REASONS TO BUY
Durable fabric
Great fit
All-around usefulness
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited water resistance
Fitted cuffs
Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody Review
This is a great medium-weight softshell jacket that will hold up to rugged use thanks to its durable fabric
Credit: Zach Lovell
Our Verdict
The Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody is an exemplary softshell for all-around use in all four seasons. While there are better jackets out there for weight or weather protection, most softshells can't blend breathability and weather resistance like the Gamma Hoody. This layer is built with a durable fabric that excels in the rough environments that alpine and rock climbers often find themselves in yet manages to achieve this resilience at a lower weight than many other softshells. The Gamma does favor breathability over weather protection and is not as weatherproof as its more robust brother, the Gamma MX Hoody. However, it is versatile, stylish, and performs well enough across a range of applications that we do not hesitate to give it our Editor's Choice Award. See it rated versus top competitors in our review of the best softshell jackets.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Softshell Jacket |  Best for Wet Weather |  Best Bang for the Buck | Best for Cold Weather | Best Buy on a Tight Budget |
| Price | $300 List | $230.00 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $115.00 at Backcountry Compare at 4 sellers | $229.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $40 List $38.00 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | An all-around softshell jacket that is at home in the mountains but looks good in town as well | This softshell jacket is both water-resistant and breathable, a rare combination in the world of weather-protective garments | A well-made, lightweight softshell that prioritizes breathability above all else | A heavier-weight softshell that offers a surprising amount of breathability, given its warmth | A casual softshell jacket that offers warmth at a very accessible price |
| Rating Categories | Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody | Rab Kinetic 2.0 | Rab Borealis | Patagonia R2 TechFa... | Amazon Essentials W... |
| Weather Protection (30%) | |||||
| Breathability (30%) | |||||
| Mobility (25%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Versatility (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody | Rab Kinetic 2.0 | Rab Borealis | Patagonia R2 TechFa... | Amazon Essentials W... |
| Measured Weight (Size) | 17.3 oz (small) | 11.6 oz (medium) | 9.7 oz (medium) | 17.5 oz (medium) | 24.1 oz (medium) |
| Number of Pockets | 2 exterior hand zip, 1 interior chest zip | 2 exterior hand zip | 2 exterior chest zip | 2 exterior chest zip, 2 exterior hand zip, 2 interior drop-in | 1 exterior chest zip, 2 exterior hand zip |
| Breathability Test (In-Use Absorption) | 26 sq in | 30 sq in | 18 sq in | 35 sq in | 47 sq in |
| Warmth Test | 26.01 min | 29.25 min | 21.55 min | 30.25 min | 43.82 min |
| Water Retention Test (1-Min Soak) | 39 sq in | 10 sq in | 340 sq in | 4 sq in | 332 sq in |
| Drying Test | 7.97 min | 4.22 min | 6.08 min | 36.17 min | 41.17 min |
| Fabric Weight Class | Midweight | Midweight | Lightweight | Heavyweight | Heavyweight |
| Material | Wee Burly (56% nylon, 34% polyester, 10% elastane) with Arc'teryx Nu DWR treatment | Proflex: recycled polyester knit face 3L with PU membrane and recycled polyester backer | Lightweight Matrix single weave with 2-way stretch (85% nylon 6, 15% elastane) with DWR | 7.9-oz 92% recycled polyester/8% spandex stretch double weave with DWR finish | 92% polyester, 8% spandex |
| Insulated | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hood | Yes, helmet compatible, adjustable StormHood | Yes, under helmet with rear hood adjustment | Yes, under helmet with Lycra binding | Yes, under helmet with elastic binding | No |
| Unique Features | Athletic slim fit, large over-helmet hood, all-arounder performance | Breathable water resistance, relaxed fit, adjustability | Chest pockets become ventilation, packs inside chest pocket | Fleece-lined inner, tailored under-helmet hood | Top-tier heat retention |
| Layering Capabilities | Best worn under other layers | Can be layered over or under other layers | Can be layered over or under other layers | Can be layered over or under other layers | Can be layered over or under other layers |
| Adjustable Cuffs (Material) | No (stretch cuffs) | Yes (Velcro cuffs) | No (fixed elastic cuffs) | No (fixed elastic cuffs) | Yes (Velcro cuffs) |
| Available Sizes | XS - 2XL | S - 2XL | XS - 2XL | XS - 2XL | XS - 5XL |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Gamma line from Arc'teryx comprises garments that are stretchy and breathable while being moderately weatherproof. The Gamma Hoody is the midweight option in this series and is designed to be worn with or without layers in warm to cool climates, offering more generalized performance. The bulkier Gamma MX uses a fleece backing and has more warmth for colder weather but isn't as breathable. The Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody is the lightest version of the Gamma, offering the best breathability but the worst weather protection of the Gamma line.
Performance Comparison
As an all-around performer, we love the Gamma Hoody for trips into the mountains as well as on local day hikes thanks to its weather protection when needed but good breathability when it's not.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Weather Protection
Given how important weather protection is for any shell, we gave this metric 30% of the total score for the Gamma Hoody. We tested this metric by spending weeks in the field with each option in our lineup, going on alpine adventures, and intentionally going out into storms. We also stood underneath a full-blast shower for one minute, then recording the total surface area of any wet spots that may have developed on the underlayer. We also soaked a one-foot by one-foot section of fabric on the Gamma, recording the total drying time when using a hair dryer set to no heat. Lastly, we took a water bottle with boiling water and put it inside each layer, recording how long the garment kept the water temperature above 170 degrees Fahrenheit. We saw some of our most impressive results from these tests in the Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody.
The Wee Burly fabric used in the Gamma has a tight, hard-faced weave and does well at beading water off in light precipitation, thanks to an additional DWR (durable water repellent) treatment. It did fairly well in our shower test, with 39 square inches of wetness on the layer underneath. Like all the softshell jackets we tested, it is merely water-resistant, not waterproof. The fabric is air permeable, which positively affects its breathability, and it holds up to cold gusty winds well, though it is not as wind resistant as thicker lined models.
The Gamma Hoody offers a great balance between weather resistance and breathability, making it a decent all-arounder.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The hood on the Gamma Hoody is sized to accommodate a helmet and can be adjusted with three separate cinches. The wrist closures are fitted and not adjustable, making them a bit too tight to place over gloves but streamlined enough to easily slide under larger gauntlet-style gloves.
The Gamma hood and its adjustability offer an excellent seal against the elements.
Credit: Japhy Dhungana
Breathability
Since breathability is one of the best aspects of a softshell jacket, we gave this metric 30% of the total score of the Gamma Hoody. We tested this metric in the field with weeks of sustained physical activity outdoors, from backpacking to climbing. We also performed a prescribed 45-minute cardio circuit with each layer, measuring the surface area of the sweat spots that may have developed on the underlayer. This softshell scored very well in this metric.
The Gamma is unlined, which adequately allows moisture to pass through during strenuous activity. There are more breathable options available, but this one strikes a great balance between protection and ventilation, depending on what you are doing. During highly aerobic endeavors, having all the zippers pulled up can feel a bit stifling and hold more dampness within than a lighter option would. However, opening up the mesh-lined pockets helps considerably to dump excess heat. Given that this jacket is best used by climbers, hikers, and skiers who are not racing uphill at a blisteringly fast pace, we find the breathability to be appropriate for those activities. It's great for cooler days where your activity level is steady but not heart-pounding.
Booting up a steep couloir in the Eastern Sierra is taxing! Luckily this soft shell breathes well enough to handle it while still keeping gusts of wind at bay.
Credit: Clancy Nelson
Mobility
This metric weighed 25% of the total score of the Gamma Hoody due to how crucial such easy movement is to these garments. We tested mobility by pushing each softshell to perform in a wide variety of activities with a variety of body positions, taking detailed notes along the way. We also performed the exact same movements in each jacket, taking note of any restrictions or fabric bunching that might occur and measuring the amount of waistline lift that came up when hands were held overhead. The Gamma Hoody came in among the best options when it comes to the mobility metric.
Arc'teryx has done it again with the Gamma, creating a well-tailored jacket that allows for freedom of movement without being too bulky. However, this slim fit option may fall a bit too far to the slim side, depending on a shopper's preference. There's always the option of sizing up, but if you do, you run the risk of making the jacket too baggy. While some jackets' slim fit offers a bit of wiggle room, Arc'teryx is very precise with their tailoring. Our tester, fortunately, did not fall between sizes and ultimately found this option to offer excellent mobility. However, we wish it was slightly more baggy to accommodate a wider array of fit preferences.
If this cut works for you, you'll likely love the mobility of the Gamma Hoody.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Weight
We gave weight 10% of the total score of each softshell, simply weighing each option on the same scale. This jacket landed in the middle of the lineup.
At 17.3 ounces, the Gamma is in the midweight category as compared to the rest of the jackets in our review. Given its durability, breathability, and climbing-friendly cut, it is a solid jacket for its weight. There are other options with marginally better breathability and mobility, though this one has better weather protection at a similar weight. Depending on your preferred activities and climates, this may be a very smart tradeoff.
This option is fairly light, and packs down small enough to fit in most backpacks.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Versatility
We gave versatility 5% of the total score of the Gamma Hoody. We tested this metric by examining the variety of seasons and uses of each softshell. We also took a deep dive into the layering capabilities of each jacket, sizing up whether one could put each softshell over or under other garments. This all-arounder scored very well in this metric.
The Gamma incorporates interesting features that are useful and user-friendly. From the head down, we are happy to see there is a full-sized hood with three-way adjustable cinches, plus a stiffened brim to shed precipitation. The No-Slip Zip down the front uses small teeth to keep it from inadvertently sliding down. We haven't found this to be an issue in other jackets, but it works well and does keep the zipper at a comfortable height when needing to dump heat out on a strenuous uphill climb. We also loved the Gamma's multi-season use, and most will be comfortable using this piece all year long.
This stylish softshell even maintains its clean aesthetic while wearing a harness.
Credit: Zach Lovell
We really like the style of the Gamma. It is clean-cut, fits well, and is available in attractive colors. This jacket is comfortable in the mountains but does not seem out of place worn around town or to the store.
Should You Buy the Arc'Teryx Gamma Hoody?
The Gamma Hoody gives you a classic Arc'teryx jacket with excellent attention to detail, function, and good looks. You do pay a premium for this label, but we feel that it is a good value for the price. Arc'teryx is legendary for its extensive research and development process, and it pays off with a solid jacket that will hold up to rough outdoor environments.
What Other Softshell Jackets Should You Consider?
If you're hunting for a more breathable option, the Arc'Teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody is the lighter brother to the Gamma Hoody, also offering a more relaxed fit. This does come at the cost of reduced weather protection, but some may prioritize ventilation. If you're looking for more weather protection, the Rab Kinetic 2.0 is lighter than the Gamma but offers even better water resistance.
—Zach Lovell and Ryan Huetter
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