The Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Hoody is a medium-thick hooded softshell voor ladies and gents that can be used for regular hikes or alpine adventures. Read the review!
- Price: € 230.00/$ 249.00/£ 190.00
- Weight: Men (S) measured 497.8 gr (545 gr specified), ladies 465 gr.
- Sizes: Men XS-XXL, women XS-XL
Materials
The Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Hoody is a medium-thick softshell, which also explains the slightly higher than average weight. It is made of a mix 56% nylon, 34% polyamide and 10% elastane. The jacket can be washed on 40 ° C on a anti wrinkle program with normal detergent. After washing let it dry and finish with ironing or put it in the dryer to regenerate the DWR-coating.
Comfort
Since the fabric of the Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Hoody is a slightly stretchy fabric, it is very comfortable to wear and follows movements without any problem. In addition, the jacket is strongly preshaped. The fabric feels nice on bare skin. The jacket has a fairly long front and back so it fits nicely over the hips. Also the back is longer than the front and prevents a cold back when stooping. Under the jacket there is a great drawstring to put it on the hips. The cuffs on the sleeves close nicely.
The back of the Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Hoody is longer. 
Under the jacket there is a great drawstring.
No zippergarage
The front zipper cannot be opened from below and that is a shame, because that can be easy at the toilet. Behind the front zipper there is a good anti-draft and guide flap so that dust does not get in when zippers are closed. Downside is that the zipper at the chin has no zippergarage. The zipper also opens itself fairly easily.
Behind the front zipper there is a good anti-draft and guide flap. 
The zipper has no zippergarage.
Pockets
The pockets on the belly of the Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Hoody are nice and deep and are closed with a zipper. They are also placed high enough so that they can also be used if you wear a backpack with a hip belt or a climbing harness. The inner pocket – with zipper – is on the small side; a larger smartphone does not fit. According to Arc’Teryx, the size of this pocket is jacket size-dependent: I review a size S but a smartphone will fit in large sized jackets. Try this in store.
Hood
The hood of the Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Hoody has a super shape. It is large so that a helmet fits easily under it and the reinforced flap also does an excellent job. There is a lot of extra fabric around the neck which makes the freedom of movement excellent. At the back of the hood is a drawcord that you use to pull it around the head. The drawstrings for adjusting the collar and flap are on the inside of the jacket. With wind you never have strings that blow in your face, but when adjusted, wind and possibly drizzle do blow in your jacket.
A toggle is used to fix the hood but… 
…the drawstrings are on the inside. 
Excellent drawcord at the back of the hood.
Waterproof and breathable
Since the jacket is a softshell it is not waterproof. I tested the water-repellency new and after 3 washings and months of outdoor use and the DWR water repellent coating is very durable. Water stills drips down the jacket nicely. The Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Hoody is almost completely windproof and the breathability is excellent in practice.
Sustainability
At Arc’Teryx, sustainability means making gear that works and does not break. No recycled materials are used in the Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Hoody. The DWR coating is not PFC free, but free from the considerably more harmful C8 PFC connection. Arc’Teryx believes that there is not yet a good environmentally friendly DWR replacement. Arc’Teryx is not a member of the Fair Wear Foundation and not Bluesign certified. They are member of the EOCA. No Rank-a-Brand score.
Verdict
The Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Hoody is a wonderful all-round softshell for many different activities. That the front and back is longer than usual is a plus. Accessibility of the pockets while wearing a backpack is also excellent. The jacket is almost completely windproof and very breathable. The hood excels in fit and function. Downside is that the adjustment option is in the jacket and that is impractical. The DWR coating is not PFC-free, but does an excellent job. The price € 230.00/$ 249.00/£ 190.00 is steep but if you look at the craftsmanship on seams and the hood… I do understand this. I rate the Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Hoody at 8,1 points out of 10 total.
Information US: www.arcteryx.com
Information UK: www.arcteryx.com
InfInformation NL: www.arcteryx.com
