The Arcteryx Men's Gamma AR Jacket. Now constructed with expedition weight Fortius 3.0, this robust soft-shell is extremely tough and ideal for activities that demand breathable warmth and unrestricted range of motion.
Activity: | All Around |
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Fabrics/Materials: | Fortius 3.0™ |
Fit: | Athletic, waist length |
Type of Waterproofing: | DWR finish (Durable Water Repellent) |
Weight: | 694 g / 1 lb 8.5 oz |
Windproof: | yes |
I have an older Polartec version of this jacket and it's been one of my absolute favorites. The Gamma AR has been comfortable and warm from the Cascades (with adequate layering) to hanging out in downtown Seattle or Portland. Sheds light rain, cuts the wind, and breaths well during more active pursuits. No complaints whatsoever.
I just picked up the new version with Fortius 3.0 and wrote a review that wasn't entirely fair. So, I'm rewriting it a bit. This new jacket is almost identical in design to the old one. The fabric is stretchy, hangs a little lower in the front than the old style (which is nice), lightweight, good pocket placement, nice range of motion, and that great Arcteryx style. When the temperature falls much below 30 degrees, the new Fortius face fabric expects you to be active to provide real warmth as a standalone shell. The original jacket, with Polartec, immediately felt warmer. This is still a great jacket. After hiking or climbing with it, it makes a great mid layer under a shell. So far, I like the Polartec version a little better but I would still buy this one again. Oh, I haven't had any issues loosing things out of my pockets. Arcteryxs brilliant designers put zippers on mine to keep them closed. I know! Innovative, yeah? New Fortius 3.0 AND zippers on the pockets! 5'8, 170 pounds, size medium, fits perfectly with enough room to layer underneath.
Years ago, I always passed on anything from Arc'teryx due to the high prices. I usually went with Mountain Hardwear. But after buying my first Arc'teryx and experiencing the fit and quality. I was a convert.
Several pieces (and dollars) later, it's the main brand that I buy. If you are tall and slim Arc'teryx is made for you. I am 6'6" and 205 lbs. The arms are always long enough and the fit looks tailored.
The Gamma MX runs just slightly smaller due to it's athletic cut but fits perfect. I got the "Nightshade" and it is actually much darker than it looks in photos. This was an added plus.
The only problem with this brand is that when you get a piece you want to wear it everywhere you go.
This jacket is incredible!! Very light weight yet it provides a great amount of warmth. I live in Virginia and the temps do not get too cold but we get 30 degree weather. With a base layer and this jacket I stay plenty warm. I have worn it in a light drizzle and was amazed at how well it repelled the rain. I would definitely recommend this jacket. Arc'Teryx makes the best stuff and this jacket is no exception.
Got this for christmas, have been wearing it quite often since then. Great jacket for the cold, windy, and often wet San Francisco winter days. Took a little getting use to the pockets, jacket is designed with the thought of you wearing a pack so they are easily accesible without having to take the pack off. After a few weeks the pockets being different isn't noticeable.
Overall, a great jacket. Can't wait to add more to my collection.
Very cool softshell, I use it layered under my waterproof jacket when snowboarding. Provides some water resistance, so it could be taken by itself on a spring day. Jacket looks really good.
I find the pocket positioning somewhat awkward.
Hey,
this is a great jacket if you don't mind wearing something that feels like a heavy weight plastic bag with a little "fuzz" on the inside. Just heavy, cold and quite "tight".... I picked mine up a few months ago and even though I generally like Arcteryx products, this one is a dud.
The jacket is also really great if you like loosing you keys, or for that matter anything which will inevitably fall from the poorly designed front pockets.
Think I put mine on Ebay....
I had the Gamma AR Softshell for over 4 years so it must be the older version. I love that it looks good with working shirt so I use it mainly to work and sometimes business trip. It is thick and a little heavy for outdoor hiking use. It shed rain and I always take care during washing to make sure material remain waterproof. I had used it once in Chicago and does not block wind very well. You have to layer it during old winter or heavy rain/snow. Great for California weather but for not windy and cold place. Very durable so I will be using it for years to come.