Arc'teryx Zeta LT Jacket

Now to some pics and a look at some of the features of the Zeta LT.
 
Unlike most all of the ski jackets we review, the Zeta LT’s hood is not helmet compatible. For a three-season jacket, this is actually a welcome fact. The small size fits way better without a helmet. Here’s a shot of the snug StormHood deployed during an early summer ski tour up at Whitewater Ski Resort.

Here’s a side view showing the piping on the side through which the drawcord is fed. I love the hood’s close, no nonsense, fit. The laminated brim, which you can also see, is stiff enough to stand up and protect in a rain storm, but not so stiff as to make packing it up a pain.

One-hand hem drawcord.

Reflective Arc’teryx logo.

Single inside pocket with contrasting colour and laminated zip—great for an iPhone in a downpour or travel documents on the road.

Die-cut Velcro cuff adjusters. Oh ya!

Here we can see some of the crazy seaming detail and body mapping that goes into this and other jackets from Arc’teryx. Seams are taped and there’s a “micro-allowance” for reduced bulk and weight. You can’t really make it out here in this pic, but the Zeta LT is made with a GORE C-KNIT backer, contributing to the smoothness and comfort of the jacket (more on that later).

The Zeta LT went over well on the Promenade Plantée in Paris.

And was right at home in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter.

• Micro-seam allowance (1.6 mm) reduces bulk and weight
• Arc'teryx Nu water repellent treatment
• Anatomical shaping for fit and comfort
• Articulated elbows
• Gusseted underarms
• Laminated brim
• Trim-fitting StormHood
• Single ball cap style adjusting hood drawcord
• WaterTight full length front zip
• Die-cut Velcro cuff adjusters
• Adjustable hem drawcord
• Internal chest pocket with laminated zip
• Two hand pockets with WaterTight zipper

I’ve used the Arc’teryx Zeta LT across 4 seasons now and have nothing but good things to say. As a rain jacket, it doesn’t wet out after hours of precip. I only mention this because I have experienced many “rain jackets” that don’t really perform well in sustained rain (perhaps the manufacturers should consider another name for them). In bringing the Zeta LT on a recent extended European trip, it passed the “if-you-could-only-have-one-jacket-for-two-months test” with flying colours.

GORE C-KNIT--this stuff deserves special mention. It’s a new kind of “backer” made by GORE that is becoming available in more and more jackets. By “backer” they mean the fabric that faces in, the opposite of the face fabric. Arc’ explains it thusly: “The proven bi-component GORE-TEX® membrane system is bonded to a dense, extremely thin circular knit to form a supple, less bulky, durable laminate that is more breathable and lighter weight than previous constructions.” The benefit of this new approach is that the jacket is lightweight, goes on over mid-layers (or T-shirts easily, isn’t crinkly and it feels comparatively smooth (and somewhat fuzzy) next to your skin. I went on a quick high-paced walk through the woods earlier this week with the Zeta LT on, t-shirt underneath, and about 15°. I was comfortable the whole time. It has done me well on rainy overnight hikes in the Kootenays as well.

A word on fit: I am 6’2” and 175 lbs and I like my jackets on the trim, rather than the baggy, side. Arc’teryx sizing can be a little tricky—pay attention to the type of fit, listed in the description,  for various jackets. I take a large in some models but I go with mostly medium. Look at the pics and you can see how the jacket fits someone of my stature. You might want to go for the large.