Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Softshell Jacket - Men's - 2007 BCS

Thanks for the reply jon!
I tried on the Android and it fit perfectly in the Medium... I'm worried if I get the medium in the alchemy it will be too small....
what would you recommend? Medium or large?
I'm 6'1 175 lbs. 32" waist.
Thanks in advance!

BT. The fit will be similar between the two jackets but the Alchemy has a little more of what we like to call an 'athletic' fit. I hope this info helps!

i'm 6'1" ... 188 lbs ... 34 waist ... broad shoulders ... wear a 42 reg in suit ... bought an XL and it was perfect

Thanks for the feedback!!
Was this snugg? or did you have any room for layers underneath? Also how was the length of the torso as I heard this is pretty short.
If you can let me know that would be great!
I find MH products to be all over the map with sizing and I am concerned about this one... no retailer sells this product where i live.

I am 6 ft 175lbs and have a 32 waist, I wear a medium

Great! Here we go breathhhhhh! Don't need no stinking pit zips! Thanks Jon!

vml. The Schoeller side panels do not incorporate the windstopper membrane. The panels are 4-way stretch and air permeable adding, breathability, mobility and versatility to the jacket for whatever you want to throw its way! I hope this info helps! Cheers.

I don't have a recommendation about L of XL, but I can tell you that I am 6' 140 and the Medium fits me pretty well. It might be a little on the short side, but not too short. I will say that it is a little tight through the armpit area with a thick layer underneath (like a sweatshirt). It depends on whether you want it to be an 'athletic' fit or a loose fit. Depends on personal preference. If it doesn't fit, send it back to BC. They will exchange it, no questions asked. Hope that helps.

Hey Eric,

Sort of MHW's version of an elasticized cuff. Keeps out snow, moisture and drafts. You have to keep in mind that this was designed as an alpine climbing piece, and that overhead reaches are something to consider in that regard. They do take a little getting used to, but they do work as intended. Hope that helps.

Hey Art,

Yeah, the XL sounds like where you should start. Double check your chest measurements first, and give yourself a couple extra inches for your build. I agree...great price for a great jacket.

It absolutely sounds like a matter of your build, and on such a closely fitted piece, the armpits, shoulders and triceps are definitely where you're going to feel it first. You're right in the middle of the ranges for chest measurements in the Med (39-41" vs 42-45" in the large). A couple/few extra inches should make a huge difference in the fit, but without giving you too much extra material. Basically add 1" to the length of the sleeve and center back on the large. Give it a shot. If you can get the fit tuned in, you'll be happy you explored your other option.

Craig, because of your height I think you will need the XL and it will be a little baggy on you.

No doubt in my mind...the Alchemy. Let the reviews and comments speak for themselves. You won't be disappointed. The Alchemy is the real thing.

I'm 6'3" 185... Pretty skinny. I went with the XL and it fits great. There is a little extra space for another layer, but by no means too baggy. Great jacket. Glad I went XL as I think the L would have been too short.

I'd go for the medium. It'll probably be a little baggy and possibly a little short though. Unless you're in love with this jacket, I'd look at another brand that might fit tall skinny people better. Patagonia (most stuff) or Norrona perhaps.

Hey Eric,

I agree with Hunter that you should definitely size up if you're planning on wearing your insulative layer(s) under it, but I'm 6'-0" and 190lbs and I wear a large comfortably as a mid-layer over a Capilene base, then throw on my insulation over that. Years of trial and error with this jacket have taught me that this seems to work best, is the most comfortable and gives me the best ability to adjust my layering to match the conditions. I'm also good with this alone and a t-shirt down into the 20s, so the fleece actually keeps you warmer than you might initially expect. It's designed as more of a fitted piece, so wearing it the same way I do, you would probably be best in a medium, but it is a short cut (28.5" in med), so if you can pull that off with your height and sleeve length, maybe consider starting there. If not, then definitely go with the large, as Hunter suggests, but with your weight, be prepared for a much looser fit in the chest and probably the shoulders as well. Another thing to keep in mind is that some people experience getting pretty hot if they wear it under more Gore-Tex and exert themselves, since the properties of the double Gore sometimes tends to mess with the vapor transfer. This was one of my very first technical softshells, and it's still ranks among the best. Fantastic piece of gear. Hope that helped.

Eric,

This jacket only has a thin fleece lining for comfort and negligible insulation for anything below freezing temps. Use this to keep out the wind and the rain while letting you breathe during strenuous activity, and pick up another insulation layer to be worn underneath it.

For sizing, I think a little extra room is OK for layering purposes. Try a large, and if it doesn't fit well length-wise or is hideously baggy (or you just don't like it) send it back to BC.com and try a different size or a different model.

Happy trails!

Fantastic guys...thanks so much for the input!

Jon, totally agree with Christopher, Small if you like your jackets snug or Medium if you want to layer.

Jon, I'm your size and I found the Medium (albeit in the Windstopper Tech Jacket) to be a little big for my tastes.I ended up returning it for a Small. It may come down to what and how much you want to layer. I think, if you're after the alpine fit, like I am, you'd rather have a small.

chr. I would probably stick with an XL. Especially if you want to layer underneath in colder weather. Cheers!

fra. The chest size for a men's small is 36-38in (91.4-96.5cm) as pulled from the sizing chart on this page. I hope this info helps!

The arteryx firee

Dick Todd. I would say that both are warm and relatively tough. Which Arcteryx jacket were you considering? The Alchemy Jacket utilizes a combination of Gore Windstopper Softshell, Alchemy Stretch softshell, coupled with a fairly thick fleece on the inside for insulation. It is a great stand alone piece and also functions well as a mid-layer on the cold days. Hope this info helps!

I'd definitely go with the XL if you want to wear some layers underneath it. A large might be a little too snug to add some layers.

Andrey. Unfortunately, we cannot ship Mountain Hardwear to Russia from the US at this time. Our distributor in Russia would not like that to much. Please look for us at a local retailer... especially if you live anywhere near Moscow. Good Luck!

I've had my Alchemy for 3 years and it has NEVER soaked through. I have been in almost every weather condition with this beast. It is durable as hell and blocks wind and water amazingly well.

The Alchemy is an excellent piece. A real tried and true MHW flagship. It's helped save my bacon in some pretty bad conditions, however, it's not going to be a soft shell that's going to do much for you in torrential downpours. You want a number for it from that standpoint? I don't know, but as far as soft shells go, maybe a 5 or 6 out of 10. It beads the water off pretty nicely in light rain or snow, for quite a while, but it's not going to be anywhere near waterproof. As you know, that's your shell's job. Being a Gore-Tex product, the thing you have to be conscious of is that it can cause you to run a little hot and sweaty when used as a mid layer under more Gore-Tex, as well as some of the comparable shell products. This has to do with the ability to breath properly being hindered by another piece on top. Works for some, but not for others. Mostly has to do with the level of activity. As far as warmth goes: The micro-fleece lining is actually pretty amazing. I've worn this with nothing but a t-shirt down to about 20f and been fine. A real favorite set-up for me has always been a Capilene 3 base, followed by my Alchemy, then a heavy fleece like a TNF Denali on top. In that case, I've stayed warm to about -10f with about a 60mph sustained wind, and no core venting problems to speak of. Results may vary. But the thing I can assure you of with complete confidence is that the Alchemy absolutely excels at blocking wind...and even after all these years, it still has no problem smoking any of my other soft shells (Arcteryx/Rab/other MHW stuff). It may not always be the perfect jacket for every situation, but it's definitely something that I can highly recommend you add to your collection. Anyway, hope that helped.

I have to disagree with J. Troxell on this only because I have seen this used as a mid layer with success. My father uses an Alchemy along with a Gore-tex shell for one of his skiing jackets. It keeps him warm and is great because you can just shed the shell and use the softshell if it becomes warmer. Using this as a mid layer will not disappoint. If you're looking for a very high level of breathability this may not be the best choice, but for downhill skiing I think it will be more versatile. If you're looking for something even more breathable, you should check out the monkey man fleece, it has high loft and high breathability but lacks versatility.

As a general rule I wouldn't recommend windproof layers as a mid-layer, so I don't think this jacket is what you want. Don't get me wrong - this is a great product from Mountain Hardwear - I just wouldn't plan on using it as a mid-layer.

The Hercules, which is made with the Powershield O2 face fabric, is designed primarily as a mid-layer, so I would definitely lean more that way. The Hercules isn't going to be as solid an outer layer though due to it being design for higher breathability it gives up quite a bit of wind-resistance, so keep that in mind if you are looking for versatility. Another option that would be good for a midlayer is the Arcteryx Gamma AR - it is made from Powershield fabric (not the O2), and while it doesn't have the mid-loft fleecy interior that the Hercules has, it is more wind-resistant than the Hercules.

It depends on what you plan on doing in it. If its for just casual wear or hiking, it should be warm enough for those temps. If you're skiing it should be pretty good below 50 degrees, over that it would probably be too warm, not to mention lacking snow. If you're doing something more active like climbing or biking it would be too warm. It also depends on the wind.

These jackets are real short. i'm 5'9 160 and a medium fits well but still seems a little short. i would go with a large but you'll have some room in the midsection.

My momentum jacket is a small and it fit like a glove it also had monkey thumbs holes. I also have a marmot sharp point in a small but the sleeves are about an inch from my wrist. Is the alchemy cut Moore than the marmot sharp point?

It's 34 inches to my wrist. How much bigger is the medium compared to the small? I like it to fit really snug like my north face momentum jacket.

Depending on the length of your arms, I would go with a medium!

I have this jacket. I've never used the Marmot or Cloudveil jackets you listed, but I can say that this jacket is phenomenal and will work awesome for x-country skiing, snowshoeing and cold-weather hiking, though if you're x-country skiing or snowshoeing fast and hard (and producing a lot of heat), you might get too hot. I live in Anchorage, Alaska and love this jacket. It is my go-to jacket for most days.

I am 6'5 339lb (a big dude), I got the XXL and it is snug where other MHW XXL gear fit good (MHW Epic Jacket) Monkey Phur Fleece. I carry my weight in my gut and the XXL zips up fine but is snug around my tire.

I hope this helps: I am 5'7" and 160 pounds, but I work out a lot and have large lats and chest. I got a size large and it fits great. I'm sure I could fit into a medium, but I doubt I would have much room to layer, and I don't want to risk a constricting fit--would seriously hinder ice climbing, etc. For you, I can't recommend a size without knowing your composition: is your 220 lbs. lean or not-so-lean? Do you carry your weight in your legs or in your upper body? Your shoulders or your gut? I hope you see what I'm getting at.

Hi Ely,

Jon Webb can correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I know the Alchemy has been around nearly as long as Mountain Hardwear and remains virtually unchanged in the last couple years. It's listed as their "flagship" jacket, so I really don't see MHW making a significant change to it for 2010. It's on sale because 1) It's Christmas and 2) Backcountry wants to clear out their winter gear for when the spring stuff starts arriving in February.

Go ahead and buy it. You won't be disappointed as long as you heed the warnings regarding sizing.

For running I would probably go with the Marmot, reason being the Alchemy is not as breathable and is more for protection than breathability. Like Ian said the Marmot might be a little cold if your just standing around. Hope this helps!

I have the Alchemy jacket and love it; however, I have never and never plan on running in it--I would be too hot. I live in Alaska and even when the temps are below 0, I still wouldn't want that much warmth when I'm running. A good layering system would be far lighter and breath better for running. But I love the jacket--have used it for skiing, ice climbing and around town. Super durable and looks sexy hot.

Hey there Ely. Welcome to the world of softshells, my favorite type of jackets. You won't be disappointed. Here are my thoughts on those three jackets.

The TNF Apex Bionic is a solid softshell. It's a no-thrills package that is windproof, water resistant and decently warm. It'll breathe fairly well, but it's boring. Every 19 year old kid in the mountains has one.

The Marmot Ultima is kind of interesting. I like the carbon from coconut fabric for natural odor protection. However I think you'll find it a little on the chilly side, especially when you're just standing around. If you're a naturally warm person though, this might be a good investment.

The Alchemy is lined with Gore Windstopper which makes it totally windproof, but also highly water resistant. The Apex Bionic is also windproof and water resistant, but the pockets are too darn low to get in when I'm wearing a harness or backpack hip belt. If you plan on wearing a pack at all I would suggest going for the Alchemy since the pockets are placed high enough to get at when your pack hip belt is doing its job. The MHW Alchemy is my favorite of the three, and that's mostly due to the pocket placement.

Also, the Alchemy will have a very athletic fit to it. The medium for you will be perfect. TNF fits a little boxier, so depending on how much room you want sizing down to the small might be a good idea. I'm the same size as you, just 10 lbs heavier, and the small Bionic fit nicely. There wasn't much room underneath, but sometimes that's okay. I'm not sure what the sizing is like on the Ultima, but I do know Marmot tends to fit rather "athletically". Therefore you should probably try a medium in that one too.

Hope that helps.

I live in Alaska and run in sub-zero conditions. I would never wear my Alchemy jacket on a run--I would sweat too much. And 5 miles is my average run length too. I'd much prefer a baselayer, thin midlayer and then some sort of ultralightweight wind shell.

I have both jackets and although I haven't done a side by side comparison, I leave one at work one at home, I would say they're going to be about the same as far as warmth and water resistance.

jsung. Depending on how you layer for your runs the Alchemy and the Leadville might be a little heavy. The Alchemy, like the Leadville, is made utilizing Gore Windstopper fabric and is extremely weather resistant. However, the seams on the Alchemy (not sure about the Leadville) are not taped so the jacket is not waterproof. If I were looking for a more running oriented jacket for the DC area with weather protection provided by Windstopper... I would look no further than the Mountain Hardwear Transition Jacket. It is lighter weight but perfect for high output activities like running. Check out the reviews. I live in Colorado and use the jacket here year round for running, nordic skiing, and on windy climbing days! Hope this info helps!

This is a great jacket, but just like anything, it depends on what you're doing. I've worn it running with temps in the twenties and it was a little too much after warming up. It might be fine for you though if you're running for ~30 min or less.
For running/biking see my review on the MHW Transition jacket...I just ran the Chicago marathon in it where temps started at 35F and finished around 48F.

I live in Anchorage and wear this thing in the dead of winter. When I'm moving, this thing is all I need. Obviously when I stop moving, I'll put a down jacket over it (for belaying or when winter camping, etc.). I ice climb in this thing as well as ski. It's insanely versatile, extremely comfortable and very durable. I'm 5'7" and 160 lbs., but I got the large so I'd have the option to layer underneath it. Even without layers, the large fits great, though the sleeves are slightly on the long side, but I think I might run into trouble with a medium because I have a larger chest and back from lifting.

This jacket can replace your down jacket, I have the warmer & less technical version "MHW Paldor" that has slightly higher loft fleece. But, the alchemy should be good for ~50 degree weather with T-shirt on, and down to the teens with a light fleece layered.
You'll be fine doing aerobic activities below 50 degrees wearing t-shirt underneath.
Totally windproof, tested in 40 degree weather with car windows down, 80mph winds never got through.

Vejiburger. Thanks for your questions. The Mountain Hardwear Nemisis Jacket is a Fleece Jacket with Softshell (Schoeller Fabric to be exact) fabric panels and will keep some of the wind off and some of the water for moderate weather protection. Consider it to be a cross between a fleece and a softshell jacket. The Alchemy Jacket from Mountain Hardwear is a Gore Windstopper Softshell Jacket that will block 100% of the wind and a good bit of the water making it a much more weather resistant jacket than the Nemisis. Both jackets have a phenomenal DWR. The Alchemy Jacket was one of the first softshells in the industry to utilize a Windstopper Laminate back in '02 when it was introduced to the market and this laminate makes it one of the most weather protective softshells out there. Most of the Softshells on the market at that time were air permeable... which brings me to the NF Bionic. The Bionic is a Air Permeable Soft Shell treated with a DWR that will keep some weather at bay and breathe well for high output activities. We have a few air permeable softshells in our line. Check out the Android Jacket from Hardwear to see the jacket most similar to the Bionic. In conclusion, All of the jackets are made well and will last you a long time. Here is how I would compare them from the most weather protective to the least which may be the easiest way to decide: 1. Alchemy Softshell 2. Apex Bionic 3. Nemisis Jacket. Hope this helps!!

Oh these are my favorite questions to answer. Here goes:

Let's start with a comparison of the Alchemy and the Nemesis. Overall, the Alchemy is a heavier, thus warmer, jacket vs the Nemesis. Furthermore the biggest, most important difference is how these jackets stack up against the wind. The Alchemy jacket is windproof due to the inclusion of a Gore Windstopper laminate. The Nemesis is not windproof, only wind resistant. Lastly, the Alchemy has alpine style pocket on it which will allow you access to them when wearing a pack, harness, whatever.

Which one is better depends on what you'll be using them for. For me, the Alchemy is a better jacket since I tend to avoid aerobic activities in favour of alpine slogs through nasty weather (i.e. bone chilling wind). You also mention you like a stiffer face fabric; the Nemesis is a much softer, and stretchier fabric than the Alchemy jacket. They are both covered by MHW's lifetime warranty, so you don't really need to worry about defective products.

Now then, let's compare the Alchemy (since I feel it to be the better jacket) and the Apex Bionic. These jackets are very similar. Both are windproof, both are sofshells, both are fleece lined. However the Alchemy is more expensive since it uses licensed technology (that being the Gore Windstopper). Again, in my opinion, the Apex Bionic is the better jacket for all round and city use but that's soley based on the price. If you're going to throw on your hiking books and scramble up somthing this weekend, then I would suggest the Alchemy. It'll stand up better to abuse and it has the higher set pockets. Those pockets really seal the deal for me since I spend a lot of my time outdoors in a harness.

One further note, if you haven't looked at the Outdoor Research Mithril Softshell, do that too. It's water/wind proof, has a hood, and is a fair stiff/beefy face fabric. I like it a lot, except the pocket placement.

AlexVandy. Contact Mountain Hardwear's warranty department directly via the website, send it in, and they will either repair the stitches or replace the jacket depending on what they find. Here is a link with directions on what to do. Cut and paste it into your browser: http://www.mountainhardwear.com/WarrantyInfo.aspx

Hope this info helps!

I think the Arcteryx superiority is a bit of a myth, one that just keeps getting passed on. At this point almost all of their softshells are getting made in the same Chinese factories as everybody elses. I've compared jackets from some recent Arcteryx shipments, and the stitching and cut isn't all that consistent from jacket to jacket. I love my Arcteryx gear, don't get me wrong. I've had issues with pants from MHardwear but my Alchemy jacket has had its carcass dragged up and down rocks, trees, trails, mountains, and thorny shrubs, and it is still looking pretty fantastic for all that, with nary a stitch out of place. The face fabric on the Alchemy is one of the toughest in my softshell collection, with maybe only the Patagonia Ascentionist coming close to it.

I can speak to the Arc'teryx question. For comparison, the Venta AR. The face fabric used by Arc'teryx are chosen for their durability, and performance. The face of a Venta AR has a smooth, tight weave, and just a bit of stretch. Construction is superior: no exposed stitching, and super narrow, internally taped seams for better durability and fit. The extra cost of an Arc'teryx jacket will more than justify itself over the life of the piece. Longer lasting, but also, better performance every day.

Jon is right, if you get too hot with the Alchemy a little unzip will cool you down. It is a great jacket.

I have the Alchemy and my wife has the synchro, so I can't give you a perfect answer b/c I can't fit in her jacket. I get hot when wearing the Alchemy jogging in anything above 30F w/ a light baselayer. I really wish mine had pit zips. The synchro seems to have less bulk and probably a little cooler, although it may not breathe as well. It definately does not seem as durable as the Alchemy. I am 5'11" 200lbs and I wear a large. i can get 2 base layers, and a fleece under it no problem. Or a base layer and a pataonia down sweater vest under it. However, I only do this when I am not active!

Skidiver. I am 5'9" and about a buck fifty. I am a medium. You would be a large. As for your intended use, I would recommend the Alchemy over the Synchro for winter cycling. It is made with the Windstopper laminate which is extremely breathable and weather protective coupled with a Schoeller fabric on the side panels. Good luck! Hope this helps.

Im 5'9'' 160 and the medium fits me great. I think the medium would be perfect for you. Hope this helps.

5'11 200 lbs I wear a large and can get a fleece and base layer no problem.

I am 6 foot, 215lbs and a large fits me perfect with a couple of layers mid weight underneath.

I'm 5'9", 165lbs and the medium fits me nicely with a couple layers midweight underneath. You should be satisfied with the medium. Check the sizing chart, add a medium weight layer and make some measurements, just to be sure.

XL would be perfect if you want to layer a little.

I would go with the XL, at 6' 215 I am at the top of the Large. I would be a little smaller than you in the waist and chest.

I would definately go with an xl. I'm 6'2" 240 with a 46 in chest and xl is great for me. It will not be too loose or too tight, especially if you want to be able to layer a hard shell over it.

The XL should fit just fine.

I would definately go with an xl. I'm 6'2" 240 with a 46 in chest and xl is great for me. It will not be too loose or too tight, especially if you want to be able to layer a hard shell over it.

I would definitely say go small on this. I'm a good 20 pounds heavier and wear a medium nicely. I can't say how they compare to the Denali though.

Steve. The Gamma AR is made using Polartec Powershield which is an lightly insulated air permeable softshell with a little stretch. Air permeable means you can blow through the fabric and feel your breath albeit ever so slightly. Powershield is extremely weather protective but there is no laminate keeping moisture out (or for that matter... in). The Alchemy is made with Gore Windstopper Fabric which is a thinner and more breathable version of GoreTex. It is totally windproof and extremely weather protective due to the Gore laminate. So, in short more breathable (better for high output activity) = Gamma AR. Totally windproof, extremely weather protective, and breathable = Alchemy. The Venta AR would be the most similar Arcteryx jacket to the Mountian Hardwear Alchemy... but for $100 bucks more. Hope this helps.

Steve. Not sure about the hand pockets being perforated but I would imagine not. Pockets are usually perforated in lighter weight softshells but typically not in the heavier weight ones. Keep in mind as well that perforated pockets typically mean greater breathability... and that is a plus! So, being as I am the Mountain Hardwear Rep I will do my best to compare the two jackets from a fabric standpoint. The Scorpion is a GoreTex Softshell that utilizes the waterproof and breathable GoreTex membrane. It is taped on the inside and designed to be completely water and weather proof. It is guaranteed by Gore to keep you dry. The Venta is made with 3 different weights of the Gore Windstopper fabric that comes from Gore Windstopper (a totally separate company under the umbrella of WL Gore and Associates.) It is designed to be completely windproof... NOT waterproof. However, Gore Windstopper is essentially a THINNER version (more breathable) of the regular Gore laminate and even though it does provide some waterproof-ness is not designed to be waterproof so typically jackets that are made with windstopper are not taped. This one might be... which would bridge the gap a little. As for warmth, I would imagine the Scorpion would be a bit warmer than the Venta due to the fabric. I would ask that question on the Venta or Scorpion product pages and see if the poster BeeCee (Brandon) gets back to you... cause if its him... he's a friend and works with Arcteryx!:) Good luck. Hope this info helps!

Steve. If you want to stick with Arcteryx and you want a hood I would pick up a Venta SV. It's made with 3 different kinds of Gore Windstopper fabric and will provide you with lots of weather protection on those fall days. Good luck!

For the Arc'teryx Windstopper jackets (Venta SV and AR) the seams are "finish taped" this means they have more weather resistance than an untaped seam (not totally waterproof by Gore standards, but will keep leaks out in all but heavy rain, great for snow). This finish taping allows using narrower seams and eliminating exposed stitching on the outside of the jacket for better durability.

I'm not Taylor but I wanted to chime in. Taped seams are important for waterproofness in jackets that are waterproof. Only one of these is... and those seams are taped. So, the jacket choices are Venta SV (Gore Windstopper), Gamma SV Hoody (Polartec Powershield), Scorpion (Gore Softshell), and Alchemy (Gore Windstopper)... correct? I have been looking all over the Arcteryx site and cannot find anywhere where it says the Venta SV has taped seams. This may be a mis-print in the content on Backcountry's site as there is not much of a reason to tape, for waterproofness, a jacket that is made with windstopper. The only waterproof taped jacket in the bunch is the Scorpion which is Gore Softshell. Polartec Powershield in the Gamma is not completely windproof. Almost but not totally. Also, it has a more trim cut for technical use than the Venta. Both the Venta and the Alchemy are made with Gore Windstopper. So, for you... I think it comes down to whether or not you want a hood as it sounds like Gore Windstopper is the fabric that would work the best. It is between the Venta SV w/ hood or the Alchemy without. The Venta would be a great stand alone peice... the Alchemy would be a bit more versatile due to layering capabilities of a hoodless jacket. I hope this makes sense. Please let us know if you have any other fabric questions and I/we can do our best to answer. Thanks.