OutdoorGearLab

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie is a fantastic value. It ticks nearly every box that a durable wind layer for climbing or hiking should. It is lightweight, wind-resistant, breathable, abrasion-resistant, and highly stretchy. It has great features for the price &mdash; including a pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, so you can clip your jacket to your harness when not in use. It moves incredibly well, owing to the ultra-stretchy fabric, and even though it isn't very water-resistant, it is among the fastest drying active softshells in our review. It even has UPF-50 fabric to protect your skin from the sun. Add to all of this the fact that it is a very affordable jacket, and it is no wonder why this jacket is the staple softshell for most outdoor adventure nerds.
Our reviews wouldn't be objective if we ignored a product's flaws, and the Ferrosi is not without its minor caveats. Compared to other softshells, it has below-average water resistance, but it does dry quickly and offers great 3-season protection. The fit is a little on the boxy side, so if you're between sizes, you might consider sizing down. We also wish that the hand pockets were accessible while wearing a harness or the hip belt of a backpack. All these concerns aside, the Ferrosi is a great breathable, wind-resistant option at a fantastic price for hiking, climbing, and cycling.

The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie has some unique features that make it an excellent addition for any activewear junkie. First, this lightweight sun top has switched from the fold-over cuffs of old to well-designed thumbholes that are comfortable to wear, even when on the move. Secondly, the Echo has a hole in its hood for your ponytail. Though this isn't the most stylish look, it certainly is very functional. Beyond these two unique features, this hoody is absurdly lightweight and impressively breathable. It is one of only a couple of shirts we tested that we could comfortably wear in the hot sun without pushing up the sleeves &mdash; precisely why it's great for days when you're pushing hard or in more intense heat. 
For all its other utilities, the Echo lacks pockets and has the lowest UPF value of any sun shirt we tested; just 20 for dark colors and only 15 for light colors. Most others are 35-50+, so this is underwhelming. And while we adore the breathability of this thin, quick-drying fabric, it's not particularly smooth, and we've had repeated issues with snagging in past versions. Though this current version didn't snag during our testing, it's made of the same fabric, so we expect the same to occur. Still, while the Echo may not continue to look pristine through the years, the quirky traits this top brings to the table make it super useful &mdash; and we love the bold colors it comes in too.

The Outdoor Research Carbide shines in its extremely breathable and comfortable shell material. The 3L Pertex shield material is one of the most breathable and comfortable materials we've worked with. The DWR coating of this material is also convincing, providing excellent weather protection for its weight. Combine all of this with ski-specific features to take you from the resort to the backcountry, and you have a stellar value for an excellent price. 
While this stretchy 3L provides excellent breathability and water resistance, we did feel the more biting winds permeate this thin material. This more backcountry-oriented shell is so thin that we have some questions about how it will hold up to the test of time, but after over a month of use, we have no reason to believe it will perform poorly. If we had just one wish for this jacket, it would be that the powder skirt was removable. This upgrade would knock this jacket out of the park. These small criticisms aside, we believe the Carbide performs similarly to many high-end shells on the market at a fraction of the price. 

The Outdoor Research Aspire continues to impress us. It scores high marks across the board; from water resistance to breathability, it comes fully equipped with all the bells and whistles. It's an impressive contender, proudly sporting a smooth, soft fabric and flattering fit. The substantial Gore-Tex, Paclite integrated fabric design will withstand and keep you protected from even the heaviest of downpours. It comes fully featured with reinforced, sealed seams and water-resistant zippers. It also sports an adjustable hood, hip cinches, and both elastic and Velcro to seal around your wrists to keep you protected in inclement weather. Being so watertight might sound awfully stuffy, but don't be fooled; the pit vents extend the full length of this jacket and can be fully opened either from the top or poncho-style from the bottom for a quick and easy way to shed excess body heat &mdash; and are surprisingly comfortable. When it comes to balancing protection and performance, the designers have covered their bases, with the Aspire earning our highest accolades for its design, fit, and performance.
Weighing 11.4 ounces, the Aspire is one of the heavier jackets we tested. Considering all the extra zipper length on the full-length side vents as well as the waterproof, dual-direction main zipper, we think this weight is justifiable. It also packs down into its own pocket, complete with a clip for easy attachment to your harness or pack. For an impressive merging of wind and water protection with serious breathability, look no further.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie is a fantastic value. It ticks nearly every box that a durable wind layer for climbing or hiking should. It is lightweight, wind-resistant, breathable, abrasion-resistant, and highly stretchy. It has great features for the price &mdash; including a pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, so you can clip your jacket to your harness when not in use. It moves incredibly well, owing to the ultra-stretchy fabric, and even though it isn't very water-resistant, it is among the fastest drying active softshells in our review. It even has UPF-50 fabric to protect your skin from the sun. Add to all of this the fact that it is a very affordable jacket, and it is no wonder why this jacket is the staple softshell for most outdoor adventure nerds.
Though the Ferrosi is a great jacket, we have a few bones to pick. Its water resistance is below average compared to others in our test. However, it dries quickly and offers great 3-season protection. The fit is somewhat boxy, so if you're between sizes, you might consider sizing down. We also wish that the hand pockets were accessible while wearing a harness or the hip belt of a backpack. All these concerns aside, the Ferrosi is a great breathable, wind-resistant option at a fantastic price for hiking, climbing, and cycling.
Read more: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie review

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Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody Review - Active Gear Review

OWA Reviews: Outdoor Research Women's Ferrosi Hoody • Outdoor Women's Alliance

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Though the brand name and material may both be new to the scene, the two are working in conjunction to set a high bar when it comes to lightweight, technical clothing. The NW Alpine Spectra is just one piece in a line that is the first in the world to incorporate Spectra fiber &mdash; an innovative material that is engineered to be lighter and stronger than Kevlar. This highly technical, highly breathable, ultra-lightweight layer is able to easily withstand normal abrasion, rips, and tears, yet it is as soft next-to-skin as merino wool. No longer do mountain athletes have to sacrifice durability to save weight, nor do they have to substitute comfort for performance.
Though it is a versatile, lightweight option, the Spectra won't provide you with any of the insulation you may need to make it through the coldest days of winter. Despite all of the advances this top is making in the world of base layers, it still falls victim to some common pitfalls of full synthetics &mdash; even casual efforts leave this top smelling as if you just pushed for an FKT. So while you may find yourself washing this top more than usual, you can rest assured knowing that the Spectra Long Sleeve won't wear out quickly. This ultra-durable lightweight base layer is built for the rigors of rock climbing but performs equally well as a trail running top or for working hard in the skin track when backcountry skiing. If you're looking for a lightweight base layer, this is the best we've tested.

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We loved the Arc'teryx Gamma LT for its high performance across the board and for striking the proper balance between opposing metrics, which is why it earns top honors. Even though it provides great wind protection and decent water resistance, it manages to be breathable when doing aerobic activities in cooler temps. The patented Wee Burley fabric is abrasion-resistant and durable while still providing excellent mobility. It has a flattering cut while not skimping on the features you want out of a softshell, including Napoleon-style harness-compatible pockets that are mesh-lined for extra ventilation and a two-way cinched helmet-compatible hood for an excellent fit while climbing, hiking, or ski touring. 
Depending on how you intend to use the Gamma LT, this jacket's downsides may be inconsequential. Being made out of a more durable fabric and being well-suited for cooler alpine temps, it is on the heavier end of active softshells in our review. It is also pretty pricey. The cuffs are non-adjustable &mdash; which could be a feature or a deficit, depending on whether you prefer gauntlet-style gloves or cuffs that cinch over your gloves. That said, these drawbacks are minor, and for someone seeking a durable, weather-resistant softshell for alpine climbing, peak-bagging, cool-weather hikes, or ski touring, the Gamma LT might just be the one for you.

The Arc'teryx Gamma LT remains a top performer in this category, and we heartily recommend it with our highest accolades. This jacket is everything you want in a piece of clothing meant for activity in the mountains while also being stylish enough to use in casual settings. It fits well thanks to expertly tailored panels, moves with your body during the most aerobic activity, and breathes well thanks to an unlined, wicking softshell fabric. 
Arc'teryx garments are known for being expertly crafted, and the Gamma LT is no exception. Certain features, such as adjustable wrist cuffs, would make it even better, but we still recommend it as one of the best softshells you can buy.

We loved the Arc'teryx Gamma LT for its high performance across the board and for striking the proper balance between opposing metrics, which is why it earns top honors. Even though it provides great wind protection and decent water resistance, it manages to be breathable when doing aerobic activities in cooler temps. The patented Wee Burley fabric is abrasion-resistant and durable while still providing excellent mobility. It has a flattering cut while not skimping on the features you want out of a softshell, including Napoleon-style harness-compatible pockets that are mesh-lined for extra ventilation and a two-way cinched helmet-compatible hood for an excellent fit while climbing, hiking, or ski touring. 
Depending on how you intend to use the Gamma LT, this jacket's downsides may be inconsequential. Being made out of a more durable fabric and being well-suited for cooler alpine temps, it is on the heavier end of active softshells in our review. It is also pretty pricey. The cuffs are non-adjustable &mdash; which could be a feature or a deficit, depending on whether you prefer gauntlet-style gloves or cuffs that cinch over your gloves. That said, these drawbacks are minor, and for someone seeking a durable, weather-resistant softshell for alpine climbing, peak-bagging, cool-weather hikes, or ski touring, the Gamma LT might just be the one for you.
Read more: Arc'teryx Gamma LT Hoody review

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We love this superbly comfortable top from Mountain Hardwear. The Crater Lake Hoody has just about everything you could want in a sun shirt. It protects you from the sun with 50+ UPF fabric, has a lightweight hood that fits under a helmet, and sports thumbholes you can use no matter how long your arms are. Made of a soft, silky polyester/elastane blend, the Crater Lake is ridiculously stretchy and insanely comfortable. It's thin enough that it's both absurdly lightweight and shockingly breathable without being see-through. It's one of the few shirts we happily wore under the blazing sun without rolling up the sleeves &mdash; and that's saying something. This excellent shirt also features a zipped hip pocket and the option to cinch the bottom closed, like your favorite jacket, which comes in handy for inverted activities like climbing and yoga. It's no wonder this stellar piece wins our top award yet again.
The Crater Lake does run a bit large in our experience. Our main tester is 5'4" and 120 lb and rocked the XS with plenty of room to spare &mdash; even considering her self-described "ape arms." And while we love the super stretchy nature of this shirt, it does stop you from comfortably using the hip pocket for something heavy like your cell phone. As with any hooded shirt with thumb holes, this top offers a fairly specific look that might not fly in the workplace unless it's Casual Friday. All in all, however, we love this sun shirt, and it quickly became one of our go-to pieces for everything from yoga to biking to gardening.

We love this superbly comfortable top from Mountain Hardwear. The Crater Lake Hoody has just about everything you could want in a sun shirt. Features include 50+ UPF fabric, a lightweight hood that fits under a helmet, and thumbholes that work even for longer-armed folks. Made of a soft, silky polyester/elastane blend, the Crater Lake is ridiculously stretchy and insanely comfortable. It's thin enough that it's both absurdly lightweight and shockingly breathable without being see-through. It's one of the few shirts we happily wore under the blazing sun without rolling up the sleeves &mdash; and that's saying something. This excellent shirt also features a zipped hip pocket and the option to cinch the bottom closed, like your favorite jacket, which comes in handy for inverted activities like climbing and yoga. It's no wonder this stellar piece wins our top award yet again.
In our experience, the Crater Lake runs a bit large. Our main tester is 5'4" and 120 lb and rocked the XS with plenty of room to spare &mdash; even considering her self-described "ape arms." And while we love the super stretchy nature of this shirt, it means the hip pocket isn't great for heavy items like a cell phone. As with any hooded shirt with thumb holes, this top offers a fairly specific look that might not fly in the workplace unless it's Casual Friday. All in all, however, we love this sun shirt, and it quickly became one of our go-to pieces for everything from yoga to biking to gardening.
Read more: Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve Hoody review

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The Voormi High Hood E is a ¼ zip jacket featuring a merino wool-polyester construction, kangaroo-style front pocket, and a huge balaclava hood. All designed to keep you protected in poor weather. It features a highly durable and abrasion-resistant hardened face fabric that does the best job at repelling water and wind that we've seen in our testing so far. If you like to get out in poor weather or are looking for a super warm fleece because you run cold, this is one to check out. Plus, it's made by a local Colorado company that puts customer service first.
While this jacket is highly durable and protective, the fabrics are somewhat stiff and a tiny bit itchy. While the materials do stretch, they are much stiffer than any traditional fleece we've tested, which means sizing correctly is imperative. The arms and bust feel a little slim, which gave our main tester a hard time getting a comfortable fit for her biceps. The price is also high, but it's important to consider the quality of this garment, which is high. If you are seeking a thicker fleece that'll perform in all weather, this is our go-to.

The Voormi High Hood E is a ¼ zip jacket featuring a merino wool-polyester construction, kangaroo-style front pocket, and a huge balaclava hood. All designed to keep you protected in poor weather. It features a highly durable and abrasion-resistant hardened face fabric that does the best job at repelling water and wind that we've seen in our testing so far. If you like to get out in poor weather or are looking for a super warm fleece because you run cold, this is one to check out. Plus, it's made by a local Colorado company that puts customer service first.
While this jacket is highly durable and protective, the fabrics are somewhat stiff and a tiny bit itchy. While the materials do stretch, they are much stiffer than any traditional fleece we've tested, which means sizing correctly is imperative. The arms and bust feel a little slim, which gave our main tester a hard time getting a comfortable fit for her biceps. The price is also high, but it's important to consider the quality of this garment, which is high. If you are seeking a thicker fleece that'll perform in all weather, this is our go-to.
Read more: Voormi High-E Hoodie - Women's review

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For the extra money, you’ll get a more durable jacket that still breathes well.

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The Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody scored exceptionally high marks in every metric we'd expect in a top-performing midweight fleece. It has a great weight to warmth ratio and most importantly, is incredibly comfortable to wear. The brushed fleece lining feels great against the skin, and while the cut is slim, it accommodates wide-set shoulders without creating any hotspots in the armpits or shoulders. Our testers loved climbing, skiing, and hiking in this piece. The scuba-style hood fits underneath climbing helmets and does a great job at keeping cold air out while trapping hard-won body heat inside. 
This piece really only has a few downsides. For high output activity in the spring and summer, this fleece might not offer the breathability you want when early morning and evening temps are rising. Our only other complaint is the lack of thumb loops built into the cuffs. Using this as a standalone piece is inconsequential, but when you're sliding it underneath other layers, thumb loops keep things from getting all bunched up. This fleece hoody is ideal for cold-weather pursuits where thinner gridded fleece just won't cut it. 

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The Arc'teryx Gamma LT remains a top performer in this category, and we heartily recommend it with our highest accolades. This jacket is everything you want in a piece of clothing meant for activity in the mountains while also being stylish enough to use in casual settings. It fits well thanks to expertly tailored panels, moves with your body during the most aerobic activity, and breathes well thanks to an unlined, wicking softshell fabric. 
Arc'teryx garments are known for being expertly crafted, and the Gamma LT is no exception. Certain features, such as adjustable wrist cuffs, would make it even better, but we still recommend it as one of the best softshells you can buy.
Read more: Arc'teryx Gamma LT Hoody review

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