Gamma MX's (see image) are revised for 2020 (see updates below).
Arc'teryx's Gamma line (Gamma SL, LT and MX) represents their multi-use, stretchy soft-shell outer-layer pieces.
As it's the case with Arc'teryx's most outerwear shell jackets, Gamma's too are not insulated.
If you're looking for a breathable, stretchy outer-wear to wear during multiple high-output activities (hiking, climbing, skiing, running...) out in variable weather; then the Gamma's can most likely be a good option.
Gamma SL vs LT vs MX: Summary
Performance-wise, Gamma LT and MX are quite alike. I bet Arc'teryx often find themselves thinking "Do we really need two of these jackets?..."
They're like Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill of the Arc'teryx line-up.
- #A sidenote here: Arcteryx.com's PDF guide to their jackets is GOOOLLDDD. Highly recommend you to check it out before you buy.
Colors indicate design intentions:
- Red: All-round, general purpose;
- Green: Hiking, backpacking, trekking;
- Blue: Snow sports,
- Grey: Climbing & alpine activities.
Bold are my top picks for each category. Also see my Best Arc'teryx Jackets article to read more about this.
| Breath-ability | Pack-ability | Weather Resistance | Durability | Length | Bagginess |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7/10 | 7/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
8/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
8/10 | 3/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | |
10/10 | 8/10 | 2/10 | 3/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | |
10/10 | 5/10 | 3/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
8/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | |
3/10 | 8/10 | 5/10 | 3/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
8/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
8/10 | 3/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | 3/10 | |
6/10 | 5/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 3/10 | |
8/10 | 3/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 6/10 | |
7/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 | |
7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
5/10 | 3/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | 10/10 | 6/10 | |
9/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
8/10 | 3/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 |
I've also just put together an Arc'teryx spreadsheet recently. Might help you out: https://outdoorcrunch.com/arcteryx-wiki/
If you're slightly on the breathability & weight savings side of the fence rather than the durability & weather resistance side, then Gamma LT would be a better option then the Gamma MX (and vice versa).
Between LT and MX, the only noticeable difference would be in the breathability department.
Gamma SL, on the other hand, is positioned differently than the LT and MX. At 290 g (10.2 oz), it's very light compared to 545 g (1 lbs 3.2 oz) Gamma LT and 555 g (1 lbs 3.6 oz) Gamma MX. But, in return, it sacrifices durability and weather resistance a lot.
When it comes to Gamma SL vs LT vs MX, I recommend the Gamma LT to most people because it offers the most balanced performance capabilities when it comes to weather resistance vs breathability during high output activities.
The redesign includes:
- An updated fabric with increased warmth-to-weight ratio and durability,
- A front liner for additional warmth,
- Updated sleeve opening for easier on/off,
- Cohaesive™ cordlock adjusters on the hood,
- And taped seams for a clean finish.
Gamma LT and SL remain the same.
The information given in this post applies both to 2020 and the previous revision of Gamma MX.
In short, if your main intent is casual wear around town on chilly nights, then MX is the better option - although Gamma wouldn't be my go-to product line for this type of use.
If you'll be physically active and looking for an outer-shell, though; you might overheat slightly more inside the MX - so get the LT. This would also be a better (the best, actually) type of use for the Gamma.
Breathability
The most glaring difference between the Gamma LT (see image) and Gamma MX is in their breathability performances (with the LT being superior to the MX).
Gamma LT's Wee Burly and Gamma SL's Fortius 1.0 are very breathable fabrics.
This advantage makes the LT and SL very suitable option for high output activities.
Then there's MX with Fortius 2.0, which is less breathable than the former two. It's still quite breathable though - even when you compare it to Arc'teryx's other premium shells.
As you see, all are breathable, with LT and SL being a bit superior to the MX.
Weather Protection
As it's the case with all stretchy soft-shells out there, none of these 3 products will offer superior weather protection compared to hard-shells - such as my favorite one from Arc'teryx.
Fortius 2.0 of MX performs better against wind, though the LT's Wee Burly doesn't fall too much behind. They both top the soft-shells in this department, with MX being slightly superior to the LT.
Gamma MX (see image) offers more weather protection than the SL and LT, though it's still pretty weak.
As you can guess by now, the weakest model in this category is our streamlined, lightest model SL.
Durability, which goes parallel to the weather protection in shells in most cases, isn't any different here. But the amount of how much they differ play out differently in this case:
- MX is superior to LT but not by a large amount. But the LT is superior to the SL by a large amount.
Waterproofing
None of them are waterproof, although they are water resistant.
The watertight zippers (mainly used in Gore-Tex designs) in their softshells are identical to those in hardshells - which may give the impression that Arc’teryx softshells are waterproof - whereas they are not in reality.
They, however, are DWR coated.
DWR is a coating.
It's basically sprayed on to the surface of these jackets as a finish. It stands for Durable Water Repellent - which means that water will be repelled under wet conditions instead of soaking into the fabric.
DWR also decreases dry time.
It's a good thing these jackets are coated in DWR, but pay attention to the fact that DWR is a coating - meaning that it will wear off over time.
Which is why you might want to invest in a DWR spray such as this one for after treatment.
As you see, there's a strong correlation between FP x FW and temperature ratings, but not more than, say, 80%. I explained why this happens here in this post of mine.
Which will help with light rain and moisture - but won't make a difference under anything more severe.
Warmth
None of these Gamma pieces are insulated. So they will not provide real warmth.
Fleece lined interior and the baggier nature of the Gamma MX will help with the warmth a bit.
But it would be the best not to have any warmth expectations when looking for shell jackets.
If you want warmth, consider getting a good Arc'teryx mid-layer such as this one.
Gamma SL (see image) offers the trimmest fitting.
Fit and Length
Gamma SL offers the trimmest fitting.
Gamma LT and MX comes with regular fit, and sits pretty much identically to the body.
At 30 inches (76 cm), the Gamma LT is the longest. MX and SL are identical here at 29.1 inches (74 cm).
Recommended base and mid layers for Gamma MX and LT
For a base layer I would suggest Arc'teryx's Rho - either this synthetic model or this wool model.
This or this fleece would also be reasonable mid-layers.
Conclusion
When it comes to Gamma SL vs LT vs MX, I recommend the Gamma LT to most people because it offers the most balanced performance capabilities when it comes to weather resistance vs breathability during high output activities.
I hope this post was helpful for you to learn more about the jacket(s) in your mind.
Feel free to ask me any questions or provide feedback and I'll be happy to respond in the comment section below.
Guide: Insulated & Shell Jackets
Start here:
Complete list:
Also see:
Thank you for reading!
Thanks for the comparison!
I have been thinking a non-hooded jacket by A’ryx for everyday casual use. You write that you would not prefer the Gamma series for such use.
So, what would you recommend? I am seeking a jacket for temperatures between roughly 8-18 C, and I am tall and slender. So a baggy jacket is a no-no…
Looking forward to see your recommendation….
Thanks – Mika
Thank you for your comment Mika!
I wouldn’t get an insulated jacket at the temperature range you mentioned as you risk overheating. I’d recommend a shell jacket, and probably the Solano (read review here).
Hi,
I purchased both the Solano and Gamma LT (no hood) from a vendor which grants free return shipping. Both jackets in size Large.
I am not a skinny but a slim guy, not very muscular. My measures are 191 cm (height), 108 cm (chest) and 101 (waist, measured around belly-button).
The Solano was really odd in sizing. While the jacket was starting to be slightly tight on my narrow shoulders, it was wide already on the chest and very baggy on the waist. Sleeves were some 3 cm too short for me. Note that this jacket is also quite short in length. So, a no-go for me…
The Gamma LT is a nice fit for me. Perfect on the shoulders and not too loose on the chest/waist. Sleeves are perfect in length for me. I also prefer to have length in the back of a jacket. I am still, however, pondering whether to keep it or not. The inside chest pocket is just ridiculous. Maybe it can house a credit card or keys – or a mini-sized wallet. But otherwise, this jacket looks great on my slim body.
By the way… there should be 11 comments, but I cannot access them by clicking the Commnets tab. If I right-click and select “Open page in new window”, it takes me back to this page…
Hi Mika, thank you for your comment!
Our site counts the ping-backs as comments as well, hence creating a confusion. All the comments that take place actually do get listed after clicking on “Load Comments” button. And sometimes, there aren’t any.
This analysis is 100% correct. I’ve spent multiple days in the mountains above 5,000 meters. This jacket is not for unpredictable harsh conditions. I use a Beta AR as my shell for that. However, the Gamma MX is perfect for skiing on cold days in the mountains worn over an insulated jacket. Don’t have to worry about rain because its too cold, and the brushed lining adds some warmth to those days below 10 degrees. The softshell feels great, doesnt crinkle, makes no noise and has plenty of pockets. The hood fits over a helmet easily.
I’ve enjoyed reading your comparisons of Arcteryx products and want to stick with their items in future!!
1. I’d like to get an Arcteryx Softshell to ear around town but it needs to be good to -20C for going for short walks & using it to go to/from the car. I wear a midlayer in winter. I need it to work in rain and snow too. Not for use in high output activities, so no need for pit zips, etc., like in my Theta hardshell jacket
I had thought of the Gamma MX, but wanted your input too, as you had concerns about it for casual use.