wonderful jacket

By hydrogeek Ranked #198 - Men's Softshell Jackets January 16, 2007

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.

View Details: Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Softshell Jacket - Men's

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