Gear Review
Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Softshell Jacket - Men's
Beware of Sizing
By Anonymous
Ranked #1822 - Men's Softshell Jackets
January 14, 2008
I consider myself a little biased when reviewing products, because Mountain Hardwear is my trusted brand for gear. This jacket is the latest addition to my large collection of MHW gear. I just got this jacket and luckily I had tried it on at a store before I bought it. I found that this jacket, along with the other softshells from MHW available at this particular store that I was at, were sized differently than other products from MHW. I'm 6'1" 190 lbs. and normally size L fits me perfectly, but in this jacket it was way too short. The fit of the L on me was ok, maybe a little on the snug side, but I simply could not put up with a jacket that short. I tried on the XL, and the length was perfect, but the body was a little loose. I suppose a little room in the torso area is ok for layering. If considering this jacket, visit your local outdoor gear provider that stocks this jacket to get a true fit before you buy. Other than sizing, the jacket seems to be a very well-constructed piece of clothing. It's got a nice design, fleece lining is fantastic, and roomy hand pockets. Chest pocket is rather small...I'm not really sure if it's truly needed.
View Details: Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Softshell Jacket - Men's
Helpful Votes: 3 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.
3 Comments Last Reply: March 28, 2011 By: vml4482441
I don’t think I would agree with your assessment of the Alchemy in terms of being strictly a technical piece. I wear mine casually all the time, as I think it would look just as good to wear it to a date as to climb a clip. With that said, I wear a size small, which I think it is true to my size, and being a skinny dude, there are very few soft-shells look this good on me in terms of form fitting. Girls love it! "This is definitely a short jacket, made to sit at or above a climbing harness originally. I have gotten used to it, but your tees and sweaters may hang out if you don't have them tucked in. Made for the mountain, made functional, so street style takes the back seat."
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Niall - I would accept that more easily if the jacket weren't also advertised as being MHW's "flagship" jacket and recommended for use with skiing. In my experience, shorter jackets = a lot more snow up your shirt and down your pants when you're really getting into deep powder.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
This is definitely a short jacket, made to sit at or above a climbing harness originally. I have gotten used to it, but your tees and sweaters may hang out if you don't have them tucked in. Made for the mountain, made functional, so street style takes the back seat.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes