Follow your impulse. Made for warmer days and designed to handle a range of terrain, conditions, and activities, the Gamma Lightweight Hoody – our lightest Gamma hoody – is an essential softshell for anyone maximizing their time outside. Wind resistant and water repellent, the Fortius 1.0 softshell fabric stretches, breathes, provides UPF 40+ protection, and is made with recycled nylon. The quick-adjust StormHood provides coverage, and the regular fit is patterned for unrestricted mobility.
Follow your impulse. Made for warmer days and designed to handle a range of terrain, conditions, and activities, the Gamma Lightweight Hoody – our lightest Gamma hoody – is an essential softshell for anyone maximizing their time outside. Wind resistant and water repellent, the Fortius 1.0 softshell fabric stretches, breathes, provides UPF 40+ protection, and is made with recycled nylon. The quick-adjust StormHood provides coverage, and the regular fit is patterned for unrestricted mobility.
Follow your impulse. Made for warmer days and designed to handle a range of terrain, conditions, and activities, the Gamma Lightweight Hoody – our lightest Gamma hoody – is an essential softshell for anyone maximizing their time outside. Wind resistant and water repellent, the Fortius 1.0 softshell fabric stretches, breathes, provides UPF 40+ protection, and is made with recycled nylon. The quick-adjust StormHood provides coverage, and the regular fit is patterned for unrestricted mobility.
Follow your impulse. Made for warmer days and designed to handle a range of terrain, conditions, and activities, the Gamma Lightweight Hoody – our lightest Gamma hoody – is an essential softshell for anyone maximizing their time outside. Wind resistant and water repellent, the Fortius 1.0 softshell fabric stretches, breathes, provides UPF 40+ protection, and is made with recycled nylon. The quick-adjust StormHood provides coverage, and the regular fit is patterned for unrestricted mobility.
Last updated at 12/31/2025 05:11:54
originally posted on REI
I received this product in exchange for a review. This is my first Arc’teryx product of any kind, and having seen their normal price point, my expectations were high, thankfully this jacket delivers.Firstly it is just the right cut and fit for me, size M normally, and the Gamma Hoodie fits me perfectly, just big enough to layer underneath while still maintaining great arm mobility. The quality of the fabric felt great against skin and zippers are excellent !The hood is too big without a helmet or a hat but thankfully it can be cinched down from the back of the hood, and it stays in place. The soft shell material itself is reasonably water resistant, and my first day using it was in light rain/ shower in New England, and after about 30 min, I can see a few spots ... MoreI received this product in exchange for a review. This is my first Arc’teryx product of any kind, and having seen their normal price point, my expectations were high, thankfully this jacket delivers.Firstly it is just the right cut and fit for me, size M normally, and the Gamma Hoodie fits me perfectly, just big enough to layer underneath while still maintaining great arm mobility. The quality of the fabric felt great against skin and zippers are excellent !The hood is too big without a helmet or a hat but thankfully it can be cinched down from the back of the hood, and it stays in place. The soft shell material itself is reasonably water resistant, and my first day using it was in light rain/ shower in New England, and after about 30 min, I can see a few spots here and there where the rain might have begun to sip through , but overall I’m pleased to know it can be using in lieu of rain jacket during light elements, perfect for my work commute.Overall I’m really pleased with this jacket and it has been my go to layering option.
originally posted on REI
I like this jacket a lot. It has a unique color, is very stretchy, and seems to regulate heat pretty well. There are two chest pockets, which sets it apart. I do wish one was on the inside, however. The zipper pulls are a sort of semi hard plastic that I like but I’m uncertain how long they’ll last, especially when exposed to high heat or UV. The product claims to be water repellent, but having used this in the rain, I don’t know if I would agree with that. I don’t expect it to shed water like a dedicated rain shell, but it’s hardly water resistant, in my opinion. But you can’t have everything in one product. Another issue is purely aesthetic. When the hood is zipped up 3/4 of the way, the collar splays quite a bit. This is somewhat unavoidable with hoods, but just ... MoreI like this jacket a lot. It has a unique color, is very stretchy, and seems to regulate heat pretty well. There are two chest pockets, which sets it apart. I do wish one was on the inside, however. The zipper pulls are a sort of semi hard plastic that I like but I’m uncertain how long they’ll last, especially when exposed to high heat or UV. The product claims to be water repellent, but having used this in the rain, I don’t know if I would agree with that. I don’t expect it to shed water like a dedicated rain shell, but it’s hardly water resistant, in my opinion. But you can’t have everything in one product. Another issue is purely aesthetic. When the hood is zipped up 3/4 of the way, the collar splays quite a bit. This is somewhat unavoidable with hoods, but just seems that Arcteryx could’ve engineered this a little better. When the jacket is zipped up all the way, the stretchiness of the material allows you to easily pull the hood on and off. The hood can be adjusted with a drawstring in the back. This design is the easiest that I’ve encountered in any light jacket. This is perfect for windy conditions or running. Overall I would recommend this for dry, chilly weather. Anything too wet and I think it would be soaked, unfortunately.
originally posted on REI
Overall a great softshell. Lightweight, packable, and for a soft shell material, seemingly very durable. Held up pretty good in some solid rain that lasted about 30-45 min while hiking in Yosemite. Towards the end of the rain it did start to wet out and the jacket was no longer beading. However, in that level of rain a shell jacket would probably have been better suited. Only complaint really is that it isnt as fitted in the torso as I'd like. I'm 6'1 175lbs fit physique and went with a size Large. I will say that the length of arms and torso is great though. Overall great jacket, I would recommend.
| Fit | Regular |
I received this product in exchange for a review. This is my first Arc’teryx product of any kind, and having seen their normal price point, my expectations were high, thankfully this jacket delivers.Firstly it is just the right cut and fit for me, size M normally, and the Gamma Hoodie fits me perfectly, just big enough to layer underneath while still maintaining great arm mobility. The quality of the fabric felt great against skin and zippers are excellent !The hood is too big without a helmet or a hat but thankfully it can be cinched down from the back of the hood, and it stays in place. The soft shell material itself is reasonably water resistant, and my first day using it was in light rain/ shower in New England, and after about 30 min, I can see a few spots ... MoreI received this product in exchange for a review. This is my first Arc’teryx product of any kind, and having seen their normal price point, my expectations were high, thankfully this jacket delivers.Firstly it is just the right cut and fit for me, size M normally, and the Gamma Hoodie fits me perfectly, just big enough to layer underneath while still maintaining great arm mobility. The quality of the fabric felt great against skin and zippers are excellent !The hood is too big without a helmet or a hat but thankfully it can be cinched down from the back of the hood, and it stays in place. The soft shell material itself is reasonably water resistant, and my first day using it was in light rain/ shower in New England, and after about 30 min, I can see a few spots here and there where the rain might have begun to sip through , but overall I’m pleased to know it can be using in lieu of rain jacket during light elements, perfect for my work commute.Overall I’m really pleased with this jacket and it has been my go to layering option.
I like this jacket a lot. It has a unique color, is very stretchy, and seems to regulate heat pretty well. There are two chest pockets, which sets it apart. I do wish one was on the inside, however. The zipper pulls are a sort of semi hard plastic that I like but I’m uncertain how long they’ll last, especially when exposed to high heat or UV. The product claims to be water repellent, but having used this in the rain, I don’t know if I would agree with that. I don’t expect it to shed water like a dedicated rain shell, but it’s hardly water resistant, in my opinion. But you can’t have everything in one product. Another issue is purely aesthetic. When the hood is zipped up 3/4 of the way, the collar splays quite a bit. This is somewhat unavoidable with hoods, but just ... MoreI like this jacket a lot. It has a unique color, is very stretchy, and seems to regulate heat pretty well. There are two chest pockets, which sets it apart. I do wish one was on the inside, however. The zipper pulls are a sort of semi hard plastic that I like but I’m uncertain how long they’ll last, especially when exposed to high heat or UV. The product claims to be water repellent, but having used this in the rain, I don’t know if I would agree with that. I don’t expect it to shed water like a dedicated rain shell, but it’s hardly water resistant, in my opinion. But you can’t have everything in one product. Another issue is purely aesthetic. When the hood is zipped up 3/4 of the way, the collar splays quite a bit. This is somewhat unavoidable with hoods, but just seems that Arcteryx could’ve engineered this a little better. When the jacket is zipped up all the way, the stretchiness of the material allows you to easily pull the hood on and off. The hood can be adjusted with a drawstring in the back. This design is the easiest that I’ve encountered in any light jacket. This is perfect for windy conditions or running. Overall I would recommend this for dry, chilly weather. Anything too wet and I think it would be soaked, unfortunately.
Overall a great softshell. Lightweight, packable, and for a soft shell material, seemingly very durable. Held up pretty good in some solid rain that lasted about 30-45 min while hiking in Yosemite. Towards the end of the rain it did start to wet out and the jacket was no longer beading. However, in that level of rain a shell jacket would probably have been better suited. Only complaint really is that it isnt as fitted in the torso as I'd like. I'm 6'1 175lbs fit physique and went with a size Large. I will say that the length of arms and torso is great though. Overall great jacket, I would recommend.
First i ordered the Chloris and while i like the color its perhaps too light. After returning that I ordered the Black hoody. Upon receiving it i tried it on, noticing an awful chemical smell. Immediately i started to feel sickly. Im seeing this comment more and more frequently with arcteryx black dye. If its as environmentally friendly as they claim then why does it smell like it does?As far as the fit goes, its looser than the previous revision but not a great deal larger. if you have broad shoulders its an improvement but otherwise maybe not so much.This is most perfect fitting jacket ive ever tried on but its a shame that ive had to send back two in one week. The colors this season as terrible as well.
My partner got this jacket for me as a birthday present and I absolutely love it. It's very similar in build to my Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoodie, though the Gamma LT is a bit stronger fabric and more abrasion-resistant. I love that it has two lower pockets (vs. the Alpine Start's single chest pocket), though it doesn't pack down as small. Nevertheless, if I'm on trails or rocks where I expect to get scrapes, the Gamma LT would absolutely hold up better to wear.I've worn it around town a ton, but finally got to test it out on trails on a short by steep scramble up in Olympic National Forest. The Gamma outperformed all expectations. Despite some warm temps, the jacket breathed incredibly well. We ended up bushwhacking a bit, and this jacket powered through many ... MoreMy partner got this jacket for me as a birthday present and I absolutely love it. It's very similar in build to my Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoodie, though the Gamma LT is a bit stronger fabric and more abrasion-resistant. I love that it has two lower pockets (vs. the Alpine Start's single chest pocket), though it doesn't pack down as small. Nevertheless, if I'm on trails or rocks where I expect to get scrapes, the Gamma LT would absolutely hold up better to wear.I've worn it around town a ton, but finally got to test it out on trails on a short by steep scramble up in Olympic National Forest. The Gamma outperformed all expectations. Despite some warm temps, the jacket breathed incredibly well. We ended up bushwhacking a bit, and this jacket powered through many tree limbs without any damage. When it came time to use our arms and scramble, the jacket was stretchy enough to allow freedom of movement up some class-3 rock without falling out of place or restricting my arms. I'll have this jacket with me on any and all climbs going forward.Fit for me is a bit weird, I have a size 38 chest, 32'' waist, and usually fit in mediums for most gear, though I can fit in some smalls. I have a small version of the Gamma LT, and it fits perfectly, not too snug or too loose. I'm not able to wear anything other than maybe a baselayer + thin midlayer under it, but that's just me.
My reviews of Arc'teryx gear share a common theme: range. That's what I look for in gear. I live in the Rocky Mountains and can experience every possible weather condition in a single day, with a temperature swing of 11º C (20º F) between shadow and sun. I do a lot of physical work in the mountains.This lightweight hoody is good for cool mornings, around 7ºC (45º F), with light activity and a sun hoody underneath. This comfort zone extends into the high teens (C) (mid-sixties F) with moderately vigorous activity. Working up a sweat underneath isn't a major issue as the material is breathable enough to allow some refreshing air to enter, so you won't get much more soaked in sweat than you would without it.Keep in mind, this hoody isn't going to cut the cold of a ... MoreMy reviews of Arc'teryx gear share a common theme: range. That's what I look for in gear. I live in the Rocky Mountains and can experience every possible weather condition in a single day, with a temperature swing of 11º C (20º F) between shadow and sun. I do a lot of physical work in the mountains.This lightweight hoody is good for cool mornings, around 7ºC (45º F), with light activity and a sun hoody underneath. This comfort zone extends into the high teens (C) (mid-sixties F) with moderately vigorous activity. Working up a sweat underneath isn't a major issue as the material is breathable enough to allow some refreshing air to enter, so you won't get much more soaked in sweat than you would without it.Keep in mind, this hoody isn't going to cut the cold of a sharp wind. If the sun's going down and you've got a light sweat going, when you stop, you might want to throw a layer on underneath. It improves the warming ability of inner layers by limiting the wind, but it definitely doesn't stop it. It's no replacement for a hard shell; it's an entirely different piece of gear.Increasing the warmth of mid-layers while maintaining some breathability is why I got it, and it's why I'm writing this positive review. It does that well.Another thing it won't do: keep you dry. However, nothing keeps you dry when moving in the rain, so the next best thing is gear that dries out fast, which this does. A benefit of how it limits wind without blocking it is that after you've gotten wet in the rain, you won't freeze when it stops raining and the sunshirt you're wearing underneath dries out. Well, you won't freeze as much as you would without it, which is plenty of reason to consider it a pleasure to have after a light summer rainstorm. But, in a storm so bad that you need to stop moving, you want a hard shell.The cut is ...roomy in the belly. The shoulders, chest, arms, articulation, and length are perfect. But, the belly does not flatter like other Arc'teryx gear. In winter gear, this would be a source of a bad review because the bellows-effect of so much additional room in the waist would make a jacket pointless. In the summer, however, the bellows-effect is unnoticeable or may actually add to the feeling of breathability and transpiration. Besides, there are cinch cords at the hem to lock in a little extra warmth when needed, and it hangs pretty well on the body with a slight cinch.The Stone Wash blue is :chefs-kiss:. There's something very comforting about this color, like a favorite childhood hoody. It looks nice with everything, and if you have blue eyes, your special someone will notice and say it looks good on you.
The Gamma Lightweight is the piece I reach for the most for shoulder season activities, chilly summer evenings, and all-round travel jacket. It keeps the wind out well for how light it is. Stretchy - so it's easy to move in. Durable exterior - not as hardy as the thicker Gamma siblings - but I've no issues throwing this jacket around hiking, biking, and rock climbing, and it has held up well with no visible scuffs. Mind you I got it in white too. Water beads off beautifully when caught in the occasional shower. If you happen to be caught in a summer downpour in Japan like I did and wetted out (very fair considering it was 10 min heavy rain, this isn't a hardshell), it was drying by the time I found a station to duck in and the train came. Favorite travel jacket for ... MoreThe Gamma Lightweight is the piece I reach for the most for shoulder season activities, chilly summer evenings, and all-round travel jacket. It keeps the wind out well for how light it is. Stretchy - so it's easy to move in. Durable exterior - not as hardy as the thicker Gamma siblings - but I've no issues throwing this jacket around hiking, biking, and rock climbing, and it has held up well with no visible scuffs. Mind you I got it in white too. Water beads off beautifully when caught in the occasional shower. If you happen to be caught in a summer downpour in Japan like I did and wetted out (very fair considering it was 10 min heavy rain, this isn't a hardshell), it was drying by the time I found a station to duck in and the train came. Favorite travel jacket for how low maintenance and packable it is.
It’s a great jacket from Arc’teryx. The dual front pockets and hand pockets give me enough space for what I’m using the lightweight jacket for. The hood provides plenty of coverage and is shaped nicely and is shaped nicely even for a helmet. As someone sun sensitive the upf rating is always an important stat or feature for me and this one is right at 50 which is great. The color although nervous about was really pleasant and both myself and wife enjoyed it. I’ve used it on a couple of light hikes and a trip to Chicago with a little chillier temp and rain and it performed well. It’s water resistant but time will tell and conditions will tell how well. For the light rain I was in it did perform. Feels lightweight and breathable. Would definitely recommend for a layer ... MoreIt’s a great jacket from Arc’teryx. The dual front pockets and hand pockets give me enough space for what I’m using the lightweight jacket for. The hood provides plenty of coverage and is shaped nicely and is shaped nicely even for a helmet. As someone sun sensitive the upf rating is always an important stat or feature for me and this one is right at 50 which is great. The color although nervous about was really pleasant and both myself and wife enjoyed it. I’ve used it on a couple of light hikes and a trip to Chicago with a little chillier temp and rain and it performed well. It’s water resistant but time will tell and conditions will tell how well. For the light rain I was in it did perform. Feels lightweight and breathable. Would definitely recommend for a layer that’s lightweight milder temps and easily packable.
I love this jacket. A lot of people seem to be saying that it’s too baggy but comparing it to the previous Gamma lightweight (gamma SL) it’s only slightly looser. the shoulders are broader and the waist is slightly wider but it’s still cut better than %95 of competitors jackets. The cut is now more designed for layering. It’s by no means a bulky jacket and appreciate the added chest pockets. For reference I’m 6’ 200 lbs and lean due to constant cycling, hiking, and skiing. The large fits me very well. Again, I do have broad shoulders and that could be why it fits me so well. I also have a high ape index so the sleeves are near perfect.I still wish the wrists and hem were stitched instead of glued. Maybe someday I’ll get my wish.The chloris is a very interesting ... MoreI love this jacket. A lot of people seem to be saying that it’s too baggy but comparing it to the previous Gamma lightweight (gamma SL) it’s only slightly looser. the shoulders are broader and the waist is slightly wider but it’s still cut better than %95 of competitors jackets. The cut is now more designed for layering. It’s by no means a bulky jacket and appreciate the added chest pockets. For reference I’m 6’ 200 lbs and lean due to constant cycling, hiking, and skiing. The large fits me very well. Again, I do have broad shoulders and that could be why it fits me so well. I also have a high ape index so the sleeves are near perfect.I still wish the wrists and hem were stitched instead of glued. Maybe someday I’ll get my wish.The chloris is a very interesting and unique green that looks better in person than on the website or in photos but ultimately I sent it back and kept the black jacket.I think it will work well for winter mountaineering as I run very warm. I use it as a first shell and If needed I add a hardshell over the top and then belay. I hate shedding layers and this will work slightly better for me in the cold than the gamma SL has. I’ll keep the SL for cool weather cycling.I do feel that it’s too loose to use a summer shell (again it’s not baggy) unless you’re wearing it casually.
I'm very happy with this Arc'teryx Gamma hoodie! It's a high quality, multi purpose layer that's useful in so many different situations!The material is very comfortable. I usually don't like rain jacket material. I find it course and rigid. But this material is stretchy, and comfortable against bare skin. It was excellent in repelling water! The raindrops instantly bead up into little droplets that fall off with movement. I have the Chloris color; it seemed to look different in every picture I took. A very interesting color! Depending on the light and other factors, it looks completely different. Very cool.I'm 6'4" and thin. I purchased a size Large hoodie and it fit perfect. Usually jackets like this are a little short but I found the torso length and arm ... MoreI'm very happy with this Arc'teryx Gamma hoodie! It's a high quality, multi purpose layer that's useful in so many different situations!The material is very comfortable. I usually don't like rain jacket material. I find it course and rigid. But this material is stretchy, and comfortable against bare skin. It was excellent in repelling water! The raindrops instantly bead up into little droplets that fall off with movement. I have the Chloris color; it seemed to look different in every picture I took. A very interesting color! Depending on the light and other factors, it looks completely different. Very cool.I'm 6'4" and thin. I purchased a size Large hoodie and it fit perfect. Usually jackets like this are a little short but I found the torso length and arm length to fit well. It's a little longer in the back which is great when riding a bike.There are a couple extra features I really like. The wrist area has a stretchy material around it to keep the hoodie at the right length. It wasn't too tight though. It has two pockets for your hands, and two on the chest area. The hood has an adjustment for that perfect fit. The hood fit over my bike helmet too! The waist also has an adjuster to keep water out of your pants!This is a well made jacket, that I'm excited to use on any adventure.
| Fit | Regular |
