Arc'teryx Gamma MX Jacket - Men's - 2007 BCS

i've skied in this jacket for the last 3 winters. i love it. i alpine ski tour in it all the time, but it's not an aerobic piece. if it's not cold i'll just wrap it around my waist or open it up. it's much warmer and more protective than i thought it would be. it does better than any other softshell i've had in the rain and wind, and after 3 seasons it's taken the beating well. what i like the most about it is the pockets. i use the chest pockets for my climbing skins. which means i don't ever need to take my backpack off at the top. i just pull the skins, jam them in the chest pockets and charge. the zipper garages and a welded sleeve pocket are great finishing touches. it's obvious someone actually thought about this jacket and i think it's a superior softshell because of it. i wouldn't be surprised if greg hill helped design it.

i do a lot of skinning uphill and skiing down. this jacket rocks. if it's cold i wear it on the way up with a light long sleave under it. if it's not cold enough i just wrap it or have it in the pack. then i ski the downhills in it. it's go great chest pockets and side pockets that are perfect for your skins for quick transitions. no need to take the pack off to put the skin in there.. just tear, stuff and go! a hood might be a nice addition, but this jacket for the most part is perfect and well thought out.

I can't believe this jacket is going for 160$! Had this for six years and can honsetly say I have worn it over 365 days. It has been my go to jacket for everything from frosty mornings before a race to x-country skiing. I think I have three loose threads and they have only pulled out about a millimeter or two. The hand cuffs are starting to get very thin and the two holes from being to close to a welder is the only reason I even where my other softshells. I also get called out for not changing my dress style. Perfect layering. I now want to upgrade to the hoody. I tried out the Arcteryx trident softshell :( Just not as good of a fit. You shouldnt have to think about this decision.

My schizophrenic brother loves His Arc'terxy delta Ar Fleece jacket.

I guess there is some confusion about what this jacket works best for. For me it has been my second insulating layer for skiing and touring for the last six seasons. It is perfect for that use,particularly touring where it frequently quickly becomes the outer layer. I wear it under a hard shell - usually an Arcteryx Comp Hoody if touring or the TNF FreeThinker if in resort, and over a fleece turtleneck. I used to wear it around town, but after all these years I cannot shake the faint odor that is the by product of hard skiing. It has held up great to many years of use and washes. I would say what I say about most softshells of this generation, ie not bonded with some waterproofing material - this is not a jacket to buy as your only outdoor jacket. I am astounded when I see people using this as their outer layer on a stormy day. On the other hand it is great for spring skiing. For what it is used for, I have found it to be perfect.

I went with the Gamma MX after much thought and testing. I have a couple others that were just too warm and did not breath well. I rarely wore them cause I would get too hot with any physical activity. That is why I like this one. Thin, stretchy, moves well, not too warm, breaths well, and does a good job blocking wind. I usually wear a light base layer (short or long sleeve depending on the activity and the conditions) and in real cold temps I go for a light tee and a mid long sleeve base layer, usually merino wool. This combo has proven perfect for snowshoeing in 10 degree weather with wind. I also use it for running in winter and just kicking around town. The other jackets that were comparable were just too thin and focused too much on running or aerobic type stuff. The MX is great as an all around - multipurpose jacket. Worth the money. Ignore the "made in China" talk...

I have two years of use out of this jacket. Perfect for the fall as an outer layer. My main use for this jacket is while skinning with a single long sleeve layer underneath. At the top, throw on my shell and I'm good to go. This jacket breathes well, is nice and stretchy, and has tons of pockets. It is not waterproof or windproof, same as most soft shells. I have the older version that is made in Canada and the fit is athletic. As for sizing, I'm a medium in the Gamma, but wear a small in the Arc'teryx Matador.

I just returned from MT Clinton in the Presidential Range area, New Hampshire. I wore the Gamma MX underneath the Alpha SV and just let me say that this combination was very adequate for the conditions (Skiing). The breathabilty was incredibly surprising. If you are interested in this jacket, I think that it it is very noteworthy to investigate. If I had to choose between TNF Sentinel and the Gamma MX, it'll be Arcteryx. At 6'2 and 181 lbs, the LG is a perfect fit for me. I think that the 49 percent polyester, 36 percent nylon, and 15 percent spandex is a winning material mix along with the secondary combination material of 84 percent nylon - 16 percent spandex.

everyone should own one these softshells. they're a little pricey, but they hold up forever. this shell is always with me whether i'm summiting or riding. great for layering and nice on top when it's not freezing. the two chest pockets are convenient and accessible. i've had mine for 6 years now (still were manufacturing in canada) and still looks great.

Excellent construction, marvelous technical piece for whatever it is that you use it for. Versatile, veritably windproof, great at shedding rain and snow. I've used it for: winter biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking the Rockies, pretty much anything you throw at it. Stretches like mad, super-comfortable athletic fit (order a size up for layering a down sweater underneath). Looks BOSS. Convenient pocket for stashing gear, food, doobie-making equipment. Lightweight, stashes easily. Very abrasion-resistant (go ahead, fall down that gully). cons: The Fabric. Not very warm, as the fleece interior pills very quickly (mine is only 2 years old and has lost all of its heat retention). Naturally, this is not intended to be an insulating piece, but what insulation it does provide did not last long in my jacket (currently being considered by Arc'teryx as warranty return). In the end, the fleece is surplus and just a weight-adder. A minor gripe: no hood-and-loop closures at the wrist to block wind even better, but at least the tapering is pretty tight. I am considering switching it for something from the Sigma line (SV , AR)?

I have had my Gamma MX for over a year now and have worn it almost everyday since I have got it. It takes a beating and has worn very nicely. It packs very small and holds the weather off short of a deluge. I have several other softshells and they collect dust in my closet. I also own other Arc'Teryx products and this one gets the most use by far.

There's not much to say that hasn't already been said. This jacket is a classic, and for good reason. It's quite water-resistant, does well in the wind, and is fairly warm. While it doesn't have interior pockets, the two chest pockets are large and very useful. It is on the fitted side, but this improves its warmth and makes it easier to use it as a layering piece.

I've been testing out the 2008 fall gamma mx for the last couple months in Canada/Chicago weather. I like to wait at least a season before making a review, but the recent negative reviews are bugging me.

This jacket isn't supposed to be insulating. That's what you wear an insulating layer for. Buy a down jacket or insulated soft shell if you want a warm shell, at the cost of versatility. This jacket does exactly what it's meant to. The pockets rock, the attention to detail is everywhere, it is comfy, stretchy, bombproof, very wind resistant, water resistant, super breathable, and warmer than a 100 weight fleece on its own.

It is also roomy enough to layer things underneath. At 6" 185 pounds, wearing a large, I can fit a base layer and MH monkey man fleece comfortably underneath. With a 100 weight fleece and this I can go down to the 40s. With the monkey man I haven't hit a lower level yet.

Overall it's an awesome shell. Just keep in mind it is not insulating (most softshells are not, the gamma mx is no different), and you'll need another layer if it gets cold.

This softshell is more fashion than purposeful. No doubt it is nice looking but is a very thin fabric and not that warm. It has perhaps too many pockets and lacks things like a cinch cord on the collar, pit zips and cuff adjustment tabs that competitor softshells have. Now that is made in China and not Canada it is in my opinion very overpriced at over $300. It is very much riding on the Arcteryx brand name.

used it for a year now, for skiing in cold snowy weather in Little Cottonwood Canyon, a three day alpine winter adventure in Norway, general spring rock climbing and for winter/spring running. It does most things really well. I think it is good enough wind protection if you're in motion and on the 3day alpine trip this was my only jacket appart from my down. Hesitant to leave my goretex shell behind but I was glad i did (I knew there was not much chance of wet precipitation). I have an older gamma mx with a hood and that would have been more suitable for alpine endeavors but i made it through with a winbreaker hat. The quality seems much better on this piece than the older one. I see that a lot of people are concerned with the quality of the stuff made in china versus what is made in Canada... Well, you crack me up. My old jacket (made in canada) busted seams pretty fast without heavy use, this one (made in china) has stood up very well to more abrasive use and seem bombproof.
the combo of a gamma mx and an insulating down or synthetic is pretty good for cold winter use. Works for running but gets pretty sweaty. However I havent used anything else for cold weather running that feels better and doesnt get clammy. the stretch and fit of this piece, makes it such a winner anyways. the only drawback is if you get really sweaty or wet from rain on a mountain trip, the windchill could get you freezing pretty fast and it does take a while to dry if it gets soaked. so use a hardshell if you're unsure about weather.
Super abrasion resistant so it's great for climbing.
GREAT pockets let you stash plenty of hats and gloves and even bottles, and they work well with harness.
great collar that maintain shape and position (doesnt collapse)
I found the gamma mx hoody had a longer drop in the back, but i donno if that is just because its an older model. worth mentioning anyways.

Bar none this is the best jacket I've ever owned! Hiking Rainier this past summer I loaned this jacket to a buddy on the trip who forgot his hardshell, we got caught in a blizzard with 50mph winds and he was totally warm using this jacket as his outer layer. The Polartec Powershield fabric is great because it's windproof and highly water resistant. This is my everyday jacket around town and also works for a good majority of the days in the mountains.

I've had my MX for about 2 years now, and I can honestly say that it was probably one of my best outerwear purchases of all time. It's great without an insulating layer down to about freezing (if you're moving around) and can go a bit lower with some light insulation.
Practically wind proof up to about 20 mph w/o insulation. Close to rain proof when the DWR coating is in good condition, but wets out if you haven't reapplied the coating in a while. The fabric is great for wear resistance - sliding on rocks, dirt, tree branches, etc. leaves no cuts or abrasions.
The first thing that wore out were the cuffs. The elastic isn't so stretchy anymore, and they have shredded a good amount at the edges. The back of the jacket will also show some wear (turns a little lighter blackish gray) from sitting against rough objects. The interior lining is also de-laminating a little bit around the seam edges. But this is after nearly two years of almost daily use, so what can you expect?
If you're in the market for a soft shell with no peer, look no further than this jacket.

Just to let everyone know, I'm an Arcteryx fan and owned 3 hardshells and 3 softshells from Arcteryx line which I obtained from 4-5years ago when they were still made in Canada. I'm a skier/mountaineers and I'd like to test every product I owned and pay detail attention to quality and build materials. I got this jacket because it was such a good deal. However, upon receiving it and comparing it with the original Gamma MX made in Canada, I had come to a verdict. I'm being as objective as possible here. I had the Gamma MX that was made in Canada from 5 years ago. After careful comparison side by side with the one I just ordered which was made in China, the difference is significant. As far as the fitting, they are both similar. I'm 5'10" 180lbs athletic build and the medium fits great even when I put my expedition weight base layer. When it comes to materials and quality of stitches, there are apparent differences. The fabric made in China has more polyester and less nylon and the fleece lining on the inside is thinner compared with the one made in Canada. Overall, I'm not impressed with the Gamma MX made in China at all and finally returned the jacket. For this reasons, Arcteryx should either start paying close attention to quality control or lower the price. I'm sure I'm not the only person who noticed this inadequacy/inconsistencies on this jacket. For most people who doesn't pay serious attention to materials/build quality, these may not matter at all as the name Arcteryx have already gain reputation in the past. Regardless of the brand name or its reputation in the past, I always make sure that each product I bought is consistent with its name and quality--it's called being objective. In this case, the Gamma MX just doesn't live up to its past reputation of being one of the top soft-shell from Arcteryx line.

i think i wrote a review for this jacket back a few years ago, and im still on the same one even after all this time. The verdict after about 5 years of pretty constant use: good!

The seam welding around the bottom draw cord has delaminated quite a bit and the cuffs have pretty much been shredded through abrasion, and the material under the forearms has started to wear through. Water repelancy is basically nill at this point too, not having given it a DWR recoat in quite sometime.

However, the on the whole the jacket it great! No seams have ripped out, the interior lining is still in great shape, as is the majority of the outer lining. Still windproof and pretty warm in cool temperatures too. Cant beat it for trail riding, snowshoeing, or spring sking with a base layer. This jacket has been slid on, ripped at and mistreated in all manners of ways but it still keeps on doin a great job.

Just to let everyone know, I'm an Arcteryx fan and owned 3 hardshells and 3 softshells from Arcteryx line which I obtained from 4-5years ago when they were still made in Canada. I'm a skier/mountaineers and I'd like to test every product I owned and pay detail attention to quality of products. I got this jacket because it was such a good deal. However, upon receiving it and comparing it with the original Gamma MX made in Canada, I had come to a verdict. I had the Gamma MX that was made in Canada from 5 years ago. After careful comparison side by side with the one I just ordered which was made in China, the difference is significant. As far as the fitting, they are both similar. I'm 5'10" 180lbs athletic build and the medium fits great even when I put my expedition weight base layer. When it comes to materials and quality of stitches, there are apparent differences. The fabric made in China has more polyester and less nylon and the fleece lining on the inside is thinner compared with the one made in Canada. Overall, I'm not impressed with the Gamma MX made in China at all and finally returned the product. For this reasons, Arcteryx should lower the price. I'm sure I'm not the only person who noticed this inadequacy/inconsistencies on this jacket. For most people who doesn't pay serious attention to materials/build quality, these may not matter at all as the name Arcteryx have already gain reputation in the past.

I've owned this jacket for over a year and it has been surprisingly warm for how thin it is. Very very water resistant, and overall a ten. I wear it around town and use it in technical settings and it can outlast other jackets in its class. I also work at a retailer focused on outerwear and this jacket is highly sought after as a technical piece. We endorse Arc'teryx above all others because of the quality and industry leading innovation they instill. The Gamma MX is a great first softshell or addition to your arsenal. I highly recommend this jacket.

I've had my arcteryx gamma mx for the last 5+ years and just replaced it with the Mountain Hardware Synchro. They have a similar fit, but that's where the similarities end.
The gamma MX barely repelled water when new, and despite multiple washings and retreating became about as water-resistant as a flannel shirt. It was about as wind resistant as flannel too. I've now worn the synchro skiing, backcountry skiing and in rain and it beads like a duck, is much warmer and more wind resistant than the MX. The only thing the MX does better is breathe. But then again, the same could be said of flannel.

Wore in a heavy rain for over 30 min, in 35 degree weather while walking. Stayed dry and warm. Never owned anything as breathable, water resistant, and functional. Great purchase. I highly recommend.

This is a great softshell for anything but the coldest times of year. I've used this jacket for almost everything, from hiking to running around town. It retains just enough heat to keep me from getting chilled, but still breathes when I get out into the sun. I looked at a lot of different softshells, and this one is by far the best. I wouldn't recommend it for mid-season skiing (Dec-Feb)-it's a little bit too lightweight-but it's the perfect weight for any other time of year. It blocks the wind pretty well, but not 100%. I'm a pretty tall guy with a more athletic build, and the XL fits perfectly.

Arc'teryx makes the best fitting apparel for me at 6'2" and 185 lbs., along with 66 North Iceland. An Arc'teryx large is a perfect fit, especially with their longer sleeves than many other brands (a certain "hardwear" company specifically). Adding this MX, I now have a full Gamma lineup with the now discontinued LT, and a couple SV's. Even though this one is manufactured across the Pacific, it still seems to have the great Arc'teryx quality in construction. I like the garbanzo color I got on sale as well, it looks like khaki to me. Best for cool conditions in the 45-55 range. Very windproof, thin and light. I've worn it in a drizzle and water beads well. I haven't had a chance to try it in anything cooler yet.

I read reviews that said great jacket but sleeves are long. I am 6'4 and thats exactly what I need from a jacket. I call it my personal air conditioner. It regulates body temp to the point where I will wear it to cool off!

Super versatile, breathes pretty good and gives great weather protection. I do not recommend a light color as it gets dirty fast. It feels like your favorite shirt or sweatshirt, stretches like Stretch Armstrong too! Cant go wrong with this. Very trim sizing, wish it was a bit of a longer cut for my tall lanky frame.

I am 5'10" 150lb.= a lean build. The medium fits me very well, sleeve length is perfect with a great natural fit when wearing just a tee shirt underneath, but it's roomy enough layer underneath it (100 weight fleece or heavy thermals ). A 300 weight fleece would be a tight fit and I wouldn't try to use this piece as part of my system if I was going to be inactive and it was cold enough to need thick fleece. The Gamma MX is a very thin piece but surprisingly warm and is superb as cutting down the wind, but it is def. NOT wind or waterproof. I'm a photojournalist so I'm outside a lot in all kinds of weather and always on the run and the Gamma MX is on or near me at all times. During the fall when I was shooting outdoors sporting events , meaning I was relatively stationary and inactive, I was very pleased with how it cut down the wind and maintained warmth on days where wind chill dipped temps down around freezing. It wasn't toasty but all that was missing a shell and I would've been golden.
The four main pockets are very convenient.
The styling is nice.
It performs as intended.
Great Jacket, very versatile.

Tried a couple of other softshells (both Windstopper and Polartec Powershield) but the fit of this jacket is just the best! The sleeves are actually quite long for me (I'm 6'0" and got a Large), but that will prove it's value when cycling (I'm Dutch) or iceclimbing.
Really like the fabric, as it is incredibly stretchy and allows great movement.
Furthermore, Arc'teryx pays so very much attention to details, which is reflected in the finishing of e.g. the zippers and the lining of the jacket.

I've only had this for a few months, but awesome. I am 5'11" and 175 lbs and went with a large. The arms are too long and I probably could have got a medium, but it still fits well under my shell. However, the long arms will be a plus when skiing/snowshoeing. Very thin, but very warm. Haven't used the water proofness, but doubt it will be an issue. Looks awesome and works great!!

This is my favorite piece of clothing, very warm for its weight and sheds rain well. Packs so small you don't even know it's in your pack.

The first thing I like about the jacket is its nice lines, it looks hot. It is warm but it doesn't over heat. I wore it in about 50'F weather and it held up perfectly. The big pockets were a big help in finding loose items and the long pocket zippers allow you to get a gloved hand in so you don't have to fumble taking off thinner gloves. It would also work great as a mid layer under a hard shell, too. Great function and great looks.

I recently bought this jacket but sent it back and went with a size larger and it worked out great for wearing the covert hoody underneath.I love most Arc'teryx clothing but found i need to get a larger size since i need the extra room and it's a little form fitting on some of their softshells.I used it skiing in Lake Tahoe and it worked out great!I suggest going a size larger when you spend money on something you will have forever!!

I usually wear a size medium in jackets and shirts. But in the Gamma MX I wear a size large and it was still rather tight. The arms are very snug. If you like to wear a long sleeve shirt under your jacket, forget it. The jacket is made very well like everything Arcteryx makes. I returned it for the slightly more expensive Stingray which is absolutely a great all around jacket.

Excellent soft-shell. The only people who complain about this are people who don’t understand the concept of the soft-shell. I used to pray to the Mountain Hardwear gods. But I sold my MH Alchemy jacket and bout this. I’ll never look back. Excellent fit. Classy look. Excellent function. I couldn’t be happier. Of course I bought mine used for half the price, so I might feel a little different if I’d paid $300.

I would give it 5 stars if I was a climber which I'm not, but the MX (mixed use) jacket is supposed to be an all around jacket, and it is, but with long sleeves. It does shed water and dry out brilliantly as well as block the wind. It's great for moving around while backpacking and in camp is really nice when used in tandem with a wool base layer. And, of course it helps that it looks really sharp at the bars after a day of shredding pow.

The only reason I returned the jacket is because my husband wanted a leather jacket instead. I love my jacket that I purchased last year which is also the Gamma. Thanks.

This jacket wasn't what i expected. I was hoping for something as warm as the easy rider, however this jacket is much thinner and lighter. It has ample pockets, but requires extra layers for outdoor activities. I believe Arc'teryx made this for hiking/climbing etc, whereas I was looking for a warm softshell to wear skiing under a shell. Looks good and feels good, just wasn't as warm as I hoped

The shell is light-weight, but highly wind resistant. Numerous pockets, The collar when zipped is extremely comfortable. Excellent value.

It's a very nice jacket!

This is a GREAT jacket and can be used over 90% of days skiing. Adequate wind protection, but needs help on the most cold and windy days. Fit is top notch and has excellent breathability. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.

Regarding the fit, it's an athletic fit, so it looks great, but you can't wear layers underneath. I'm 5'8 and 165, and the jacket fits perfect over a long-sleeve t-shirt or thin sweater. Great cut allows for full ROM with the arms -- 100% windproof -- it'll keep you from being cold but won't necessarily make you warm, probably because you can't layer underneath. I still don't know if I'd recommend dropping so much money on this jacket -- I would have expected more for so much.

This jacket is a good compliment to my Beta AR. Its four pockets also make it an excellent travel jacket as well as on the mountain. If you have a storm jacket, you can cover everything else the weather may throw at you with this one.

I use my Gamma MX for just about everything. It is a great midlayer for skiing, warm and windproof but breathable. As with most Arc'teryx jackets it is pretty short in length, which makes it great for a midlayer but a little short on its own. I don't really let that stop me from wearing it because I rock it around town all the time. At 6' 0" 180 the large was a good fit, if maybe just a little small. Overall it is a great jacket, and the polartec is an amazing performance fabric.

So I know we're supposed to come on and tell how technical the jacket is, but so far I've only used it for around town and one bouldering session, so I'm focusing on style. I got the cast iron color and there is more of a color contrast than it shows in the pick, it also has a fantastic fit and cut. I can fit a 200 weight fleece under it with no problem and it's warmer than it looks. It really is everything I thought it would be very impressed. I'm 5-10 165 and the medium fits like it was tailored just for me.

I've always wanted to get a Gamma MX, but never was willing to pony up the dough. I finally broke down and got one. As much as I hate writing anything negative about Arc'teryx, I must admit I'm not too fond of the fit of this jacket. I got myself a medium. The sleeves are perfect for me, but the body of the jacket is pretty short. I know the cut is tailored for climbing, so it's probably perfect if you're actually using it for climbing. I use mine for just about everything, but I always find myself pulling down on the bottom of the jacket, because it feels like it's always riding up on me. Like I said before, I love the stretchy Polartec fabric, water resistance, breathability, and everything else about the jacket - I just wish they'd cut the body a wee bit longer.

No brainer - awesome