Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody Softshell Jacket Review
The most versatile softshell we've tested across hiking, climbing, and cross-country skiing
May 4th, 2026
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Our verdict
The Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody is a softshell jacket designed to maximize breathability while still providing weather resistance. It’s a durable and stretchy layer suitable for hiking, climbing, alpine adventures, Nordic skiing, winter hiking, and more.
We tested the men’s and women’s Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody across multiple seasons—primarily in spring, fall, and winter—and in a variety of weather conditions. We spent most of our time testing in the mountains of Colorado and the high desert of Southern Utah. We encountered wind, rain, snow, and warmer, sunnier conditions during our testing, and we remained impressed with the Gamma's performance through it all.
The Gamma is comfortable, breathable, and stretchy, with a streamlined and fairly simple design we love. In cool and cold conditions, this is a layer that moves and breathes with you, something you’ll be less likely to need to put on and take off throughout the day. This is why we named the Gamma the best overall winner in our Best Softshell Jackets guide.
The Gamma Hoody does run a premium price, so if budget is a top concern, there are more affordable softshells out there. And, it’s worth remembering that this jacket is not fully weatherproof. If you need to completely seal out the elements, you’ll want to consider a hardshell instead.
But, if you’re looking for a high performing and durable jacket that’s breathable, stretchy, and versatile for shoulder season and winter adventures, we think the Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody is an excellent choice.
Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody Softshell Jacket
men's
Women's
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Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody specifications
Price: $300
Weight: 425 g (women's); 465 g (men's)
Fit: Fitted (women); Regular (men's)
Material: Wee Burly double-weave nylon face fabric with brushed backer
Jacket type: Softshell
Water resistance: DWR-treated (PFAS free)
Wind resistant: Yes
Hood: Yes (jacket version available)
Pockets: Women’s: 2 hand; Men’s: 2 hand, 2 chest
Sizes available: Women’s: XXS-XXL; Men’s: XS-XXL
Comparison table
| SKI JACKET | MSRP* | WEIGHT | FIT | MATERIAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody Women's Men's |
$300 | 465 g (men's); 425 g (women's) | Regular (men's); fitted (women's) | Wee Burly double-weave nylon face fabric with brushed backer |
| Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody Women's Men's |
$260 | 350g (men's) | Regular (men's); fitted (women's) | Fortius 1.0 woven double-weave 86% nylon, 14% elastane softshell |
| Arc'teryx Gamma MX Women's Men's |
$400 | 585 g (men's); 510 g (women's) | Regular (men's and women's) | Fortius 2.0 Synthetic Stretch softshell with fleece backer |
| Mammut Ultimate VIII SO Hooded Jacket Women's Men's |
$299 | 559 g | Regular | Softshell with 3-layer GORE WINDSTOPPER fabric |
| Outdoor Research Ferrosi Softshell Women's Men's |
$165 | 395 g | Standard | Stretch woven ripstop |
Best for
Softshells like the Gamma are great for shoulder season weather, when it’s chilly and might rain, but you still need to prioritize breathability. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Hiking
Climbing
Alpine travel
Shoulder-season conditions
Active outdoor use
High-output winter activities
What we liked
The Gamma Hoody has a stretchy cuff on the wrist that does without Velcro or other adjustments—something that we think is appropriately simple and part of the jacket’s streamlined design. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Durable fabric
Streamlined design
Great breathability
Great stretch and mobility
Good weather resistance
Incredibly versatile across multiple seasons and use cases
What could be better
Premium price
No chest pockets on women’s model
May be too heavy for ultralight adventures
Hood is oversized without a helmet underneath
How we tested
The author and her husband testing the women’s and men’s Gamma softshells on a fall hike in southern Utah. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
We spent multiple years throughout different seasons testing various iterations of the Gamma softshell, including fall, winter, and spring testing the latest model. We tested both the men’s and women’s versions of this jacket side by side, and in direct comparison with other top-end softshells from other brands. We tested the Gamma in all sorts of weather conditions, including cold and snowy, rain, and chilly days in the alpine sun.
We encountered wind and precipitation, including heavy rain, to test for weatherproofing. We also spent time doing lots of high-output activities in cool weather, like steep hikes, cross-country skiing, and more to test for breathability. Throughout all these conditions, we tested with different layering systems, from a light t-shirt underneath to a full-on puffy on really cold days, and just about everything in between. Through all this, we found the Gamma Hoody to be an excellent and incredibly versatile jacket for a wide range of activities in cool and cold weather.
We tested the Arc’teryx Gamma in a variety of terrain and weather, including many drizzly and cool hikes in the Utah desert in late fall. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
We tested both the men’s and women’s versions of this jacket and found that both fit true to size, with a standard fit that isn’t overly snug or technical, leaving ample room for layers without being baggy. There is plenty of room for movement, but the jacket does not feel bulky, either.
Performance in the field
Testing the men’s Gamma hoody in Great Sand Dunes National Park on a cool and windy spring day. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Weather resistance
As with most softshells, the Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody is weather resistant and not fully weatherproof. This means that the Gamma sheds light precipitation without issue, but in a full on rainstorm, it’s going to eventually wet out.
On one trip, we tested the Gamma during a very cold and very rainy week in the high desert around Zion National Park. We went on long hikes where it drizzled most of the time and occasionally poured. The Gamma held its own. In the light but steady precipitation, it was ideal—shedding water with ease while still allowing for ample breathability while hiking. When the skies really opened up, we reached for a GORE-TEX rain jacket. But thankfully, the Gamma dries relatively quickly (faster than most midweight hardshell jackets) when it does get wet.
With this latest version of the Gamma being PFAS free, including the DWR, it’s important to wash the jacket regularly to keep that DWR fresh and working well. Doing this means that DWR will work like a charm. Learn more about how to clean and care for shells in our guide.
When it comes to wind, the Gamma does a good job here, too. It’s not a brick wall, and some air does get through, but that only adds points to the breathability. We tested the Gamma on a late fall hike above treeline in Colorado in cold and windy conditions. The Gamma blocked enough wind to keep us comfortable, but let just enough airflow in and out that we did not have to take it off, even while ascending thousands of vertical feet of climbing.
Breathability
The Arc’teryx Gamma is made of a stretchy softshell material that prioritizes breathability while still offering weather resistance, including a DWR coating on the face fabric.
While the Gamma is not the most breathable softshell we’ve ever tested, we find it offers the best balance overall of breathability and weather protection. The jacket is breathable enough to leave on even when working hard on steep climbs while hiking in cool weather, especially above treeline, and that wind protection is as beneficial as the breathability.
We also tested the Gamma on multiple cross-country ski outings, including on some single-digit days. Even when moving quickly and getting the heart rate up, this jacket proved to be an excellent layer for high-output activities in cold winter weather.
For the warmer shoulder-season adventures, a t-shirt or light base layer with the Gamma overtop was the ideal layering situation. On cold days, we added a light insulating layer underneath.
Comfort and mobility
We found both the men’s and women’s models of the Gamma Hoody to fit true to size. Photo by Jon Stockwell.
The Gamma fabric has a decent amount of stretch, which adds to the jacket's overall comfort and mobility. The men's has a regular fit, while the women's is fitted. We found both the men’s and women’s to fit true to size. There is enough space for a light or mid-weight midlayer or fleece underneath the jacket (our men’s tester did manage to fit a full-on winter-weight puffy underneath, but it was a bit snug). And without any additional layers aside from a base layer, the Gamma still fits comfortably without feeling baggy or cumbersome.
The collar on the Gamma Hoody is spacious and comfortable. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Durability
The Gamma Hoody does an excellent job of balancing comfort, weight, and breathability with durability. We’ve put in hundreds of miles of testing on this softshell, and it’s none the worse for wear. Even when hiking through tight sandstone canyons or scrambling over boulder fields in the high alpine, the Gamma showed no signs of wear from abrasion against the rocks, our pack straps, or anything else. We think this jacket should last many seasons and years of hard use, as it is well made with a tough fabric.
Weight and packability
We would categorize the Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody as a mid-weight softshell. And at 465 grams (16.4 ounces) for a men’s medium, that feels accurate compared to other options we've tested. This means the jacket is reasonably packable, but certainly not the lightest. If you’re in search of something you can stash into a small running vest, this won’t be it. But for hikes, climbs, winter adventures, and even shoulder-season backpacking trips, this is an excellent layer that balances weight, performance, and weather protection.
Features
The Gamma Hoody has an adjustable hood that can fit over a hat or a low-profile helmet, like a climbing helmet. Photo by Jon Stockwell.
Softshell stretch fabric
DWR treatment (PFAS free)
Articulated patterning
Zippered hand pockets
Zippered chest pockets on men’s model only
Adjustable hem
Adjustable hood
Durable face fabric
Lightweight and streamlined construction
No Slip Zip front zipper
Partial elastic cuffs
Helmet-compatible StormHood
Men’s vs women’s differences
Testing the men’s and women’s Gamma Hoody side by side—in the same color, of course. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Overall, the men’s and women’s versions of the Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody are very similar. The men’s has a standard fit. And while Arc’teryx has moved away from more hourglass-like shapes in women’s models toward a more neutral and loose fit, the women’s is a trim fit, making it snugger fitting overall. The men’s obviously fits larger than the women’s in correlating sizes, and the men’s has an overall boxier cut throughout.
The women’s Gamma Hoody does not have any chest pockets, unlike the men’s, but it does have two hand pockets. Photo by Jon Stockwell.
The most notable difference is that the men’s version has two chest pockets while the women’s has none. We think the jackets are similar enough in shape (and identical in fabric and technical details) that you could pick either based on your pocket preference—just be sure to size accordingly. This is probably easier for women to find a good fit in the men’s rather than the other way around, unless the men don’t mind a trimmer fit overall. For example, our women’s tester does not usually use chest pockets, so she doesn’t mind the lack here. But if she needed or wanted them, she’d consider sizing down from her women’s small to a men’s extra small in order to get those chest pockets. (Note that the arms on the men's jacket may be too long for some women.)
The men’s version of the Gamma Hoody has two chest pockets and two hand pockets. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Color options for the men’s and women’s models are fairly similar, with multiple neutral options and a couple of colors. And when it comes to weight, the men’s model is slightly heavier, for two obvious reasons: two additional pockets and zippers, and there is more fabric in a men’s medium than a women’s medium. So, we don’t think weight is much of a consideration here, given that the fabric and specs (aside from the two chest pockets) are exactly the same.
Should you buy the Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody?
The Arc’teryx Gamma is a favorite softshell for our testers, used for all sorts of adventures in varying types of weather. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Buy if:
You want a breathable softshell for active use
You hike,climb, or ski tour in variable conditions
You prioritize durability and mobility
You use layering systems regularly and want a jacket that doesn't need to come on and off
You want a versatile three-season layer that isn’t a hardshell
Skip if:
You need full waterproof protection
You want insulation built in
You’re on a tight budget
You need a dedicated rain shell
If light weight is a priority
Where to buy the Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody
The Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody softshell jacket is popular, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Zappos
Pros: 365-day free shipping on returns, fast delivery with free VIP program
Evo
Pros: 365 day returns, store locations in ski towns for easy last-minute pick-up, may offer rentals if you want to try before you buy, earn 10% back in Rewards
Advice on where to buy
In general for apparel, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns, like REI or Zappos. If your funds allow, many people find it is faster to order two sizes and return whichever one didn't fit as well. Additionally, check reviews to see whether other users recommend sizing up or down.
Similar softshell jackets
Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody vs Gamma Lightweight Hoody
Price: $260
Weight: 350 g (men's)
Fit: Regular (men's); fitted (women's)
Material: Fortius 1.0 woven double-weave 86% nylon, 14% elastane softshell
The Gamma Lightweight is the lightest version of the Gamma, meaning it’s more packable and better suited to fast and light adventures. For all-around use and better durability, we think the regular Gamma is the best choice. But if you want the Gamma's performance features in a lighter package, consider the Lightweight.
Arcteryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody
men's
Women's
Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody vs Gamma MX
Price: $400
Weight: 585 g (men's); 510 g (women's)
Fit: Regular (men's and women's)
Material: Fortius 2.0 Synthetic Stretch softshell with fleece backer
The MX, which stands for “mixed conditions” in Arc’teryx lingo, is the warmest and heaviest version of the Gamma. If you want a more winter-focused softshell layer for colder conditions, this is a great option. It’s made with a thicker and warmer face fabric than the regular Gamma, and has a fleece backer for additional warmth. We think the regular Gamma is more versatile and breathable overall, but if warmth is a top priority in your softshell, consider the MX.
Arc'teryx Gamma mx
men's
Women's
Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody vs Mammut Ultimate VIII SO Hooded Jacket
Price: $299
Weight: 559 g
Fit: Regular
Material: Softshell with 3-layer GORE WINDSTOPPER fabric
The Mammut Ultimate VIII SO is another one of our favorite softshells, especially for its breathability. This jacket is very stretchy and breathable, while still fending off light precipitation. With a WINDSTOPPER ePE membrane, it blocks wind very well. If you do a lot of high-output activities in cool and cold weather, consider this softshell. The Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody has a more abrasion-resistant face fabric and holds up to precipitation better, but the Mammut is more breathable.
Mammut Ultimate VIII SO Hooded Jacket
men's
Women's
Arc'teryx Gamma vs Outdoor Research Ferrosi Softshell
Price: $165
Weight: 395 g
Fit: Standard
Material: Stretch woven ripstop
If you’re looking for an excellent softshell on a budget, the Ferrosi is our top choice. It is very breathable and comfortable with ample stretch. It stands up to light precipitation well and dries quickly, too. Plus, it’s lighter and more packable than the Gamma Hoody. The Gamma has a more durable face fabric and is more weather protective overall. But, we think the Ferrosi is an excellent choice for folks who want to save some money or save some weight—or both.
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is the best affordable winner in our Best Softshell Jackets guide. For more, read our in-depth review of the Ferrosi softshell.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Softshell
men's
Women's
Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody vs Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
Price: $229
Weight: 207 g
Fit: Standard
Material: Schoeller stretch woven softshell
The Alpine Start Hoody is one of the lightest softshell jackets we’ve tested. Think of it almost like a cross between a softshell jacket and an ultralight wind jacket—it’s more breathable than straight-up wind shells, but a whole lot lighter than most softshells. It won’t be as durable, warm, or weather resistant as heavier options like the Gamma Hoody, but it offers moderate wind and water resistance while giving max breathability and stretch. It’s also the winner of best for trail running in our Best Women’s Running Jackets guide. For fast and light adventures, this is a great option.
Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
men's
Women's
Why you should trust us / About the author
The author testing the Arc’teryx Gamma softshell on a fall hike with her son. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Stasia Stockwell has been testing and writing about gear for over a dozen years and has been covering technical apparel for Treeline Review for several years running. In that time, she’s done a great deal of apparel testing, from hardshells designed for skiing to ultralight windshells, and, of course, softshells. Testing for weather resistance is pretty easy—just get out into the elements and see if you stay warm and dry. Testing for and comparing breathability is a skill she's honed over all these years of testing. And, as someone who runs hot and lives in a dry climate, it’s a feature she highly prioritizes. Softshell testing puts her right in her element—doing high output activities in cool and cold weather, often well above treeline where she’s happiest.
Stasia is a true mountain dweller at heart. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held WFR, AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue Certifications, and is working to become an avalanche education instructor. She now calls Breckenridge, Colorado and the mountains that surround it her home. In the winters, she racks up as many ski days as possible; she loves long days in the backcountry, but nothing compares to hot laps on the T-bar at her home resort. In the summers, she’s an avid mountain biker and gravel-dabbler. Sometimes you might even find her on a trail sans bike, running slowly or backpacking to an alpine lake. She’s a full-time writer and editor in the outdoor space, and the managing editor for TrailsMagazine.
