Arc’teryx Summer Hiking Gear Will Actually Get You Through All Four Seasons

25.09.2024 - 14:43 / matadornetwork.com

In Scotland, we often experience weather conditions from all four seasons in one day. This can make planning outdoor sports feel like a military operation. If you let the weather dictate your plans, you’ll never leave the house. So this summer, my husband James and I tested some of Arc’teryx’s summer hiking gear to see if the innovative tech would stand up to gale-force wind and pouring rain and understand if the brand’s essentials are worth the investment. The three items — high-rise utility leggings, the Beta lightweight jacket, and the Cerium Hybrid hooded jacket — exceeded our expectations and are now family favorites and go-to grabs for all our outdoor adventures. In fact, we’ve argued more over who can wear the Beta jacket than who’s emptying the dishwasher.

We hope you love the Arc’teryx summer hiking gear we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to purchase. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Photo: James Gavin

Arc’teryx’s Essent Utility Leggings are an outdoor essential. I use them for running, in the gym, on hikes, you name it.

They are high-waisted, which is a must for me because I like that support and butter-soft feel. I have these in black, so I can’t offer insight into whether or not they show sweat in the lighter colors — but in my experience, I’ve not come across a legging where that isn’t the case.

I also only invest in leggings with a side pocket. I’ve become so used to doing sports with my cell phone secured against my leg that I don’t think I’d enjoy a workout without it now. There’s also a 360 degree stretch-mesh waistband pocketing. I don’t use this, but I can see how it would be useful for snack bars or valuables on a long hike.

Price: $140

Katie Scott Aiton

Photo: James Gavin

I had initially planned to use this jacket just as a lightweight waterproof I could throw in my bag when hiking up and flying off hills on paragliding trips. However, its use has far exceeded my initial expectations.

The Beta Lightweight Jacket weighs just 340 grams, and indeed, it feels light, but it is still tough and durable, not flimsy at all. I have had the jacket rolled and stuffed into a rucksack and crammed into a heavily packed paragliding kit multiple times, and so far, it shows no sign of damage or wear.

I recently spent some of the summer traveling the North West coast of Scotland, and, in typical fashion, a few of those days were met with torrential rain. On went the Beta Lightweight, and as it was a rare warm Scottish summer, over tee shirt only. I was impressed.

The jacket definitely kept me dry, as I would have expected it to. However, it was comfortable, light, and, importantly for me, breathable.