UKC

I've just bought the above as I saw one for 100 quid and thought it was a bargain, havent worn it yet.

Has anyone used one for winter alpine? If so with what underneath/on top

Was it warm enough?

Thanks in advance,

George

I have had my Gamma MX Hoody for two seasons and it works great. Much thanx to the hood. It's quite water resistant, but when there's a lot of water pouring on the ice, you'll get soaked. For skiing its great (both downhill and xc)

You'll stay fairly dry even in the worst snow fall, but it doesn't work as a rain shell!

I use it as if it was 'just another' shell jacket.
Underneath: regular 3 layer thechnical clothing and when it's wet -bring an rain coat/shell.

Ice and winter alpine sports tend to take place when it's cold, so the advantage is merely that it is more flexible and tight than a shell jacket.

Remember to ALWAYS water proof it whenever you wash your jacket...

In reply to multisport:

I disagree with just about everything you've said!

I have a Gamma SV, which I've worn for the last 3 seasons ice climbing and skiing. I wear a long-sleeved thermal top underneath, and if it's very cold, a Marmot Dri-Clime. It is almost totally waterproof (the fabric itself is waterproof but the seams aren't taped). In Rjukan a couple of years ago I had water running down the arms of the jacket yet I stayed dry.

The advantages over a traditional shell are not just that it's tighter and more flexible but that it's warmer, vents better and suitable for a far wider range of conditions.

The MX is rated for "Moderate" conditions (whatever the hell those are, and the SV for "Severe" hence the difference in our experiences, no doubt.

In reply to MaxB:

Oh, and in 3 years plus I've never waterproofed it and it's still waterproof. I'm not even sure you should waterproof softshell? Where's Dave Hunter when you need him?????

In reply to MaxB:

thought softshell generally speaking had a dwr coating that can be damaged by washing, hence previous poster comments about 're-proofing'

at least thats what i assume he meant

In reply to ste_d:

Yes, definitely the Dri-Clime type stuff does need the DWR "reactivating" - ranging from tumble-drying to ironing, to washing with Granger's, but the stuff the Gamma is made of is a very different material. I can't remember if the label said anything about reproofing....

In reply to MaxB:

label probably doesn't say anything about re-proofing but the arcteryx site says 'A modern day classic, the trim styling Gamma SV provides four-way mobility in a DWR treated, supremely durable and breathable fabric.'

so it does have dwr...

In reply to ste_d:

Cheers for that! So I guess I will have to at some point, but it's good that 3 years of reasonably heavy use and it still doesn't need doing!

In reply to MaxB:

So do you expect you'd be warm enough at -20c with merino base, marmot-driclime and gamma SV?

In reply to g taylor:

Personally, yes, as long as I'm not standing still for ages. But then I have good <ahem> "natural insulation"

If it looks like it's gonna be a difficult climb or a very cold day I carry a downie in my pack for the belays.

In reply to MaxB:

Good, sounds great, I'm getting a rab belay jckt to sling over the top in that situation. I'm quite looking forward to not having to take the paclite shell that invariably stays in the sack!

Cheers,

George