What an incredibly thorough review! I just added an FL to my arsenal of SL and Cassiar LT jackets and wanted a direct comparison from another human who had both in possession.
Enjoyable indeed! I spend more time at football games and soccer practices that end up wet and/or windy as opposed to hiking, and these jackets are perfect for that.
Thanks- and these are quickly packed down like you would do while traveling or hiking. So they could all be compressed somewhat tighter, but then when you re-pack them mid-journey, you are not likely to get the same careful results. Kind of like how your stuff doesn’t fit in your suitcase on your return trip. I wanted to show a practical packed down size so you could factor in that space accordingly.
Great review, I just got myself a Zeta FL in Paradigm. They are definitely discontinued on the main site, but if you are looking for one you can try and get lucky on their Re'Gear site or the outlet. Still expensive, but likely worth the premium considering the features on it and durability.
Nice review. I went with the Zeta SL for the extra room if I’m traveling and need the space underneath but they’re both great. Probably grab one for my fiancé too to upgrade her to a goretex shell that will last forever.
I went with the Zeta AR (Colour Nocturne). I could have bought the Zeta SL too but preferred the 3 layer C-Knit backed P70 Denier fabric on the AR. I just wanted one jacket that can do it all, be it light rain or heavy rain. I picked the Zeta LT for my wife (P40 Denier but no pit zips). Hopefully we will like it. Both jackets arrive Tuesday!!
Great choice! I’ve used my Theta AR for all around- just needed the FL for more packability and a less extreme shell in warmer weather & for temporary indoor use while traveling.
If you wanted one that would be awesome, Beta SV is the best options, I have it, but when I travel by plane, I want a packable jacket that will also be decent in the big city.... so I guess I'll buy the FL :)
One of the better reviews of the Zeta SL that I have read and like your in-depth look at all the aspects of the jackets. I to begin with a three to AR and I’m leaning strongly to the Zeta yes our force all around daily use in the summer rain but also some speed walking, and hope it will be breathable enough. You mentioned perspiring when running in the Zeta FL, but you didn’t say it was any different in the SL, so is it also one that’s likely to cause a lot of perspiration? Finally, I’ve also been trying on the North Van LT as a running jacket and though it’s lighter than the Zeta SL the hood is not as nice and the sleeves are just an elastic and not Velcro adjustable and it’s a lot crazier lol. Can you share any links you might have sent out read the northern LT, as I cannot find any reviews of it online by anyone either in video or text!
Gary, thanks for the comments! Both Zeta jackets handled sweat the same and I unzipped both about 1/3 down to air out while running. In rain, it is so humid that you end up just as wet in your typical sweat pattern as you would on a slightly warmer, dry day. Goretex is not a magical membrane that directs sweat from your base layer and breathes it back into the outside air faster than new sweat occurs, like I was hoping it would. You are still way better off with the shell for wind and rain protection, but without pit zips, it’s hard to accomplish without trapping unnecessary heat. The Norvan SL does the best job at breathing, but it’s typically very humid or raining when I wear it so there’s going to be moisture involved no matter what you do. In colder, less humid climates, I’m sure all 3 jackets would keep you drier while exercising.
The bag was part of a 3 bag promotional-quality set that I got for subscribing to a magazine. It’s very cheap, but the size and mesh top make it perfect for the job.
The FL may be a bit light for that- especially if you might be doing snow shoveling or other work in it. The warmth factor of both would probably be near identical. If there is precipitation involved, I would stick with the SL because of the Velcro cuffs. All of my Arc-teryx shells block wind exceptionally well, and that’s the biggest key for me keeping warm along with an adequate base layer for the temp. Also, as mentioned in the video, the FL was discontinued, but you might find them at an online outlet.
What an incredibly thorough review! I just added an FL to my arsenal of SL and Cassiar LT jackets and wanted a direct comparison from another human who had both in possession.
I love watching these videos because I never plan to go hiking in my life I just enjoy their jackets
Enjoyable indeed! I spend more time at football games and soccer practices that end up wet and/or windy as opposed to hiking, and these jackets are perfect for that.
Thank you for showing a side by side comparison of the packed down sizes of several models; extremely useful, and I haven’t seen this anywhere else.
Thanks- and these are quickly packed down like you would do while traveling or hiking. So they could all be compressed somewhat tighter, but then when you re-pack them mid-journey, you are not likely to get the same careful results. Kind of like how your stuff doesn’t fit in your suitcase on your return trip. I wanted to show a practical packed down size so you could factor in that space accordingly.
I just bought the zeta sl today and love it so far. Great video sir
Thanks! Yes can’t go wrong with the SL!
Great review, I just got myself a Zeta FL in Paradigm. They are definitely discontinued on the main site, but if you are looking for one you can try and get lucky on their Re'Gear site or the outlet. Still expensive, but likely worth the premium considering the features on it and durability.
How is the sizing on the Zeta FL?
Very helpful review, thank you so much! Would be great if you fully zip up the jacket next time!
Thanks for watching- will do!
Just what I was looking for. Thanks for the info!
Great!
What i like about the review is your your living room and those top to bottom windows.
Thanks! That’s actually my screened porch (or outside living room) just outside of my living room that I figured would make a nice backdrop.
Nice review. I went with the Zeta SL for the extra room if I’m traveling and need the space underneath but they’re both great. Probably grab one for my fiancé too to upgrade her to a goretex shell that will last forever.
Good choice!
I went with the Zeta AR (Colour Nocturne). I could have bought the Zeta SL too but preferred the 3 layer C-Knit backed P70 Denier fabric on the AR. I just wanted one jacket that can do it all, be it light rain or heavy rain. I picked the Zeta LT for my wife (P40 Denier but no pit zips). Hopefully we will like it. Both jackets arrive Tuesday!!
Great choice! I’ve used my Theta AR for all around- just needed the FL for more packability and a less extreme shell in warmer weather & for temporary indoor use while traveling.
If you wanted one that would be awesome, Beta SV is the best options, I have it, but when I travel by plane, I want a packable jacket that will also be decent in the big city.... so I guess I'll buy the FL :)
@@JokkeHimSelf great choice, I hope you were able to find one!
Excellent in depth review! You should do more of this 👍🏼
Thanks - thinking about it!
One of the better reviews of the Zeta SL that I have read and like your in-depth look at all the aspects of the jackets. I to begin with a three to AR and I’m leaning strongly to the Zeta yes our force all around daily use in the summer rain but also some speed walking, and hope it will be breathable enough. You mentioned perspiring when running in the Zeta FL, but you didn’t say it was any different in the SL, so is it also one that’s likely to cause a lot of perspiration?
Finally, I’ve also been trying on the North Van LT as a running jacket and though it’s lighter than the Zeta SL the hood is not as nice and the sleeves are just an elastic and not Velcro adjustable and it’s a lot crazier lol. Can you share any links you might have sent out read the northern LT, as I cannot find any reviews of it online by anyone either in video or text!
Gary, thanks for the comments! Both Zeta jackets handled sweat the same and I unzipped both about 1/3 down to air out while running. In rain, it is so humid that you end up just as wet in your typical sweat pattern as you would on a slightly warmer, dry day. Goretex is not a magical membrane that directs sweat from your base layer and breathes it back into the outside air faster than new sweat occurs, like I was hoping it would. You are still way better off with the shell for wind and rain protection, but without pit zips, it’s hard to accomplish without trapping unnecessary heat. The Norvan SL does the best job at breathing, but it’s typically very humid or raining when I wear it so there’s going to be moisture involved no matter what you do. In colder, less humid climates, I’m sure all 3 jackets would keep you drier while exercising.
$1000+ of gear in front of fireplace got me stressed for sparks
Ha-didn’t think of that! I was more worried about the lighting!
Great video. Agree the brand is awesome and well build. Did you return the SL? Keep up the Arc item reviews. 💪
Thanks! Yes I returned the SL as i liked the lighter weight, feel, and pack-ability of the FL.
What is that box bag you used to store the jacket in?
The bag was part of a 3 bag promotional-quality set that I got for subscribing to a magazine. It’s very cheap, but the size and mesh top make it perfect for the job.
you think FL would be good for a winter in Michigan?
The FL may be a bit light for that- especially if you might be doing snow shoveling or other work in it. The warmth factor of both would probably be near identical. If there is precipitation involved, I would stick with the SL because of the Velcro cuffs. All of my Arc-teryx shells block wind exceptionally well, and that’s the biggest key for me keeping warm along with an adequate base layer for the temp. Also, as mentioned in the video, the FL was discontinued, but you might find them at an online outlet.
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