Related Gear

Rab Generator Alpine 2010

With an emphasis on the Alpine user, as the name...
Montane Prism 2.0 2010

The Prism 2.0 is the lightest insulated jacket in the...
Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody 2010

The Arc’teryx Atom LT is a hybrid insulated hoody that...
Haglöfs Barrier Windstopper Hoodie 2010

A jacket that is designed to be very warm while...

Gear Reviews

Mountain Hardwear Alchemy

Mountain Hardwear Alchemy 2008

£150.00

LFTO rating
Owners' rating

This soft shell jacket uses Gore Windstopper fabric, which has a membrane that makes the material very wind- and water-resistant, so it’s ideal for facing up to wilder weather. There is brushed lining too for a little extra warmth. The fabric feels tough and ideal for withstanding scrapes over rocks when climbing or mountaineering. There are stretch panels down the side of the body that provide a little extra freedom of movement when climbing and scrambling. The jacket has huge chest pockets that can be easily accessed while wearing rucksack belts or climbing harnesses. A smaller pocket on the chest is useful for a compass or GPS receiver. It’s a good jacket for Alpine mountaineers or general scrambling and backpacking over British hills. But at 616g this is not the lightest option, while the price tag of £150 is a little high when compared with the hooded options at this price. The design is quite short, and there is no hood (some mountain users will want one), while some adjustment at the cuffs would be useful.

Materials Gore Windstopper
Sizes S-XXL
Weight 616g (size L)
Made in China
Stores in the UK 10

Verdict
If you don’t want a hood then this is a good option for mountaineering as well as scrambling and backpacking.

Review by Graham Thompson
First published in Trail magazine September 2008

Users' Overall Rating (1 review)

Brilliant softshell

Rachel Ridgway

User's Overall Rating

Show Details

Performance
Build quality
Value for money

I recently purchased this jacket and am well impressed with it. It is superb at keeping the elements at bay it is amazingly windproof and is very water resistant. It has brilliant pockets and I like the external chest pocket which is quite a useful size. I have no prolems with it not having a hood or any cuff adjustment, in fact during winter conditions the snug cuffs keep heat in nicely. I have used it for winter walking and scrambling and rate it very highly. Pricey it maybe but I have always been of the opinion that you get what you pay for.

(Written by: Ridgback)

02 April 2009 17:45