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A hooded version of the award-winning Gamma MX Jacket, the Arc'teryx Women's Gamma MX Hoody Jacket offers mountain-lovin’ ladies performance and a sleek, trim fit. Signature Arc'teryx innovations throughout the jacket include gusseted underarms that provide unparalleled freedom of movement while you're climbing or skiing. The Gamma MX Jacket's Storm Hood fits over your helmet, so your noggin can be safe and warm at the same time. Soft fleecy Polartec Power Shield fabric inside the jacket warms you and wicks moisture away from your body, while the longer torso length keeps you covered no matter what position you’re in. This fabric breathes like a champ and blocks out the wind, giving you one of the most versatile jackets possible. Of course, women don’t mind the dialed-in fit either—it flatters your figure while allowing full range of motion.
Bottom Line: The Gamma MX Hoody is ideal for ice climbing, skiing, or walking the dog after dusk in December.
Good but not perfect; I like the cut, fabric, and color, but it should have pit zips, a way to roll up and stow the hood, and a 2-way zipper in the front. Also sleeve cuffs that open so you can adjust or roll up the sleeves. Not worth the full price, but on sale I'm glad I bought it, I use it quite a bit and it does have a pretty wide comfort range.
Bs, sorry to get picky but your review misses the mark completely. If you want pit zips, stow-able hood and other accessories get another softshell. This one is perfect in its simplicity and lightweight. That's why its called a Gamma MX and not the Gamma SV
I really want this jacket in fushia. However, I really think I'm a small but it's only left in XS and M. I wear a 34 A, 115 lbs, 5 ft tall and pretty muscular. My guess is that the XS will be too small and the M too big.
It depends on what you plan to wear it with. I am the same height and weight as you, with somewhat broad shoulders for my height. An XS will definitely be a close fit, but I wouldn't say that it's tight. Plus, the material is nice and stretchy. It looks best when you have form-fitting clothes underneath. It's possible to wear a sweater, but it looks best over a thin layer or two. I have the vermillion color in XS and it fits just right.
got this as a heavier softshell for snowboarding. so far i love it. i wore it on a 5 degree powder day with thin wool layers and stayed warm and dry. in dry mountain west conditions this jacket seems very versatile. not sure about rain or super wet snow but i have worn my arcteryx epsilon in heavy rain and it keeps me dry for a reasonable amount of time. it's very breathable. the fit is trim as described, but well tailored and allows great range of movement. im 5'1" 115lbs and got the xs. the drop tail is a little longer than i would design but im very short so most avg/tall gals probably wont notice. if you are a fan of arcteryx softshell fit and features this won't disappoint. i anticipate getting a lot of wear out of this jacket. if it has a major fault i guess its the price...but i bought on sac!
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jat120 has pretty much got it right here. Fit wise, the Gamma MX will actually have room for a light layer under it. Hercules is cut as a layering jacket that has good some outerwear protection, and you won't get much more than a heavy baselayer under it. The Gamma MX is more water repellant due to a tighter face fabric weave, which is the same reason the Hercules breathes better. I'd boil it down this way: if you're looking for a super comfy,yet tough, jacket that will primarily be worn as outerwear while you're active-Gamma MX. For a jacket that has medium level protection from the elements, but is super soft and really warm under a shell;Hercules.
Both the Hercules jacket and the Gamma MX are made of Polartec Power Shield, although the Hercules jacket is made of the Power Shield O2 which is going to be more breathable but less windproof - numbers I've seen say that the regular Power Shield blocks ~90% of the wind while the O2 variety blocks approximately 50%. I don't personally know if there is anything about either material that makes one more water resistant than the other, but both are treated with DWR for water resistance, so neither will be waterproof. That said and done, I've seen reviews for both jacket that indicate they are pretty good in light rain for a reasonable period of time - just don't count on them to take the place of a hardshell. The Hercules jacket will be warmer in general because it has the high-loft fleece on the inside. This will make it great for non-windy days or as a mid-layer option on really cold days. The Gamma MX will have a more snug fit, while the Hercules will give you more room for layering.
My personal take on pros and cons: I think the Gamma is a great fall/spring layer while I think of the Hercules as more of a winter jacket. The lack of windproofness of the Hercules means that you will have to be a little strategic in when you use it though.
Other jackets that you might consider is the Gamma SV which uses the same outer material as the MX but also has a high loft fleece, or one of the Venta jackets which are completely windproof. I don't think the Venta jackets have the extra insulation though.
For backcountry skiing, alpine climbing, and also walk in the town, this is my must-have jacket now, and I can't survive without it anymore! Great stretchy material doesn't bother me at all when I do any hard move on rock, and I love this hood which fit over a helmet when I get cold while I'm belaying, and it doesn't disturb head movement either, like hard shell hoody does. Only thing sometimes bothers me is the cuff. Elastic is a bit too tight when I want to roll up for warm temperature.
Is this model, with the two breast pockets and same-color zippers, from 2008? I noticed the "Spring 2009" model has one breast pocket and contrasting color zippers.
The Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hooded shown here is the '08 model. The new Gamma MX has a single chest pocket, softer face fabric, better water resistance, but higher abrasion resistance. I'd go for the new one, for sure, it's a great improvement on my very favorite jacket.
I wore this jacket once and ended up returning it after skiing at Schweitzer on a spring-like day with dense, misty fog. By noon the jacket was soaking wet. I got it for spring skiing conditions, but realized that I would never use it for Pacific Northwest skiing where the snow is always wet. Otherwise, if I was still living in Utah I would have kept it for those drier conditions. Other than that, the fit was great and I loved the way I could move freely. The helmet-compatible hood, which I didn't initially think was a big deal, I ended up using towards the end of the day when it got a bit chillier. I ended up getting a Gore-Tex shell instead which I used up at Whistler and was perfect. Bottom line is, for wet climates it's probably not as functional, but for drier, colder places it's probably perfect.
I have heard that Arc'teryx jackets are a little shorter in length. My ski pants are fairly low rise. Will I have a problem keeping the snow out? There is no powder skirt on this jacket, correct?
got the large in fuchsia (last year´s model at an attractive price ;-), i´m 5'11 tall and usually wear a size 10 - the jacket is rather loose around the torso but has sufficiently long arms, very practical & well fitting hood; will use it for cc skiing and ski touring
This is by far my most favorite Arc'teryx jacket. I use it for almost everything. I got the jacket in 2005 when they only had two colors: fog & black. I have the fog color.It's sleek, has an attractive fit, comfortable, and warm, but breathable. It is a little less water resistant now (after 4 years), even after re-treating it with DWR spray on and wash in. But - nothing beats this jacket on a rainy, chilly day. I usually remain dry for about 1 hour of being out in medium rain. I use this jacket for hiking, camping, kayaking, around town, snowboarding, and napping =D . The only cons: 1) the Schoeller Dynamic attracts stains and doesn't clean easily (my cuffs and rim of the hood are stained gray/brown). 2) the jacket doesn't have pit zips and the sleeves are too tight to push up, making it hard to cool down when you work up a sweat.
Unfortunately, we do not currently have any sizes or colors in this jacket on vendor order at the time. Keep checking the site, because we may order more in the future!
Hey Mary,The best thing to do is jump on "live chat" and ask those folks. They'll be able to look up if they've got any on order and if so they can give you a rough idea of when they'll be in stock.
I wore this jacket skiing yesterday when it was in the 40's with a super lightweight poly shirt under and I was fine at first (even a little too warm). When the sun set behind the trees and the wind kicked up, I was pretty cold at the top of the mountain. But the fit is spot on (5'5" 113 and I got an XS) with room for a lightweight fleece under and the cut is flattering. Could have more pockets. I do like the longer cut especially in the back.
If I'd paid full price, I'd be annoyed. But I got it off Tramdock and, for the price I paid, it's a decent jacket. Not worth full price IMO.
how is the sleeve length on this jacket? i have longer arms and it's sometimes an issue with jackets. also, how is the overall length? where will it hit you?
Arc'teryx sleeves are generally longer than average so they will not ride up when your arms are reached overhead while climbing. The sizing chart provides sleeve measurements (which are from the center of the back to the edge of the sleeve. If you need the length of the jacket, call customer service, chat live on the website, or send an email by the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page. A Backcountry.com Gear Guru can take any measurement for you, and get back in touch. DG: Center back length for a small is 26", and medium is 27" (and so on[measured from center back]) Sleeve length for medium is 33", also add an inch to this if you go up/down in size). the difference between front and back length is 2.5" as this has a dropped down back hem.
I LOVE this jacket. It breathes well (which is a big plus for tele skiing), provides nice coverage in the back (so the jacket doesn't ride up when wearing a pack) and is quite stylie. Those Arcteryx Canadians sure knew what they were doing when they designed this jacket.
I went to the Swiss Alps over the Christmas break and I have to say this was just what I needed. I had to do a good bit of hiking and it was light enough that it didn't weigh me down. At the same time it kept me warm in 15 degree (fahrenheit) temperatures. I wore a base layer and a long sleeved cotton shirt underneath. It's very sleek and not bulky which came in handy when I wanted to take it off and wrap it around my waist. The pockets really warmed up my hands, which were cold even with gloves on!
This is probably the right jacket/brand for you. I have found that my Arcteryx things are built for broad shoulder, athlete, build with a smaller waists.
I had had high hopes for this jacket -- until I put it on. Boxy around the shoulders, but that would be okay for my outdoor activities. HOWEVER, the cut across the small of the back was exceedingly narrow, while the fit around the bottom drawstring was snug but not too snug. I tried to rationalize keeping it, until I looked in the mirror. A pity!
About the "missing features" of the gamma mx:The majority of softshell jackets are made without pit zips because of their superior breathability compared to waterproof/breathable jackets. The price point comes from the special polartec powershield lightweight fabric, and the fact that alpinists looking for a jacket with the features of the gamma mx are willing to pay so much. Also, Arc'Teryx has positioned itself as a premium brand and, consequently, commands a premium price.As for the hood... Arc'Teryx only makes a few jackets with stowable hoods (which add weight over a non-stowable hood) and they are all gore-tex shells. The thicker powershield fabric makes the hood too bulky (in my opnion) to stow.
This is a great jacket! The fit is very close to the sizing as advertised, the longer cut fits well and keeps you warm, and the hood is actually functional (you have peripheral vision, can wear it with a helmet, etc.) It is not meant for a downpour - it will soak though and although you'll be warm, you'll be damp. It's very rainy where I am so I now use a rain shell on top on really wet days but it's great in snow or light rain. Also love the colour (got the pink).
The Gamma MX is made in China.Nicole says: the Arc'teryx factories are monitored for working conditions. The workers are also paid a living wage and are given benefits.
Pit zips and a way to stow the hood. I like the jacket, but I'm going to have to sew on a strap to keep the hood rolled. It comes unrolled easily, and if you are running or riding it's annoying to have the hood flopping around in back to tangle with packs and such.
Love the fit, feel and freedom of movement. The hood fitting over my helmet is a definite plus. But I'm disappointed at the lack of obvious, useful details, and at this price point, the features should be there.
Since it's the middle of summer, I haven't had a chance to test-drive the jacket, so I can only comment on the fit and the comparison with the Arc'teryx Gamma SV. That said, I already know I'm going to love it: It fits like a glove and looks even better than the Gamma SV (which my friends already tell me looks great). The fit is pretty close-to-the-body but not tight (and just FYI, I'm 5'3" and 130 lbs and wear a small); I could probably fit a baselayer but not a fleece underneath. While there's enough fabric under the arms to allow you to raise your arms without the jacket moving, it doesn't feel bulky at all (in contrast to the Gamma SV, whose fabric bunches up under my arms). The hood is well-constructed, with a stiffened bill to keep rain off your face and a drawcord to help shrink it down if you're not wearing a helmet underneath. Compared with the Gamma SV, the Gamma MX has thinner fabric and is cut longer, falling below the hip; it also seems to fit a bit more closely, perhaps because the Gamma SV might be meant to accommodate more layers. I expect that I'll wear the jacket for anything from highly aerobic sports like X-C skiing when the temperatures are above 25F and I can't wear a long-sleeved baselayer under my Gamma SV, to autumn strolls around town. Between this jacket and the Gamma SV, I'm covered for almost anything the weather can throw at me from September to April!
Im a runner and climber, I run on the trail year-round and this is the jacket I wear during winter months. At 25F, I stay very warm with this jacket and just a Rho top. It blocks out most of the wind and yet its very breathable. The soft fleece lining is warm but not too hot. The hood protects your head and ears from the freezing wind. The shell is very water resistant, it will keep you dry in the snow but for heavy downpours, Id wear the Alpha SV which is super waterproof and another one of my favorites. Arcteryx makes the most stylish and sleek looking performance clothes.
Living in MN means windchills enough to make the real temperature feel below zero. I would have to say this jacket though gets you moving without fear. I just wear a thin long underwear layer or two underneath and I'm out the door. comfortably set to move without any bulk. the hood is fantastic too to keep warmth and wind out. overall, I'm ecstatic. without this jacket, I'd be miserable and stuck inside. I'm hoping to look for pants that are as comfortable to move in as this jacket!!
I received this jacket as a gift this Christmas and I have used it nearly every day since for running (I live in the NE and like to run outside year-round). Even with the Artic air mass that just moved through my area and the sub-zero windchills, I was able to run comfortably with only light base layer and this jacket. At first I thought the hood was a bit floppy, but I certainly appreciated it last week I was running in the rain and snow. The hood's design is amazing - the cinches keep the hood in place even with lots of movement, and the mini-bill keeps the weather off your face. Unbelievable water and wind resistance, superb breathability and so sleek!
I received this jacket yesterday. I feel confident in saying that this jacket has definitely met my expectations even though I have only run in it twice. I am a long-distance runner and have tried MANY jackets in the windy, wet and cold Canadian winters. I have only one other jacket (Mountain Hardwear Gorestopper) that I feel comfortable running in during winter, but it has no hood. Yesterday the weather was calm and approximately 32F. I ran 10 miles wearing only a Patagonia base layer and I felt so comfortable wearing my Gamma MX Hoody. Today I ran in much different conditions 20mph winds, raining heavily and temperature of approximately 35F. I used the hood which was not bulky and did not annoy me. Despite the terrible weather conditions, I felt comfortable running 8 miles. I run marathons so I put in a lot of miles training. I am very particular about what I wear during my training runs and the fact that I am pleased with the Gamma MX Hoody says a lot for it!! So, can I say that I already love this jacket.....yes!!
I love the soft hand-feel of this jacket. It is really light and has a nice soft lining. What I was impressed with, that you can't tell from the photos of this jacket, are the drawcords. They are placed so that you can snug the hood to a perfect fit on your head and even adjust for height. I bought it in Aloe Green with some trepidation but it turns out to be a really striking colour.
Good but not perfect; I like the cut, fabric, and color, but it should have pit zips, a way to roll up and stow the hood, and a 2-way zipper in the front. more...
got this as a heavier softshell for snowboarding. so far i love it. i wore it on a 5 degree powder day with thin wool layers and stayed warm and dry. more...