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Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket - Men's
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Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket - Men's

Item # 753508

$200.00

Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)

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The Alchemy is comfortable, flexible, tough and weather shedding—made for the demands of rigorous activities like ice and alpine climbing.

  • Alchemy's nylon shell combines with Gore Windstopper® laminate for durably windproof, water-resistant and breathable protection
  • Polyester microfleece bonded lining traps warm air and wicks moisture away from skin for dry comfort
  • Arm and side panels have air permeable, four-way stretch
  • Durable Water Repellent finish causes water to bead up and roll off, fending off light rain showers and snow
  • Front zipper is backed by an inner wind flap; soft microfleece lines the collar and chin guard
  • Tall stand-up collar with drawcord, Polartec® Power Stretch® hidden cuffs and two-sided, one-handed drawcord hem seal in warmth
  • Droptail hem offers increased coverage in back
  • Two handwarmer pockets are positioned so they won't interfere with pack straps; also features a welded chest pocket and an interior stash pocket

Imported.

Item 753508

Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket - Men's Specs

Specification

Description

Shell fabric94% nylon/6% Lycra spandex
WaterproofNo
Average weight22 ounces
Back length28.5
GenderMen's

Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket - Men's Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket - Men's
 
4.7

(based on 30 reviews)

97%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Durable (29)
  • Breathable (24)
  • Lightweight (24)
  • Warm (21)
  • Waterproof (15)

Cons

  • Torso too short (3)

Best Uses

  • Hiking and camping (27)
  • Casual wear (23)
  • Cold weather (18)
  • Wet weather (14)
  • Extreme conditions (8)
  • Reviewer Profile:
  • Avid adventurer (18), Casual adventurer (17)

Reviewed by 30 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

awesome jacket

By supercrim

from Foster City, CA

About Me Casual Adventurer

Site Member

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Warm
  • Windproof

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Casual Wear
    • Cold Weather
    • Wet Weather

    Comments about Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket - Men's:

    I tested several soft shell jackets which included North Face and Mountain Hardware (MH). I tried the North Face Apex Bionic jacket and did not like how oversized the cut was and the sleeves seem to bunch up quite a bit. Of the MH jackets I tried the G50, Synchro, and the Alchemy. The G50 was very comfortable and the Conduit material was soft and the look was very casual and not too technical. As for the Synchro, the jacket felt a bit firmer and had the same cut as the G50 and was more technical looking with all the waterproof taping. The one aspect I did not like about both of these jackets (G50 and Synchro) is that they are both on the short side in length. The Synchro jacket with all the waterproof taping made the jacket feel stiffer and less casual looking. When wearing a short sleeve t-shirt I could feel the waterproof taping which bothered me. Overall, I went with the Alchemy jacket because it fit the best as the length of the jacket was about two inches longer. The Alchemy jacket has a much more athletic and form fitting cut and in my opinion looks nicer. It provides enough room to lightly layer underneath because of the stretchy material on the sides of the jacket. I like the zippers of the Alchemy as they are easier to open and close with one hand. I haven't had a chance to see how windproof and water resistent the Alchemy jacket is as the weather this week has been unusually nice and warm. With all three MH jackets I like the inner fleece sleeve cuffs a lot. I think this feature sets MH jackets apart from many of the other brands. Definately try on the jacket(s) before ordering online. Good luck!

    • Gift:
    • No
    • Fit:
    • Feels true to size
    • Sleeve Length:
    • Feels true to length
    • Chest Size:
    • Feels true to size

    (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Get This Jacket

    By tall dave

    from Baltimore, MD

    About Me Avid Adventurer

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Breathable
    • Durable
    • Lightweight
    • Warm

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Casual Wear
      • Cold Weather
      • Hiking and Camping
      • Wet Weather

      Comments about Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket - Men's:

      This jacket has everything you could want from a soft shell. It is completely windproof, practically waterproof and warm. The pocket location is perfect when you've got a pack on. The hem cord, collar draw cord, internal pocket and chest pocket make this ideal for camping, climbing, hiking or any other outdoor activities. If you plan on spending time in the outdoors, then do yourself a favor and pick up this shell.

      • Fit:
      • Feels true to size
      • Sleeve Length:
      • Feels true to length
      • Chest Size:
      • Feels true to size

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Another Reason to Love Mt Hardware

      By cw360

      from Vancouver, WA

      About Me Avid Adventurer

      Pros

      • Breathable
      • Comfortable
      • Durable
      • Lightweight
      • Stretchy
      • Warm
      • Windproof

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Casual Wear
        • Cold Weather
        • Hiking and Camping
        • Wet Weather

        Comments about Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket - Men's:

        I was looking for a jacket to replace my everyday use Columbia Titanium jacket. This is my first softshell and I am surprised at how warm it is.

        I have a very athletic build (wider shoulders than waist), so its nice to find a jacket that fits properly and does not have a bunch of extra material or makes me look like a box. I would say that if you are going to layer under this jacket with anything other than a shirt or medium weight thermals you might want to get the next size up.

        If you have really huge hands you might have issues getting your hands thought the cuffs. Personally I like the way the cuffs fit and feel, but I could see that being an issue.

        This jacket breaths great, completely blocks the wind and appears to be completely waterproof. The jacket provides great freedom of movement. I love how it stretches.

        • Gift:
        • No

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Awesome

        By Brian13

        from Wash, DC

        About Me Casual/ Recreational

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Durable
        • Extremely Versatile
        • Lightweight
        • Mostly waterproof
        • Warm

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Casual Wear
          • Cold Weather

          Comments about Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket - Men's:

          Pretty much what everyone else has said-- this is the most versatile and most often worn piece of clothing I've ever bought. I travel a ton with my job, and often bring this jacket as the only piece of outerwear. The wind resistance is awesome. So are the neck cinch and close-fit fleece collars at the end of the sleeves, under the regular sleeve. I'd say I wear it w/ just a shirt down into the 40 degrees F. Colder than that, I usually wear a vest or shell over it. As other people have said, the fit is pretty snug, so you might want to go 1 size up from normal if you want to layer under it...

          • Fit:
          • Feels too small
          • Sleeve Length:
          • Feels true to length
          • Chest Size:
          • Feels true to size

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          4.0

          Excellent jacket

          By benjahen

          from Michigan

          About Me Casual/ Recreational

          Site Member

          Pros

          • Breathable
          • Durable
          • Lightweight
          • Waterproof

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Casual Wear
            • Cycling
            • Hiking and Camping
            • Skiing
            • Wet Weather

            Comments about Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket - Men's:

            Bought this jacket in the fall of 2003, I believe... excellent wind protection and very lightweight, packs well, very durable. Best for active uses outdoors (skiing, cycling are mine) although very nice as a waterproof casual jacket as well. It is plenty warm by itself with a thin fleece or long sleeve shirt. GoreTex revitalizer is useful after two or three seasons.

            • Fit:
            • Feels true to size
            • Sleeve Length:
            • Feels true to length
            • Chest Size:
            • Feels true to size

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            The best [$]you can spend

            By J-[*]

            from Anchorage, Alaksa

            About Me Avid Adventurer, Casual/ Recreational

            Pros

            • Breathable
            • Durable
            • Lightweight
            • Warm

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Casual Wear
              • Cold Weather
              • Extreme Conditions
              • Hiking and Camping

              Comments about Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket - Men's:

              I have had the Alchemy Jacket since Dec 04, the same jacket that is. I ski/hike/bar crawl/ice climb/work in this jacket. If I was Linus, it would be my blanket. Its incredibly durable, and it looks good. Like I said, the best [*]jacket you can spend [$] on....

              • Fit:
              • Feels true to size
              • Sleeve Length:
              • Feels true to length
              • Chest Size:
              • Feels true to size

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              4.0

              Amazing Windstopper

              By samsudin

              from Santa Clara, CA

              About Me Casual/ Recreational, Weekend Warrior

              Pros

              • Breathable
              • Durable
              • Lightweight
              • Warm
              • Windproof

              Cons

              • Too small
              • Torso Too Short

              Best Uses

              • Hiking and Camping
              • Wet Weather

              Comments about Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket - Men's:

              I have worn Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket several occasion on windy trail, beaches and on heavy snow storm. It keep the wind out from your body but since it is short, you need to make sure the inner layer does not leave any gap. It does keep your warm, dry but do not depend it alone on heavy rain. It is good to complement it with outer layer. Just make sure you try it one to make sure it fit nicely and get extra size bigger too. I normally wear M but [...] exchange it to L for me.

              • Fit:
              • Feels too small
              • Sleeve Length:
              • Feels too short
              • Chest Size:
              • Feels too small
               
              5.0

              Tough as nails

              By kovarpa

              from South Bay, CA

              About Me Avid Adventurer

              Site Member

              Pros

              • Comfortable
              • Durable
              • Warm

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Cold Weather
                • Hiking and Camping
                • Ice Climbing
                • Skiing/Snowboarding

                Comments about Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket - Men's:

                Super durable, have had mine for 5 years now and still looks almost like new. I use it in winter and end of fall for cold weather climbing/ice/skiing. I am 5'10, 150lbs and have a large which works with layers underneath. I can't really use this in warmer weather because the jacket is really warm but I have a Houdini for warm weather...

                • Gift:
                • No
                • Fit:
                • Feels true to size
                • Sleeve Length:
                • Feels true to length
                • Chest Size:
                • Feels true to size
                 
                5.0

                A foundation in my gear

                By Atlanta Aubrey

                from Atlanta

                About Me Avid Adventurer

                Site Member

                Pros

                • Breathable
                • Durable
                • Stylish

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Extreme Conditions
                  • Hiking and Camping

                  Comments about Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket - Men's:

                  I just got this jacket and already consider it a key piece of my gear arsenal. It is warm, YES it is an athletic fit so to some it might seem too slim, but I am 5'8" 145 and I wear a small. I am of average build, but healthy. Its an awesome fit. Finally some camping gear that doesn't look like a moo-moo.

                  I got caught in a rainstorm recently and it shed water brilliantly, but water that I left on the jacket after getting inside eventually soaked in and made my shoulders a little cold. I wouldn't call this some sort of rain jacket is all I'm saying.

                  This jacket is replacing my marmot fleeces that I've had for a while, and I'm pleased with its performance in 25-45 degree weather with windy conditions. With a poly-pro base, a long sleeve, this jacket and a shell you are basically unstoppable to everything except bitter cold in my opinion.

                  It's worth the price, if you are looking for a technical, functional, fashionable piece of equipment that will last through the years.

                  • Gift:
                  • No
                  • Fit:
                  • Feels true to size
                  • Sleeve Length:
                  • Feels true to length
                  • Chest Size:
                  • Feels true to size
                   
                  5.0

                  I would buy one as soon as I can.

                  By enn

                  from seattle wa

                  About Me Casual Adventurer

                  Site Member

                  Pros

                  • Breathable
                  • Comfortable
                  • Durable
                  • Lightweight

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Hiking and Camping

                    Comments about Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket - Men's:

                    I used this jacket on a trip to Europe and Africa.I could not ask for a better Jacket

                    • Gift:
                    • No
                    • Fit:
                    • Feels true to size
                    • Sleeve Length:
                    • Feels true to length
                    • Chest Size:
                    • Feels true to size

                    Displaying reviews 1-10

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