Gamma Hoody Men's

WHO: I’m 5’10” 170lbs, 31” waist, Athletic build, living in the Southeast of the US with relatively mild winters. I’m kind of a gear-head and have more jackets than I need in my rotation (just ask my wife). I’m normally size M and I got a size M in this one. I’ve had this jacket just over a year now. WHAT: In a word, versatile. LT = light weight, add in the underarm gussets and stretchy materials and the shell just moves with you and doesn’t get in the way. It's durable, breathable and has great wind and water resistance (not water proof). WHEN: For me this is a 3-season shell, I use it as a stand alone jacket in the spring and fall but may partner it with a midlayer for winter activities.  WHERE: I use this thing all over, hiking on the trail or going to the office in the city, this shell just works. And it packs down small enough to take with you wherever you go. We are traveling to NZ south island for a few weeks and this jacket is coming (along with my Beta LT).  WHY: It's the best all-a-rounder, I have other jackets that do some things better but I haven't seen one that can do all these things this well. STYLE: I love its look and feel. It has sleek simple lines with a perfect athletic cut. Add in this faint lined texture and the outer has an awesome feel. Note: I have a Gamma LT vest that's about 8 years old now and the new texture of the outer is really great. It's one of those things I didn't even know I needed. It's only drawback is the hood makes the collar stand out and look a little funny (I guess that's the price you pay for functionality). FUNCTION: I “Needed” a good all-a-round jacket. I love to travel and do outdoor actives, so was looking for something have could handle almost any situation. 9 out of 10  The collar with the hood is its only thing keeping this from being perfect.  If you're like me and don't like hoods on anything other than a rain shell then the you'll be happy to know the non-hoody version of this jacket gets a 10 out of 10 in my book.  Gamma LT vs Gamma MX I have to say I've wanted a MX for over 10 years now. It's a really cool jacket, but the price always kept it just out of reach. Quick match up: the MX wins on the cool factor, those extra chest pockets really set it apart from other players in this field and the extra warmth is nice if you're looking to not have to layer (although this was a downside for me living in a warmer climate). Ultimately it was the LT that came from behind and won this match up for me. The LT just fits my life better. The lightweight makes it better for traveling and just a bit more versatile. FYI: I did opt for the Hoody version due to a sale.

the most versitile jacket i own.. goes with my hiking, biking, to the snow, and to the city.

Briefly, I wanted an uninsulated soft-shell that I could also layer under for rock/ice climbing and hiking. My measurements: 5'9", 170 lbs, 31 inch waist, 30 inch pant inseam, 32/33 arms, 41 inch chest, and broad shoulders. I have a wrestler/boulderers build and am in pretty darn good shape these days. I purchased a size large after trying on the Gamma MX hoody at Arc'teryx Boston (they didn't have the LT in stock). The Large MX fit well - a little too baggy without layers, but perfect mobility layered over a Nuclei FL or Proton LT/AR. The Large Gamma LT Hoody was gigantic and comically long on me (again, I'm not very tall). The rear back hem came down to the middle my hamstrings and I could probably layer a belay parka under the Large. I considered ordering the medium, but learned that the rear back hem is only ~1 in shorter - still way too long. Lastly, the elastic wrist cuffs, which I love on my other Arc'teryx gear, were much too large and slide down to just below my knuckles. The material quality was fantastic though. I own other of Arc'teryx kit and this is the first piece wherein the fit wasn't perfect - in fact, it was kind of terrible. The sleeve cuffs and length stopped me from ordering the medium. I was very surprised that, considering both are Athletic Fit, the Gamma MX Large fit well and the Gamma LT fit very very poorly. I would recommend based on quality, but not on fit. YMMV. I purchased an Alpha Comp Hoody in large and medium instead, and I'll report on that.

So, I'm not a hater. With my wife's disdain of my fetish not withstanding, I have fallen in love with almost every piece of Arcteryx gear. I bought this as a mid point between my Gamma MX and my Fortrez (both hoodies). I really wanted a thin super thin hard shell for those days when the USA Northwest region lives up to having twice as much rain fall as most of Europe, but not have to take it off every 10 minutes due to heat. The ONLY problem I had was when over-stuffing the pockets. In different positions it caused bulges to press into the shell and start to burr holes. It only took 3 weeks. I took it back and explained my dilemma. They were understanding and I ended up getting in-store credit for a different jacket. I bought another Gamma MX! That one has a little insulation, but also very breathable. Have not been disappointed.

This was my first Arc'teryx product and it impressed me so much... I had never heard of Arc'teryx before but when I searched the internet for the best softshell jacket this one came up. So I purchased one in size large. I am 183cm, 82kg and wanted it a little bigger so I can layer up. After 2,5 years it still looks like new. Mostly, I wear it around town but occasionally also when hiking. It is not waterproof but it can withstand a good amount rain before water leaks in. It is not insulated but when active it can be worn down to 5-6 °C with only a base layer underneath. It breaths really well and in direct sunlight it is actually cooler wearing it than not. Since I wear it mostly around town (where I don't need a helmet) the hoody way too big. Maybe Arc'teryx can make an urban environment inspired softshell like the Gamma LT Hoddy?

I have ~20 ski tours on this jacket this winter here in CO. It is about a close to perfect as you can get for our cold dry snow climate. It is extremely versatile. It blocks wind reasonably well and breathes very well during high output activities. This jacket is not that warm on its own (not really designed to be) so you need to layer accordingly to weather conditions. Extremely burly jacket. This thing will last a long time. The downside of most softshells I've owned in the past is they are not that durable. I've ripped holes in them skiing through trees, sliced them with ski edges, etc. I don't really see that as an issue with this jacket. The material is not that soft on the inside; so I will probably wear a long sleeve shirt under it at all times. That's just my opinion though. Others may find it just fine. The medium size fit works well for me. I am 6'1'' and 160 w a bit longer arms and average torso. It has plenty of room for typical layering situations (cold to warm). Long enough in the back so when the jacket creeps up a bit from your pack the lower back is still covered. The design of this jacket is minimalist. Just the basics, but sufficient enough. Hood is big enough to fit a helmet easily, but can be adjusted to reduce the size/fit quite well. Requires over the cuff glove unless you have tiny wrists. Mine are small and its a tight fit if you try to stick a glove under the cuff.

Purchased my jacket a day ago for use while working . As I work outside for 12 hrs a day I wanted something lightweight that looks good and keeps me warm and dry . Well it looks great and it certainly kept me dry . The hood is just great , it doesn't drop over your eyes and fits perfectly with a high neck ...very cosy . I found the inside pocket great for my I phone with my Bose headphones running up inside the jacket . Cuffs are a bit long but the best I've had . Warm it's not ...you need to later up . Today I had 2 ice breaker under tops and I was cold ...it was + 11 ! Very nice on the whole and I would recommend especially if your looking for a lightweight jacket and your walking running climbing . I can recommend ..there's nothing better in the under £200 bracket . Although my old north face resolve is hard to beat at £100 !