Must-Have Jackets from Outdoor Research
There are few outdoor items that are more important than a jacket. On longer hikes the weather can change in an instant and it is so important to either have something to keep you warm or keep you dry, or both. You will never be more miserable than when you don’t have the right piece of gear to keep you protected, even on the shorter day hikes. I wanted to take a look at a couple of must-have jackets from Outdoor Research. These jackets are light weight and technical and made by one of the industry leaders in Outdoor Research. I will take on the Transcendent Down Collection. Since I don’t get a ton of rain, my friend Brooke, who lives on the rainy east coast will take a look at the rain jacket.
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The Transcendent Down Hoodie
- Cost: $279.00
- Sizes: S – XXXL
- Colors: Khaki/Green, Cenote, Ranger Green, Bronze/Cenote, Spice/Jupiter, Black
- Available in Men’s and Women’s
As a bigger guy, I always find it a challenge to find technical clothing that fits. That is why I was so excited to test out the Transcendent Down Collection from Outdoor Research. Not only do they offer some bigger sizes, but they are big enough for me to layer underneath them as well. Here is some more of what I love about the Down Collection.
So Warm!
I recently did a New Year Day hike and was a bit unprepared for how cold it actually way. The temps had dropped down to 14 at the trailhead and all I had was a t-shirt, thin sun hoodie and my Transcendent Down Hoodie. I was worried I was going to freeze but the opposite happened. I actually had to unzip the hoodie to cool down! The down is so warm with an 800+ fill power and kept me warm against the chilly air. The best part is that as soon as I unzipped a bit, I was comfortable again and didn’t have to remove the whole jacket. It is a great layer for the winter hikes!
Recycled Materials
I also loved that the Transcendent Hoodie was made with bluesign® approved 100% Recycled Nylon 20D Shell and Lining. Outdoor Research also mentions that they use responsibly sourced Down. It is important that outdoor companies do what they can to use recycled and sustainable materials to allow us to continue to enjoy the outdoors.
Fit
I mentioned it before, but the Transcendent fits me incredibly well. I can wear it with a baselayer, insulating layers and more. Once, I even wore the Deviator Hoody under it on one mountain trek to get some extra wind protection and it all fit great. It isn’t super stretchy but it does enough to fit everything that I need underneath to stay warm on the coldest of days. This is really nice and a change for us bigger folks who usually can’t find technical clothing that fits us.
Options and Affordability
Some of these down jackets come in around $500-$900 but the OR Transcendent is under $300 which makes it one of the more affordable Down technical jackets. The price tag doesn’t resemble the quality as I have found this to be a really nice jacket that has held up really well to the extreme Colorado winter hiking season. There are also several color options and this is available in both Men’s and Women’s design so it is great for the whole family.
Weight
The Transcendent series comes in at a really light 13.3 ounces in the men’s version. That is a great lightweight option to keep you warm. However, because of the design, I did think it was a little hard to pack just due to all the air that the down captures. So it is great to wear and maybe throw in the pack for a short time but I don’t keep this as my emergency pack layer that is always packed and ready.
The Aspire 3L Rain Jacket by Brooke
- Cost: $249
- Sizes: XXS-XXXXL
- Colors: Galactic, Oyster, Maldives, Harbor, Olympic, Sunrise, Black
- Men’s version is branded as Foray
Since I haven’t gotten nearly enough rain recently, I have asked my friend Brooke to help out and talk about all the things that she likes about the Women’s Aspire 3L Jacket in Neptune/ Fresh Mint Rain Jacket.
Waterproofing
My first time wearing the Aspire 3L jacket and a short respite from the rainy hike!
The Women’s Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Jacket is ideal for wet adventures in the great outdoors! The first time that I used this jacket on a hike, I really got to see just how waterproof it was. The forecast was predicting light drizzle, but ended up turning into heavier rain along the way. My friend and I ended up getting lost on the hike and spending 3.5 hours in the rain. As we got back to the car and I jumped in the driver’s seat to take my wet clothes off, I noticed that I was completely dry underneath this jacket and rain pants. My hair and hat? Not so much! Hellooooooooo, WET RAT!
After a successful first time with this jacket, I decided to bring it along to the “MS City To The City Shore Bike Ride” on behalf of my Mom and those affected by Multiple Sclerosis. This took place two days after the rainy hike and Mother Nature decided she wasn’t done with the precipitation. She even spiced it up that day and added some humidity, fog, and all sorts of yucky weather to the mix. It was not ideal at all, but we still chose to ride in the weather, despite knowing it may be a bit of a crapshoot. This jacket kept me 100% dry underneath again the entire 6 hours- from both the rain and being the sweaty Betty that I am. It offered the necessary protection and performance needed on an intense riding day like this.
Breathability
Ready to brave the rainy, muggy weather for the MS City to the Shore Bike Ride 2024
As I mentioned above- I endured rain, as well as disgusting humidity and mugginess this entire bike ride. Despite all of those inconvenient factors of the day, the jacket not only proved to keep me dry from the weather, but allowed plenty of breathability. Even when I was in the Adirondacks for the Fall foliage a week later, the weather was warmer than I intended for it to be. I kept on taking my jacket on and off, as both the weather and I couldn’t make up our minds. I loved that this jacket was lightweight and easily packable when off, yet provided great ventilation while on.
Speaking of warmth, I’m someone who typically overheats very fast, especially in the Summer. I NEED clothing with great ventilation. A key feature on the jacket, to me, and one that I found very beneficial were the double zippers on the side. They start at the waist and allow the jacket to zip from the bottom up. This was especially great for venting the heat while on the more challenging parts of uphill biking and hiking adventures or moving at faster speeds. It helped me to keep moisture out all while regulating my body temperature. This jacket makes ventilation and breathability almost effortless!
Fit
The fit of this jacket was perfect and had a good length! I’m an athletic, hourglass build and typically wear size Medium in jackets. I felt that this was true to size, yet still allowed me adequate room to put base layers underneath in colder weather. I even wore the OR Transcendent Down Layered Jacket with it several times and it never felt too restricted. Overall, this jacket is made of extremely flexible material that allows for layers and excellent freedom of movement. Ideal for those who want comfort and ease while on the move.
Price Point
I think one of the most important factors to mention is the price point for the quality of this jacket. I mention this because my tried and true go-to jacket and arguably my favorite piece of outdoor clothing is twice the price of this. It has been my go-to for 8 years and I swear by it, as it has held up through the worst of weather and storms. It is still my go-to and one that I will always use! But the fact that I have grabbed this jacket just as much as that says A LOT! Besides the look and aesthetics of it, this is a piece that has kept me dry down to the bones every single time I have used it. It’s always been warm and precipitation has never once leaked through. It has successfully and continuously proven to be dependable on all of my hiking and biking adventures since.
The Deviator Hoodie
- Cost: $229.00
- Sizes: XS-XXXL
- Colors: Spice, Cenote, Black,
- Available in Men’s and Women’s
For me, the Deviator Hoodie is the perfect top layer for both spring and fall. It also works great in the mountains in the summers for those cold winds and chilly mornings. I even got away with using the Deviator as a top layer in some of the late winter days. This winter, during some extremely cold days, I used the Deviator as an insulating and wind break layer underneath my Transcendent Down Top layer. This really may be the most versatile jacket I have tried from Outdoor Research! I have a full review of the Deviator that you can find here, or continue on to get a recap.
Warmth
The Deviator Hoodie is a lightweight jacket and not really set up for deep winter hiking. While it does work pretty well as an insulating layer. I found it to be a really nice weight for spring mornings and evenings. Those times when the frost is still on the ground before the day starts to warm up. I wore it in the 40-50 degree range and was still really comfortable. (However, I do tend to run warm.)
Flexibility/Stretch
This may be my favorite part of the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie, the fit and flexibility. I have a bigger body and oftentimes I find jackets and hoodies to be a bit restrictive in places but that was not the case with the Deviator. The arms and flanks, as well as the back panel are made with a spandex mix that allows for a complete range of motion. The Deviator actually moves in every direction and I was as free to reach up to scramble as I was to walk on a path.
The flexibility leads to a really nice fit as well. I found it to be snug without being tight, which I liked. It didn’t hang off of my body like a kite but I still had the freedom of movement that I would get with loose fitting clothing because of the flexibility. The flexibility also allows for more base layers on the colder days. The hoodie will expand to allow the layers and then return to shape when you remove those layers due to the spandex. It is just a really comfortable fit.
Wind and Water Resistance
This hoodie is not designed as a waterproof shell. It does a decent job of being moisture resistant. I got caught in a snow shower. It was one of those spring wet slushy snows that collected on my arms and the hoodie was fine in that but it wasn’t like a blizzard or anything. But again, this wasn’t designed to be waterproof.
I was very happy with the wind resistance of the hoodie. The outer portion is made with 90% Nylon which does a great job of blocking the wind. The mountains of Colorado get very windy in the winter and spring and I hiked on a few days with winds in the 20-30 mph range and the hoodie did a great job of protecting me. I also really like that the hood stays tight to the head when the jacket is zipped up. That helps prevent the wind from howling inside the hood. This really reduces the hood flap that I hate!
Weight
The Deviator Hoodie isn’t an ultralight item but it is also pretty light weight. It comes in around 12.5 ounces which makes it nice to have in the pack for a day hike or in the car camping kit for that perfect option for the mornings or around the fire.
Breathability
Despite being very warm, the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie does a really good job of being breathable and not overheating. I was really impressed with just how breathable it was. Looking at the hoodie, I was concerned that with the extra lining I would be way too hot. However, I found that as the temps started to rise I was still comfortable.
The Helium Lightweight Rain Jacket
- Cost: $170.00
- Sizes: XS-XXXL
- Colors: Spice, Cenote, Harbor, Storm, Black, Coyote
- Available in Men’s and Women’s
One of the most important additions to any kit is the light weight rain jacket. The Helium rain jacket is Outdoor Research’s ultralight option that will keep you dry and not weigh down your pack. I did a full review of this jacket a bit ago and you can find it here as well as check out this recap.
Ultralight Weight
Every hiker knows how important it is to keep a rain jacket around for those flash storms that always seem to pop-up. The key is finding one that is easy to keep in the pack without adding to much weight from hike to hike. The Helium weighs in at only 7 ounces making it the perfect option to always have with you. The helium also doubles as a nice windbreaker and is definitely a must have for the spring and summer seasons.
Rain Protection
Obviously, a rain jacket is only as good as it protects you from the elements. The Helium does a really good job of protecting from rain. It is basically a solid barrier that no moisture can penetrate. With the watertight rain protection of the jacket, I was concerned that I would overheat. However, the Helium is really breathable. I didn’t get overly warm or uncomfortable at all. The jacket also has a nice flexibility and isn’t overly constricting without sacrificing any of the waterproofing.
Packability
Along with the low weight comes the Helium’s packability. Again, a rain jacket is a must have in the pack for all of those surprise storms and you need to be prepared in a moment’s notice. This jacket stuffs completely into its pocket. I have measured the stowed jacket at 7 inches wide at the widest point. It is also 7 inches long and about 2 inches deep so it makes storage really easy.
Sizing
As a hefty hiker, it is always a challenge to find gear that fits right. This seems doubly hard for technical gear like a rain jacket. I was so happy to see that Outdoor Research makes the Helium in a wide range of sizes. They go up to XXXL on the men’s line.
Wrapping up Must Have Jackets from Outdoor Research
Jackets are one of the most important items to have in any pack, and Outdoor Research has some of the best jackets around. Hopefully these guides will give you an idea of a lightweight rain jacket, medium rain jacket, medium insulated hoodie and a heavy down coat. In my opinion these are the 4 main jackets to have with you to stay warm and dry depending on the season.
I use all 4 of these jackets while I am hiking and they also get plenty of use while I am just walking around the neighborhood and as everyday wear. I do realize there are other options around but I wanted to break down specifically OR because I feel like they have a really good line of jackets.
More from the Fatman
For a list of other products that I have reviewed you can check my Product Review page here. If you have any products you would like me to review or any comments you can email me at fatmanlittletrails@gmail.com or you can follow me on any of the below social media platforms. Happy Hiking!