Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Softshell Jacket - Men's

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.

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

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

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

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

wow. It's great

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 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.

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 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.

The fleece wrist gasket things alone make this jacket worthwhile.

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++++

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.

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).

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.