Gamma Hoody Herren

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.