Arc'teryx Zeta AR

That's the really lovely, zita ar jacket from architerics very tough breathable, waterproof jacket that is capable of taking a beating from the elemen...

After agonizing about this question for weeks, I’m now the proud owner of a Zeta AR. I chose this as my first hardshell over the Beta AR for the explicit purpose of being my hiking wind and rain resistant protection. I also frequently use this as a casual piece when the weather is not clear and really dig the longer length / trimmer athletic fit / smaller hood. 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.

A Zeta AR will be more reliable than a cheap rain jacket, but a Kyanite LT won't really last longer than any normal fleece (probably less long, that's a really thin fleece). Arc generally makes the most durable hardshells (as long as one isn't getting paclite), but their fleece or insulation isn't automatically also more durable (especially if one is getting the lightweight options). Of course the absolute cheapest fleece or jacket will probably disintegrate much more quickly, but the most durable items don't need to be as expensive as Arcteryx at all!

I was making the same decision (but for men’s) earlier last month and went for the Zeta AR. A few things the Zeta has over the beta:. - Heavier, more durable face fabric.

Everything from patterning to waterproofness. The Zeta AR is simply a much nicer piece of kit, intended for a completely different type of user.

The easy answer is that the Zeta AR is ideal for style conscious consumers, looking to pay a bit less than for GorePro, who do a bit of everything but want more durability than Zeta LT 40d affords. It’s one of the better piece in the line.