Gear Review
Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hooded Softshell Jacket - Men's
Not All it's Talked up to be (pardon me length)
By Breck Trek
Ranked #3014 - Men's Softshell Jackets
February 20, 2009
Pros:
Very Breathable
Good Stretch
Great Hood (for a helmet)
Great Pocket Space
Looks Cool (I guess)
Cons:
SUCKS IN THE WIND
NOT WARM
Wrist "collars" suck (they need to be adujustable velcro)
Overpriced... (I payed $170, but $375??? really???)
Alrighty then, well I'm not sure where some of you other reviewers have "tested" your gear, but this jacket does not qualify as "warm" or "highly wind resistant." I live in Breckenridge, CO and have skiied, hiked, and snowshoed in this jacket in a wide range of conditions. That said, this jacket is made for the Spring/Summer/Early fall. This is not a jacket to wear if the temps are below 30 or your getting some good wind (ie. every day for me...). Even with a couple layers and a fleece underneath, I still feel cold and feel the wind cutting through this thing.
My 800-fill Montbell down (which makes no attempts to be wind/water/anything resistant keeps me tons warmer with just a base layer underneath in the WORST winds at Breckenridge.
All that to say, if you're a fair-weather guy who wants something that breathes and stretches or if you want to look "cool" wit da ARKtarix, go for it (if you feel like shelling out cash). If you need something more functional in varied conditions, pick up a windstopper softshell with pit zips or something more burly like the Gamma SV.
View Details: Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hooded Softshell Jacket - Men's
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 2 No
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- Polartec Power Shield, Schoeller Dynamic
- Waterproof Rating:
- Water resistant
- Core Venting:
- No
- Pockets:
- 2 Hand, 2 chest, 1 arm
- Seam Taped:
- No
- Powder Skirt:
- No
- Hood:
- Yes
- Zip-in Compatibility:
- No
- Weight:
- 21oz (595g)
- Recommended Use:
- Climbing, hiking, backpacking
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- Lifetime
Change me.
2 Comments Last Reply: October 10, 2009 By: Niall MacRae
Spot on. This is a toy jacket. It is cool looking and the Cast-Iron color is even more so, but having just received it a few hours ago, and then walking out my backdoor in the low 50s with a medium base layer on, I was cold. Ran the sleeve under the faucet for a minute or so and was wet underneath. Not soaking, but that clammy kind of damp that hangs around and chills your core. Now, is around town style worth the price(even discounted), or would I like to have a jacket that actually might help keep me alive when I test it for real? That's the dilemma. Breck Trek is right, get yourself a Gamma SV. It's a much better piece, and, regardless of whether I keep the MX or not, it's the soft-shell that I'll be packing.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 1 No
There is not that much difference! The Gamma SV is just a slightly heavier weight Polartec Power Shield fabric, but wind and water resistance aren't all that different. It isn't meant to be waterproof and it is meant to be air permeable, i.e allow a few CFM through to help move moisture out. You need a shell and another layer or two if you are going to be standing or walking around in windy, low temp weather. It is great when you are MOVING in the winter or alpine backcountry, but once you stop you are going to want more warmth and wind protection!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No