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.
Arc’teryx Summer Hiking Gear Will Actually Get You Through All Four Seasons
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Arc’teryx Essent High-Rise Utility Leggings
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
Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket
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. I have had previous bad experiences with other Gore-Tex brands where, although it will keep the rain out, you end up soaked in sweat anyway because the jacket just traps the moisture.
Another feature I really like about this jacket is the hood adjustment system. It took me a little while to figure out how to adjust correctly, but once I had cracked it, what a difference it makes to be able to have a hood that fits comfortably and isn’t blowing around or falling over your face. The hood is designed to be helmet compatible, so with no adjustment is very roomy, but after adjusting, I was able to achieve a very comfortably snug fit that kept the rain out without restricting my vision or becoming uncomfortable. This, combined with the adjustable velcro cuffs, kept out any stray water even through the heaviest downpours.
The build of this waterproof is, as I had expected from a brand like Arc’teryx, of very high quality. I could find no loose threads or uneven seams, and this is still the case after a month of heavy use. The fabric feels great, and the taped seams for the zippers are excellent.
On the topic of zippers, there are two front pockets with taped zippers, an internal chest pocket, and armpit zippers for extra ventilation.
Arc’teryx states that this product is Fair Trade certified. The Gore-Tex material they use is PFC-free, has a reduced carbon footprint, and is laminated to a bio-based nylon face made with fibers derived from plants. So, for the environmentally conscientious shopper, it’s worth considering.
This jacket has quickly become a workhorse jacket for me. Whether it’s out on the hills or just taking the bins out in the rain, I’ve been glad to have this on my back.
Price: $500
James Gavin
Arc’teryx Cerium Hybrid Hoody
Photo: James Gavin
The Cerium Hybrid Hoody by Arc’teryx is part of the brand’s recent performance collection. It’s ideal for variable weather conditions. What I love most about this jacket is that it’s an excellent base layer and is well-built.
The comfortable down hoody is feather-light, well-insulated, and has exceptional airflow. Thanks to the 850 fill-power grey goose down, it keeps your core warm. And if the sun comes out, there’s a handy stash bag in the pocket, so you can quickly reduce it down and put it in your day pack.
It also fits perfectly. I have a medium size, which even fits over a down gilet if I need it for an outer shell. It’s loose enough on my frame (I’m a size 6), and I prefer it that way.
We never shy away from outdoor sports if the weather is not favorable. So, having a multi-functional layer — I wear mine for running, hiking, biking in the wind, rain, and on early cold mornings — is vital. 
Price: $300
Katie Scott Aiton