Arc'teryx Zeta SL

Could wear this down to freezing and still be warm. Thorium AR: Classic black bubble jacket. Fit is roomy but snug because of the loft to it. Fits perfect under the Zeta SL when you want warmth and weather protection.

The Paclite+ membrane definitely feels clammy and not great next to skin. Disclaimer: I received this as a gift but if I had to buy one, I'd go for the Zeta FL as less weight and more packability is more important to me for a jacket of this design. As always hope the video is helpful for you to decide if you should acquire the Zeta SL for your needs!.

You need to vent the shell when this happens, and unfortunately the Zeta SL doesn’t have pit zips. IMO, that is way too much clothing for a 39 degree hike, which made things even sweatier. I love the Atom AR as a stand-alone jacket, but I overheat when it’s worn under a shell.

My issue tho is the jacket doesn’t cinch and gets caught on my seat. Super annoying. I have been thinking of a Zeta SL as replacement.

The paclite in the zeta sl is not any more breathable than any other 2 layer membrane. But it is more expensive and less durable. The slim fit was too slim. If you're wearing them as emergency rain pants over other pants you may want to consider sizing up.

I went in on Monday and I saw that they had a Zeta SL from last season on sale for 50% off. When I went to go pay, the arcteryx salesperson said that because I was purchasing a Gore-Tex product that I was able to receive a little gift bag for free. The carry bag is made from a Gore-Tex fabric and inside was a bottle of DWR washing detergent as well as a little lanyard!. I thought this was pretty neat!

I’m thinking of an Arc’teryx jacket to replace it. The Zeta SL is the one I have my eyes on due to it being light, layered and packable. I do some walking and a bit of hiking a couple times a year in areas such as the Lake District and Kielder in the UK. Aside from this, I’d likely be wearing this on the cycle to university and whenever it rains.

The zeta SL seems like its nice and its within my budget however there are mixed reviews on this between reddit and the reviews online. I need a shell to throw on a hoodie or over my atom LT in the cooler days. I probably will only ever use it during commutes to and from school and the occasional walk around town in the rain when I have to go out to the store etc. I might take it once a year to do back country camping as a rain jacket and it only to be used if it rains of course.

I have a Zeta SL and it was one of the best outdoor purchases I’ve made. I got it in Yukon colour at a discount (£160) and people have commented on how nice the colour is. The jacket is so much thinner and more enjoyable to wear than my winter GoreTex Pro shell (Mountain Equipment Lhotse) and it protects me from the rain just fine. The build quality and attention to detail is super.