Backcountry Shift vs. ArcTeryx Gamma MX

By tobias Ranked #881 - Men's Softshell Jackets May 27, 2009

I have been wearing my ArcTeryx Gamma MX for about a year (I love the Gamma MX, it's a fantastic piece of kit) and wanted to buy my father something similar. But I wasn't about to drop the same kind of $ on Dad not knowing if he'd like it or even use it, so when the Shift came along on SAC I was all over it. Well, it arrived today and I am very impressed.

The Shift appears to be a very close copy of the Gamma MX. Very close, but with more useful pockets (ArcTeryx must have a policy of putting the bare minimum of pockets in their jackets. Oooo look guys, we saved a quarter of an ounce!).

The materials seems very similar between the two, both have Polartec, and the cut is identical as far as I can tell. I am 6'3" and about 210lbs, and the XL in both jackets fits me very well: big enough to get as much warm clothing on underneath as I may want but without looking like it is a size too large. They have a very tidy, athletic cut.

If you told me the Shift was an ArcTeryx product I'd have no reason to not believe you. Additionally, the Shift is made in Canada, whereas the Gamma MX is now coming from China. I know what I'll replace my Gamma MX with when the times comes.

View Details: Backcountry.com Shift Softshell Jacket - Men's

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes