Hardshell or Softshell? Get Arc'teryx's Take In Under A Minute - Video

Softshells are no longer a novelty, but the niche they fill in the technical outerwear arena can still be confusing for a lot of folks. This is especially true for anyone trying to maximize their outdoor gear purchases without sacrificing performance, and getting informed advice is crucial.

In the 60-second video below, Arc'teryx ski mountaineering athlete Greg Hill takes a look at a softshell and a hardshell and gives the quick lowdown on optimal scenarios for each. Hill makes his point nicely and concisely by contrasting two of Arc'teryx's strongest offerings: the Gamma MX Softshell, a great piece for high output activities that we took a look at a few months ago, and the Stingray Hardshell, a bombproof jacket designed to stand up to run after run in even the nastiest mountain weather.

Do you have a specific hardshell or softshell that you swear by? We'd love to hear about it, drop us a comment.

Washing Your Gore-Tex or Softshell: Tips from Arc'teryx - Video

Want to increase the performance and longevity of your technical outwear? Arc'teryx's warrant rep says to wash your garments more, not less.

Getting rid of sweat and dirt (which inhibit maximum performance by the Gore-Tex membrane) and rejuvenating the water-repellant coating can restore your piece to peak effectiveness, and the process is simple.

Take a look:

[Note: make sure to double rinse the garment(s) to assure that all detergent residue is washed off]

Review: Arc'teryx Gamma MX Softshell

I added the Arc'teryx Gamma MX softshell to my wardrobe a couple of years ago, and I am very glad that I did. Typical for all of Arc'teryx's products that I've had experience with, a lot of thought went into making the Gamma MX perfect for what it was designed for - high output, athletic endeavors.

Noteworthy Pros:

• Athletic cut eliminates unnecessary bulk and helps trap body heat
• Pockets abound (2 chest, 2 side, and 1 sleeve)
• Shell fabric is a great barrier, especially for cold, damp days

Cons:

• Cuffs are tightly fitted - great for keeping wind out, not so great for taking the jacket on and off, especially with a watch on
• None of the pockets have a port for headphones/earbuds

Arc'teryx Gamma MX doing work at 14,000ft. in Tibet

The Arc'teryx Gamma MX softshell jacket is definitely a "specialist" rather than a "generalist," designed with athletes in mind. The Gamma MX performs incredibly well when put to the test - December bike rides, trail runs in a light rain, or summiting a peak as the leaves change color in Autumn.

The Gamma MX sheds water and blocks wind, while the numerous pockets and full front zipper allow plentiful options for perspiration to escape. When zipped up, the neck offers relief from the wind all the way up to the chin and is comfortable enough that it won't rub your chin raw, either. 

I couldn't agree more with the description on the Arc'teryx website: the Gamma MX is "ideal for dynamic backcountry activities in mixed weather conditions."