I have been testing the Arc’teryx women’s Cita SL jacket for trail running. There is a hooded and non-hooded version. I have the non-hooded jacket.
The Cita is a minimalist shell designed for running in windy conditions. It is made from Lumin, which is a lightweight performance nylon fabric and the aim is to balance wind resistance with air permeability. The jacket is meant to protect against the wind but also allow sweat to evaporate.
Arc’teryx women’s Cita SL jacket features:
- Windproof
- Breathable
- Water-repellent treatment to keep off light rain
- Mesh under the arms for airflow
- Flat seams
- Width-adjustable hem
- Stand-up collar
- Pre-shaped sleeves
- Packs into inner pocket
- Weight: 65g
- Buy from around £65 to £100. See: Bergzeit.co.uk and Alpinetrek.co.uk.
My thoughts: Arc’teryx women’s Cita SL jacket
This is a very lightweight jacket that is perfect for spring and summer running. It’s ideal for those emergency moments when you have run into a spot of bad weather or you are caught out for a chill wind on a hill.
When this happens you can pull out the jacket, stowed in a small place your rucksack, put it on and keep off the wind and a bit of rain. I have used it like this on many occasions this summer.
It is easy to keep in a rucksack and very easy to wear. In fact, you hardly notice you are wearing it.
This is not a jacket for a bad weather day in winter because it won’t keep you warm and dry enough. It also won’t pass a test for a running race if you need a hood and sealed seams.
The fit and style is minimalist. My version doesn’t even have a hood. But its simplicity is its advantage.
I have the small size and I am a UK10. It fits well.
I have found it useful when the wind picks up at higher altitude in the hills and when there is a light drizzle but not full-on rain. It’s great as an outer layer in the summer and also as a mid-layer in the colder seasons. You could, for example, add it over a baselayer and under another jacket or extra warmth and protection.
Breathability is brilliant and the jacket dries very quickly.
I have used this jacket far more than I thought I would and I can quickly pop it on or take it off as I need it.
If you shop around you might be lucky to get this at the cheaper end of the price scale.
The only criticism is that because the jacket is see-through it does look a little bit like a condom (especially the pink version)! Sorry!