Backpacker Magazine – Fall Gear Guide 2009

Gear Review: ARC'TERYX Gamma LT Pullover Softshell Jacket

This ARC'TERYX pullover is the perfect mix of baselayer and jacket.

by: Testers Shannon Davis, Jonathan Dorn, Kristin Hostetter, Dennis Lewon, Molly Loomis, Annette McGivney, Jeff Purton, Kris Wagner, Jeff Wilhelm

Tags:
• Gear
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• Jackets
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• Soft Shells
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Lightest
Simple and effective: That's the story on this beautifully tailored (athletic cut, contoured to eliminate gaps) softshell shirt. It's priced well, too, and our testers said they could easily live in it for weeks on fall and winter outings. That's because it's as warm as a synthetic baselayer, and almost as breathable, yet the nylon-spandex fabric is woven tightly enough that you don't need a shell over it in moderate winds.

Four-way stretch, a deep chest zipper, and a small pocket round it out. In stronger winds and colder temps, we prefer the Endo Pullover. It features the same precision tailoring, minimalist features, and low weight, but it's made with fleece-lined Polartec Power Shield. That makes it warmer and more weather-resistant than the Gamma LT, and still plenty breathable. One tester used it for long trail runs when temps dipped into the teens. Both pullovers fit closely, so it's easy to layer over them. Gamma LT: $129; 9.7 oz; men's S-XXL, women's XS-XL. Endo: $250; 12 oz.; men's S-XXL, women's XS-XL; arcteryx.com

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