The MX is perfect for colder climates or for people who run cold and the LT is ideal for people who run hot especially if you carrying a pack hiking etc but ideal to layer up with.
For anyone in 2023 looking to buy the gamma LT he’s talking about here: it’s now called the gamma hoody, the current LT is the previously known gamma SL
I think the LT is more versatile and can be worn in a variety of conditions, especially when layered with a base layer and mid layer underneath...I would personally be way to hot in the MX.
I usually run cold. I wear my gamma mx at work 365. I have layered to -30C to a t shirt at +30. It’s an unbelievable comfortable cozy jacket. I wash it twice a week and now going on 4 years of wearing. Still shows amazing!
I have the gamma mx. It's a dope softshell. Better for cooler weather than the LT. I also own the beta ar and the gamma mx is warmer and more breathable than that. Obviously the beta ar is for rain/snow/wind protection but when it's not raining or snowing I prefer the gamma mx.
Yeah the MX is dope, I do wish it fit me better, it just looked awkward. The same reason why I think it would be uncomfortable to layer underneath. My biggest thing is I always am wearing hoodies or a zip up during winter so it needs to fit over that and also not double the warmth/hinder breathability. I find my biggest layering problem is deciding which layer has the hood lol, seems to be the key to having a successful system. Cheers!
@@seanmacdonald8476 the gamma mx is pretty slim fitting. You're probly not getting a thick layer underneath. I usually wont wear it once temperatures get in the 30's. However, I have worn it under my beta with some success. If I need more warmth while being active, I'll wear the cerium sv under the beta ar. And for none active days I'll wear my fjallraven arktis parka.
Thanks for the video! What I don't get is that the jackets are nearly the same weight (545g/555g, read on their website) while the MX is warmer, has more pockets and also seems to be thicker on the outer fabric. How is that possible?
Great video. I also subscribed. Quick question on the Gamma MX. Where did you buy it from? On the back of the coat. Where does it say it was made from? When did you get it?
Hey Matt these were both 2019 models and i got them from arcteryx directly. I no longer have either of the pieces so cant tell you where they were msnufactured although im sure tou can find that info on their website
The MX seems like a good option for ski touring in mid winter. However, sizing is something that bothers me a lot. I am also quite slim 60kg, 175cm height and usually american brands are too baggy for me. TNF for example S size is way too large. What about these? Maybe a XS for a tighter fit? Is it trimmed down around the waist or straight cut? Thanks a lot, good review!
I’m trying to decide between the Atom LT and Gamma LT. I’m looking for a jacket that would be more comfortable in warmer condition. Unfortunately I can’t try them on myself in a store currently due to Covid-19 so are you able to kindly advise which is of these LT items is better as keeping you cooler when hiking?
The Atom LT is an insulated jacket so I think theoretically it will likely keep you warmer. It does however have non insulated portions down the sides under the pits down to the waist. I liked this jacket when I had one and remember using it on cool days hiking and definitely throwing it in my pack for summits. I don't think either of these are designed to dump heat if you're winter hiking, i likely won't be hiking with the Gamma since it's not really very warm nor is it really waterproof. I'll continue layering with pata nano air and a gore tex shell. That's just my system, the atom lt breaths better than the pata but I didn't like the atom fit. Good luck
So Atom and Proton are both insulated pieces. The Gamma is not insulated. The MX does have the fleexe lining and I found it to be quite warm, probably comprable to the Atom LT. Totally different tho, the Gamma MX is way more rugged and heavy. I used the atom to take on long hikes for it's warmth to weight ratio, have recently switched to Patagonia Nano-Air
@@seanmacdonald8476 I have the atom lt, atom ar, proton lt so was just curious in terms of if getting a gamma mx makes sense. I am looking for something that is abit more rugged/durable than the synthetic insulated pieces but with some warmth without having to layer. Another question after your reply would be why the switch to the nano-air from the atom lt?
@@ThatEssentialAttire I think it's more rugged than the atom, I also find it to be warmer. Lastly I prefer to support patagonia than arcteryx, just all around bettery company so when I'm lucky enough to find a piece that fits me right I'll jump on it.
I have worn both LTs in Atom and Proton, found the Atom far too warm and not very breathable vs the Proton when moving. Fine if I was sat still and doing nothing but the Atom is a bit of an overkill. Also looked at the MX and LT jkts, non hood version, both are heavy and not ideal what I want from layering as also mentioned in this clip, with the LT slightly lighter at 445g according to Arc, both not worth my time for the warmth to weight to breathability ratio. Good review SD! The close up of the fabric inside and out was very useful.
Hey Sean I know idk if I will get a reply but its worth a shot. So I'm considering getting the gamma Mx jacket (not hoodie) but not sure what size. I'm stuck between the large and medium. Normally I'm a medium with other brands (north face, Patagonia ect) but I noticed Arc'teryx fits a bit slimmer. I currently have a Atom SL in a large and its great size but the arms are too long for my fit. I looked on their page and it said that the SL I have is a trim fit while the gamma is a regular fit. Would you think its safe to get a medium instead of a large for the Gamma? What size are you and did it feel true to size or how did it feel? Thanks in advance and awesome video!!!!
I found the jackets to be a bit oversized. I wear patagonia small which is quite tight but the sleeves are always long so I need to size down, I think it's the same with arcteryx. Hope it works out for you!
I did end up getting a small but it was slightly too large still. Ended up selling it bc it the value wasn't there. Too much cost for too little use case for me. A lot of ppl feel differently about the lt tho so I'm just one voice in an ocean.
For anyone wondering about durability of MX, or any other Arc'teryx... Owning only two jackets, these get full time use. Fission SL in winter, Gamma MX for everything else. Both have been going strong through well over ten years of abuse. Towards the end of last summer the waistband seam let go(my pants don't fit anymore either), leaving the drawcord to hang behind me. Other than that the MX is in great shape. Now into spring, it's time for it to retire. Halfway through this video I knew... MX all the way. Maybe a different colour this time? ...maybe not. "Slightly darker black?"
It would definitely be a spring skiing type jacket. I wouldn't expect it to stay very dry if any decent precip. Probably do fine with the wind tho definitely breathable.
Potentially, I ski in the Northeast so i don't know what spring skiing is haha. It will keep some moisture off you and be quite breathable and good looking. Not going to hold up for 10 years of ski lift abrasion but it could be a good fit for someone who runs hot and understands it is very much water resistant not proof
The MX definitely shines in this area. I was impressed with the LT but I honestly didn't keep it long enough to see how it broke in. Everything with a coating works great the first time it see's rain. I wouldn't want the LT if it was more than a drizzle but can see the MX working for a bit longer and not getting totally saturated or seep through for a while in average rain conditions.
@@seanmacdonald8476 great, thanks man appreciate the reply even after the videowas posted 2 years ago. I was looking at purely waterproof jackets but tbh I think I mainly need wind protection with a bit of rain so this might be perfect 👍🏽
this video is great, not much video comparisons out there that go into detail on arcteryx gear. thanks
Fantastic review, thank you for this comparison! I'm also disappointed in the lack of comparison reviews between these options, and glad I saw yours.
Thanks John, glad you found it useful!
Apples and oranges. $100 difference? Yes, it's a matter of preference and also it's purpose.
The MX is perfect for colder climates or for people who run cold and the LT is ideal for people who run hot especially if you carrying a pack hiking etc but ideal to layer up with.
For anyone in 2023 looking to buy the gamma LT he’s talking about here: it’s now called the gamma hoody, the current LT is the previously known gamma SL
I think the LT is more versatile and can be worn in a variety of conditions, especially when layered with a base layer and mid layer underneath...I would personally be way to hot in the MX.
Sean, thanks so much - this is _Exactly_ the kind of comparison I needed. Cheers man!
I usually run cold. I wear my gamma mx at work 365. I have layered to -30C to a t shirt at +30. It’s an unbelievable comfortable cozy jacket. I wash it twice a week and now going on 4 years of wearing. Still shows amazing!
Why do you wash it twice a week ? Are you playokg alot in the mud ?
Nice video man. Cant go wrong with Gamma MX hoody.
I have the gamma mx. It's a dope softshell. Better for cooler weather than the LT. I also own the beta ar and the gamma mx is warmer and more breathable than that. Obviously the beta ar is for rain/snow/wind protection but when it's not raining or snowing I prefer the gamma mx.
Yeah the MX is dope, I do wish it fit me better, it just looked awkward. The same reason why I think it would be uncomfortable to layer underneath. My biggest thing is I always am wearing hoodies or a zip up during winter so it needs to fit over that and also not double the warmth/hinder breathability. I find my biggest layering problem is deciding which layer has the hood lol, seems to be the key to having a successful system. Cheers!
@@seanmacdonald8476 the gamma mx is pretty slim fitting. You're probly not getting a thick layer underneath. I usually wont wear it once temperatures get in the 30's. However, I have worn it under my beta with some success. If I need more warmth while being active, I'll wear the cerium sv under the beta ar. And for none active days I'll wear my fjallraven arktis parka.
Thanks for providing the info that Arcteryx should have.
Thanks for the video! What I don't get is that the jackets are nearly the same weight (545g/555g, read on their website) while the MX is warmer, has more pockets and also seems to be thicker on the outer fabric. How is that possible?
Thats odd and I would have to assume is an oversight/mistake on the site
The MX is a bit shorter, I think
hows rain protection on both of them?
ooh and the have the Gamma SL now too
Great video. I also subscribed. Quick question on the Gamma MX. Where did you buy it from? On the back of the coat. Where does it say it was made from? When did you get it?
Hey Matt these were both 2019 models and i got them from arcteryx directly. I no longer have either of the pieces so cant tell you where they were msnufactured although im sure tou can find that info on their website
The MX seems like a good option for ski touring in mid winter. However, sizing is something that bothers me a lot. I am also quite slim 60kg, 175cm height and usually american brands are too baggy for me. TNF for example S size is way too large. What about these? Maybe a XS for a tighter fit? Is it trimmed down around the waist or straight cut? Thanks a lot, good review!
Hey, yes it is slimmed from the versions I had at least. You'll probably be close between the xs and s. Honestly would sooner go with xs. Good luck
Which one is good to wear in hot Indian constitutions ? Kindly suggest? Also suggest where can I buy them?
what your weight and height? im 168 cm and 68 muscle whats size should i pick for the gamma
I’m trying to decide between the Atom LT and Gamma LT. I’m looking for a jacket that would be more comfortable in warmer condition.
Unfortunately I can’t try them on myself in a store currently due to Covid-19 so are you able to kindly advise which is of these LT items is better as keeping you cooler when hiking?
The Atom LT is an insulated jacket so I think theoretically it will likely keep you warmer. It does however have non insulated portions down the sides under the pits down to the waist. I liked this jacket when I had one and remember using it on cool days hiking and definitely throwing it in my pack for summits. I don't think either of these are designed to dump heat if you're winter hiking, i likely won't be hiking with the Gamma since it's not really very warm nor is it really waterproof. I'll continue layering with pata nano air and a gore tex shell. That's just my system, the atom lt breaths better than the pata but I didn't like the atom fit. Good luck
Have you used an ATOM LT / AR or Proton LT? if so how would you compare the warmth although they are completely different materials.
So Atom and Proton are both insulated pieces. The Gamma is not insulated. The MX does have the fleexe lining and I found it to be quite warm, probably comprable to the Atom LT. Totally different tho, the Gamma MX is way more rugged and heavy. I used the atom to take on long hikes for it's warmth to weight ratio, have recently switched to Patagonia Nano-Air
@@seanmacdonald8476 I have the atom lt, atom ar, proton lt so was just curious in terms of if getting a gamma mx makes sense. I am looking for something that is abit more rugged/durable than the synthetic insulated pieces but with some warmth without having to layer. Another question after your reply would be why the switch to the nano-air from the atom lt?
@@ThatEssentialAttire I think it's more rugged than the atom, I also find it to be warmer. Lastly I prefer to support patagonia than arcteryx, just all around bettery company so when I'm lucky enough to find a piece that fits me right I'll jump on it.
@@seanmacdonald8476 thanks!
I have worn both LTs in Atom and Proton, found the Atom far too warm and not very breathable vs the Proton when moving. Fine if I was sat still and doing nothing but the Atom is a bit of an overkill.
Also looked at the MX and LT jkts, non hood version, both are heavy and not ideal what I want from layering as also mentioned in this clip, with the LT slightly lighter at 445g according to Arc, both not worth my time for the warmth to weight to breathability ratio.
Good review SD! The close up of the fabric inside and out was very useful.
Thanks for the vid! Think I’m going to go with the LT
Would you say the Gamma MX is warm? Can I get away with wearing it during summer?
Cool summer nights maybe but no chance wearing this out in thee sunshine. I run pretty cold and I wouldn't wear the MX above 45/50F
@@seanmacdonald8476 Thanks for the reply.
Thanks for the comparaison
Can I use the MX without layering at 25-30 degrees F and feel warm?
Depends how many calories you're burning
Hi is the gamma Waterproof and how much ?
Hey Sean I know idk if I will get a reply but its worth a shot. So I'm considering getting the gamma Mx jacket (not hoodie) but not sure what size. I'm stuck between the large and medium. Normally I'm a medium with other brands (north face, Patagonia ect) but I noticed Arc'teryx fits a bit slimmer. I currently have a Atom SL in a large and its great size but the arms are too long for my fit. I looked on their page and it said that the SL I have is a trim fit while the gamma is a regular fit. Would you think its safe to get a medium instead of a large for the Gamma? What size are you and did it feel true to size or how did it feel? Thanks in advance and awesome video!!!!
I found the jackets to be a bit oversized. I wear patagonia small which is quite tight but the sleeves are always long so I need to size down, I think it's the same with arcteryx. Hope it works out for you!
Thank you!
Hi wondering if you (or any of you fine people) can help. Which one if more durable (tougher face fabric) the LT or the MX?
They are both pretty durable for their weights but MX is heavier and therefore is going to put up more with abrasion or sharp things etc.
@SeanMacdonald ahh cheers dude much appreciated
Thanks for doing this!
Nice review, tx. Did you get one that fits? MX or LT? How did it perform?
I did end up getting a small but it was slightly too large still. Ended up selling it bc it the value wasn't there. Too much cost for too little use case for me. A lot of ppl feel differently about the lt tho so I'm just one voice in an ocean.
@@seanmacdonald8476 thanks for the reply. I'm amazed that you can sell used clothing. 🍻
Nice video helped me !
For anyone wondering about durability of MX, or any other Arc'teryx...
Owning only two jackets, these get full time use. Fission SL in winter, Gamma MX for everything else. Both have been going strong through well over ten years of abuse.
Towards the end of last summer the waistband seam let go(my pants don't fit anymore either), leaving the drawcord to hang behind me. Other than that the MX is in great shape.
Now into spring, it's time for it to retire. Halfway through this video I knew...
MX all the way.
Maybe a different colour this time?
...maybe not.
"Slightly darker black?"
@@kaya-sem Message Arcteryx, they may repair it. Alternately, you could see it.
Great video keep both.
Is the LT Gamma waterproof???
How’s the fit on the LT , I have a L in an atom LT is it similar fit ?
It’s much looser iirc you’d likely be able to layer it over your atom lt
Can I know which size did you get? I'm 5'6'', 165lb. Should I get M or S? Thanks in advance!
More confident in this sizing for LT bc it's been a while since I wore the MX but I think the small will be a great fit for you. I had to go XS!
@@seanmacdonald8476 haha you re not the only one, my weight 131 lbs😬, so had to pick the Lt Size XS too‼️🤣👍🏼💪🏼
Hey Sean is the color Black or Orion? Thanks.
These are black, I think Orion is the coolest colorway tho =]
Thanks for the quick response. Yeah I am torn.
is the logo printed on the mx and stitched on the lt ?
Yes same with the pants
Can you use the LT for skiing?
It would definitely be a spring skiing type jacket. I wouldn't expect it to stay very dry if any decent precip. Probably do fine with the wind tho definitely breathable.
Gamma LT for spring skiing?
Potentially, I ski in the Northeast so i don't know what spring skiing is haha. It will keep some moisture off you and be quite breathable and good looking. Not going to hold up for 10 years of ski lift abrasion but it could be a good fit for someone who runs hot and understands it is very much water resistant not proof
good bro> thanks
Geez, and I thought Eddie Bauer was expensive...
Yo man, what was the water resistant like on these?
The MX definitely shines in this area. I was impressed with the LT but I honestly didn't keep it long enough to see how it broke in. Everything with a coating works great the first time it see's rain. I wouldn't want the LT if it was more than a drizzle but can see the MX working for a bit longer and not getting totally saturated or seep through for a while in average rain conditions.
@@seanmacdonald8476 great, thanks man appreciate the reply even after the videowas posted 2 years ago. I was looking at purely waterproof jackets but tbh I think I mainly need wind protection with a bit of rain so this might be perfect 👍🏽