Arcteryx Gamma MX Jacket - Arc'teryx - Outdoor Clothing

Arc’teryx Gamma MX Jacket

The Arcteryx gamma mx jacket is a soft shell jacket and it really captures what a soft shell should be.

What is Soft Shell?

For those who don’t know what soft shell is here’s a quick rundown. Please note this is a basic overview of the soft shell technology, which warrants a whole post on its own.

The soft shell was originally coined by Patagonia to cover their own version of the Buffalo top. The material was so different to anything on the market and traditional layering that it needed a new class.

Soft shell is not waterproof like everything else was when it was introduced but it has good breath-ability so you would not get wet from perspiration when it was hot. The soft shell material is water resistant and does offer a good level of protection in the rain.

The Main Features of a Soft Shell

Here are the points that make the soft shell so good.

Windproof material
Water resistant and not ‘proof’
Technical cut
Snug and non restrictive material

The soft shell garments are more suited to the technical climbers and alpinists. Up in the mountains you are less concerned about the rain and more about protection from the wind and snow. Climbers are also moving quick and generate a lot of body heat so a breathable jacket is a godsend as even the top waterproof jackets that have good breath ability create condensation and dampness on the wearer making an uncomfortable hike.

Who are Arc’teryx

Arc’teryx is a premium outdoor clothing company that is based in Vancouver Canada. Think of Arc’teryx as like the Bugatti’s and Porsche of the outdoor clothing world.

The company was founded in 1989 by Dave Lane and Jeremy Guard and was originally called rock solid.

Arc’teryx use innovative production methods and are at the cutting edge of technology which warrants the high price for its products.

The Arc’teryx Gamma Mx Jacket

$The Arc\'teryx Gamma Mx Jacket$ As I said Arc’teryx are at the high end of the pricing scale. At the time of writing you can look to get an Arcteryx mx jacket for around $350 or about £175 if in the UK.

But don’t let the price put you off the gamma mx jackets are absolutely fantastic and worth every cent or penny paid. Looking through other reviews of the jacket, you won’t find many complaints. The gamma jacket can be used in any outdoor situation and will keep you warm enough when inactive whilst giving great breath-ability when on the move.

The fabric of the jacket is made from a 4-way stretch polartec powershield which is lightweight and will enable you the freedom to stretch every which way. The jacket has a thin fleece lining which should keep you warm enough unless you are sat around for long periods of time.

The Gamma Mx arc’teryx jacket also comes equipped with a handy hood which is great for some extra warmth of protection from the wind.

Main Features of the Gamma Mx Jacket

Here are some features of the arc’teryx mx jacket:

Polartec power shield lightweight material
Breathable jacket
Wind and water resistant
Two zippered hand pockets
Storm hood compatible with helmet
Hip length
Laminated sleeve pocket
Laminated hem drawcord
DWR finish
595g weight

Our Verdict

The arcteryx gamma mx is a great jacket for any outdoor use and should cut down on the amount of layers you will need to take on your trip. This jacket is more suited to hardcore mountaineers and hikers but if you have the cash then its one of the best jackets around.

Some alternative options to look at if you are on more of a budget would be the RAB Vapourise which comes in at 1/4 of the price.