Men’s Softshell Jackets at Arc’teryx
A men’s softshell jacket gives you stretch, breathability and all-day comfort. That makes it the jacket you leave on while you climb, scramble or skin uphill, with a tightly woven face that resists wind and a water-repellent finish for light moisture. Our men’s softshell jackets cover sunny hikes, alpine mornings and the walk to the office.
How do the Gamma Lightweight, Gamma and Gamma MX softshell jackets differ?
The Gamma family comes in three weights. The Gamma Lightweight Hoody is our lightest Gamma hoody, made for warmer days. The Gamma Jacket is a high-stretch, wind-resistant softshell jacket with two zippered chest pockets, and the Gamma MX is our warmest, made from Fortius 2.0 fabric that gives midweight insulation and was originally developed for ice climbing. Add a hiking fleece underneath for colder starts.
Is a softshell jacket good for summer hikes and high UV?
On an exposed Australian summer walk, sun is as big a problem as wind. The Gamma Lightweight Hoody and Jacket pair a wind-resistant, water-repellent softshell with UPF 50+ protection, and the Ossa 1/2 Zip Hoody is a stretch nylon layer with a half zip for venting on warm climbs. The Ossa Stowhood Jacket tucks its hood away when you do not need it. Finish the kit with hiking pants and a hiking cap.
Can a softshell jacket work from trail to town?
Some softshell jackets are made to be worn after the hike too. The Mionn Softshell Overshirt is breathable and wrinkle resistant with a lofted feel that adds warmth with light water resistance, and the Isogon MX Hoody is a double-weave layer that resists wind and light moisture under an adjustable StormHood. The Quartic Jacket is a midweight option with an adjustable hood for cooler days. Carry the lot in a cross body bag.
Men’s Softshell Jacket FAQs
What is a men’s softshell jacket, and what is it made from?
A men’s softshell jacket is a stretchy, breathable jacket with a tightly woven face that resists wind and light moisture, so you can keep it on while you work. The Gamma Lightweight uses Fortius 1.0, the Gamma MX uses Fortius 2.0, the Isogon MX Hoody a burly double-weave and the Quartic Jacket a stretch double-weave with a water-repellent treatment. For a lighter wind layer or steady rain, see our windbreaker jackets or waterproof jackets.
Which men’s softshell jacket is warmest for winter?
The Gamma MX is our warmest Gamma, with Fortius 2.0 fabric that provides midweight insulation, resists wind and repels water. It was originally made for ice climbing and has been updated with a roomier regular fit for light layering, so a thin midlayer fits underneath. The Quartic Jacket is another midweight softshell jacket, adding light warmth and an adjustable hood in transitional conditions.
Hoody or jacket: which men’s softshell should I choose?
The Gamma Hoody is the men’s softshell jacket with a helmet-compatible StormHood that covers your head in wind and light weather, and the Gamma Jacket leaves the hood off for less bulk at the neck. Both share the stretch face fabric and two zippered chest pockets. Choose the hoody for climbing or hiking above the treeline, and the jacket if you usually wear a cap.
Do men’s softshell jackets run large?
Fit varies by model across men’s softshell jackets. The Mionn Softshell Overshirt runs large, so size down if you are between sizes or want a closer fit, and the Gamma MX has been updated with a roomier regular fit for expanded layering. Check the sizing chart on each product page before you choose.
