Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Zeta SL Pants

Bought these pants about a month ago and am beyond happy with my purchase. Wore them about 4 or 5 days straight out and about in NYC. The rain didn't stand a chance. Excited to see how these hold up in the winter.

I purchased this pant about two months ago and loved them from the day they arrived. I have worn them on warmer days skiing as well in wet weather ( mix of snow and rain ) -15c to plus 10c and the pant performance was amazing. Windproof, waterproof, excellent side leg zipper to just under the knee makes it easy to get on over boots in a hurry when needed. Much more than an "emergency " pant. Excellent quality for everyday use.

Very good quality material.Comfortable and fit looks great. Practically nothing to complain about. + comfortable + waterproof + quality of material + lightweight - no side pockets - rustling while walking, however, the above advantages compensate for everything I highly recommend this product is worth its price

I love these! I've had mine a few months now. They're a great fit. The leg length is perfect. They're really well made as you'd expect. I'm 6' tall and 185 lbs and I decided to go for large.

I'm 5"9 with a 30 inch waist. I do however run big when it comes to legs. The medium zeta was a perfect fit. I don't agree that they run small. I've used over my fairly bulky Cronin pants without any discomfort. I use them for rain protection while hiking and riding my bike to work. Packs away easy with minimal space/weight

I just picked up a pair of these and when i first handled them, they seemed a lot like my Beta SL pant except the waist on the zeta seemed to be a lot cleaner and the fly helps in a lot of situations. Still able to move to the best of my ability and love the look.

These pants look great and function well in urban rainy environments. I feel like these are more stylish than functional because, heading into the woods, I would probably choose waterproof pants with more features and range of movement. That said, these pants would be great for day hiking and transiting rainy environments overseas. I have two issues with these pants: 1. They are about one inch too thin in the leg. Range of motion is significantly reduced when wearing these pants with a wallet in your front pocket. These pants are clearly made for hiking when there is nothing in your pockets. Any transition to urban settings is difficult because you'll have to keep your wallet and keys in another pocket. 2. That next issue I have is that the zippers on the legs are one way. A two way zipper would allow for ventilation in humid environments when the Gore-Tex stops working. That said, the internal drawstring in the waste works great. I'm 5'9" and 155lbs. The small was too tight in the legs (When my wallet is in my front pocket) but fits perfectly in the waste. I would much prefer a slightly wider pant leg with the same fit in the waste.

These pants look great and function well in urban rainy environments. I feel like these are more stylish than functional because, heading into the woods, I would probably choose waterproof pants with more features and range of movement. That said, these pants would be great for day hiking and transiting rainy environments overseas. I have two issues with these pants: 1. They are about one inch too thin in the leg. Range of motion is significantly reduced when wearing these pants with a wallet in your front pocket. These pants are clearly made for hiking when there is nothing in your pockets. Any transition to urban settings is difficult because you'll have to keep your wallet and keys in another pocket. 2. That next issue I have is that the zippers on the legs are one way. A two way zipper would allow for ventilation in humid environments when the Gore-Tex stops working. That said, the internal drawstring in the waste works great. I'm 5'9" and 155lbs. The small was too tight in the legs (When my wallet is in my front pocket) but fits perfectly in the waste. I would much prefer a slightly wider pant leg with the same fit in the waste.

I wore these for the first time while working the 2019 Marine Corps Marathon - it poured but I was dry and comfortable. Very happy with these rain pants.

I wore these for the first time while working the 2019 Marine Corps Marathon - it poured but I was dry and comfortable. Very happy with these rain pants.

Though these are described as "emergency" pants, I use them when I intentionally hike in the rain, which is something I enjoy doing. On the positive side, these pants are certainly waterproof, they're lightweight, the fit is pretty good, and the waste adjustment works well. They also seem plenty durable for occasional use. On the negative side, I'd be willing to add a tiny bit of weight to add pockets, the material feels slightly stiff, and the pants can be slightly noisy when walking. These pants can also feel a bit cold against the skin in cooler weather when the pants are wet, but this can be alleviated by wearing a base layer under the pants. Overall, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives, and I can recommend these pants for hiking in the rain.

Though these are described as "emergency" pants, I use them when I intentionally hike in the rain, which is something I enjoy doing. On the positive side, these pants are certainly waterproof, they're lightweight, the fit is pretty good, and the waste adjustment works well. They also seem plenty durable for occasional use. On the negative side, I'd be willing to add a tiny bit of weight to add pockets, the material feels slightly stiff, and the pants can be slightly noisy when walking. These pants can also feel a bit cold against the skin in cooler weather when the pants are wet, but this can be alleviated by wearing a base layer under the pants. Overall, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives, and I can recommend these pants for hiking in the rain.

I have the Alpha SL pant's with full zipper, which I use for alpine adventures, but was looking for something even more packable and lightweight and fell in love with these - almost. Typically I wear medium (33") in Arc'teryx Pants - sometimes in tall version, but this is simply way too tight in medium, and I had to size up to a large that has a good fit in the legs, but are too large in the waist. However, this can be fixed by the implemented "belt", but not a sexy fit this way. All in all I'm satisfied, but would love a better fit.

I have the Alpha SL pant's with full zipper, which I use for alpine adventures, but was looking for something even more packable and lightweight and fell in love with these - almost. Typically I wear medium (33") in Arc'teryx Pants - sometimes in tall version, but this is simply way too tight in medium, and I had to size up to a large that has a good fit in the legs, but are too large in the waist. However, this can be fixed by the implemented "belt", but not a sexy fit this way. All in all I'm satisfied, but would love a better fit.

Overall good shell pant. They are Paclite so not for heavy use but I put them to the test today with winter storm Harper. 14 inches of snow...had them on most of the way in 15 F weather with high wind and just a thin pair of athletic pants under. Kept me plenty warm. Great fit. Wish they were a bit bigger in the waist to accomodate a belt or other heavier/ thicker clothes. I tried a large and it was way too big. I'm 5'11, 34 waist, 39 hips, 31.5 inseam. Medium fits nearly perfect. Not sure I'd ski in these.

Overall good shell pant. They are Paclite so not for heavy use but I put them to the test today with winter storm Harper. 14 inches of snow...had them on most of the way in 15 F weather with high wind and just a thin pair of athletic pants under. Kept me plenty warm. Great fit. Wish they were a bit bigger in the waist to accomodate a belt or other heavier/ thicker clothes. I tried a large and it was way too big. I'm 5'11, 34 waist, 39 hips, 31.5 inseam. Medium fits nearly perfect. Not sure I'd ski in these.

Pants are light weight and very packable despite the 3/4 length zipper. Highly suitable as back-up/"emergency" pants if you get caught outside during a heavy shower. Do read the description, these are not loose fit AR type pants. I normally wear Vertx/5.11 cargo pants carrying purse, too many keys, iPhone 8+, AirPods in the side pockets and a small first aid kit in pocket on the leg. The legs in these pants are highly 'articulated', giving me two minor issues: 1. It takes a bit of effort, twisting the foot, to pull on the pants, if the zippers on the legs are closed. Have not had this issue with say my LEAF Alpha LT pants. Main pants legs tend to be pulled up when I pull the Zeta's on, having to open the zip anyway and pull them back to my ankles. 2. Legs are very trim fitting, any bulk in the pockets are clearly felt with a slight compression of the legs. I understand these are hiking pants, for situations where you are NOT carrying all the city stuff in pockets. They fit perfectly over a pair of Ramparts or Gamma LT pants with no junk in the pocket, so they work exactly as designed, I am extending the usage case to urban walking, of which I do a lot. Should probably put a lot of my pocket contents in a backpack anyway. I recommend anyone with large calf muscles to try out a pair before purchasing.

Pants are light weight and very packable despite the 3/4 length zipper. Highly suitable as back-up/"emergency" pants if you get caught outside during a heavy shower. Do read the description, these are not loose fit AR type pants. I normally wear Vertx/5.11 cargo pants carrying purse, too many keys, iPhone 8+, AirPods in the side pockets and a small first aid kit in pocket on the leg. The legs in these pants are highly 'articulated', giving me two minor issues: 1. It takes a bit of effort, twisting the foot, to pull on the pants, if the zippers on the legs are closed. Have not had this issue with say my LEAF Alpha LT pants. Main pants legs tend to be pulled up when I pull the Zeta's on, having to open the zip anyway and pull them back to my ankles. 2. Legs are very trim fitting, any bulk in the pockets are clearly felt with a slight compression of the legs. I understand these are hiking pants, for situations where you are NOT carrying all the city stuff in pockets. They fit perfectly over a pair of Ramparts or Gamma LT pants with no junk in the pocket, so they work exactly as designed, I am extending the usage case to urban walking, of which I do a lot. Should probably put a lot of my pocket contents in a backpack anyway. I recommend anyone with large calf muscles to try out a pair before purchasing.

I have an older pair of Beta rain pants which I love; wanted a newer pair. Decided on the Zeta because of the 3/4 length zip which makes it much easier to get on /off over boots, but was mildly disappointed that there is no lace hook on these. Not sure why as that was a feature I found very useful. Also wish Arcteryx would put a pocket in their rain pants; often a hassle to dig through layers to retrieve something. Overall however a very good rain pant.

I have an older pair of Beta rain pants which I love; wanted a newer pair. Decided on the Zeta because of the 3/4 length zip which makes it much easier to get on /off over boots, but was mildly disappointed that there is no lace hook on these. Not sure why as that was a feature I found very useful. Also wish Arcteryx would put a pocket in their rain pants; often a hassle to dig through layers to retrieve something. Overall however a very good rain pant.

Ive had these for a couple of months and use them for light hiking in the rain, w or without a long baselayer. I also wear this on cold and windy days. The next to skin feel wasnt as bad as I expected. It def'n bearable and not much of an issue if you can stay dry. In warmer environments, this might be an issue if it wets out inside (there is no ventilation openings). The thigh and hip/waist area is very tight. You may want to size up if you plan on wearing this over anything that isnt a thin baselayer. You'll also have to empty anything in your pockets before putting this on. The articulation around the knee area is very good, but poor in the hip area. There is no stretch in the material and the fit in that area is already tight. So if you have to squat or straddle often, it will strain the seams in this area. They should have used a gussetted crotch design for improved articulation. For normal walking, its fine though. The cuff area has a 2.5 inch band of heavier, inflexible material. This is ok if youre wearing high or mid cut shoes, but, the pants dont drape very well with low cut shoes. The waist adjustment is on the inside of the waist, which improves waterproofness, but, its cumbersome to adjust. There's little to no elasticity, so youre meant to cinch this pant up everytime.

Ive had these for a couple of months and use them for light hiking in the rain, w or without a long baselayer. I also wear this on cold and windy days. The next to skin feel wasnt as bad as I expected. It def'n bearable and not much of an issue if you can stay dry. In warmer environments, this might be an issue if it wets out inside (there is no ventilation openings). The thigh and hip/waist area is very tight. You may want to size up if you plan on wearing this over anything that isnt a thin baselayer. You'll also have to empty anything in your pockets before putting this on. The articulation around the knee area is very good, but poor in the hip area. There is no stretch in the material and the fit in that area is already tight. So if you have to squat or straddle often, it will strain the seams in this area. They should have used a gussetted crotch design for improved articulation. For normal walking, its fine though. The cuff area has a 2.5 inch band of heavier, inflexible material. This is ok if youre wearing high or mid cut shoes, but, the pants dont drape very well with low cut shoes. The waist adjustment is on the inside of the waist, which improves waterproofness, but, its cumbersome to adjust. There's little to no elasticity, so youre meant to cinch this pant up everytime.

I'm not a fan of these. For a climber, I've got an average athletic lower body build - quite lean without excess muscle. These pants are however too wide in the waist and too tight over the legs (especially my calves but also my thighs, making them ride up and shift uncomfortably with every step) for me. Couldn't really have used a larger size as the waist is too wide on mine already and waist adjustment is finnicky and very hard to make stick. I'd be losing mine if they weren't riding up. Unfortunately I used them outdoors without really trying them out before I realized these faults (I'm used to all Arc'teryx gear working really well), so I've been stuck with them the last 12 months. Gotten very tired of them lately, will buy new rain pants soon. Make sure to try them on with layers (and check out the waist adjustment!) before you purchase.