This jacket is superb; comfortable, supple, highly abrasion-resistant and water-resistant, breathes well, looks sweet. Technically the only feature it lacks is pit-zips; other comparable high-end softshells (Arc'teryx Sigma AR for instance) has them, and they are a nice thing to have. Barring that there is no chink it this jacket's armor. The cuffs are REALLY nice, unique design that I've never seen on another jacket, snug, soft, and weathertight. NOTE that most Mountain Hardwear softshell outerwear, pants and jackets alike, tend to have a very "athletic" (i.e., unforgiving) cut to them. I would not call my XL Alchemy tight but it's definitely snug; I'd be hard-pressed to have a substantial insulating midlayer underneath it without compromising range of motion and comfort. Bluntly, if you have a slim waist and muscular athletic build the jacket looks REALLY good; if you're a bit soft in the middle, steer clear of this jacket as it's cut will not flatter...at all.

This thing is ridiculously warm. I tested it out the other day in a downpour, and it was completely waterproof, so I don' tknow why they just advertise it was water resistant. Either way, you won't go wrong with this jacket.

This jacket is the best jacket I have. It is warm enough for snowy days and light enough for cool spring days. Wind doesn't bother me and a light sprinkle doesn't stop me. It is strecthy and breathable making it perfect for aerobic activities in cold weather. Only thing is, when I wear this while eating mexican food, it smells like mexican food for about a week. I'm not sure if that is a complaint or a praise!

From the initial outing learning to tele in Utah to blustery days in San Francisco, the jacket is faultless. The weather outside may be grim and horrible but inside it's like the cabin of a private jet.

The jacket is great, but you just don't notice how good it is until you start to really work in it. Wind is not a bother, rain at the moment is shed gloriously -- though I'm interested to see how well it does after a few months wear and tear.

The jacket itself is cut on the roomy side, probably to take into account the fleece that you have to wear under it to keep warm when it gets really cold out. Which brings me to my next point, it's not that warm, could do with a touch more insulation. Yes, yes, I know that I should wear more layers but this jacket is very thin. I guess they were not lying when they called it a *soft shell*.

All in all, a fabulous jacket, one that is so good you won't know how good it is ‘til someone straps a pair of telemark skis to your feet at the top of a snowy mountain and tells you to "just ski down". And that front pocket looks way cool too!

This jacket is pretty good if you like a close fitting jacket. I really like tighter fitting jackets (thus my Beyond Fleece jacket) but this one was too short for me. It sucked because when I went snowboarding with it, all the snow went up it and got my base layers soaked. It also rode up after some movement. But it's extremely warm and around town it's really awesome. From Mountain Hardwear, I really like the Heliark Jacket (but I think they discontinued it).

I was looking for a light weight, windproof, warm jacket for year round high-elevation explorations (hiking, backpacking, snow shoeing, fishing). Many of the jackets which I looked at were either not completely windproof or not warm enough. Then I tried the alchemy alongside the Arc'teryx Sigma SV jacket. The Arc'teryx proved to be windproof, light, and warm. However, it wasn't wide enough through the shoulders and the arm lengths were a little short (the Sigma isn't offered in an XXL either). The Alchemy was the last jacket standing. I am tall with wide shoulders and an XXL Alchemy fit perfect...actually the sleeves are a little longer than I expected. This jacket has it all and I was able to try it out during the blizzards in NM and CO 2006-2007. I was surprised how warm it is and there is room underneath for a wool vest if it gets really cold. It is totally windproof (top it with a Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon Windproof Beanie and your upper torso will be happy). Plus, I discovered that the jacket is made in the USA which is a major bonus in my opinion.

I bought it but realized it wasn't what I wanted because it was a little uncomfortable and stiff. The fit was not as athletic as advertised. It felt a bit bulky and I did not like the way the sleeves sealed at the wrist. I sent it back and bought an Arcteryx Gamma MX which is perfect.

I have tested my Alchemy in several environments and found it to adapt to whatever I attempted. Mine has been to dozens of peaks, including Mt. Rainier twice. I seem to run a little hot, so I had to learn what layer to wear underneath. This jacket is indestructible. I have scraped it, snagged it, glacier-slid it; it is awesome! I have never wet through and would recommend it to anyone going high and traveling far in the cold. Go do it!

What a great purchase. I was a bit apprehensive at first because of the price. We had a lot of cold wind this weekend and with a good under-liner, my jacket was the bomb! Never felt the cold wind. Light enough to kept you on the go, but keeps the body warm. Highly recommend. A++++

I had my doubts about buying this jacket. Everyone was raving about soft shells and I knew I wanted one, but I didn't know if it was really worth the $. Now that I own one, I understand what all the hype is about. This jacket is awesome. It's super comfy and you can wear it anywhere. I mostly wear it around town, but I have used it snowboarding and it performs great. I've also used it a layering piece in >10 deg. weather. It's just a super piece. I'd buy it again.

The alchemy jacket is very nice, comfortable and best fitting. Can also be combined very well with featherwight zip t or/and tenacity descent jacket for special weather conditions!

I bought this jacket for late fall/early spring climbing, backpacking, and snowshoeing. Also considered the Synchro. The trim cut fits perfectly under harness and pack without bulk, yet big enough to fit a 200 fleece under without a problem. Kudos to MH for a nice design. I would wear it every day, but the style is a little too radical to wear to the office, but then again, that isn't the objective. You won't be sorry with this jacket.

This jacket has been out on the mountain several times so far this winter. The Windstopper material makes all the difference when used for alpine skiing. I used it in conjunction with one light and one medium base layer and this jacket kept me plenty warm in temps below 20F.

I always liked the look and features of this jacket, so I finally got one. The medium fit very trimly in the store but I got it anyway. Well, the first few days it looked great, but felt uncomfortable. It just fit goofy. But then, all of a sudden, the Alchemy jacket began to fit perfectly. I've never had a jacket that had to be broken in, but this one does. Give it a few days, and it really will somehow 'mold' to you and all the weird feeling and restrictive-ness goes away. Buy your correct size, don't size up. The inside fleece cuffs are sweet, they seal you off. It's got a neck cinch, perfect location hand pockets, and is thicker than the average softshell so you stay warm. I wore it every day all summer in high Colorado. It's never wet through, and has been to 9 fourteener summits. Great mountaineering jacket b/c it blocks the wind and is actually tough enough for the 3rd class stuff where you're scraping along. The Alchemy jacket is a great soft shell.

This is a snug-fitting jacket, yet it allows ease of movement for arms and shoulders, even when wearing a few layers underneath. The water-repellant finish has so far held out moisture from drizzle and light rain, and when ice climbing.

Great jacket, I wear mine all the time. It was a big invesment, but well worth it. It sheds rain just as well as any waterproof shell. Warm, but it won't roast you if you leave it on while you are inside. I love it.

This jacket is very well designed. I find it very easy to regulate temperature with varying levels of activity. I would definitely buy it again.

This jacket is amazing. I expected great things from this jacket, and it has exceeded every expectation. It cuts the wind, it sheds water effortlessly, and looks great! If you want a coat you can wear for a cool fall evening, for a winter snowstorm, or for a spring downpour, go with the alchemy, you won't be dissapointed.

The Alchemy Jacket is great. Tough exterior, and great for layering. It's not as warm as a fleece jacket of equal weight, so be sure to get one big enough to allow for an expedition weight base layer if you're going to use it in the cold. It will be fine if you're very active--it breathes well.

Being beset by hot Hungarian blood, I'm always literally soaking my layers on a ski excursion. The Alchemy jacket has allowed for a vast improvement in heat transfer out. Adding pit zips at my local clothing repair shop made for an even bigger improvement.

I've worn this jacket in blinding snow squalls with the same confidence I have on a blindingly sunny day. For anyone who has difficulty with excess heating, this jacket comes highly recommended.

I have had the Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket for more than 2 years. I have worn it all over. From freezing winter in Pennsylvania to powder days in the Wasatch Mountains. It has performed very well. It is warm, stretchy and very functional. Climbing, skiing, walking around town, this jacket has performed great. It looks great so can wear it around town and not feel like I belong in the backcountry. A solid performer in a windstopper jacket.

There is no better jacket for all your outdoor needs. It sheds rain, hail, and snow. It blocks wind. And it keeps you warm, which is surprising for its minimal bulk. I use mine for hunting, climbing, and battling the Fall wind on the shores of Lake Michigan. Seriously, it is the best, all purpose jacket I own.

The softshell I needed had to have versatility. Somewhat warm, breathable and dry with a good fit. The Alchemy fit the bill for me. Marmot Sharpoint was too loose, Arcteryx SV was too cool and tight, and North Face windfall didn't seem well made. So far, I’m satisfied.

Before I purchased this jacket, I read the reviews and researched all the softshell form-fitting jackets. I'd tried on the other Mountain Hardwear models and really liked the style and fit. I even tried on models from Arc'teryx and The North Face (such as the Apex Free Climber). The Arc'teryx softshell was very nice but I found for $300+ it was not worth it because it didn't feel much different then the Mountain Hardwear style and fit. The North Face softshell was not very warm and had, sad to say, a cheaper feel.

When the jacket arrived, I wore it for the next few days. I've read some people complain that the jacket felt a little stiff, but after wearing it a couple days it becomes broken in and truly fits to your form better. By the way, I am 5'10 and 160lb and purchased a medium. It's the perfect length and the absolute perfect fit. I can fit a Capilene base layer and a thin fleece with no problem.

The jacket wicks away water like it's absolutely nothing. I've never had wind penetrate it. The best part is the breathability. You read and read about it, but when you get this jacket you'll truly feel its capability. I can go out in temperatures well below 30F and then enter a house at 70F and not have to take it off because it maintains a constant comfortable temperature.

It's truly one of the best jackets I have every purchased. I can use it in any condition now, anytime of the year. It looks great, feels great, and works even better. Get it. Be happy and never look back. I haven't.

Love the jacket. Looks good and keeps me dry without sweating. Not a cheap jacket but well worth the money.

A brilliant jacket but for the sleeves. The jacket is not padded but although the sleeves aren’t either they feel as if they are and feel very uncomfortable when on and restrict movement.

This coat is amazing. Just get used to feeling like the Michelin tire guy, because it feels like you are inside a bubble. Very light weight but very warm. Worth the money I spent.

The Alchemy's simply my favorite do-it-all jacket. It is tough, stylish and versatile. I've had the jacket for almost a year and have taken it on backcountry ski trips, rock climbing, extended backpacking and night on the town and it still my favorite thing to pack.
It shed water surprisingly well, unless you stand under the shower for more than a min, water will not penetrates. It fits a bit snug, so I'd order a size larger than you normally do to get a better fit. I’m 5'8”, 150lb and the large fits perfectly.
You will not be disappointed.

I bought the jacket last year and at first, like some have stated, it took a few days to get comfortable. After spending some time this past fall in RI fly fishing for striped bass and albies in cold frigid and windy weather I was more than happy with the result. It also came with me during some cross country skiing and snowboarding trips and performed well. Love the welded pockets, sealed fleece cuffs. Awesome, performance and it really outperformed the other shell I have which happened to be a comparable North Face. I wear it everyday if I can and it has become my favorite jacket that can withstand really harsh weather. In fact I bought a second one in Black/Titanium just to have a spare. A worthy investment, worth every cent!

My favorite jacket and the gold standard for midweight softshells. Stretches in all the right places and sheds moisture well. Great details like multiple pockets, internal fleece cuffs and adjustable collar (adjusts for my small neck or when i wear a turtle neck). I wear a medium and fits trim but accommodates up to a midweight sweater. Worth the money and quite durable.

I have really enjoyed the jacket for skiing and other outdoor activities. The coat is warm and comfortable even in a cold windy, snowy spring ski day.

wow. It's great

My favorite jacket. I've used it for over a year downhill skiing, spring
hiking, biking, and around town.
Things I like: It's soft and comfortable and breaths well. It's
close-fitting, but not too close that I can't fit a base layer and a
thick fleece under it. The outer fabric is amazing: it never gets dirty
or scratched up. It's completely windproof. It's warm compared to other
soft-shells, but not too warm for heavy activity. And when I put a
fleece under it, the combination is very warm. It keeps some rain out.
The cuffs are nice and tight without elastic. All the pockets are usable
with a pack on. The only thing that might make this jacket better would
be pit zips, but they're only rarely necessary.
I usually wear a small, but got a medium, which turned out to be the
right choice.

Best jacket ever. This jacket served as my main-layer for my summit of Rainier. Worked well at base camp when the winds kicked it up a notch. Then served well (under a down jacket) to trap my heat when the winds hit 40 mph and temps of 15 below at the summit. Rock on Alchemy.

Absolutely worth the money. Forget about North Face, once you try Mt Hardwear gear you'll never buy anything else.
The jacket fits like a glove; we've had some cold weather here, nothing penetrates this jacket (wind or rain).

The fleece wrist gasket things alone make this jacket worthwhile.

I did some research before picking out a softshell and this jacket came out on top. So far, I haven't been disappointed. The jacket breathes well, keeps the wind and rain/snow out, and fits comfortably. The cuffs are snug, but just enough to keep wind out. No regrets.

I didn't buy it here, but this site is great. This jacket is it! It's three times as warm as it looks. The fit is like a second skin. Great for skiing. You'll see everyone else bundled up, and they think your under dressed and cold. You'll be the hottest thing on the hill. The main reason this jacket is no. 1, is because it is made in the USA. Represent.

great...love the neck cinch, the wrist are set so no hook and loop closure gets in the way...it is all purpose and a must buy. Very happy w/ it.

If I needed to spend a month ice climbing in Antarctica, this would be the jacket I would bring. If I had to wrestle a polar bear in 15 below weather, this would be the jacket I would want on. I was told the Alchemy was the top of the line soft shell and couldn't be happier with my purchase. Every pocket, lining, zipper is quality and it looks great too. Just got back from skiing Vail. I wore a long sleave and this jacket and that was all I needed.

This is an okay jacket, blocks wind and sheds rain fairly well when its new. Does not ventilate well, but works great to keep you warm when you stop hiking. The front pocket is useless and funny looking, also the draft stopper does not work well. If I had it to do over again I'd go with an Arc'teryx.

Hands down the best coat I've ever owned. In everything from blowing snowstorms at the top of The Canyons to corn snow spring skiing this coat has made me deliriously happy. The combination of windproof and softshell breathability means the useful temperature range of this coat is immense. On top of that, it's super comfortable and has great comfort details like the inner fleece cuffs. Get this jacket, you'll never ski in anything else again.