Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hooded Softshell Jacket - Men's - 2009 BCS

Size large has a front zipper of 28" long. Will have to check on the center back length

BTW: Gamma MX fit much slimmer compared to the theta AR.

These jackets breathe exceptionally well. They allow some air through (so they are not completely windproof) It is a great jacket for XC skiing. it provides a bit of warmth (apparently equivalent to a 200wt fleece). Riding home on your bike you are probably going to sweat in this shell as well. While it breathes well it has that insulating property that will cause heat build up (even with the pockets open for venting). Try the gamma LT as a option for biking home or the celeris- each model breathes much better but is not as windproof.

Use your chest and waist measurements too, but this jacket runs to the fitted side. Really depends on how your body mass is distributed. You might get a little more in the sleeve than you need, but my thought is that you'll get more of the fit that you want with the XXL.

Hey there, you might want to keep an eye on the new version of the Gamma MX (tem: ARC1182), as they will be phasing this one out and stocking the new version....

round september there will be new colors coming along with changing the fabric that the gamma MX is made from (will now be fortius 2.0) and a slight price reduction -349
I am not sure how well the new fortius fabric will perform though.
Hope this helps

Echoing Ryan, you definitely want a large.

You'll need a Large, to fit your sleeve and torso length. Depending on your build it might be a tad baggy, but these have a slim cut to them.

The Gamma MX Hoody is just a touch roomier, and has an extra 1.5 inches in the length. Plus, Hoods RULE

Todd,
THe Gamma MX is the 2 way adjustable hood. So it has the adjusters that cinch around your face, and the back adjuster (like you have mentioned) that tightens the hood around your bean (like a baseball cap). Be aware that the hood is very large, but you can cinch it down quite a bit when you dont have a helmet on.
Hope this helps

Another option is to get on the Live Chat, they can look up when the next shipment is coming in. Live chat is the "CHAT NOW" button in the upper right corner of the page.

The best thing to do is contact Backcountry 1.800.409.4502 and they can let you know for sure.

I see the black small come, but I kinda like lichen more. Will they come soon?

A few more are expected throughout this month. Keep checking back.

Thanks a lot for the response. I already own the Venta AR and really love it, but need a softshell with a hood for a climb that's coming up. Sounds like the Dragon might be the way to go for this particular adventure. Thanks again!

The Gamma MX uses a stretch woven face fabric with a light fleece laminated to the inside, where as the Dragon uses Windstopper. You'll get quite a bit more breathability and stretch from the Gamma MX, and a bit more weather protection from the Windstopper membrane. A closer comparison to the MH jacket is the Venta from Arc'teryx. I've used both Arc'teryx jackets, and the Venta (windstopper) is great for cold weather, but I find I pull out the Gamma MX way more often throughout the year.

Definitely small. I am 5'7, 160lbs, 38 chest, and the small fits me perfectly. The amazing thing is that it is snug with just a t-shirt, but I can also easily get 2 base layers and a light fleece under it. Great design.

I'm 5'8" 140lbs. I have a Small Gamma LT and a Medium Gamma AR. I can't fit much more than a base layer under the small. It gets a bit too restrictive with something like a fleece under the small. The Medium is a bit baggy without a mid-weight layer under it but it still fits well on it's own. I plan on getting a Small MX when the Red comes back in stock.

Small...I am a medium at 5'9 155lbs to 160lbs....

Candy Apple Red does continue for S'11. There are more on the way...

The Gamma MX hoody does have a longer bottom hem, and drop back, than the jacket version...

I've used my Gamma MX for all these things (and more). Of course, anytime you want one piece of gear to cover all conditions, something won't be quite ultimate. That being said, I've never worn another jacket that is as versatile (I've been wearing the Gamma MX for 8 years). If you already have a hardshell, put it in your pack for the really cold resort days, when the MX works great as a layer. You'll get more use from this than most any other gear you own.

This is a great jacket, but personally, I prefer a hardshell when I am on the slopes. The Gamma MX is water-resistant (but not waterproof) so in prolonged rain or wet snow it won't keep you completely dry. It is on the shorter side, and has no powder skirt. It is more of an athletic cut, so there's not a whole lot of room to layer underneath it. It blocks most (but not all) of the wind, so lift rides can get chilly. It can be used as a layering piece, but I would use it more as a midlayer (particularly if it's wet, windy, or bitterly cold).

But I still love this jacket (even though I don't routinely use it as an outer layer on the slopes). It breathes really well, provides decent warmth on mildly cold days, is well-made, and has a very useful pocket configuration. It's great for most aerobic outdoor activities, and would likely be good for climbing (especially since it is fairly fitted). But if I were going skiing/boarding with it, I would be sure to also have access to my hardshell.

In my view, this jacket is a little bit too lightweight for resort skiing. I just purchased it this week and have been wearing it in 30 degree weather with an R1 fleece underneath around town (not yet for any athletic endeavours). I would think you'd want a shell over it to help block the wind.

mtn31, thank you very much, such info is VERY hard to find on the internet! The new MX lost some weight then, the old was 1 lb 5 oz in a medium!

just bought this jacket in size large - weight on my postal scale is 1 lb 4.5 oz - without paper tags

Thank you very much rya, i'll go for the Large then. My local store should be having a 40% sale soon, maybe with the MX soon, so it will fit into my student budget ;)
Did anyone know the weigth in the Large size?

i'll answer you. If I had seen it earlier, I would've helped you out. Honestly, go with the Large. 90 percent of the jackets, shirts, hoodies, etc., that I own are in size large. This jacket- I got the XL and it fits perfectly (I'm 6'1 205 lbs). With you at 5'11" and 190lbs, the medium might be a little tight.

Anyone? :D

I'm in the large camp too. I started out with a medium on mine, but it quickly became obvious that I needed the next size up...too snug, especially with any sort of layering below.

I would go with the Large...It is form fitting with no stretch whatsoever. Also depends on what you plan to do with it, layering or worn by itself. Hope that helps a little.

Ha Ha, I recently spoke with an Arc designer and asked about "GNS" he told me it was a designation they used to differentiate it from the original Schoeller Dynamic they were using and called it the
GNS: " Good New Sh*t"

Only the chest pockets use the Schoeller. GNS uses less spandex (8%), which adds durability and decreases dry time.

So the torso length will be long enough to cover my layers underneath this jacket? How's the water resistance? Will this keep me dry in light rain?

So the torso length will be long enough to cover my layers underneath this jacket? How's the water resistance? Will this keep me dry in light rain?

I'm 6`5`` 190lbs and have been wearing the gamma MX hooded XL for 5 years now (the canadian made version). Fits great, arm lenght is perfect. The design/spandex allows to keep the arms/wrist fully covered during ice climbing. There is just no jacket that fits me as well. I need to replace it now and will try the newer version, and of course some of the competitor ones (cheaper) and see if I stick to the gamma MX.

The Gamma MX is a longer cut softshell from Arc'teryx and the sleeves are nice and long as well, being that it's designed as a climbing piece. It should fit great. Check the sizing chart next to the "options" box to choose your size according to measurements. Enjoy!

Well, the difference is really the hood and the weight. At nearly half the weight of the Gamma, the Zeta is probably less warm. Some of the weight difference is accounted for in the hood, but that feature will serve to keep you considerably warmer also.

Since they're made out of the same material (and neither of them have pit zips) they probably breathe about the same. In my experience (with a different jacket) power shield breathes nicely as long as I don't get too warm.

Seems to me like the Gamma is built for worse weather and the Zeta is more of a multi-use garment.

Ok, a few bad eggs for you; case 1: Gamma MX jacket made in China, laminated strip inside mesh hand pocket de-laminated on first use. Case 2: Griffon jacket made in China, laminated hem de-laminated in shop whilst trying on. Case 3: Atom LT hoody again made in China, also de-laminated on hem on both sides of on first use.

Bearing in mind this does not speak for all of their gear made in China but 3/3 is not good odds.

As for repairing I made the mistake of using seam glue with the Gamma MX, but for the griffon and atom I just took my time and gently ironed the hems back down and works bloody brilliantly and in the case of the Griffon I found I had stuck it down better than the original manufacturing process.

My only advice is buy with confidence, but seriously check and re-check the gear on delivery for any defects.

I can't tell which is made where with the exception of the 'Made in' tag.

Not to mention Backcountry.com's awesome return policy; You can't go wrong!

This jacket IS bomber, I love, and that's why I took the time to stitch it up when the crappy seams came undone after my first trail run with the thing. However use it for everything from dh skiing to running, so well worth the 5 mins it took to fix it up.

Same here. I have both Canada and China made versions of this jacket and there is NO difference at all. Buy with confidence.

Arc'teryx gear is of the highest quality, no matter which of the 16 countries they use to manufacture, is listed in the label. China-made complaints are baseless if quality is at question.
As for comparison: the new fabric is quicker to dry, has a softer feel (but the same durability)and the same fit and stretch. You'll love this jacket...

This jacket is amazing, buy with confidence, I have Arcteryx made in Canada jackets and no difference with made in China. Great look, best results with lightweight top long underwear. This jacket is more lightweight than Hercules but really do the job. I loved and you will too if purchase it.

Arc'teryx Gamma MX Softshells: The Legend goes on!

Vancouver, B.C – For more than six years the Arc’teryx Gamma MX Jacket and Gamma MX Hoody have set the benchmark for Softshells: the classic made of Polartec® Power Shield® is a legend. Thanks to their comfort, durability, and moisture shedding outer face, the Gamma MX has won many tests and remains unrivalled. None-the-less, the Arc’teryx product designers have concluded that the time has come for an overhaul. So, here comes the fabric new legends are made of!

The Gamma MX jackets are Softshells made for alpine conditions and provide outstanding mobility. They offer reliable weather protection and exceptional abrasion resistance. The new Gamma MX models are made of renowned high quality and durable Polartec® Power Shield® Lightweight Material combined with Schoeller® Dynamic.
In comparison to the previous material, made of 36 % polyester, 49 % nylon and 15 % spandex, the new Polartec® Power Shield® Lightweight is made of 50 % polyester, 44 % nylon and 6 % spandex. The new material is just as durable and tough as its predecessor, and of course just as water resistant. Thanks to a complex dying process, the colour hues of the new material are much more radiant than before.

The new look of the Gamma MX also brings some other changes. The women’s model is a bit shorter with a trimmer fit. Additionally, the jacket is equipped with a discreet chest pocket instead of the two roomy chest pockets of its predecessor. The men’s model sticks with the chest pockets, while making the jacket a uniform colour (instead of the previously used offset colour hues).

The Gamma MX Jacket keeps its collar, while the helmet compatible storm hood remains with the Gamma MX Hoody. So, if your Gamma MX looks like it’s served its purpose after years of use, you deserve the new worthy successor – here it is!

The difference between the new and old Arc'teryx Gamma MX is mainly in the face fabric. They are equally warm (same liner fleece thickness), and wind resistant (blocks about 90%). The current Gamma MX Hoody is a touch lighter, and dries more quickly, if it does get wet.

The Arc'teryx Gamma MX has a bit more length than the Sigma AR(I want to say about 1.5 inches)The large in this jacket will fit you really well, and it's a good deal more breathable,stretchy, and lighter than the Sigma. Enjoy!

Some clarification on the previous reply about the Arc'teryx Hercules hoody vs. Gamma MX. The Hercules does have a DWR, and blocks about 60% of the wind. The Gamma MX is better as an outer layer due to weather resistance, but for mild conditions, the Hercules stands up. Hercules is cut to fit really well under hard shells, as insulation.

The Hercules is meant as a mid-layer insulation piece. It does not have the DWR treatment that softshell like the Gamma MX has, so will not be as wind/weather/water resistant. It's meant to be under a shell, so breathes really well and will work better as a layering piece under a shell than a softshell would.

When you layer a softshell underneath a hardshell neither breath properly as they're both meant as outer pieces.

But a piece like the Hercules underneath a hardshell will provide great warmth while being much more breathable when you're exerting.

I have a Hercules (and the lighter weight Griffon) that I use heavily for backcountry touring. They're great pieces for that because of how breathable they are making them great at dumping heat on the ascents. Because of their hard faced outer they shed snow and precip better than a traditional fleece or midlayer if you do drop your shell. They don't cut the wind very well though (you can blow right through them), so when it gets cold the shell comes back on. They make a much better part of a shell-based system than a softshell though.