Gamma Hoody

I use the Gamma Hoody as my primary softshell for ice/mixed climbing. Note, while the Gamma MX is the marketed product for this pursuit, I find that the Gamma has one things going for it that the MX does not: The longer hem/sleeve length means I can wear a Medium, with the benefit of the slim fit, and it stays tucked into my harness. I usually pair this with Rho Wool top and Konseal fleece, and then an Atom vest over the top for colder temperatures. I find the DWR is sufficient for blowing water off of ice falls, but if the water is really raging over the line of the climb, you should be wearing a hardshell. The shell material is durable enough for the rock abrasion that comes with mixed climbing, and it is light enough to pack down well if you're ditching the layer on the approach/descent. The main drawback I've found is the lack of a chest pocket, instead having 2 handwarmer pockets. The handwarmer pockets often sit under a harness, making them shallower, if not unusable. I'd like pocket access for storing phone/snacks, but extra gloves get zipped inside all of the layers, hence why it's extra important that the hem stays under the harness!

I have several Gamma LT's that I use for hiking year round in Alaska. I decided to get another one in the Heritage colorway. The new revision actually fits pretty well, the length is still good to wear with a climbing pack, and it layers well. The Wee Burly is hands down the best soft shell material imo. It breathes very well, but is almost impervious to wind. I've worn it in extended light rain and the DWR worked well enough to keep me dry. It's my go to hiking jacket, and if it releases in Vitality I'll probably end up buying another one .

So the website says the chest is smaller on the revised large fit yet there's more room than my 2019 gamma Lt with a "larger chest" For me it's just roomy enough to fit both a midweight baselayer and a thick fleece under it. I could potentially use this for skiing and I intend to. It's interesting because my 2019 barely fits a RHO LT under it. Anyway, I'm happy with this new fit as it's more versatile. For reference I'm 200 lbs and 6' with broad shoulders. I am athletic and cycle almost daily. The previous version made my shoulders feel constricted while this revised fit does not. I feel that much of the time the fit of arc depends more on frame size than body mass. This is a little loose in the torso but by no means boxy. Also this is the first product from arcteryx in a long time that I've purchased in the black that doesn't have a horrible chemical smell. The length is great and I appreciate the extra rear coverage. I'll never understand the glued hem but it's something I've accepted. For my frame this updated version fits me better for layering and I am happy with it.

The gamma hoodie is one of the most durable pieces of outerwear I've ever owned. Its comfortable in just about any kind of cool weather as a standalone or over insulation. It's a bit heavy but I often bring it when I want a heavier softshell on the uptrack below -20c

Looks and feels nice both casually and outdoors. Seems quite breathable but blocks wind well.

Looks good: Looks and feels nice both casually and outdoors. Seems quite breathable but blocks wind well.

Great design: Highly breathable , good to move, lots of pockets , excellent spring companion. Durable Arcteryx. I Hope more colors will come

Just a solid jacket. The lighter weight material in the sleeve is perfect for layering under as needed.

Hoddy: Just a solid jacket. The lighter weight material in the sleeve is perfect for layering under as needed.

Great Fall Layer: Love the gamma hoody. I got it this year to be a shoulder season layer for cold fall days in the mountains of the pnw and it's been pretty perfect. It's very breathable and makes for a great layer for when it's too cold to start bold. I've been rocking a base layer and this and been pretty good on a handful of Fall hikes over the last month. It also has its dwr treatment so when we got hailed and snowed on this last week I didn't need to throw on a rain layer as it did the job well enough. I've also been wearing it around town and it doesn't feel that out of place at all (I also have the mars color so maybe if you had a neon color it would feel a little less like you could wear it wherever). I will say that my wife and I agreed the gamma does feel like a luxury layer in some ways. It's not quite warm enough to be an insulating jacket, not quite waterproof enough to be a rain layer, not quite as light as a good fleece, but on these cold fall days where you're going to be moving and needing something that's breathable, it's perfect (and would be perfect for backcountry skiing or climbing in the shoulder season too).