Although the beginning of autumn has passed according to the calendar, the days are still extremely hot. Even if you check the weather forecast, the weather in the mountains is changeable. It's not uncommon to encounter evening showers and thunderstorms. In such cases, having a portable raincoat is very useful
The key points are not only water repellency and breathability, but also comfort and ease of movement when wearing it, as well as whether the hood, sleeves, neckline, and hem are designed with functionality in mind
This time, we reviewed the ARC'TERYX Zeta FL Jacket. It's part of the Zeta series, a lightweight model designed for hiking and trekking. FL stands for Fast & Light, and the jacket is part of a lineup that specializes in speed and lightness (high-performance, lightweight, minimalist design that allows for quick movement in a variety of conditions). Above all, starting this season, the fabric uses GORE-TEX's latest technology, PACLITE®PLUS Product Technology, making it a truly exceptional jacket with cutting-edge features. Here's a review based on actual use in the scorching heat
table of contents
Main specifications and evaluation
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| material |
|
| Weight (measured) | 193g (S size) |
|
|
| Food |
|
| evaluation | |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
| waterproof | ★★★★★ |
| Breathability | ★★★★☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★☆☆ |
| comprehensive evaluation | ★★★★☆ |
Lightweight and supple to wear
When I tried wearing it, it felt like a cross between a soft shell and a hard shell, with a slim silhouette around the waist. Rain jackets generally weigh around 300g to 400g. The Zeta FL Jacket, on the other hand, weighs just 205g (the actual weight of the small size was 193g!), making it ultra-lightweight. It's light and flexible, and doesn't interfere with the user's movements. The lining feels smooth and comfortable against the skin
The jacket is made with lightweight, waterproof, and windproof GORE-TEX PACLITE® Plus product technology fabric, and features an unlined two-layer construction. The fabric seams feature 1.6mm-wide microseams, and thin GORE® seam tape (1.3cm in actual measurement) is carefully placed on the inner seams
The cuffs and hem have no adjustable drawcords and are slim and made of stretchy material. It's simple, but easy to roll up your sleeves and feels soft to the touch. The underarms are slightly puffy, so there's almost no tension (like getting stuck) when moving your arms, making it smooth. The cuffs are also stretchy, and when you close the front, it fits snugly over your hips
The front zipper and the hand pockets on both sides of the jacket are not completely waterproof, but are waterproof enough to keep out rain. The hood is not helmet compatible, but it does wrap around the head and provides good protection under the chin. The hood has a foam-filled brim and can be adjusted in two ways. The cord adjuster that secures the hood is positioned and easy to operate. The areas that touch the chin and forehead are lined for a smooth feel. The entire jacket can also be rolled up and stored in the hood. Pulling the cord adjuster compresses the jacket, making it even more compact for easy portability, which is a plus
The simple construction features stretch material at the cuffs and hem. The unlined, two-layer Gore-Tex fabric is carefully crafted with 1.6mm-wide microseams and thin seam tape at the seams. While the fit is slightly slim, it's soft, lightweight, and supple. The comfort is typical of ARC'TERYX, and it's no wonder it's top-class
The hem is slightly long, falling just above the hips, and is stretchy for a snug fit
Elastic cuffs for a snug fit around the wrist and easy roll-up of the sleeves
The brim and chin area are reinforced with lining, making it soft to the touch
The entire garment fits inside the hood, making it packable. Pulling the hood's cord adjuster compresses it, making it very compact
Waterproof, windproof, breathable and feels dry against the skin!
The most important thing about rainwear is breathability and waterproofness
It was mid-August and the heat was still lingering. I participated in marking support for the Shibukawa Ikaho Onsen Trail Run (held on October 13th). I tried wearing it at the foot of Mt. Futatsutake in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture. Just then, (luckily!?) it started to rain, so I thought, "This is my chance," and put it on, but after walking a short distance on the flat trail, it started to get a little muggy... However, it was the lingering heat of August. Due to the characteristics of GORE-TEX, its breathability doesn't work very effectively in environments where the temperature and humidity difference between the inside and outside of the garment is small. It was within an acceptable level
I compared it to other standard rainwear I tested as a benchmark, and found that its breathability was quite good. However, it didn't seem to offer as much ventilation as other jackets with ventilation. Other features, such as mesh lining of the hand pockets or ventilation zippers under the armpits, would likely improve comfort (though of course, the weight would increase accordingly). That said, although the lining does get slightly damp due to sweat, the uneven surface of the lining keeps the skin dry and comfortable. Furthermore, (unsurprisingly) its waterproof and windproof properties are quite good. The pouring rain didn't penetrate, and I didn't feel any loss of body heat from the wind. I wonder if this is due to the concept of GORE-TEX products. I'd like to explore this in more detail in the next section
Raindrops rolling down the ground. This is the result of GORE-TEX's PACLITE®PLUS product technology
The lining is smooth and dry to the touch. Seam tape is carefully applied to the seams. When you hold it up to the sun, you can see how thin it is
The back of the logo is also firmly reinforced
First of all, what's new in GORE-TEX PACLITE® PLUS product technology? We asked the manufacturer directly about its evolution
GORE-TEX fabrics have a long history and proven track record, and they continue to be trusted. We spoke directly to Gore Japan about the details of the latest addition to their lineup, the fabric that uses GORE-TEX PACLITE® PLUS product technology
First, GORE-TEX PACLITE® Product Technology was developed to make waterproof, breathable, and windproof GORE-TEX fabric lighter and more packable. By removing the lining and applying a special coating to the reverse side, the fabric becomes thinner, lighter, and more packable
The new GORE-TEX PACLITE® PLUS Product Technology is an evolved version of the original lining coating, with a dotted abrasion-resistant finish applied on top. This creates a textured surface on the surface that comes into contact with the skin, resulting in a smooth, dry feel and a significantly improved slipperiness. This fabric not only feels better, but is also more durable as a result
Products that use "GORE-TEX PACLITE® Product Technology" and "GORE-TEX PACLITE® Plus Product Technology" are classified into a product class called "GORE-TEX Products." Here, we will which we have previously covered on this site.
Product Class
- GORE-TEX products are a versatile class designed for use in a wide range of applications, including mountaineering
- GORE-TEX Pro products: A durable class that delivers maximum performance in harsh environments such as severe winters and high altitudes
- GORE-TEX ACTIVE Active products are designed for short-term, high-intensity aerobic exercise such as running and cycling, with an emphasis on breathability
In other words, GORE-TEX PACLITE® Plus Product Technology is positioned as a highly versatile product group that meets the durability and waterproofing standards of GORE-TEX products while being lightweight, compact, and easy to carry
...And that's why, even when you sweat, it feels surprisingly dry against the skin and the lining doesn't stick to your skin (lol)
Summary: Recommended for these people
The so-called Houdini lightweight soft shells are light, weighing around 100g, and offer excellent wind resistance. However, they lack durability and waterproofness. There's a high chance they'll easily fray or tear if caught on a branch or something. So, even if it adds a little weight (only about 100g), choosing lightweight rainwear that's durable, waterproof, and breathable might be a better choice for active mountain activities
the ARC'TERYX Zeta FL Jacket featured in this article is made with GORE-TEX PACLITE® PLUS, so it boasts high levels of durability, waterproofness, and breathability. What's more, the lining is smooth, dry, and silky to the touch, without any discomfort. The hem and sleeves are also stretchy, making it easy to adjust the fit. And best of all, it's light, flexible, and packable. Although it's called rainwear, it's also effective as windproof. While it has a slightly slim silhouette, it's easy to move in and looks like a jacket you could wear all year round.
Recommended points
- Easy to move, lightweight and compact
- Highly breathable and smooth, dry feel
- Reliable wind and water resistance
Points of concern
- I want a ventilation function somewhere
- Slightly slim silhouette
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