" Other nice details include drawcords at the hem, a single drawcord at the hood, and adjustable Velcro cuffs, all of which allowed me to truly batten down the hatches in inclement weather. Below we break down our experiences with the Zeta SL. Throughout testing, the zippers were flawless, easy to access and use without any sticking. Only after a full day and night of wet-weather use did the Zeta SL finally succumb to the heavy precipitation, but this was after extended and sustained rain. 100% Price & Performance Guarantee - Every Item, All of the Time. That said, I would NOT try to protect your passport or other important bits inside the pocket during heavy rain. Stacked up against the SL version tested here, the FL features the same 2-layer Gore-Tex with Paclite Plus construction but clocks in at an impressive 3.7 ounces less. GORE-TEX - Waterproof, windproof and breathable textiles that offer fully protective environmental shelter. Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Coats, Jackets & Vests. 2 hand pockets with RS slidersAdjustable cuffs and drawcord-adjustable hem help seal in warmth Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Performance Comparison The Zeta SL shell pants are as nimble as you are in wet territory. In terms of packability, the minimalist Zeta SL was unsurprisingly easy to stuff down. That said, we are impressed by the lightweight fabric's ability to breathe while out on shorter hikes and especially using it around town when the weather turned drizzly. A brand name synonymous with quality, style and excellence in the outdoor arena that was founded on the idea that there is always a better way. Aside from the fit, the only notable differences between the mens and womens models are weight and available colorways. And while both jackets are labeled as trim fit, the FL felt even snugger with a midlayer underneath. Amounts shown in italicized text are for items listed in currency other than Canadian dollars and are approximate conversions to Canadian dollars based upon Bloomberg's conversion rates. Fit: Trim Item #135481 Top Rated Zephyr This product is not available. In this application, we find it to be very versatile. I use recycled packaging. BACK LENGTH : Hip-length We buy all the products ourselves. The articulation and fit do not suffer tremendously, but for climbing movement, we do prefer raglan sleeves. Weird fit for some people. After more months of around-town use, follow-up hiking trips, and being stuffed away in duffel bags for travel, the Zeta SL is no worse for wear and all zippers and drawcords continue to operate smoothly. No ads. The paneling of the Zeta pants ensures excellent freedom of movement. No frills, bells or whistles to be found here, which is refreshing to see in a world of outdoor gimmicks. This fabric is generally lighter weight than most hardshells and feels noticeably thinner, but it holds up well in harsh environments and is still a reasonable choice for most mountain adventures. At 9.5 ounces for a size small, this jacket is on the much lighter end of hardshells in this review, and across the industry. And though it costs a pretty penny, you can be sure this jacket will last a long time. It's lack of packability and breathability make it less versatile than many other coats in this review. If you are struggling up a steep mountain wearing your rain jacket, you will be warm. The hood has a simple, single drawcord at the back; this is not the best for severe weather, but it is a light and completely functional solution. For an even lighter option that provides similar weather protection, the Zeta FL (fast and light) is 7.2 ounces, although this comes with sacrifices in both durability (20D) and cost ($349). It's adequate for a jacket designed for hiking and trekking where you don't necessarily need to look around and into the storm to see where you're going next, as you do when mountaineering, climbing, or skiing. Perhaps the two major (and only) cons I found with the Arcteryx Zeta SL jacket are 1. lack of pitzips and 2. lack of interior chest pocket. This in turn has led the brand to adapt an ethos of design by doing. And unlike the Zeta, the Foray features side zips that run the length of the body for dumping heat quickly, has more hood adjustments, and includes a chest pocket. That said, when the skies open up you need an emergency jacket to protect you, especially if you still have five hours of hiking ahead until you hit the days target mileage. +C $36.13 shipping estimate. The Arc'teryx Zeta SL are an impressively light and compact shell pant. Description: NWT The Zeta SL Jacket is designed specifically as an emergency shell for hiking. The Zeta SL is the jacket you cannot make an excuse for leaving at home. Beta SL Hybrid Zeta SL Zeta FL Beta AR Jacket Versions: Women's, Men's Type of Waterproofing: 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro waterproof breathable laminate Weight: 13.2 oz. As a bonafide expert in all things adventure tourism, he is a proud advocate for sustainable offbeat travel and the preservation of the world's wild places. That said, when rolled into its hood, you can use the cinch to secure the jacket, giving it a little extra packability. The Zeta SL is an impressively durable jacket, especially for the weight. Our Analysis and Test Results The Arc'teryx Zeta SL is a very comfortable, lightweight shell pant with partial side zippers. Retailing for over $400, the Zeta LT Hardshell jackets are designed for the alpine: theyre highly windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Like I said before, if you are heading for a walk in the mountains or in the city, there is no reason not to bring the Zeta SL along for the ride. Looking at this jacket through a hiking and trekking lens, we don't lament the lack of a chest pocket or helmet-compatible hood or a pocket you can stuff the jacket into. Check out the video below for a quick visual rundown of the Zeta SLs key features. A fact of outdoor life is that nicks and scuffs do happen. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Additionally, all the zippers are identical, which eliminates the awkward but typical three-different-zippers routine of most raincoats. Offering serious protection and a great range of motion and impressive durability, the Zeta is our Top Pick for a Torrential Downpour. The Zeta is highly comfortable, offering impressive mobility for a variety of outdoor activities. No ads. Rounding out the collection, Arc'teryx also makes the Zeta SL in a rain pant variation for both men and women, which retails for $249 and uses the same 2-layer Paclite Plus build (also 40D). The Zeta SL is an excellent, simple, lightweight, durable hardshell jacket. On the heavier end of the spectrum, the 1-pound-0.3-ounceOutdoor Research Foray is a more fully featured rain jacket option to consider. We won't accept manufacturer's freebies. Rating: (4.8/5) See the Men's Arc'teryx Zeta SL See the Women's Arc'teryx Zeta SL On the flipside, the Zeta LT clocks in a bit heavier at 11.8 ounces, doesnt pack down as small as the SL, and doesnt boast helmet compatibility or pit zips, both of which we would have liked to see at this price point. Join once, enjoy forever. Arcteryx has refined the art of outdoor jacket design to such a degree that each product line they engineer is done so for a specific purpose (or a set of purposes). The Zeta SL comes impressively close to serving the most needs in a single pair of shell pantsand that hem design helps make it so. However, I found that the two hand pockets were ample for a smartphone and snacks (all you really need readily available on a hike), and they also sit high enough to access with a backpack on, without being too awkward for daily wear. Pros: Good value, tough, lightweight, Gore-Tex membrane. Breathability is an important feature of any rain jacket. Constructed of Gore-Tex Paclite Plus ripstop fabric with fully taped seams and a DWR finish, this jacket literally exudes durability. $600.00. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. This superlight, packable, emergency waterproof jacket is made from GORE-TEX fabric with Paclite Plus product technology ensuring you stay dry even in the wettest conditions. This is where the Zeta SL jacket womens jacket pays for itself (well, almost, you still have to pay for the actual jacket, sorry). The Zeta SL is an impressively good deal. It's light enough to always be worth taking along, yet offers total protection from heavy precipitation. Cons: Not totally waterproof, weird, boxy fit. WaterTight Full Length Front Zipper It packs up small so it's ready whenever sudden storms arise. This futuristic-sounding fabric terminology translates into powerful weather-fighting material, capable of keeping you dry even in truly grim weather circumstances. The adjustable cuff and hem help seal out the weather. The side zippers open the pants all the way to mid-thigh, making it exceptionally easy to get these pants on over shoes and light boots. Of the many fine Arcteryx womens jackets out there, my new personal favorite all-arounder is the Arcteryx Zetal SL ultralight rain jacket. We experienced a consistent build-up of perspiration from sweating while performing highly aerobic activities, and not having pit zips is a significant downfall to quickly dump excess heat and perspiration that build up with high aerobic activities. The rest of the features keep pace with excellent waterproof zippers that were smooth to operateone concern with these types of zippers is when they feel sticky or gummy, that often means they wear out sooner. Keeping that in mind, I rarely hike in a rain jacket unless it is absolutely pissing rain. But that same stiffness of the fabric also helps you to place the chin guards where you want them to stay, so it isn't a big issue. The REI Drypoint GTX is very close in weight at 10.5 ounces and includes core zips for venting, although its slightly less durable with a 20-denier shell (the Zeta SL is 40D). document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); We have reached the end of my Arcteryx Zeta SL review. It features high hand pockets that are waistbelt compatible and waterproof zippers on every opening. When the weather was cooperating, I was able to roll the jacket easily into its own hood, which then fit into the exterior pocket of my backpacking pack (of note: while the jacket can pack into one of its pockets, a two-way zipper is not included). In practice, we found this to be an excellent shell for mild winter use, but if you hang out in tropical locales, you may search for something even lighter weight. We love the fit, feel, and adjustability of the Zeta. How can we improve GearLab? The light and easy-to-pack design makes it a quick option when weather goes bad. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews. The two-layer Paclite fabric, however, is highly breathable. No pit zips or core vents, and breathability falls notably short of Gore-Tex Active shells. No ads. Close, Ladies & Gents, Its Time to Step Your GEAR Game Up. For outdoor enthusiasts, it can become troubling to choose the right layer for the activity at hand. The Zeta SL is part of the Arc'teryx Traverse series. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice. RS Zipper Sliders However, they are most well suited to trekking and backpacking where you need a durable, reliable, and still impressively lightweight shell pant. Although not able to stow into its own pocket like many of the others we tested, the Zeta SL does pack down fairly small. One of the biggest selling points for me regarding the Zeta SL is the jackets weight. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Arc'teryx Zeta SL Jacket Review - YouTube The Zeta SL falls into Arcteryxs superlight category and is designed as a minimalist rain jacket for hiking. My advice: spend the money now and avoid having to buy a replacement rain jackets every few years until the world ends! The Paclite is noticeably lighter than 3 layer Gore-Tex, so we wouldn't say they are ideal for extreme climates, but they certainly offer much more protection from the elements than would be expected for their weight. Pros: Cheap, ultralight, stylish, plenty of pockets and cool features. The Zeta SL is best for hiking and trekking use, as advertised by Arc'teryx. A final option in the Zeta lineup to consider is the LT, which is short for lightweight. The LT is the priciest of the aforementioned Zeta shells at a whopping $475, but the bump in price comes with notable upgrades including a more protective and hardwearing 3-layer Gore-Tex with C-Knit backer and an internal chest pocket. Its true that the jacket wasnt 100-percent dry, but after wearing it around camp for a few minutes and allowing my body heat and the wind to air it out, it was pretty darn close. One of the stand-out features we appreciate most on the Zeta SL is the stiffened bottom hem fabric on the legs. Shop melboubou's closet or find the perfect look from millions of stylists. Again, thank you! Arcteryx is known for their top-notch build quality and attention to detail, so it comes as little surprise that the Zeta SL is an exceptionally well-made piece. The Zeta SL shell pants are as nimble as you are in wet territory. $250.00 +$9.90 shipping. If you want optimal performance, you end up with three different types of shell pants; one for skiing, one for hiking, and another for emergency use on your ultralight adventures.