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Do you have experience with Alpha not being durable? I’ve not noticed my fleece layers losing loft. First, how do you think the OR Ascendant hooded jacket would compare in this review?Īnd, you state that PolarTec Alpha insulation is not durable? Can you please explain why? I thought that since Alpha is basically long-pile fleece, it would not break or lose loft like short-fiber, loose synthetic insulation fills having very small fiber diameters. So Max, I have two questions if you would be kind enough to reply. Outdoor Research Uberlayer Jacket Features: Water & wind resistant Highly breathable Polartec Alpha insulation Double-separating center front. And according to Max’s review, the Uberlayer is the same warmth as the Proton LT and Nano Air. The Ascendant uses the same weight of PolarTec Alpha insulation as the reviewed Uberlayer, so I assume they would both be the same warmth. The OR Ascendant hoody weighs a claimed 13.0 oz, which is a whole 1.4 oz lighter than the top-recommended Arcteryx Proton LT. There is a key clip in the left handwarmer pocket and the hood’s brim has a moldable wire insert.Jeff, that was my thought exactly. There is a stretch mesh “Shove-It” pocket on the interior of each torso that work well for keeping gloves, hats and snacks warm and accessible. There are two zipped handwarmer pockets (too low to clear pack hip belts), and a vertical zipped chest pocket that all work well as vents. The main zipper can open from either end, has a storm flap and every zipper pull is robust and easily managed by gloved hands. The list of features on the Outdoor Research Uberlayer Hooded Jacket will be appreciated by anyone venturing out in cold conditions. This jacket will cinch down to the size of a cantaloupe not superior but still manageable for such a versatile garment. The Outdoor Research Uberlayer Hooded jacket is well appointed and these extra features limits compressibility compared to more pared down pieces. It does accommodate a climbing helmet but is tight some binding occurs when fully zipped. The hood adjusts via a single cord lock in the rear and the stretchy fabrics allow it to move well with the head.

A single cord lock adjusts the elastic in the lower hem and elasticized cuffs seal at the wrists. Mobility is excellent as the stretch materials and slippery lining enhance the jacket’s ability to keep up with aggressive movements. Internal volume accommodates heavy base layers. Torso and arm length worked well for overhead activities, only causing slight ride up and wrist creep. The cut is definitely on the trim side all girths are geared toward the slimmer set.

The fit is another strong point of the Outdoor Research Uberlayer Hooded Jacket. This was particularly noticeable where the jacket made contact with shoulder or hip straps. The outer shell, although DWR coated, can only withstand drizzle due to the porous and breathable nature of the fabric. The main zipper has a wind resistant flap behind it to protect that area. Although slightly more windproof than some in this test, the Outdoor Research Uberlayer Hooded Jacket lets anything other than the slightest breeze cut through. This jacket suffers in weatherproofing, like others in this test, due to the focus on breathability. Classic baffled construction ensures insulation stays in place over the long haul. Zipper sizes, cordage diameter and other hardware also reflected a nod towards increased durability and usability. Both outer shell and inner lining fabrics survived haphazard treatment in mountain and rock climbing environments without a nick. The Outdoor Research Ublerlayer hooded jacket is one of the more durable pieces in this category. This construction is effective over a wide range of aerobic intensities, from the low aerobic demands of rock climbing to the high demands of trail running. During high intensity activity in cold conditions, the combination of a nylon 30d stretch woven outer shell, polyester stretch mesh inner lining and Polartec Alpha insulation provides plenty of air movement to abate heat and moisture accumulation. Breathability is where the Outdoor Research Uberlayer Hooded Jacket shines.
