Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoodie

4.5 out of 5 if I could. I was replacing an old Cloudveil softshell used for nordic skiing, and camping. I wanted something from a Canadian company and I have had good experiences with their packs. So it was narrowed down to this jacket and the Epsilon SV. I felt the Epsilon had a better hood for regular use (without a helmet) and appeared to be quite a bit lighter. The Gamma definitely seemed sturdier and more weather resistant and the fit was not as tight as the Epsilon. I can fit some thin layers under the Gamma, and almost use it like an insulated shell if needed. As mentioned, the only minor concern is that the hood doesn't fit great without a helmet underneath. It was designed for climbing so this isn't a surprise. Fantastic fit and finish, great purchase.

I have owned the jacket for a few years and I found it an excellent product with good breathability up to temperatures around 10C. This is due, I believe, to the use of Polartec PowerShield material (original version) rather than WindStopper or Windblock. To improve the design I would recommend the additions of the following features, some of which will improve breathability when active: - Cuff straps - Ventilation zips - Internal zippered pocket - Hood strap to keep the hood in place - Pen pocket on the left sleeve Overall an excellent product Marco A. Da Mosto

I use this jacket for shopping as well as Olympic ski runs. For skiing the 98% windproofness helps with ventilation while the lining keeps you warm enough down to -10c with a light base layer (bear in mind I do wear less clothing than most) This jacket is really meant for mixed weather, covers a wide range of temperatures and conditions (cold winter to cool summer) + Snow shedding Water repellant 98% windproof - Cut a tad short in the waist Zipper doesn't stay at the very top (slips down one or two cogs)

This is the second Gamma MX Hoody I have bought, the first being when it was made with Gore Windstopper, I think its about 12 years old and out performs the latest version. The quality and fit have both been excellent, like all my Arc'teryx clothing. But the waterproofing on the current version is poor and incomparable to the older jacket. This is disappointing as I was expecting it to be, as good, if not better. One hour walking in light rain and I was wet through.

I bought this hoody brand new and I fell in love at first wear. Yes the sleeve cuffs were too tight but you fixed that. But you should have stopped... (I've bought two more used so I think I know a good product) You took away the users right breast pocket. (I held my glasses there) and the left shoulder pocket. Why? I won't even consider a jacket that doesn't have a breast pocket for my cell so when I found double - it was double joy! Don't fix what ain't broken.

Hmmm since we are given guidelines to what we are to review about and only focus on the item I guess I would have to say the Gamma MX hoody I purchased turned out to be a really nice, comfortable jacket. I bought a size larger so there would be room. I only gave 3 stars because of another issue that I'm not allowed to mention, hence the "bittersweet"

Functionally, it fits the bill. However, with Arc'teryx (especially considering the price), I'd expect a bit more. The major glaring issue with this is subjective... the breast pockets are hideous and ultimately useless. Who stores things in their breast pockets? The only items that would make sense are flat and thin. So, we have these monster, ugly, breast pockets just hanging out unused most of the time. I hike, ski, snowshoe, backpack, climb, and sail, and I've yet to find breast pockets useful for any one of those activities. Save the weight and improve the aesthetic - ditch the breast pockets and it'll be perfect.

I got my first gamma mx hoody 10 years ago and I love it so much - it's one of the best jackets to layer under or to be worn alone for hiking/ hanging around the town. Because how I adore all my gamma mx hoodies, I got one last year for my mom on her birthday. The moment I received it, I thought I got a defective item. The shell is so soft but not in a good way. The fabric of my old jackets is stiffer and just by touching you would be convinced that mine would perform better for wind-resistant and water-resistant. It turns out I am absolutely right. Recently both of us were wearing the Gamma Mx hoody for a walk and it was suddenly lightly raining. With 5 mins in rain, I came back home completely dry but my mom is noticeably wet. I am totally aware that I should never expect a jacket to be completely waterproof other than a Goretex jacket, but it doesn't make a lot of sense to me when a 10 year old jacket could be more water resistant than a newer model. There is definitely something changed for the jacket.

Four years now with this jacket. It's not nearly as good as the previous polartec version. Cut is less athletic, it's not as skin like (due material) and it's not as well made. Just dropped mine to tailor shop to fix the ripped hem (taped together in factory). My first one lasted almost 10 years untill the fabric was just worn through. Second was good for 5 until it got a bit too small and I sold it to friend (and he still uses it). I really, really hope that Arcteryx shapes up again and doesn't go down into market stuff. Some of use really use these things in alpine setting and would like to have quality stuff that doesn't disintegrate. Perhaps there's room for Gamma SV with proper materials and made in Canada pricetag?

I own a bunch of Arc'teryx clothing including a variety of jackets, and I have to say that the Gamma MX hoody (last year's style) just isn't my favourite. It's a good jacket but the cut of it just doesn't sit as well as my other Arc'teryx jackets. The inner arm material is very catchy and so it is hard to get the sleeves on. Layering just doesn't go well. The wrist cuff is snug but again hard to get on and off over the hand. The hood is gargantuan, and because I don't intend to wear a helmet with it, that doesn't sit very well. I can get the hood adjusted, but there's lots of loose material. The pockets on this jacket are great, and ample. The outer material has a nice feel. But ultimately, it fits like a pair of tube socks, ok in some places and not good in others. I really want to like it, but when I put it on, I just want to take it off again. Waist is just that bit too short to let in cool air underneath. I don't disagree with others who are enthused. And I'll continue to enjoy my other Arc'teryx jackets.

The Gamma MX lives up to its reputation of being a tough all around softshell. I personally think that the fit is really weird for Arcteryx though. The jacket has the shortest hem of any Arcteryx gear that I've ever tried on. Considering it has a somewhat climbing focus, you'd think it would be a little longer to accommodate a harness.

This is a great jacket, dont get me wrong. It is often a go to for me when conditions are mostly dry but still windy and cold out. This jacket does a good job of venting heat on long hikes and bike rides, and generally does a decent enough job of blocking the wind. My biggest issue with the jacket is that even after reapplying Arcteryx's waterproofing spray the jacket still doesnt do a job of handling rain above a light misting, and gets very cold and heavy when wet. I really like my jacket but it seems to perform as well as other jackets half its price. Also the fit runs a bit wonky, I'm 6'5"190lbs and I generally wear a large in active wear but my jacket is an XL and it fits me a bit large in the shoulders and sleeves but a bit short and baggy in the body, the large was generally too small with a lot of restriction to my movement.

One of the few Arcteryx pieces I didn't love. Hopefully someone can pass on some notes to the designers. I found the Gamma MX not quite warm enough for the weather I wanted it for (late fall), and the fleece lining made it hard to layer underneath. The hood was a bit large without a helmet but the real deal breaker for me was it was too short in the torso (6'1" - Medium) and left me exposed to wind. Other Arc stuff fits great in medium for me, just not this.

One of the few Arcteryx pieces I didn't love. Hopefully someone can pass on some notes to the designers. I found the Gamma MX not quite warm enough for the weather I wanted it for (late fall), and the fleece lining made it hard to layer underneath. The hood was a bit large without a helmet but the real deal breaker for me was it was too short in the torso (6'1" - Medium) and left me exposed to wind. Other Arc stuff fits great in medium for me, just not this.

I would probably return my xxl for a xxxl if possible. I'm a big guy so there isn't much room for layering when you wear this jacked. I usually wear xxl jackets, but this one is a little tighter then normal. I wish they made a bigger size for the fat people. I'm gonna keep mine for now in hopes I lose weight later on since I love it so much.

After a number of uses during the ice climbing season in the UP, the Gamma MX jacket performs nicely, but I feel it just isn't up to par with the Venta AR jacket it replaced. The added pockets are nice, but I've found that I need to have them all fully zipped in order to be protected. It also doesn't seem to stop the wind from cutting through as well as the Venta AR. I could wear that jacket on windy days in below freezing temps with just a t-shirt and still be good. Now I feel like I need another layer underneath the Gamma in above freezing temps. I also passed along my thoughts to the Arc'Teryx rep at the Michigan Ice Fest. I really hope you guys bring back the Venta jacket. I'd buy one in a heartbeat if you do. I miss that jacket! Very simple and extremely effective! That being said, I'll continue to use the Gamma MX as an important part of my layering system.

After a number of uses during the ice climbing season in the UP, the Gamma MX jacket performs nicely, but I feel it just isn't up to par with the Venta AR jacket it replaced. The added pockets are nice, but I've found that I need to have them all fully zipped in order to be protected. It also doesn't seem to stop the wind from cutting through as well as the Venta AR. I could wear that jacket on windy days in below freezing temps with just a t-shirt and still be good. Now I feel like I need another layer underneath the Gamma in above freezing temps. I also passed along my thoughts to the Arc'Teryx rep at the Michigan Ice Fest. I really hope you guys bring back the Venta jacket. I'd buy one in a heartbeat if you do. I miss that jacket! Very simple and extremely effective! That being said, I'll continue to use the Gamma MX as an important part of my layering system.

This softshell is great but unfortunately I had to return it for one simple reason. I am 5'7" tall with a 48" chest so I usually have to buy XXL except in Arc'teryx's loosest jackets like the Dually and other expedition fit/military fit jackets. This jacket is no exception. Due to my unfortunate combination of height and weight the arms on jackets are almost always far too long. This wouldn't be a problem if the cuffs were adjustable but alas they are not. I really wish I could have kept this jacket but I could not as the sleeves would not stay up and kept slipping over my palms. The cuffs on this jacket are much tighter than most other jackets with elastic cuffs even from Arc'teryx but they are still not tight enough in the larger sizes. I really hope the next version has velcro adjustable cuffs like the one's on most of their hardshells such as the Alpha SV, Beta SV, Beta AR etc. Alternatively it would be even better if they reintroduced the Venta SV with it's drop hood which was much better for general use.

This softshell is great but unfortunately I had to return it for one simple reason. I am 5'7" tall with a 48" chest so I usually have to buy XXL except in Arc'teryx's loosest jackets like the Dually and other expedition fit/military fit jackets. This jacket is no exception. Due to my unfortunate combination of height and weight the arms on jackets are almost always far too long. This wouldn't be a problem if the cuffs were adjustable but alas they are not. I really wish I could have kept this jacket but I could not as the sleeves would not stay up and kept slipping over my palms. The cuffs on this jacket are much tighter than most other jackets with elastic cuffs even from Arc'teryx but they are still not tight enough in the larger sizes. I really hope the next version has velcro adjustable cuffs like the one's on most of their hardshells such as the Alpha SV, Beta SV, Beta AR etc. Alternatively it would be even better if they reintroduced the Venta SV with it's drop hood which was much better for general use.

The fleece lining catches on other clothes when pulling it on over sleeves, etc. - a frustration. The Arcteryx shell it replaced was unlined and slipped on more easily.

Arctyrx Gammas have a great upper body fit, however you need really small hands to get them off without turning the jacket inside out and making a fool of yourself in the process. Why there aren't wrist zips or velcro cuff on such an otherwise high quality jacket is a mystery. Also, The original Gammas were a bit more stylish. And lastly, the world would really love to have the soft shell with a semi-high loft fleece insulation. This jacket is so cool it requires a hoody or a sweater under it or an annoying layer over it on all but the warmest mountain winter days. Please Arctyrx, make us a a same fitting Gamma version with wrist loops or zips and a bit more insulation.

Just got this jacket and was greatly disappointed with the windproofness. This should NOT be called a softSHELL. just soft. There is no shell here. Wind blows right through. The jacket is however perfectly designed and constructed. I only would have wished for windstopper material instead. So I will not be bringing this for skiing in switzerland next week. It is however a great looking jacket for strolling around town and for everyday use. If you want to be in the mountains. Get a SHELL.

As I have had one of the older Gamma MX hoody versions, I really looked farward to use this new material. The only bad thing about the old one was that I found the breathabilty a bit bad when active. They truly done something about this in the new model. But just too much. You can easily feel the wind go through makes it much less usefull for winter activities. The fit is okay, but I would have liked a 5cm longer. (The sleeve length is great though)

the size is smaller than other arcteryx clothes! I wear atom M, beta M, very suitable, but gamma mx M is too small

This is a nice jacket overall and I have followed Arcteryx closely for many years (with numerous pieces now). Somewhat unfortunately, the price tag shows 50 dollars less for the exact same model (not last year's) and in general this affected the overall purchase experience.