Men's Gamma MX Hoody
4.9
5
16
16
I just bought my third Gamma MX!!
I just bought my Third Gamma MX. I already have the Jacket (old style) that I love and I sold my old style Gamma MX Hoody last year. It turns out I should not have sold it, because I have been missing it ever since so I decided to order it again. The one major thing that Arc'teryx has going for them is the fit of there clothing is second to none. It is nice and slim and is flattering to the wearer. The jacket blocks a little wind, but it is in no way windproof. It is also is a little resistant to precipitation but it is definitely not waterproof. That is why there are hardshells, however it breathes much better than hardshells. The Fabric is very soft and stretchy yet it still remains pretty durable. Overall the jacket is not the warmest, but it is not supposed to be. I recommend an Atom LT underneath for very cold winter weather. This will cover you for just about everything but heavy rain or wet snow. The only thing that I would like is if it was completely waterproof, but i'm sure if Arc'teryx did this it would not be nearly as breathable.
December 7, 2011
Gamma MX Hoody
I bought this piece for backcountry skiing and alpine climbing. The goal was to have a piece that cut the wind and still breathed well enough to allow for comfortable uphill travel. This hoody makes the grade. It is always a compromise when trying to balance these two competing goals, but the Gamma MX does it as well as anything I have ever used. It certainly makes more sense to wear this kind of garment when working hard on the uphill than to wear gore-tex or similiar fabric. The attention to detail, styling, and quality of construction is typical Arcteryx (flawless) so I'm pretty happy.
November 29, 2011
Destined to be a favorite
More times than not I find myself needing a hood. It's always my luck to head out on a hike, climb, or quick grocery run and face wind, rain, or snow. The Gamma MX hoody is proving to be a great replacement for both my Gamma AR and Hyllus jackets.
This is a lighter weight than I expected but insulation seems good so far. It's easy enough to add a light mid-layer on burlier days. It could easily work as a mid-layer under a shell for warmer sessions. The flexibility should prove itself over time.
My only disappointment is the location of manufacture but it is what it is. Stitching is even and panels are aligned, unlike my experience with previous non-Canadian Arc'Teryx gear. In fact, his is in my first non-Canada-made piece out of about a dozen shells, softshells, fleece, and sweaters. Despite this, I still see the Gamma MX becoming my go-to softshell for most occasions. It's a winner and one I can easily recommend.
October 25, 2011
my favorite softshell jacket
The fabric is soft, looks good on you, breathes well, what to not like this jacket? Well, price is high, but it is worth every penny.
Fairly slim fit, it does make you look a bit better. Great for all kinds of outdoor activities in cool/cold weather.
Bottom line, get it.
ps: what's up with all the new colors? bring back the abyss blue.
July 10, 2011
Best soft shell jacket !!
This jacket is the most comfortable in a soft shell category. This jacket is Durable, highly breathable and Wind resistant. It is clothes with the best functionality.
March 3, 2011
Soft Like A Baby's Butt
We use the Gamma MX Hoody on warmer days throughout the winter for cross country skiing, and snow shoeing. Used a lot for all season hiking, biking, and rowing. This multiple use hoody earns its worth in spite of the extra cost.
This hoody is not a radiator but will help to retain body heat if you keep moving through the elements. If you stop for very long you might consider layering up with something over and/or under. This hoody really packs small.
The Gamma MX Hoody will help keep you outside even if the wind and rain are threatening. If the elements are to extreme consider wearing something else with it.
Arc Teryx picked a winner with the soft/stretchy fabric. I wear mine around the house during the winter rather than turning up the thermostat.
The big hood requires some adjustment depending on what you are using it for. I like wearing the hood off my head and flat on my back in good weather or closed up around my face to keep the nasty weather out.
Fashion statement from a friend: "That is one sweet hoody!"
February 23, 2011
Excellent piece, pricey and fits small
Typical Arc'teryx quality outerwear. Got this in the mail 2 weeks ago. Own an older model Alpha Comp Hoody (hybrid softshell/hardshell from 2003) and Alpha SV (hardshell). The Gamma MX fits much shorter than the SV, and much slimmer than both.
I'm 6'2", 200lbs, and have a muscular build. I can typically get away with a medium in Arc'teryx pieces but had to settle on a large with the Gamma MX to allow room for a mid-layer. The drop seat design is nice, as it gives your behind a little extra coverage while still keeping the front out of the way of your belay device.
Not a weatherproof piece, but not advertised as such either. Provides an excellent balance of wind/water resistance and high mobility and breathability. I would still recommend a Gore-tex shell for anything more than light precip or moderate winds though.
The price is a drawback, but then again it's probably the best softshell on the market for light, fast alpine use. Would recommend at least trying one on if you're in the market.
February 23, 2011
Great BC skiing jacket for Sierras
I got the 2009 version of this jacket as an outer layer for travelling while BC skiing in the Sierras. So far so good - works great as an outer layer for travelling with a Capilene 1 t-shirt and a Capilene 4 shirt underneath. I can also comfortably wear a Marmot windshirt underneath too, which I've found to be a really versatile layering system for travelling. Then all you need is a hooded synthetic parka for breaks and hanging out.
The pockets and hood are great too - stretchy and roomy; the hood especially so - plenty of room for a thick beanie or helmet whilst maintaining plenty neck motion and visibility.
It's not as water resistant as I would have liked, but certainly as expected. The reality is that when it's not too cold and it's snowing, I take the GoreTex anyway.
My only minor complaint so far is that the stitching around the back of the neck isn't as stretchy as it should be, and so the outer thread snapped in a few places as I was putting it on in a hurry. That said, the seam is still solid, so no bother.
December 14, 2010
My Favorite Cool Weather Softshell
This is simply the best softshell I've ever found - and I've at least tried to sample them all! I have more than a little bit of a jacket fixation, and my closet is full of fancy softshells, driclimes, hardshells, and combo-shells. But it's almost always the Gamma MX I pull out when I'm actually going somewhere.
Even within the stellar Arcteryx line (like the almost-as-nice but stiffer Epsilon line, which has fewer pockets), the Gamma MX is a cut above the rest. The fit is a little more athletic, the pockets are better placed, better sized, and more useful, the weather resistance is ideal, and - this is more important than I ever thought it would be - it's the softest and least "crunchy" of anything else out there. The "hand" of the fabric doesn't sound like a big deal, but when you're planning (as I do) to spend this much money ONLY on a jacket that can do everything - from football games to mall trips to hardcore multi-night backpacking or ski touring - the comfort and quietness factors are actually pretty major (at least for me). The Gamma MX actually feels almost like a thick t-shirt: pliable, soft, slightly fuzzy on the inside, and completely silent. Add killer water resistance, wind resistance, breathability and pretty decent looks for a technical shell, and you've got a total winner.
I have both the jacket version and the hoody version, and love both. My only suggestions for improvement would be to add a second sleeve or wrist zipper for quick-grab items and/or altimeter, and also a super-lightweight (mesh?) inside pocket. Other than that, it's hard to imagine improving on this one - but I'm sure Arcteryx will come up with something!
P.S. Every once in a while they go on sale, and Altrec usually has the best deals.
November 27, 2010
This is my second Gamma MX jacket of the year, the first being a non-hoody. I refer to this jacket as being the best soft-shell I have purchased. I have many renowned brands of soft-shells and they all perform great. This Gamma MX hoody in particular, I wear most due to it's fit, comfort, and performance. I mtb, hike trials, and plan to board during hot days in this jacket. If you are looking for a "perfect" soft-shell, this is the one!
November 12, 2010
Gamma MX
Excellent light weight jacket or a mid layer. I am 5'10, 200 lbs. Ordered a large and it fit a little snug in the arms. Length was fine.
November 11, 2010
absolutely great jacket
The Arc'teryx products never disappoint me, it is so stylish in appearance, Although it costs much money, I think it is worth with its price, it has a high quality and can provide anything I want, windproof, water repellant and breathable features. Especially I like its blue zip in the chest pocket.
September 23, 2010
My New
This is another wonderful piece from the folks at Arc'teryx. I bought this intending to use it as mid-weight outerwear and ended up putting it on nearly every day through the winter. Warmth was enough for the vast majority of days where i live (Central IL). The material is wonderful in that it is sufficiently warm and water resistant while remaining very lightweight and low bulk. The fit is trim and athletic as all Arc'teryx pieces seem to be. I am 5'9" and 180lbs and the Medium does just fine. Hood is massive (good for helmets) and the hem in back is nicely shaped and longer for added protection when bending and moving. My only issue is that the sleeves are a little long. I assume designers do this to assure full freedom of movement but i could have gotten full movement with 2 inches less arm (maybe my arms are short?). Overall, fantastic jacket that i would definitely buy again.
May 24, 2010
Excellent Jacket
Great Arc'teryx jacket, I bought the Gamma MX a few years ago and still holds up great. I bought the Women Gamma MX Hoody for my girlfriend and she loves it and at the same time I bought the Men's version for myself. Great jacket overall but be careful it is designed to fit an athletic build.
March 19, 2010
great jacket
It is one great jacket that Arc'teryx made.Good fit,wonderful polartec material,good looking. I love it.
February 7, 2010
I'm impressed!
I would call this a layering piece that doubles as an outerwear jacket. The hood has 3 adjustment areas, each side of the front neck and the back of the head. In many ways it cinches up more completely than, say, the Theta SV jacket. It is also easy to get a tight fit around the neck when the hood isn't on the head, again, easier than the Theta SV. The hem closes tightly around the butt if desired so internal heat can be trapped near the body when used as outerwear. There is insulation but not heavy so this makes it excellent for layering. Not as stretchy as the Gammma MX pants, nor, as thick. I've got black in both, but, for some reason the pocket color doesn't match up between the two, however, I recently bought black rho AR tights and this is a perfect color match with the black Gamma MX jacket. Pockets galore on the arm, two hand pockets and two chest, stow pockets. A velcro cinch at the wrists would have been nice, but, all told a very nice all around jacket!
December 12, 2009
