Gear Review
Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hooded Softshell Jacket - Men's
Long time testing
By Magnus
Ranked #1572 - Men's Softshell Jackets
July 8, 2008
I've had this jacket for more than three years now. It bothers me that it is always listed as highly water resistant because it's pretty far from it. Rain will bead off during the first month or less but anyone caught in a lasting shower will know that it seeps through pretty fast. I bought it with intentions of replacing my GoreTex on day trips ski mountaineering and touring but because you can't rely on it as your only shell, I ended up carrying my Goretex with me anyway. Using it on the climb up it retains sweat from your body and can become quite wet. When on exposed ridges or at the summmit and the wind starts to pick up, the jacket chills you down quite fast since it is not entirely windproof, especially if a little wet. Same goes for resort skiing if you're pushing your body or get wet from the snow. Bone chilling if it gets wet. Hence I stopped using it for skiing. for climbing it is much better. Amazing abrasion resistance and windproof enough to climb in most conditions. Quality is good and there is only real sign of wear on the wrists and a couple of seams on one arm. The plastic chin guard is not so good as it curled up during the first few months and never really stays in place. The fit is athletic and XL fits me perfectly, although it could be slimmer(although I suspect they make it baggier in the XL). I'm 6'5 and 90 kg's whatever that is in pounds. Oh, and the hood of course is amazing. Fits perfectly with or without helmet.
View Details: Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hooded Softshell Jacket - Men's
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Change me.
1 Comments Last Reply: October 10, 2009 By: Niall MacRae
One way to reactivate the DWR is to use a tech-fabric wash (McNett or Nikwax) to get it clean, dry it on low until it is dry, and then, once it is DRY, toss it back in on High heat. Dirt interferes with the DWR so you have to get it clean. Heat reactivates most DWR coatings on clean fabrics. You might be surprised. I agree, you really need to have a fully windproof layer when you get to the top, and it is not very good at the resort. I use this for splitboarding and alpine climbing and keep a lightweight Gore Pro-shell, and lightweight down jacket in my pack. It is just the Gamma 60 percent of the time, but if it is cold and windy, you will need more layers eventually. No perfect solutions eh?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes