Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket

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Reviewed by 11 Trailspace users

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Description

The Alchemy Jacket is a soft shell jacket made by Mountain Hardwear. It has an average rating of 4.5 stars (out of 5), based on 11 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From Backcountry.com:
"Incredibly durable, abrasion-resistant, and windproof, the Mountain Hardwear Men's Alchemy Jacket is a cut above other softshells and considered the flagship item of the company's outerwear line. Using Mountain Hardwear's Alchemy Stretch fabric with brushed inner fleece and stretch Polartec Power Shield panels in key areas, this jacket has the "soft" part covered. But it's in the "shell" portion where Alchemy really kicks ass. Alchemy employs a 100%-windproof laminate (Gore WindStopper) to nix wind chill, drastically reducing heat loss. In addition, the combo of a durable, tightly woven outer surface, the WindStopper membrane, and a superior durable water-repellent finish gives the Alchemy the ability to resist water penetration in a way other softshells can't do. This jacket sheds snow and rain in all conditions short of a downright deluge. The Alchemy has a trim fit that molds to your body's contours and stretches for excellent comfort and freedom of movement. Loaded with technical features like welded pockets and one-hand adjustable cinch cords the Alchemy answers the demands of rigorous outdoor activities like alpine/ice climbing and backcountry skiing with style."

From Oregon Mountain Community:
"The Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket is a two-way stretch, WINDSTOPPER® Soft Shell, a warm fleece liner and durable DWR finish give the fully windproof Alchemy excellent water resistance and warmth for climbing and high-altitude sports. Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket Features: Stretchy soft shell fabric is windproof, water resistant, and breathable Air-permeable, four-way stretch side and arm panels for mobility Welded pockets with water-resistant zips Interior zip pocket for ID, keys, other small items Drawcords at neck and hem seal in warmth Materials: Body: Alchemy Stretch Soft Shell™ Panel: Schoeller® NanoSphere® Soft Shell Laminate: WINDSTOPPER® Soft Shell Weight: 632.00 g (1 lbs, 6 oz)"

From Moosejaw:
"Free Shipping. Mountain Hardwear Men's Alchemy Jacket (Fall 2009) Two-way stretch, GORE-TEX WINDSTOPPER Soft Shell, a warm fleece liner and durable DWR finish give the fully Mountain Hardwear Men's Alchemy Jacket excellent water resistance and warmth for climbing and high-altitude sports."

From Altrec Outdoors:
"Two-way stretch, WINDSTOPPER Soft Shell, a warm fleece liner and durable DWR finish give the fully windproof Alchemy excellent water resistance and warmth for climbing and high-altitude sports."

User Reviews

Men's Alchemy Jacket
Reviewed by Thehumble1, Nov 09, 2009

"After 3 years it's running great. Though a few threads have torn, I won't send it in because I use it constantly and don't want to give it up.

The cuffs are tight, the fit great and it's completely windproof. Not waterproof, but resistant for the first year or so."

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Men's Alchemy Jacket
Reviewed by marc, Feb 25, 2009

"Live in Ontario. I use the jacket for camping and around town extensively. I'm 5'10" 160lbs, got it in L because M was tight around shoulders and did not allow for under layer.

Had the jacket for about 5 years or more until stolen 2 weeks ago."

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Men's Alchemy Jacket
Reviewed by Dn1188, Dec 21, 2008

"I got this jacket about a month ago and have worn it daily ever since. It's been great skiing, in the rain, and just around campus. I'd recommend a good mid-layer for insulation, but overall I am completely satisfied. When you're skiing it's raining at 1" an hour and you stay warm and toasty, I'd say that's a pretty good soft shell."

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Men's Alchemy Jacket
Reviewed by Keith Kuboske, Mar 16, 2008

"This is one of the best soft shell jackets out there for ice climbing and mountaineering. This jacket stands up to the abuse given while climbing and keeps giving. Would not leave for a day or weeks on any mountain without it. Have purchased 2 from everestgear.com just in case MH decides to quit making these anytime soon."

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Men's Alchemy Jacket
Reviewed by Dizieball, Feb 09, 2007

"Wore this jacket right out of the store. The first weekend I went out to a fall retreat where it rained quite a bit in the chilly Colorado mountains. It is warm and fits great. It has held up for about 6 months now really well. :) I can wear it with a t-shirt at cold temps with low winds and be completely content."

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Men's Alchemy Jacket
Reviewed by Lando, Oct 10, 2006

"The best jacket for mountaineering IN THE WORLD. I used it on Rainier, Eldorado, Devils Peak, Devils Thumb, and rock climbs all over Washington State. It is stretchy enough for those long reaches on rock and ice. I use it as a belay jacket on some spring and summer rock climbs."

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Men's Alchemy Jacket
Reviewed by seahiker, Mar 02, 2006

"Wore this for five days of skiing around Lake Tahoe in January-February. Kept me comfortable, moving and protected in conditions from warm sun to harsh winds and falling snow, and rebuffed the occasional spill. Completely weatherproof, athletic fit moves easily, but enough room for three layers beneath including a Snozone fleece during storms."

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Alchemy Jacket
Reviewed by Blizzboy15, Aug 27, 2005

"I love this jacket!! I just got it two weeks ago off ebay, for a great price ,and I have worn it everywhere since the day I recieved it!! It is my new favorite jacket!! I haven't been out in it in any extreme weather but in the rain it is excellent!! It seems more waterproof than water resistant to me."

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Men's Alchemy Jacket
Reviewed by Greg Rivers, Nov 05, 2004

"This is an essential jacket when cold, wind and a need for freedom of movement are called for. The windstopper qualities are excellent and the warmth lends itself to extended ice climbing or general cold weather activity. These jackets run slightly large."

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Men's Alchemy Jacket
Reviewed by Jake, Nov 04, 2004

"I grabbed this softshell since it was on sale and Mountain Hardwear's Large actually fits me; I wear a medium in some companies now they are so big. The fit is great in the torso and neck, very snug for me in the sleeve w/not much give for layers. They say you will not wear much under but ice days in New England are super cold."

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Alchemy Jacket
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Oct 26, 2004

"I have worn this jacket in everything but a torrential downpour. It is extremely comfy, but can get pretty toasty when exertion levels are high."

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