Arc'teryx Seyla Review
Compare prices at 3 resellers Pros: Insulated with 750 fill down, stylish, simple, light
Cons: Hood doesn’t detach, no internal cuffs on sleeves, not waterproof
Manufacturer: Arc'teryx
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Arc'teryx Seyla | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | |  | ||
| Price | $317.73 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $299.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $599.00 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $399.00 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $119.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Insulated with 750 fill down, stylish, simple, light | Seriously warm, flattering, removable faux fur ruff, double sided zipper, functional pockets | Flattering, waterproof, durable, three jackets in one, recycled down and polyester | Warm, light, largely comfortable | Stylish, comfortable, easy to wear |
| Cons | Hood doesn’t detach, no internal cuffs on sleeves, not waterproof | No front snaps, not as warm when compressed, not waterproof | Uninsulated hood, tight shoulders, no two-way zipper on down jacket, tricky pockets | Somewhat awkward collar, small hood | Not as warm, awkward pockets |
| Bottom Line | We stayed warm while looking good when temperatures dropped down to freezing | An insanely warm and cute jacket that won't break the bank | This parka is a versatile option that shines in wet winter conditions | This warm and trim parka is sophisticated and can handle itself in rough weather | While it's not the warmest jacket it is comfortable, cute, and easy to wear |
| Rating Categories | Arc'teryx Seyla | Marmot Montreaux | Tres 3-in-1 Parka | Jackson Glacier | Columbia Suttle Mountain Long |
| Warmth (30%) | |||||
| Weather Resistance (25%) | |||||
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Style (10%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Arc'teryx Seyla | Marmot Montreaux | Tres 3-in-1 Parka | Jackson Glacier | Columbia Suttle... |
| Insulation and Fill Power | 750 fill European grey goose down | 700 fill power duck down with water resistant Down Defender | 700 fill recycled duck and goose down | 700 fill recycled duck and goose down | 100% polyester synthetic down and thermal-reflective lining |
| Fill Weight | 206 g for size small | 221 g | 150 g | 170 g | Not available |
| Hood | Insulated hood | Insulated, removable, detachable faux fur trim | Uninsulated, removable | Insulated | Insulated, detachable faux fur trim |
| Length | Mid-thigh | Knee-length | Mid-thigh | Knee-length | Mid-thigh |
| Pockets | 2 zippered hand, 1 internal zippered security | 2 zippered handwarmer, 2 internal chest (1 zippered) | 2 zippered handwarmer in shell, 2 zippered handwarmer and 1 internal chest in down liner jacket | 2 zippered handwarmer, 1 internal chest (zippered) | 2 snap handwarmer, 1 external zipped chest |
| Weight (size small) | 1.1 lbs | 2.25 lbs | 2.9 lbs | 2.0 lbs | 2.4 lbs |
| 2-way zipper | Yes | Yes | Yes and No | Yes | Yes |
| Main Fabric | Arato 10 (100% nylon) | 100% polyester | 100% polyester, H2No | 100% recycled polyester | 100% polyester |
| Weather Resistant Features | Water repellant face fabric | Water resistant down, DWR treatment | Waterproof, windproof, and breathable barrier, DWR finish | DWR treatment | Water resistant fabric |
| Sizes Available | XS to XL | XS to XXL | XS to XXL | XS to XL | XS to 3X |
| Top Features | Plush fleece lined torso, micro fleece pockets and cuffs | Zip-out two layer design, removable hood, fleece-lined pockets | No stitch bonded quilting | Fleece-lined hood, thermal reflective lining | |
| Social or Environmental Certifications | 100% recycled down, 50% recycled polyester shell, 100% recycled polyester jacket, Fair Trade Certified sewn | 100% recylced down, 100% recycled polyester shell, 100% recycled polyester lining, Fair Trade Certified sewn |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
Warmth
Insulated with 750 fill European grey goose down, this jacket is intended for some seriously cold temperatures. We had no problems wearing this pleated style parka with a light layer underneath during cold winter days.
There were some features to this jacket that helped keep us warm, and there were also some things lacking from this jacket. The oversized hood was great, but there is no way to adjust it to have it be a tighter fit on windy days. We were able to fit a beanie underneath the hood, which allowed for a snugger fit. One feature that always helps with keeping us warm in the winter is the internal cuffs in the sleeves. The Seyla has elastic cuffs that make the fit around the opening a bit tighter.
One thing we noticed about the Arc'teryx Seyla is that it does run a bit big. We originally ordered a medium and had to return it for a small. When we tested the medium, we noticed that cold air got in at the bottom of the bell shape and loose fit. You may want to try this jacket on at the store if you are concerned about the sizing.
Weather Resistance
Water-resistant, but not waterproof, this jacket isn't intended for heavy wet weather. When tested in light snow and rain, it held up, but then became saturated after an extended time outside. This jacket is warm, but we wouldn't recommend it for someone that doesn't live in a very wet climate like Portland or Seattle.
Style
Instant style points go to the Arc'teryx Seyla for its simplicity, while still maintaining ample warmth on some below-freezing days this winter. With three colors to choose from Whiskey Jack (gray), black, and flux (which is more of a dark maroon, then it appears in photos), we easily wore this jacket to the gym, out to dinner or running errands around town. The pleated exterior with no bells and whistles makes this jacket highly versatile.
Comfort
More often than none we forgot to take of this jacket when coming inside the cold. Comparable to a lightweight sleeping bag, this jacket is lightweight, warm, stylish, and very comfortable.
Features
The main feature of this jacket is its warmth to weight ratio. Being one of the lightest, wet warmest jackets we tested, Arc'teryx nailed it with the Seyla. The exterior pocket doesn't have any fleece inside them, which is a common feature on the jackets we test. This small feature is a game-changer on cold days. Slipping your hand into a cozy pocket makes all the difference, especially on chilly days.
There is a double-sided zipper that allows access from both ends and is also nice to use on days that were a bit warmer, and we needed more airflow or even more mobility.
Durability
Over the two months that we tested this jacket, we didn't see many feathers escaping at the stitching. The outer material is made of nylon and is quite thin. It's important when wearing this jacket to keep that in mind. We did get snagged while wearing this coat in a heavily treed area and it caused a tear.
The outer material has a DWR water-resistant coating and isn't intended to be worn in heavy wet weather. When we tested it in light snow, it handled well.
Value
This jacket falls towards the more expensive side out of all the jackets we tested. Yes, it is incredibly warm and insulated with 750 fill grey goose down, it's lightweight and very comfortable, but for the price, you don't get a ton of features. We did enjoy testing this jacket, its simple style was easy to dress up or down depending on what we were doing, but keep in mind, it's not waterproof and isn't intended to be worn in wet weather.
Conclusion
Overall we were impressed with how warm we stayed when temperatures hit freezing thanks to the lofty and comfortable 750 fill grey goose down. Besides being incredibly warm, the Seyla was also one of the lightest jackets we tested. We wouldn't recommend this jacket if you live in a very wet climate, but it is a great option for someone living in an environment that experiences cold winters.
— Liz Williamson