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Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Softshell Jacket - Men's
How would the alchemy work as a mid layer for downhill skiing...
By kcj3400317
Ranked #2910 - Men's Softshell Jackets
March 14, 2010
How would the alchemy work as a mid layer for downhill skiing with a Theta SV hard shell that I purchased from backcountry.com? Would there be a problem with breatability? Would an Arcteryx Hercules be a better choice or a worse choice then the alchemy?
View Details: Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Softshell Jacket - Men's
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
By James Molnar
Ranked #209 - Men's Softshell Jackets
March 18, 2010
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.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
By J. Troxell
Ranked #113 - Men's Softshell Jackets
March 15, 2010
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.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- [Shell] Gore-Tex Windstopper Softshell and Alchemy Stretch Softshell (91%) nylon and 9% Lycra; [Lining]: Fleece
- Waterproof Rating:
- Water-resistant
- Breathable Rating:
- Not specified
- Center Back Length:
- 28.5in [M] (72.4cm)
- Core Venting:
- No, naturally breathable throughout
- Pockets:
- 2 Hand zip, 1 welded chest, 1 interior zip
- Seam Taped:
- No, welded seams
- Powder Skirt:
- No
- Hood:
- No
- Zip-in Compatibility:
- No
- Weight:
- [Lrg] 1lb 6oz. (632g)
- Recommended Use:
- Ice / alpine climbing, backcountry skiing
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- Lifetime
- Country of Origin:
- China
Change me.