I'm curious - I'm gearing up for a future climb on Denali, where I will use a softshell as the predominant outer layer until the weather gets nasty. Would people generally recommend something like this jacket or something along the lines of the Gamma AR which uses the Power shield instead of the Power shield O2? On top of this, the jacket will be part of my overall layering system, so I guess I should also throw the Zeta jacket into the mix. Thoughts? I have an Alpha LT that I'll be using for the hardshell.

Brandon and Phil - thanks for the feedback. I've never used any of the Power Shield O2 shells, so I was on the fence. I think there's going to be a Hercules in my future. For the record, I like the Gamma MX, but because of it's trimmer fit, I have to size up to a Large, and then it extends below bottom of the Alpha LT shell. I'm assuming with the Hercules that a size medium will play well with a size medium Alpha. And Phil - you actually got me seriously looking at the Alchemy. It does look like a great jacket, but I just find that I sweat too easily when I'm wearing Windstopper jackets. I agree that it would be an excellent shell, but I don't think it would really be a good option for me personally as a mid-layer.

I think the Hercules would be perfect for this since it's a better layer (fit, breathable, and insulation-wise) than a Gamma, even though it doesn't provide as much stand-alone protection. If you want the extra protection in your softshell the Gamma MX is a better climb piece than the Gamma SV or the Zeta (it's way more protection and stretch than a Zeta) I've used mine a bunch with the Alpha LT and it's a great system.