Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Softshell Jacket - Men's

Well, as with everything MHW, the quality of this jacket is top notch. However, as somebody with a thick upper body, the fit was awful. I'm 5'8" 190 lbs with broad shoulders and muscular build. The medium was like seal-a-meal on me, and the arms were a little longer than I would like. I know the sleeves would be WAY too long on the large, so I'm returning it. The day I received it, the Marmot Sharp Point popped up on SAC, so I bought that in a medium, and it's a much better fit. This jacket is definitely cut for slim builds, so keep looking if you're on the thicker, stockier end of the spectrum.

I consider myself a little biased when reviewing products, because Mountain Hardwear is my trusted brand for gear. This jacket is the latest addition to my large collection of MHW gear. I just got this jacket and luckily I had tried it on at a store before I bought it. I found that this jacket, along with the other softshells from MHW available at this particular store that I was at, were sized differently than other products from MHW. I'm 6'1" 190 lbs. and normally size L fits me perfectly, but in this jacket it was way too short. The fit of the L on me was ok, maybe a little on the snug side, but I simply could not put up with a jacket that short. I tried on the XL, and the length was perfect, but the body was a little loose. I suppose a little room in the torso area is ok for layering. If considering this jacket, visit your local outdoor gear provider that stocks this jacket to get a true fit before you buy. Other than sizing, the jacket seems to be a very well-constructed piece of clothing. It's got a nice design, fleece lining is fantastic, and roomy hand pockets. Chest pocket is rather small...I'm not really sure if it's truly needed.

I can't remember the last time I wanted a jacket as badly as I wanted this one: awesome design, mountain hardware label, etc. The taped seams, etc. I love the look of this jacket and it really does fit like a glove, but everyone who buys this should know that

A) It's just another premium brand made in China.
B) Columbia owns Mountain Hardware and has for years now (to me that means "Superior Cost-Cutting" particularly at the expense of quality).

My chief complaint about this jacket is that they used cheap - I mean Cheap thread to assemble this thing. Several of the seams have several points where the thread wore right through after only one year of use. The technology is there, the design is there, but why on earth a company would want to skimp on something basic like thread is Waaaayyyy beyond me.

I'm a 30-something... I'm hardly putting this thing through it's paces and I have several jackets that I rotate through....

I waited for a long time before I got this jacket. It was worth the wait. I love the Alchemy. It repels water and blocks wind. The side panels stretch a fair piece so the jacket really moves with you. It was my go-to jacket all winter. The internal chest pocket easily holds a wallet and keys and the external one is great for a phone. The front pockets can double as pit zips and can really vent the jacket. The hem and collar drawcords lock out wind and rain and the cuff liners work really well. The cuffs take some getting used to but they are awesome once you figure it out.
The cut is athletic, but you can get a baselayer or two underneath the Alchemy without feeling stuffed into it. I'm 5'9" and 135 and the small is almost too small for me, but not quite. The Alchemy is a great, durable, functional softshell.

I've worn this jacket a few times for an early morning snowboard session at my local mountain temps each day were 22-25F. Jacket was warm with a couple of base layers and I love the fact that I didn't need a big bulky coat to get the warmth I needed. One day we experienced a fair amount of wind and the MH Softshell did an awesome job keeping it out. The neck synch is a great feature and easy to use. I'm 5'10" 160 lbs. regular build. I debated between the medium and large so ordered both. The medium was the perfect fit with just one layer but left no additional room to work with. Returned the medium (it's really easy to do with Backcountry) kept the large and I'm very glad I did. Oh yeah, the MH logo looks cool too!

I've been wearing this jacket for two seasons now, and it is still going strong. It certainly my favorite soft shell (Besides my Goat Shift softshell, Go Backcountry.com). 6'4" 100 lbs wearing an XL.

Great jacket. I took my time and got it for less than full price and it was well worth it. During winter hikes in Wisconsin and northern Illinois, I used the Alchemy with a wicking baselayer and was perfect. It was my goto jacket all winter. I stopped bringing my shell because I never wanted or needed it with the Alchemy. The draw cords at the hem and collar lock out wind. The internal chest pocket is great for a wallet and ipod. The front pockets can double as venting/pit zips.
The cut is athletic, but the jacket stretches and moves with you quite well. The side panels are very stretchy. The cuffs' internal powerstretch liner works great but makes it a bit tough to get gloves to fit just right. At 5'9" and 135, the small is a great fit but if I were any bigger, I would want a medium.
Overall, the Alchemy, is a great jacket. It blocks wind and is highly waterproof. In a downpour, grab a hardshell but for anything less, the Alchemy is just fine. Warm, comfortable, and stretchy.

Great for warmer days on the mountain, camping, hiking, fishing, and around town. Surprised at how water/wind-proof it is.

Very nice high quality jacket ! My first impression without trying the jacket on was it was too light . As soon as I put it on I knew it was awesome ! It fit like a glove.I purchased a large . I am 6'1" with very long arms - weighing 180lbs . The jacket is a perfect body fit & the arms are also long enough ! The fleece lined cuffs are also a nice touch . Even though the jacket is very light it will keep you warm in the spring & fall . I went out west skiing & wore the jacket when it was -5 C - Because the jacket is windproof it kept me warm -Yet it is so light that even though you have it on when you go inside you will not overheat. You will not be dissapointed with this jacket . I have got many compliments on this jacket

I wear it all winter while biking to work. It's ton's warmer than a regular nylon shell and the water protection is good enough for my commute. The best part of it, by far, is it's wind PROOFness. This thing has double cuffs, a cinch collar and drawstring waist keeping all the elements out. If you are moving at all, this will keep you warm. It's not insulated though, so don't use it for standing around in the cold. This is an activewear, action-oriented tool.

I purchased this jacket because I was looking for an in-between jacket in a soft shell. I could not have made a better choice. I have been using for the past few days here and the temps have been in the high 40's down to the mid 20's at night with some good winds to test the windblock too. This jacket has performed as expected...perfect. I even wore as a cycling jacket yesterday just to see how it would work. It was great at blocking out the wind. The only drawback is that it does not breath well. As far as fit goes, I am 6'2 215 lbs with a 47 chest and the XL fits perfect. I can layer a fleece pull-over under it no problem.

I have been hiking in single digit weather. With it, a silk weight base layer and MH Power Stretch Top is enough to keep me warm and comfortable. The Alchemy breathes easily when going up hills while keeping the wind at bay. The XL size fits well on my 6', 200lb. frame. I find that the Alchemy works a lot better in the cold then the MH Windstopper Tech Jacket. A good value and even better if you can find the jacket on sale.

I wore this jacket in New York City on New Years Day and was fine, however I had a sweater on underneath it. When I just have a t-shirt on with the jacket, the 20 degree weather seems a lot worse then it did when I was in the city. When I was in the city, I did not have gloves and therefore had my hands in my pockets the entire time. This, along with the cold weather and wind, made the back of my hands very cold because of how tight the material was over my hands. This was really the only part of me that was cold. It really is wind proof and seems water proof, but could use another layer underneath when the temperatures are below 36 degrees F.

This jacket is great. It is very durable and remarkably warm. Water resistance is incredible. The sleeves have plenty of room for a fleece underneath on really cold days. I would give 5 stars if it had pit zips. I replaced a M. H. Windstopper fleece with this and it had pitzips. I really miss those. Although this Is a superior piece. Also a removable hood would have been nice. Those seem to be out of style though. All in all it is just like they describe it except it is easy to overheat.

This jacket is the best jacket I have own so far. Looked at it forever and others jackets like it too and finally just decided to go with it. It stops the wind. PERIOD. No ifs ands or buts. It is a very warm jacket with a large range of temperatures due to it being windproof. I love how I can come from ~30 F outside to temps of ~65 F inside and still wear the jacket fully zipped and still be comfortable. It is very breathable so you won't overheat. It sheds light rain well, a torrential downpour might leave you S.O.L but that what shells are made for. Dries very quickly. The powercuffs and the cinch cords for the hips and neck help to keep heat in when it is cold and windy. I love the athletic fit and a shorter torso b/c I'm 5'8" athletic. I like how the arms are a tad long so when you reach up while climbing the sleeves stay still. It might not fit well when you first put it on, kinda stiff, but you have to break it in. Sounds funny for a jacket, but its true. Afterwards, it fits perfectly and moves very well with my body. I was able to layer with a t-shirt and 100-weight fleece pullover okay. I tried a heavier fleece, it worked, but was kind of tighter and restricting fit. Pockets are intelligently place with a nice inner chest pocket. The two front one are VERY large and are awesome for gloves and any you can cram in there with out starting to look like and idiot hahaha. I use it standalone or with my REI Taku shell and I am just about ready for anything Colorado can throw at me. Very durable and lightweight and packs down very small. No reason not to own this jacket. Its a go anywhere, do anything jacket. It is worth the money, especially if you can find it on sale for clearance. Gets a lot of compliments too. I suggest the peat moss.
Adventure On!!!

I bought this jacket when it first came out six(?) years ago and I've worn it nearly every day of the fall and spring since, not to mention dozens of outing to climb ice and rock and everything in between. Excels in the mountains and around town. Easily the best jacket I've ever owned.

I didn't see any posts from the shorter, stockier people so I wasn't sure on what size to get. I'm 5'6" and weigh about 180lbs. My chest is about 45" which fell in the large side of the sizing scale but I read the jacket runs a little snug so I ordered XL. The size fits perfect, even with me being short the arm length and jacket length was alright. Very light weight; it doesn't even seem like it would protect from the elements but it does.

I've had this jacket for five years and it looks and functions just as well as day 1. I even crashed on my bike a few times and the jacket only has a few minor scrapes. I almost never pull out my shell because this thing repels all but heavy rain and wind doesn't stand a chance. I'm a jacket whore and I have jackets hanging all around my room, but I always grab for the alchemy. It's an athletic cut so big guys might have trouble getting a good fit.

I bought this jacket at the beginning of December and use it almost every day for both winter sports and for casual wearing.
With appropriate base clothing, this jacket is suitable for use in snowboarding and skiing conditions with very low temperatures... l have used it on many occasions this season for snowboarding where the temperature has been below 20 degrees (Fahrenheit) and have never been uncomfortable or wanted a heavier coat. The outside shell is also very durable and can with stand scratching and contact with hard or sharp surfaces and makes for an excellent purchase for the outdoor enthusiast.

I purchased this jacket for $179 and change from Backcountry. Great value and performance. I have been snowboarding in -15F conditions in Colorado and was very comfortable wearing only a lightweight base layer and this jacket. This is the first softshell I've owned but it is SO MUCH better than a heavier parka style jacket. It is amazingly warm and the wind protection is awesome, as is the ability to cinch up the neck in the back. Yeah, pit zips would be great to make this piece a little more flexible, but for the money you're saving, have your tailor install the pit zips. Cut down the seam and install a high-quality zipper. Easy to do, actually. Buy a size up. I'm 6'2" 210lbs and the XL is perfect, but snug.

Hands down the best around jacket that I have own thus far. I'm from Colorado and it gets pretty windy and this jacket stops the wind. period. no if ands or buts. I sheds light rain pretty well but a torrential downpour, dries quickly though. It doesn't rain much in Colorado anyways. Awesome in the snow. I use it standalone for a wide range of temps, and b/c its windproof, you can get to some pretty low temps if you are active. Standing still you might get cold. Breaths well too. Love the fact that I can come from a ~30 F temps outside into ~68 F temps inside and still have the jacket on, fully zipped and be comfortable. Its lightweight and packs down very small and very durable. I layer with my REI Taku jacket and I can take on any mountain in CO. Gets a lot of compliments to. I suggest the peat moss. Adventure On!!!

I use this jacket for everything - around town, to work, winter mountain biking, winter running, snowshoeing, etc. With 2 - 3 thin under layers I have worn this up to -30 with the wind chill factor. Considering the weight and thickness this is a great jacket for wind and cold. I wear it 4 - 5 times a week biking/running to work at a distance of 8 miles. It breaths extremely well, the fit was true to size, drys fast, and it is flexible and light with lots of pocket space. The cuffs, waist band, and neck band are great for keeping in heat. For extreme weather I could see it working as a great layer. I have had it now for only a month, so I cannot comment on the longevity. I highly recommend this jacket.

This is one of my main go to jackets for winter activities. It is perfect for snowshoeing, hiking, climbing when the weather is in the 30-40's. On colder days (and for skiing) I use my Mountain Hardware shell over the Alchemy for a nice warm combo. The wind protection is great, and it even does a very good job at keeping water/moisture out. The cuff design is great and very comfortable with light gloves. Fit is a bit snug, so go a size larger if you are in between sizes.

I love this jacket... But I gave mine up to my guide on a snowboard trip to Kashmir.. :( Those guys don't have the best gear there...

As soon as I made it back to civilization... I bought another.. Same color - same size...

This jacket is awesome. Its hard to find a good fitting softshell for a larger frame, but this one definitely does the trick. Had the Marmot Sharp Point before, which was a good coat. This one however, seems far superior. It's much lighter, flexible and still completely windproof and pretty much waterproof. Cant say enough good!

I checked this jacket out because Mountain Hardwear shells/jackets tend to run a bit long, and I'm a big/tall guy (6'6", 265 lbs.)

The XXL size had long enough sleeves, but was baggy throughout, especially in the upper chest and neck. Based on trying on a few of their other shells, an XL would probably be about right in the chest, but too short in the arms. YMMV.

The material seems extremely water/windproof, and is lightweight. Construction quality seems pretty good overall, although definitely a step down from high-end shells. It is not extremely warm by itself (which is actually a good thing; this lets you control warmth better by layering selectively.)

The pocket selection is limited; the chest pocket is actually quite small. This shell also lacks ski-specific features like a powder skirt, hood, or underarm vents. Vents *should* be less necessary with a soft shell, since they normally breathe better than hard shell jackets.

As casual-wear, or for light athletic duty, this is probably a great jacket (if it fits you). For skiing, I'd look for something a little higher-end, or more ski-specific.

Unless some spaceage fabric comes out, I have a feeling this will forever be in heavy rotation. Nasty jacket for every cold weather activity I'm involved in (skiing, climbing, barhopping, and work oh my) I've beaten the hell out of it for the past two seasons and this jack bauer of a jacket won't die. Surprisingly water resistent too.

It's everything it's billed to me. I'm set now that I have the Alchemy and Tenacity Descent. I'm taking it skiing in 2 weeks, so that will be the true test. So far, I love the fleece liner and it breathes great. I will say a few words about the sizing. I went with the XL but I am right between L and XL (I have the L Tenacity descent hardshell). I'm ~6'2''/200/42L and the XL fits pretty well. I bet the L would fit the diamater of my torso better, but I was afraid it wouldn't be quite long enough. I'll never know as I opted against ordering the L just to try it. I'm satisfied with the fit. All in all, great coat.

I have had the jacket for about a month now and I am very pleased with it at this point. The jacket seems to be more "water-proof" than "water-resistant." I sat through a football game in 40 degrees and pouring rain and stayed dry.

I recently bought the Alchemy jacket looking to replace my aging fleece, and I've just got to say that the Alchemy is possibly the best jacket ever made. I've used it while mountain biking with temperatures in the low teens and while climbing in cold weather, and it has exceeded all of my expectations for a softshell. The more active you are while wearing it, the warmer you'll be, but never uncomfortably so. Bottom line, you can't do any better in a softshell at this price.

i purchased this jacket to serve as a late fall, early winter jacket. it fit great and was really well made. however, i live in chicago and wasn't quite warm enough for my needs so i've gone with and arc teryx jacket that is slightly warmer. if you're simply looking for a fall/spring jacket, the alchemy would be great.

I snatched up one of these jackets when it first came out years ago. I wear it everywhere, for everything from skiing to climbing to winter bike commutes, and it still looks and performs as well as it did the day I bought it.

The jacket is great and I read through all the reviews. I noticed that many stated that the jacket ran small and I based my choice of an XL on this. Once received I felt they ran true to size and an XL was not needed for a proper fit. I went to a store to see if I could find a good fit. I sent the Alchemy model back and chose the Mountain Hardwear Syncro model which fits great. This site was great with the return process and shipping my new jacket within a day. Overall a very positve experience with this site

Awesome Jacket for a great price. It has an athletic fit, which I like.

I was honestly expecting slightly more insulation, but if you're moving you'll be warm.

6 ft 175 lbs. active build. Large fits very nicely.

Great looking jacket, especially with it's lightweight and modern trekkie look. I made sure I didn't get the red jacket, cuz I want to come back from my trips alive. =) My normal size is Large, and I normally get jackets the next size up. Wanting to feel lightweight on my camp/hiking trips, I decided not to go baggy, and get just the Large size. Uhm.. that was a bad choice. I should have stuck with my norm and get the next size up for jackets. So, just a word of advice, when in doubt, just get the next size up. Save yourself some time having to exchange it. Overall, the jacket feels great. Not heavy at all, light weight, and warm. The inside is comfortable and soft to the touch, no the crunchy plastic feel like alot of other wind breakers. I'm mainly using it for hiking and camping trips, but i might even take this snowboarding too. We'll see...

I am 5'10", 180# and a bit more rounder in the middle than I used to be. I picked up an XL, by itself I would have been fine with a large, put on a long sleeve Tee and a hoodie and it fits perfect. With the same layers, 30 degree Michigan weather rain or snow and I'm perfectly comfortable just walking around. I have worn a lot of other water resistant and waterproof jackets and this is as wind and waterproof as anything claiming "water resistant". Solid and tough all-around coat that wont disappoint!

I have owned two of these. High quality and stylish. Good with a sweater on very cold days or a t-shirt on cool days. I like that the brand name is somewhat subdued.

Great jacket, but I have a couple of minor complaints - it's not as insulated as I'd thought it would be (seems kinda chilly wearing this jacket alone in 50deg weather), and from all the comments, I thought it'd be extremely effective at stopping wind ... but it doesn't seem to be, I can def. feel the bite on a chilly, windy day. Seems like more of a middle-layer gear.

Just ordered large for my husband. He is usually a large...5' 11" tall, 42inch chest, 35 inch waist, stocky build but not solid not a fatty. It was too small. The arms are tight at the shoulders and the waist is snug. Ordering an XL to see if that will work.

Fit was good. Quality of construction was excellent. Blocks the wind as stated. Valve... hmmm, In my opinion (and that's all I have) it's way WAY over-priced for what you get. What do you get? (You ask) You get a jacket that is suitable to wear in a very narrow range of temperatures. I was either too cold in it or too warm(depending on the exertion level). It's a very nice looking jacket, though... and you'd look awfully good hanging around the lodge in it, but don't stray too far from the fire if you're idle.

One reviewer below said this jacket was a great value for the money; Man do I disagree!

This jacket performs as clamied: It blocks the wind and it is somewhat water resistant. IT is not warm; A shell can't be and that's all it is.
It is a requirement that you wear a fleece with this jacket for it to provide any warmth. (This shell is lined, but the lining is VERY thin.)
If looking good is a high priority, then look no further; This is a very stylish shell!
In my mind it's a very over-priced modern wind-breaker. Knowing what it is now, a price of no more than $100.00 would be appropriate... and that's stretching it!

I have had this Jacket for about 3 years. After acquiring a few others over the years, this is the one that i wear the most. I actually live in the south, but it makes a nice winter jacket, even though the weather is usually pretty mild then. On the other hand, it is also the jacket that I take to Deer Valley when I am ready to do some serious skiing. This high quality light jacket can be worn in a variety of climates and imagine I will have it for a long time.