REASONS TO BUY
Ultralight
Soft and flexible material
Breathable
Excellent wind and weather performance
Trim and flattering athletic fit
REASONS TO AVOID
High cost
Little heat retention
Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody - Women's Review
An all-occasion softshell with excellent performance, this athletic-fitting softshell is highly breathable and provides exceptional comfort for movement
The Gamma Lightweight Hoody is light on your back and resilient to the elements when you root into your own strength.
Credit: Kate Pitts
Our Verdict
The Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody is among the first we throw in our packs for any occasion. It is a solid all-occasion softshell that breathes so well we double it as a sun hoodie, with the added benefit of wind protection and 40 UPF protection. Although it will not keep you as dry in a deluge as heavier-weight options, the DWR coating repels rain better than other lightweight models. The well-designed Stormhood protected our face from sun and light rain. Its athletic fit is streamlined for hard adventures and flattering for celebratory rounds afterward at the bar. Take a look at how it performs compared to other top models in our review of the best women's softshells.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody - Women's | |||||
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| Awards |  Our Favorite Lightweight |  Best Overall Women's Softshell Jacket |  Best Bang for the Buck | Best for Wet Weather | Best for Cold Weather |
| Price | $260 List | $300.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $115.00 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $230.00 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $189 List $129.99 at Evo |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A svelte softshell that is highly breathable, versatile, and durable, easy to flow in as it expands to your full range of motion | Whether alpine climbing, mountaineering, or hiking, this layer is breathable, moves well, and effectively protects from the elements with style | This jacket is lightweight, breathable, easy to move in, and affordable - a great combination for the active outdoorswoman | A breathable but water-resistant hybrid with adjustable cuffs, soft fabric, and harness-compatible pockets | This ultralight softshell is two layers in one: a lightweight technical fleece mid-layer and a burly, breathable softshell with excellent thermoregulation balance when you move fast in chilly weather |
| Rating Categories | Arc'teryx Gamma Lig... | Arc'teryx Gamma Hoo... | Rab Borealis - Women's | Rab Kinetic 2.0 - W... | Patagonia R1 CrossS... |
| Weather Protection (30%) | |||||
| Breathability (30%) | |||||
| Mobility (25%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Versatility (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Arc'teryx Gamma Lig... | Arc'teryx Gamma Hoo... | Rab Borealis - Women's | Rab Kinetic 2.0 - W... | Patagonia R1 CrossS... |
| Measured Weight (Size: XS) | 8.60 oz | 15.05 oz | 7.75 oz | 9.30 oz | 10.80 oz |
| Number of Pockets | 2 exterior zip hand | 2 exterior zip hand | 2 exterior zip chest | 2 exterior zip hand | 2 exterior hand, 1 exterior chest zip, 1 exterior chest snap |
| Breathability Test (In-Use Absorption) | 14 sq in | 18 sq in | 13 sq in | 19 sq in | 22 sq in |
| Warmth Test | 22.17 min | 26.57 min | 22.23 min | 28.57 min | 30.33 min |
| Air Dry Test (1-Min Soak to Dry) | 2.6 min | 1.5 min | 20,2 min | 15.2 min | 7.2 min |
| Hair Dryer Test | 6.7 min | 7.8 min | 22.2 min | 28.6 min | 13.6 min |
| Type | Active | Technical | Active | Active/hybrid | Active |
| Fabric Weight Class | Lightweight | Midweight | Lightweight | Midweight | Heavyweight |
| Material | Fortius 1.0 recycled nylon DBL weave LTW solid (86% nylon, 14% elastane) | Wee Burly Double Weave (56% nylon, 34% polyester, 10% elastane) with DWR finish | Lightweight Matrix single weave with 2-way stretch (85% nylon 6 15% elastane) with PFC-free DWR | Proflex: recycled polyester knit face 3L with PU membrane and recycled polyester backer | 90% recycled polyester/10% spandex breathable stretch double weave with PFC-free DWR finish |
| Insulated | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Hood | Yes, 1-way adjustable, under helmet | Yes, 2-way adjustable overhelmet | Yes, stretchy but not adjustable under helmet | Yes, 1-way adjustable under helmet | Yes, elastic under helmet |
| Unique Features | Ultralight well-rounded weather protection, adjustable storm hood with cap, UPF 40+ | Helmet-compatible hood, built-in visor, trim fit, brushed and soft inner lining, UPF 40+ | Packs in chest pocket, pockets ventilate, uniquely stretchy material | Highly water-resistant fabric, relaxed and stretchy fit, adjustability for weather protection | Zipped-chest pocket and button phone pocket, breathable fleece lining |
| Layering Capabilities | Best worn under other layers | Best worn under other layers | Can be layered over or under other layers | Can be layered over or under other layers | Best worn under other layers |
| Adjustable Cuffs (Material) | No (elastic cuffs) | No (stretch cuffs) | No (stretch cuffs) | Yes (Velcro cuffs) | No (elastic cuffs) |
| Available Sizes | XXS - XXL | XXS - XXL | XXS - XXL | XS - XL | XS - XXL |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Gamma Lightweight Hoody is an all-occasion softshell that is the lightest model in the Arc'teryx Gamma line. It comes in fitted style in sizes XXS - XXL and features water-repellent Fortius 1.0 softshell fabric and an adjustable low-profile StormHood.
Performance Comparison
The Gamma Lightweight is breathable on the ascent and highly wind-resistant, allowing you to savor the whispers of the wind on the summit.
Credit: Kate Pitts
Weather Protection
The Gamma Lightweight Hoody is the lightest jacket in the Gamma series from Arc'teryx and will keep water off your back in light rain. Although you will want to upgrade to full-fledged rain gear when the skies truly open up, the Lightweight Hoody dries quickly and wicks sweat away easily when engaged in hard activities. It also offers excellent wind resistance as you move through varied terrain, and its exceptional breathability ensures you won't feel stuffy or sticky inside. To top it off, it can protect you from high UV (and storms of mosquitoes) all day.
Arc'teryx designed the Gamma Lightweight as a softshell jacket to keep you dry in light rain but not a deluge. You'll want to check out our best women's rain jackets for monsoon season options. The Gamma Lightweight's material is treated with DWR so that brief storms and drizzles bead on the material. Out of all our ultralight models, it performed the best in our shower tests, beading water in a minute shower, whereas other lightweight models soaked through within twenty seconds. After extended use, you may need to refresh the DWR coating. This is something to keep in mind with most softshell jackets and other water-resistant options. You can machine wash your Gamma Lightweight Hoody with regular detergent on low, and then, after washing, put it in the dryer on low as well to regenerate the DWR coating. In heavy rains, the Gamma Lightweight holds out for a while, but eventually, the moisture will start to bleed through the shoulders and hood, giving you the time you need to pull out more waterproof layers.
The Gamma Lightweight Hoody's DWR coating effectively repels moisture in light rains, allowing you ample time to prepare by reaching for your rain gear.
Credit: Kate Pitts
Breathability
One of the key features of a softshell jacket is breathability, and the Gamma Lightweight's lightweight and ventilating material makes it one of the most breathable options in our lineup.
We test our softshells during high cardio outputs in uphill climbs in Summer weather, and we never felt swamped from the inside in the Gamma Lightweight Hoody. The lightweight material is not lined and ventilates your body heat well while also wicking sweat. The material has a UPF 40+ rating, so we loved it as an upgraded sun hoodie with added wind protection and a built-in hood that shades our face from the sun. The pockets are lined with mesh and can be unzipped to let air circulate within the jacket and to cool your body's core. Just unzip the front and pockets to slough out excess body heat. On blustering summer days on high UV alpine climbs, this is an outstanding extra layer to carry along.
If you sweat but want to protect your skin from the sun, the Gamma Lightweight's material breathes when you elevate your heart rate and dumps your heat with mesh-lined pockets.
Credit: Kate Pitts
Mobility
Arc'teryx designed its Gamma line with an athletic fit, and the Gamma Lightweight Hoody is an elegant cut for high mobility. For climbing or trailside yoga, very few jackets move as well as this one. The hem doesn't ride up when you lift your arms, and the stretchy fabric facilitates unencumbered movement.
Our testers loved how weightless this hoody felt on their skin as they jumped into all sorts of activities. A unique feature that supports your full range of motion can be found in the gussets of the shoulder girdle, sewn into the underarms. This articulated shoulder design also keeps the bottom hem of the jacket stationary when you lift your arms above your head. Even though it is an athletic fit, the Gamma Lightweight is loose enough in the arms, neck, and shoulders to breathe and flow through a full range of motion without ever bunching. The elasticized and minimalist wrist cuffs are comfortable and synchronize the sleeves with your reach. All in all, out testers described it as, “A pleasure to move in this jacket.”
The Gamma Lightweight Hoody balances a svelte and lithe fit with four-way stretch material. Unlike many jackets that constrict the upper chests, we welcomed the little extra fabric where you rotate your shoulders and neck.
Credit: Kate Pitts
Weight
Although the Gamma Lightweight is a hair heavier than our other lightweight models, the added weather resistance and features are two ounces worth considering. We test weights by measuring each jacket on the scale. At only 8.60 ounces in an extra small, this one is an ultralight contender for a valuable spot in your pack.
The Gamma Lightweight Hoody is the lightest jacket in the Arc'teryx Gamma series. It is also among the lightest weight options in the full collection of softshell jackets our reviewers tested. Our test team reported it feels practically weightless when you wear it and can roll up to the size of a Nalgene to store in your pack. Where we see room for improvement for future models would be to include a stuff sack or a self-stuffing pocket in the design.
Without a doubt, the Gamma Lightweight is a lightweight addition to your pack and easy on your back.
Credit: Kate Pitts
Versatility
The Gamma Lightweight Hoody soft shell jacket is versatile and suitable for all seasons. It provides sun protection for all but the hottest summer days and offers excellent weather and wind protection for cooler seasons. In addition, you can zip it over cozy layers. Its shape-flattering fit looks svelte from crag to coffee shop.
This lightweight Gamma jacket is stylish and form-fitting, making it a favorite for adventures where you want athletic performance and something that looks mountain-trendy for Taco Tuesday after a day at the crag. The slim fit quickly shifts to serving as a mid-layer but is loose enough to fit over a fleece or a lightweight puffy if needed. When zipped over heavier layers, one feature we love is the No Slip Zip™, which prevents unintentional opening and drafts down your collar. Although Arc'teryx does not advertise the hood as helmet-compatible, we found it fit comfortably under and over our climbing helmets in testing.
The adjustable and brimmed StormHood makes the Gamma Lightweight Hoody stand out from other ultralight models for its comfortable shield of your face from the elements.
Credit: Kate Pitts
Should You Buy the Arc'Teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody?
The Gamma Lightweight Hoody is an all-occasion softshell with all-around high performance across all our rating metrics. It features comfortable mobility, breathability, abrasion resistance, and wind and UV protection. It has one of the most flattering and functional fits we saw in the lineup, and its adjustable Stormhood gives your face more protection than other lightweight models. This softshell meets the needs of a wide range of outdoor activities, offering comfort and style when you move fast in the mountains.
The Gamma Lightweight is light to carry and flows with your every move.
Credit: Kate Pitts
What Other Softshell Jackets Should You Consider?
Although the Gamma Lightweight is ultralight, you may be interested in lightweight models with more technical features for activities like big wall climbing. Both the Rab Borealis and Black Diamond Alpine Start are more packable for big climbs and can be stuffed into a sack that you can clip on your harness. If you want something more stormworthy and added durability, the Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody offers Arc'Teryx's sleek and functional athletic fit but with added weather resistance and durability.
—Kate Pitts
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