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- GoreTrango WindStopperbody provides windproof, water-resistant protection while the non-restrictive, PolartecPower Shieldside stretch panels deliver enhanced breathability and 4-way stretch
- Non-restrictive stretch panels allow for full-span movement, the athletic fit allows for light shell layering and the barrier membrane protects alpinists from getting the chills
- One-hand adjustable neck and bottom hem drawcords combined with PolartecPower Stretchcuffs seal out both liquid and frozen elements
- Welded zippered chest pocket and two zip hand pockets provide secure storage
- Weight: 1 lb 8 oz
- Fabric: Polyester / nylon
- Laminate: Gore Windstopper
Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Sheridan, WY on 10/13/2006
Very warm, the athletic fit limits layers underneath, but you don't really need them, unless you have cold blood.
The stretch panels leak a little in heavy rain, but dry quickly in warm place. Even when a little wet this jacket performs well. The stretch panels make this jacket one of the best climbing jackets around though, so there are pros and cons.
For less athletic pursuits (walking around town, etc.) it is absolutely perfect. For more athletic pursuits like snowshoeing, just unzip it partway and you're good.
The jacket is great its just were the stretch panels are it leaks water and air
from Connecticut on 8/18/2006
Most of my friends own this jacket so I was one of the last on the bandwagon. They all recommended it and now I do too. The Alchemy jacket pretty much does it all, stretches, breathes enough, is warm, blocks wind and snow. It is now my primary outside layer for alpine climbing. It does have a tighter fit so you can really only wear a base layer under it but that is really all you need it is very warm.
from seattle, WA on 3/9/2006
I love it. This soft shell has worked awesome for me, in the dead of winter, in the spring, in the fall, above the treeline, below the treeline, everywhere. It stretches nicely, but it doesn't overstretch, or loose its shape. It keeps the cold out, and the warmth in. My favorite jacket.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Truckee, CA on 3/5/2006
Excellent product for serious mountaineer's!
from Finland on 2/23/2006
Very durable and surprisingly warm, it has a very "athletic fit", so there is not too much room for additional layers. After trying different shells and windstopper fleeces from TNF, Marmot and others, this is definitely my number one choice for all-purpose jacket for now.
from Mustang, OK on 1/25/2006
This shell was comfortable in cool weather as a jacket here in Oklahoma, and performed perfectly in the freezing snowy weather in Crested Butte at the end of December. With a base layer and fleece, this shell kept me at a very comfortable temperature at below freezing, regardless of the wind conditions. To get this performace and still have excellent mobility and no extra bulk was a real treat!
Other shells cannot be rated for freezing temparatures if they do not STOP wind, but only "resist" it. There is NO wind getting through this shell, and that makes all the difference.
It moves moisture well, but under heavy activity, you can out-sweat it. You can unzip and air out for a while in relative comfort, but it would have been nice to have under-arm vents to regulate this easier.
It is very, very versatile. This soft shell has replaced all my other jackets for cool to freezing temparatures.
When buying this item, keep in mind it runs small. I usually wear a meduim with most things and a large in this item was just big enough.
Grab the Alchemy soft whell and enjoy it like I have!!
from Brunswick, NY on 1/25/2006
xl size was too small for my brother. Will purchase an xxl in near term to get him a jacket.
This product is very nice and gives warmth and protects you from the wind. This jacket is probably the one of the best soft shells out there.