New Gamma Lightweight - bigger, boxier, best to pass on unless you have a very specific set of needs.

The new Gamma Lightweight (GLW) is underwhelming in all but two categories: pockets and fabric (with a caveat). The fit is boxier with wider shoulder seems. See the detail pics for comparison with a recent generation Gamma Lightweight laid on top of it (both black) and a LEAF SMU-run Gamma SL anorak (crocodile over black).

Cons: Fit. You can see that the new GLW is wider in the torso, and the shoulder seams are wider on each side by about a half-inch when compared to the previous gen GLW. This is very disappointing as it represents a change in cut for what I can only assume is trend chasing. There’s absolutely no reason to make an active garment like a LW soft shell boxier and looser fitting unless you’re starting with ridiculously tight garment. The sleeves are also looser/larger, again with no apparent functional reason. The seems being moved off shoulder is traditionally done for pack comfort, but there’s zero indication that’s the reason here.

Pros: Pockets and Fabric. In my specific case I take advantage of napoleon pockets, so 4 pockets is great for me. The fabric is also nicely lightweight and seems to have decent abrasion resistance.

Mediocre: Fabric and price. The fabric is a bit stiff for my preference, but owing to some abrasion resistance I’m willing to give it a pass. If you value soft fabric over all, look elsewhere. Price, it’s not the most expensive jacket, but you can get similar element protection at a slightly lower price point - but if pockets and weight are important factors you might be hard pressed to get it at the same weather protection + abrasion resistance at this price.

Who should buy this: someone with a very specific use case where you prioritize light weight, pocket space, and abrasion resistance in a jacket that you can wad up and throw in a bag without worrying about it. AND - you like the looser baggier fit. I’m actually returning this one for a smaller size to see if that fixes it. The fact that I have to game the sizing is absurd and is contributing to “Arc’teryx fatigue” of having to deal with Arc’s new adaptation to being a mass consumer brand.

Who should not buy this: anyone who abhors the boxy fit and can’t win by sizing down, you prefer a softer/more comfortable fabric, and you can survive with only two pockets.

It seems like I recommend buying more than not, but that’s not the case. If you don’t have a very specific use case for this specific jacket (pockets, lightweight, high breathability in changing environment, abrasion resistance) then pass and go onto something else. Consider a previous generation GLW, a traditional Gamma if this is mostly casual use, a 2L shell if this is more for weather resistance, or an entirely different brand altogether. Or wait until next year and see if they update the sizing and choose a DWR + face fabric construction that’s less crinkly and stiff.

I also cannot stress enough how annoyed I am that Arc’teryx has adjusted sizing and introduced significant box-ness in the silhouette, still lists this as a general fit, and I’m having to game their sizing to see if it works. This is antithetical to what Arc’teryx originally was but is par for the course for how the brand seems to be moving. Let’s hope it’s a misstep and they get back on track.