Arc'teryx Gamma MX Softshell Jacket - Men's

I've had two unsolicited comments on weight loss after donning this jacket. I'm long in the torso, and the xxl fits great - hip length and enough front length not to ride up. I walk a couple miles every morning, and regularly reach for the Gamma, over a mock turtle if the temps are under 50 or short-sleeve polo if the temps are above 50. Material is non-bulky and nice to touch. I had my doubts, but worth the price.

I just got this piece in the mail today, and immediately you can tell a difference to the old one. I have last years model in my closet, so this comparison was pretty easy.
Firstly, the Fortius 2.0 feels better in my opinion than the old Polartec model. They claim this year is lighter, but it actually feels heavier to me... In a good way. The jacket now feels slightly. More substantial than the previous model, but by no means heavy.
The cut seems to have changed a bit too, as both my models are XL but they fit slightly differently. The new model has a slightly looser cut when compared to the old one, and is a bit longer in the front. Overall all I would describe the Fortius model as just a bit more relaxed fit compared to the old. I am between a large and extra large, and the new model made strongly consider trying on a large when compared to the fit of the old XL.
The pocket and zipper setup is the same, but the cuffs are now the same material as the jacket, and not as much a tight squeeze into to. Sleeve length is the same as well.
. Overall, the jacket feels like an improvement in materials but makes me question my size a bit. I'd say it is cut more like shell it is designed to beand less of a mid layer fit that last years could be used as. I would definitely not shy away from this, even if you have an older model... The Fortius is that nice feeling. I would also add that the colors are spot on unlike some previous years, the nightshade looks exactly as portrayed.

I own a few MXs and this latest version is a significant improvement over the 2010 version. The Fortius 2.0 material makes the jacket much better in weather resistance yet it's somehow smoother to the touch and moves even better with the body. Impressive materials here. Other than the material, the 2011 version is slightly longer thus offering better body coverage and warmth retention, all without becoming bulky or awkward. Whoever said "if it ain't broke don't fix it" needs to listen to the folks at Arcteryx. The MX is now a true year-round or 3 season jacket with no weaknesses.

I am partial to Arc'teryx because of their always perfect workmanship and supreme fit for my build. (6'3" & 190 lbs requiring long arms, broader shoulders, and a smaller waist) This softshell is no exception.

For this Jacket I had one complaint until I figured it out:
I was unimpressed with its inability to block wind sometimes more than others. In fact for the high price, I was somewhat annoyed. Then I realized, like an idiot, that the times it wasn't blocking wind well were the times I had my hands in my pockets of the jacket, which meant I had some of the zippers unzipped. Since this jacket is designed to regulate temperature so well, it appears that every zipper provides venting. Thus, with zippers down, the wind gets in, and zippers up, wind is blocked entirely. I don't consider this a design flaw because the vents are ideal when used properly.
Anyway, hopefully none of you "gear connoisseurs" will find yourselves annoyed from a user error such as mine, but I HAVE read reviews stating a dissatisfaction on wind block performance so I thought I would share my novel discovery. Ha ha.

This is the most comfortable soft shell you'll ever put on hands down. If you're able to shell out a little extra for one go for it. You won't regret it. I got one in 2011 so not sure about durability but given the Arc'teryx name I'm going to assume it will last a very long time.

This is my first experience with Arc'teryx products I have always heard good things but had never tried their products. I must say this light jacket lives up to their reputation very well built nice weight and a nice color selection. I went with the blue and at 6'5" the xxl gave me some room to have a mid layer as well certainly the best technical jacket I own yet still looks great around town. I will be trying more items from Arc'teryx in the future.

This is a great Jacket for the Northwest. Warm, snuggly fleece, tough as nails construction. It breaths well and sheds my sweat great. I wear a large (5'10'' 205 lbs muscular build) and the sleeves are about an inch too long...other than the sleeves it fits extremely well. If its particularly cold out I throw on my Arc'teryx Accelero Jacket underneath this Gamma and that seems to be a pair that can't be beat. I work for the Forest Service maintaining trails and this puppy stands up to hard labor like a champ.

Excellent jac. I found mine on Ebay for 129$...check that out if you can.

I bought this thinking it would be handy in most conditions in the 50 degree range.... If there is any wind it cuts right through.... Pretty expensive for what you get....

Arc'teryx is on to something here. This is the best jacket your money can buy. Yeah - it's expensive, but worth every dime. I'll admit I haven't put it through any extended field testing. The caveat to that is that I live in New Hampshire. In the month I've owned it, it's seen rain, snow, and 60 degree weather. If you can expect /anything/ from a softshell - this meets every expectation. Wind proof. Water"proof". And it breathes better than any jacket I've ever owned. Buy it.

Everyone comments on how awesome this jacket looks. It's warm, light and stays clean. The first week I had the jacket, a drink leaked all over me. I was scared for a minute, but then all the liquid just rolled right off!

All the pockets are great and keep my phone close and dry.

When it's windy (and below 30 degrees), it can get a little chilly, but that was expected with a jacket of this material. I usually only wear a t-shirt underneath because I bought the jacket a little smaller than I normally would; I like the tighter fit.

I'd buy it again!

I absolutely love this jacket. It is extremely comfortable and very versatile. This reminds me again and again why I love Arc'Teryx.