Best softshell jacket?

Evan Gerry wrote:

Figure I would post on to this thread instead of making a new one. I just got a Gamma MX and really want to love it but the armpits are just too tight (as was the size S Atom AR I ordered with it) I’m only 5’5” 130 lbs. Could anyone recommend a similar weight soft shell to the Gamma MX with a more forgiving fit? Thanks

So the reason the armpits are high and tight as so you can raise your hands strait up without pulling the jacket up and out of your harness. Most climbing cut jackets are like that, in general. 

Doug Chism wrote:

So the reason the armpits are high and tight as so you can raise your hands strait up without pulling the jacket up and out of your harness. Most climbing cut jackets are like that, in general. 

Yea, I read as much online. It fits okay with just a base layer but with an R1 as well the pinching armpits is just too a bit too much for me. I’m not sure how most folks layer their soft shell jackets but I was hoping to at least make it a little more versatile than to only wear with a base layer beneath, and also for ski touring in addition to climbing 

Evan Gerry wrote:

Yea, I read as much online. It fits okay with just a base layer but with an R1 as well the pinching armpits is just too a bit too much for me. I’m not sure how most folks layer their soft shell jackets but I was hoping to at least make it a little more versatile than to only wear with a base layer beneath, and also for ski touring in addition to climbing 

Arcteryx hardshells are cut big enough for me to put a synthetic mid layer under, but their softshells, a heavy fleece is about it. 

I climbed with a Gamma MX and R1 for a season. We're all built different. 

I generally prefer a 1/2 zip pullover and/or hemlock inserts to help keep my layers tucked under my harness.  Short hem, full zip jackets without hemlock inserts tend to untuck easily when reaching overhead.  If you want hand pockets, make sure they are high enough to clear your harness.  

As a sidenote, what the hell do people use bicep pockets for (Gamma MX, etc.)?

Karl Henize wrote:

As a sidenote, what the hell do people use bicep pockets for (Gamma MX, etc.)?

Weed and the ski pass for those late March corduroy days at Breck. 

Doug Chism wrote:

Wondering what about the fit was off for you? Also they did just redesign it for 2020, its longer in the hem if that helps. 

I'll have to check one out.  I felt like it was very "stubby" where the hem was short, the chest was wide, and the sleeves were shorter.  Thats just in comparison to my Alpha FL or Gamma LT.  Which imo was a little weird for a more climbing piece.  

Anything from the Fjällräven Bergtagen line. 

Anything from the Fjällräven Bergtagen line. 

Doug Chism wrote:

Rab Torque gets my vote.

Reviving an old thread. How's the torso length on the torque? I had a Pata Knifeblade softshell in medium that I liked, except it was too short in the torso to stay tucked in a harness. Torso length in jackets is a common problem for me.

I have an old Mammut Laser with the schoeller dryweave material. That jacket is amazing and bomber.