Arc'teryx Gamma MX Softshell Pant - Men's for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

9.5
out of 10
19 Positive, 1 Mixed & 0 Negative
from 20 Reviews
Retail Price:
$299.00
Used Value:
$179.40
Sale Value:
$269.10

The Arc'teryx Men's Gamma MX Softshell Pant thrives as an all-in-one technical soft-shell for alpine quests during light to mixed weather. Arc'teryx’s best-seller among alpinists, the Gamma serves as the high-mountain cousin to your favorite gym pant. A DWR treated synthetic exterior covers a lightly insulated interior that stretches for ideal range of motion thanks to its elastane blend. Adding a gusseted construction allows extended freedom of movement, whether you're on the skin track's most demanding switchback or trying to leap over early spring creek crossings. There are adjustments at the waist and each cuff for a secure fit, and Arc'teryx reinforced each instep for reliable protection against ski edges and crampons.

Specifications

Brand:
Fit:
regular
Fly:
front
Manufacturer Warranty:
limited lifetime
Material:
[face fabric] Fortius 2.0 (49% polyester, 35% nylon, 16% elastane), DWR treatment
Pockets:
2 zippered hand
Recommended Use:
backpacking, casual, hiking, training
Waist:
snap, ajustable

Full Reviews

10
I am basing this review off of a 2 day wildlife trip I took up in the Uinta Mountain Range in Utah wearing only these pants. In the freezing cold 4AM mornings (10 degrees F, No Sun, and A bit windy) I wore only these pants and a pair of Real Tree Long Johns and my legs were not cold in the slightest. The top of my body even under 5 layers of gore tex and wool was freezing. +1 for the warmth. As the days transitioned and the sun rose over head, bringing the temperature to the mid thirties with sun, I had to shed all 3 of my 5 top layers because I was heating up. After all we put in one 7 mile day and another 12 mile day. My muscles were burning but my legs stayed the exact same perfect temperature throughout the entire day. Whether I was walking up a mountain face or posted calling in Elk. I could feel this pants breathe when I needed them to and it made all the difference. This is +2 for breathing when I needed to cool down and keeping the heat in when I needed it. Trudging on through the bushes I caught the pants several times on surrounding branches, one time pretty hard as I we were almost running down a slope to get into position. Not a rip or scuff in sight. I would rate these pants as incredibly durable, +1. Lastly, I'll talk briefly about features. These pants come with all the pockets you need to stay not only prepared but organized as well. 2 side and 1 phone. The cinches on the ankle cuffs kept the water out when I stepped in deep puddles. My only slight issue is with the adjustment belt that comes attached. I am 6'2 with a 33 waist so I needed the large for height but needed the waist kept tight so they would stay up. Throughout the day I did have to constantly re-tighten the belt which got a bit annoying but not a deal breaker at all. +.9 for features. Overall: These pants outperformed all of my expectations. Extremely warm, yet breathable. Durable against nature and its forces. And lastly, equipped with just the right features to distinguish them from other brands. My score 4.9/5.
Lukas Robertson, backcountry.com
December 12, 2019
10
Lightweight. Technical. I am 6’ 184 lbs, athletic build, size 32 jean (measured waist is 35” on tape), and am always between a M and L. The Large is on the big side. It works fine for me and length is good. But waist belt is all the way cinched and I still have a bit of room. Overall I’m very happy with this pant. Side zippers would be a nice feature but would obviously add weight.
Marques J., backcountry.com
May 9, 2019
10
This is Arcteryx, so obviously this is going to be a perfect 5 star piece. Its pretty rare they get anything technical wrong. My story is that I took my 76 year old mother skiing, who was a PSIA ski instructor for most of her life but hasn't skied in some 25+ years. First, it all came right back to her like it was yesterday, and she didn't get hurt at all. Second, she won't stop talking about these pants. She has never heard of Arcteryx, but she loves gear and is no stranger to what good gear looks and feels like. So, she knows this is definitely the best pant she's ever worn. These were just a demo, so now I have get her a pair! This isn't a story about the technical side of this pant, which I have complete faith in. But, rather one about how obvious Arcteryx's quality is, once you use it. She wore the men's Large. They were perfect. She is normally a women's L or XL.
Emily Jenson, backcountry.com
May 3, 2019
10
I wore these for my first time snow boarding and they were wonderful! I fell down a lot and these pants kept my legs and behind so warm and dry. I layered with two pairs of leggings and I probably could have gone with only one base layer. The fit was perfect, I ordered a men's medium and I'm a 5'1" woman, 150 pounds. The pants were a little tight trying to pull over my snowboard boot, but that made sure 100% no snow was getting up my pants. 10/10 would recommend!
Keary Nielsen, backcountry.com
February 7, 2019
10
These pants are awesome, super lightweight, comfortable, waterproof, what else do you need in a snowpant? They are perfect. Even the large side zips allow you to take the pant off an on easily, or adjust your boots for some Apres.
Ryan Anderson, backcountry.com
February 1, 2019
10
I wish I would have bought these several seasons ago. I thought they were a bit expensive, but now that I have them and worn them for two months on the slopes of Tahoe, I'm showing them more love than my all-time favorite Arc'Teryx Alpha SV ski bibs that I've had for 16 years (they're still in perfect condition, too!). Together with the Satoro wool/nylon base layers, I can put them on at sunrise, ski for the day, walk my dogs, and then head out to dinner without feeling like I need to change clothes. The extra-long size is perfect for my tall frame. The cinches at the ankles really work to keep the snow out, even when marching through knee-high drifts. Plenty of pockets, too. I'm a total fan of these pants!
Randy Smith, backcountry.com
January 19, 2019
10
I actually wore this as a softshell for snowboarding, knowing they're not a hardshell i expected to get a bit wet and for the pants to get heavy. Luckily, through all the slush and powder, I stayed dry and so did these pants. They were warm and comfortable, fit was a regular/slim, breathability was not an issue at all, and they're not loud like some hardshells which is a plus in my book.
Tim C, backcountry.com
January 17, 2019
8
Bought these as a gift and he loves them, they're very breathable and work great for ice climbing and touring. They keep you warm and breathe at the same time. He's a size 33" waist with an athletic build, they aren't to tight in the thighs, the belt is fully extended though, not giving much wiggle room for layers.
Jennifer C, backcountry.com
January 12, 2019
10
Wore these in very low temps this past weekend on a winter summit in the Wasatch. The hike itself was fairly steep and temps started around 5deg F. I stayed warm and comfy with these and a thin merino baselayer. Things that I liked the most: The slim fit allows for great movement when you're moving fast, but not so slim that you'll look like you're trying to be hip, nobody wants that. I loved the durable profile around the ankles, even when you're hiking attentively sometimes snags can happen and having peace of mind about the ankle durability is fantastic. The pockets are practical, with great zippers on the hand pockets (which are fleece lined which actually insulates your phone from dieing), plus the drop in stow pocket can keep a map or a snack right on hand to now slow down. Overall great product.
Benjamin August, backcountry.com
January 8, 2019
10
Lightly insulated, breathable, soft shell pant with DWR treatment which is ideal for alpine and expedition climbing. These are great winter hiking pants as well and have an incredible fit. Mobile yet aesthetically pleasing, and great in mixed weather (MX) Coming in regular and tall inseams to allow anyone to use these pants, whether ski touring, hiking, or a wet cold night on the town you can put these to good use.
Corbin Ekblad, backcountry.com
December 6, 2018
10
These pants are awesome winter pants for pretty low temps where you aren’t as concerned about 100% waterproofness. They still shed water well for a soft shell. They are very warm, and durability is awesome.
Josh Spongberg, backcountry.com
December 1, 2018
10
I'm returning these because I think they're TOO winter-focused, but the build....incredible. The layup, with softshell outer, soft fuzz inner, 2 thigh pockets, built-in belt. Cut is great for me: the XL is just just roomy enough to be comfortable, good std length (I run 32 - 33" on inseam)... The sewing is beautiful. They feel tough. If I lived somewhere that I got in snow and ice time more of the year these would be my pants. As it is I'm going with the Gamma AR.
Dennis R., backcountry.com
November 14, 2018
6
I am giving these pants 3 stars because they are amazing for anyone over 6' I am 5'8 and Arc'teryx does not offer a short version of the pant. Which pains me because all Arc'teryx products are 5 star quality. They only offer a regular and tall... So I am switching all of my pants purchases to Mammut. The quality of the pants is amazing like any other Arc'teryx item. I have contacted Arc'teryx regarding the issues and they do not offer hemming. You can alter the pants after market but Arc'teryx will not warranty the product. However, they will warranty the zipper, belt etc.. nothing where the work was done or the waterproofing in the new seams I did have my pants hemmed because I couldn't handle being an Oompa Loopa anymore... both pairs. With the taped seams, stitching and tapered leg the tailor was not able to attach the hem chord the same and I also lost the Keprotec patches at the hem which is annoying. I even tried to re engineer the pant so that the new seam would be in the middle of the shin area and keep the Keprotec at the hem but with the tapered fit at the bottom the pant itself didn't line up with four inches removed. So after spending a combined $600 on the two pairs of pants I spent another 100 to try and get them to fit losing not one but two key features of these pants. I have tons of Arc'teryx gear and I will never buy Arc'teryx pants again until they offer a shorter version. On a better note Patagonia offers a hemming service, it is 50 dollars however, they will guarantee the work done and make sure the pants are waterproof... and shorter. The pants run True to size in width not length
Jackalope, backcountry.com
January 10, 2017
10
Bought a pair of these pants 2 years ago at a local ski shop that was having a summer sale for half-off (score!). These pants have served me well over the past 2 years. I wear these pants when I'm hanging around camp or hiking on a cool summer day or during the winter when I'm ski touring. My only complaint is that they're not completely weather resistant, they do get wet and they're not completely wind proof, but that is somewhat expected seeing these aren't a top-layer shell. I'm posting this review because over the past 2 years these pants have inevitably worn a bit. But, I liked these pants so much, I decided to order another pair from Backcountry, for full price :( I love these pants!
Daniel F., backcountry.com
October 24, 2014
10
As ever, this is just my opinion. But for my money (and in this case, a somewhat mind-numbing $300), these are the best alpine pants I've ever worn. These aren't pants to be worn if the temp is above 50 F, but below that in anything but a torrential downpour or a wet snow, the Gamma MX are unbeatable. I've worn them in the high mountains of New Zealand, backpacking a 50 pound load in a light snow. I've used them to patrol my property in winter, temps in the 10-40 degree range. I've worn them skiing. I wore them in driving rain and sleet for 90 minutes, and while wet on the outside, my legs were bone dry. I always think they're going to be too hot for sweaty activities in cold temps, but they're not. They flawlessly modulate my body temp, whether I'm just walking or working hard. They shed snow without issue, and only strong winds below 20 degrees will get through the durable fabric. I had a pair I purchased in 2006, and I just got another pair now that Arc'teryx offers a "Long". I'm 6'2", 200 lbs, and the Large/Tall fit me perfectly. It should be noted, my original pair show little sign of wearing out, just one small rip around the button. Pristine otherwise.
Teton Dweller, backcountry.com
December 13, 2013
10
This softshell pant has served me well in cold, alpine backcountry ski conditions, resort side skiing and all-around winter sport play. Switching from a fully waterproof hardhsell pant to these almost waterproof softshell pants has given me a lot in comfort and maneuverability and sacrificed little in terms of performance. The fleece lining adds warmth and comfort that might be a little too much on a warm winter day, but for anything approaching 40 degrees these pants have been a great fit.
Paul Bonanzi, backcountry.com
October 6, 2013
10
This is an excellent winter weight softshell pant with great wind and water resistance. It would be too warm for non-winter use in most of the Lower 48. I used it recently on a climbing trip in the Alaska Range and found it perfect with or without long underwear underneath. I occasionally wore puffy pants over the top for warmth but never needed to wear shell pants to block wind or water, as I would with a less burly softshell like the Gamma AR. Fit is trim but not tight--definitely more roomy than the Gamma AR pant. The cuff fits snugly over ski boots (Maestrale RS) making gaiters unnecessary. It fits less than snugly over double climbing boots (Baruntse), but you could get away without gaiters in anything but deep powder. I would like to see a lace hook on the cuff like the Gamma AR has, to hold it down. I installed grommets in the cuff and added a cord running underneath the boot, which works. The roomy thigh pocket on the right side is great for a camera or other gear, but the velcro closure will let in snow if you get buried by spindrift or take a fall in powder--I'd rather have a zipper. Comfort and build quality are excellent, as expected from Arcteryx. Sizing: I wear a 32 waist/34 length pant and the Medium-Long is the correct size. Legs are plenty long and I have to cinch the waist belt fully.
James R., backcountry.com
May 8, 2013
8
These are pretty sweet winter weight softshell pants. They are an athletic fit but not super tight so they do feel really comfortable without excessive bulk. The durability is a bit questionable for a pant this expensive. The second day out my crampon torn the inside leg but I guess that's the way it goes with sharp objects. Overall good pant though.
Matt A, backcountry.com
February 27, 2013
10
I've lived in two pair of these pants for the last two months in the mountains of china. They've kept me warm and comfortable through nasty winter weather; exceeding my every expectation. These pants are exceptionally comfortable, offer great protection, are easy to clean and fast drying... oh and the pockets! i love the pockets! the integral belt and drawstrings on the pant cuffs are wonderful touches. all-in-all an excellent pant. i can't think of a single change I'd make.
Mark L., backcountry.com
January 18, 2013
8
The sizes may be a hit-or-miss, depending on how particular you are on fit. The built-in belt is a big plus, keeping the torso area uncluttered with any belt loops. Pockets are streamlined, and almost feel too smooth with the surface to hold anything. However, the pockets hold keys, wallet, or any small hiking accessory without a problem. The leg pockets are gusseted and expand out as needed. The finish of the material, inside and out, is wonderful. The brushed interior insulation provided just enough warmth without being swampy when temps vary (trailhead vs. summit). The leg length is the only complaint. Even worn over mountaineering boots, the inseam seems to average a bit longer than needed, leading to a bit of extra-length bunch up.
Jordan M., backcountry.com
December 14, 2012

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