Introduction
The Arc’teryx Zeta FL Jacket (women’s model here) is a Gore-tex Paclite Plus rain jacket that features a trim fit and hip length. It has articulated tailoring in the hood and arms, a full-length water-resistant zipper, two handwarmer pockets with water-resistant zippers, elastic hem and wrist cuffs, and an adjustable hood aperture.
(Note: The new Arc’teryx FL and SL product lines – which includes the Arc’teryx Zeta SL Pant also featured in this review, and the slightly heavier and more durable Arc’teryx Zeta SL Jacket – is targeted specifically towards the lightweight backpacking community.)
![Arcteryx Zeta FL Jacket review](https://backpackinglight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Arcteryx-Zeta-FL-Jacket-review-1149x1456.jpg)
The most notable features I have observed during my preliminary review of the Arc’teryx Zeta FL Jacket and Arc’teryx Zeta SL Pants included the comfort of its fabric during high-perspiration activities, its exceptional manufacturing quality, the elegant simplicity of its feature set, dual handwarmer pockets and a very nice hood.
At 7.2 oz (size M), the Arc’teryx Zeta FL Jacket is certainly in the class of jackets that are considered “ultralight” today (i.e., less than 8 oz).
The Arc’teryx Zeta SL Pants offer long ankle-to-thigh water-resistant side zippers, a zip-and-snap fly, and adjustable elastic waistband. The Arc’teryx Zeta SL Pants weigh 8.6 oz (size M).
![Arcteryx Zeta SL Pant Review](https://backpackinglight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Arcteryx-Zeta-SL-Pant-Review-1149x1456.jpg)
Features
Arc’teryx Zeta FL Jacket:
- Waterproof-breathable fabric with taped seams and water-resistant zippers
- Articulated hood and gusseted underarms provide unrestricted mobility
- Hybrid elastic-straight hem and wrist cuffs for weight savings with a secure fit
- Single point hood adjustment for simplicity
- Stiffened hood brim, low-volume hood, not helmet-compatible, rolls and snaps if needed to keep from flapping in wind
- Two hand-warmer pockets with waterproof zippers
- Trim fit layers well over base layers and fleece, not suitable for layering over high-loft insulation layers
- MSRP: $325
![arcteryx zeta fl jacket zip](https://backpackinglight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/arcteryx-zeta-fl-jacket-zip-1092x1456.jpg)
![arcteryx zeta fl jacket pocket zip](https://backpackinglight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/arcteryx-zeta-fl-jacket-pocket-zip-1092x1456.jpg)
![arcteryx zeta fl jacket hood](https://backpackinglight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/arcteryx-zeta-fl-jacket-hood-1092x1456.jpg)
![arcteryx zeta fl jacket hood adjuster](https://backpackinglight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/arcteryx-zeta-fl-jacket-hood-adjuster.jpg)
Arc’teryx Zeta SL Pants:
- Waterproof-breathable fabric with taped seams and water-resistant zippers
- 3/4-length water-resistant leg zippers (thigh to ankle, separates at ankle)
- Zippered fly with snap
- Gusseted crotch for good high-stepping mobility
- Internal webbing adjuster in waistband to fine-tune fit
- Reinforced fabric on instep for added durability
- MSRP: $245
![arcteryx zeta sl pant review cuff](https://backpackinglight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/arcteryx-zeta-sl-pant-review-cuff-1456x965.jpg)
![arcteryx zeta sl pant review cuff size ski](https://backpackinglight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/arcteryx-zeta-sl-pant-review-cuff-size-ski-1456x1092.jpg)
![arcteryx zeta sl pant review leg zips](https://backpackinglight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/arcteryx-zeta-sl-pant-review-leg-zips-1456x1092.jpg)
![arcteryx zeta sl pant review ankle cuff](https://backpackinglight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/arcteryx-zeta-sl-pant-review-ankle-cuff-1456x1092.jpg)
Specifications
Arc’teryx Zeta FL Jacket & SL Pants:
- Micro seam allowance (1.6 mm) and Tiny Gore seam tape keeps seam bulk to a minimum
Arc’teryx Zeta FL Jacket:
- Fabric: 20d nylon laminated in a 2-layer Gore-tex (N20p Paclite Plus) construction, with two-way stretch in key areas for improved comfort/articulation
- Center back length of Jacket: 29.75 in (76 cm)
- Weight (size M): 7.2 oz (205 g)
Arc’teryx Zeta FL Pants:
- Fabric: 40d nylon laminated in a 2-layer Gore-tex (N40p Paclite Plus) construction, with very subtle two-way stretch in key areas for improved comfort/articulation
- Weight (size M): 8.6 oz (245 g)
Commentary
I’ve tested the Arc’teryx Zeta LT Jacket and SL Pants primarily in the sub-freezing winter conditions that we are currently experiencing here in Southeast Wyoming while running, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
The following video features more in-depth commentary while performing a sweat-out-and-recover field experience during a winter blizzard on the Laramie Plains.
![YouTube video](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OHEoAptuN2w/hqdefault.jpg)
Consider the Arc’teryx Zeta FL Jacket if…
- You’re a fan of Arc’teryx fit and quality.
- You have a trim body type.
- You won’t be layering over a thick high-loft insulating layer.
- You want basic features (adjustable hood, handwarmer pockets, full zip) in an aesthetically beautiful and simple design.
Don’t consider the Arc’teryx Zeta FL Jacket if…
- You don’t have the disposable income to purchase it – there are cheaper alternatives if you need a waterproof-breathable rain jacket, like this one.
- You need to layer over a thick puffy insulating layer.
- You want features not normally found in so-called ultralight jackets, such as pit zips, internal pockets, or adjustable hem and cuffs.
- You need a helmet-compatible hood.
Where to Buy
- Buy the Arc’teryx Zeta FL Jacket (Women’s model here) and Arc’teryx Zeta SL Pants
- See the Arc’teryx Zeta SL Pants in our curated Gear Shop or browse other rainwear recommendations
Product Review Disclosure
Updated September 15, 2018
- How we acquired these products: Product(s) discussed in this review were either acquired by the author from a retailer or otherwise provided by the manufacturer at a discount/donation with no obligation to provide media coverage or a product review to the manufacturer(s).
- We do not accept money or in-kind compensation for guaranteed media coverage: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated product in exchange for guaranteed media placement or product review coverage.
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