Writers AJ Powell and Tanner Bowden testing jackets in the Idaho backcountry.

The latest in OR’s innovative technologies focuses on active insulation in jackets, like the Uberlayer and the Deviator hoody. Today, the company is still on the front lines of pioneering technical, smartly designed pieces built for serious adventurers. For example, there’s the Seattle Sombrero, a sombrero-esque hat constructed from Gore-Tex perfect for hiking in the rain the first soft-sided medical kits designed specifically for outdoor use and the Water Bottle Parka, which is still the standard for keeping water from freezing on mountaineering expeditions. Since then, Seattle-based Outdoor Research has pioneered a number of iconic outdoor pieces. Gregg was convinced that there was a better way to build a gaiter, and with that in mind, he created the X-Gaiter - Outdoor Research’s first official product.

His partner had to be airlifted out, a moment that changed mountaineering and outdoor sports forever. Gregg’s partner, who was already suffering from extreme frostbite, got snow lodged between his boot and gaiter - exacerbating an already dire situation. In 1980, Gregg, a physicist by trade, was on an expedition on Denali with his partner when disaster struck. But unless you’re in the know, you probably haven’t heard the name Ron Gregg. This jacket was sent to me for review through the #ORInsightLab.You’ve heard of Yvon Chouinard, Doug Thompkins and Royal Robbins, the founders of Patagonia, The North Face and Royal Robbins, respectively. Buy the Uberlayer through Outdoor Research, CampSaver, REI, Mountain Gear, or Amazon for $299. If you don’t mind always looking (and smelling) kinda dirtbaggy, this jacket is it. I also found that the nylon shell holds stains and dirt pretty well, even with thorough and frequent washings. The ultimate downside of the Uberlayer is it stinks something fierce when you’re rocking it day in and day out. When you’re sweating away, the jacket doesn’t stick to you, an absolute must when I’m bike commuting to work. It’s perfect for throwing over a t-shirt. The mesh lining keeps me reaching for this jacket time and time again for everything. I really, really, really wish more jackets were versatile like this.

The double separating front zipper is a godsend with a harness on, or if you really need to use the bathroom with all your snow gear on. It’s breathable enough for shredding and insulates enough for windy days on the wall or the lift. From snowboarding to snowshoeing to climbing, this jacket is sport agnostic. Not having to really shed layers while I’m on the go? That’s a total win in my book. I used to be all about the down jacket, but now this is my go-to. The Outdoor Research Uberlayer has really changed my tune towards synthetic insulation. The fit is trim.Īvailable through Outdoor Research | CampSaver | REI | Mountain Gear | or Amazon The jacket features a helmet compatible hood and a double separating front zipper. The jacket features two zippered hand pockets, one zippered napoleon pocket, and two internal stuff pockets. Polartec® Alpha® Active Insulation is layered between a polyester mesh lining and a highly breathable nylon shell to keep you warm and cool, all at once. The Outdoor Research Uberlayer Hooded Jacket does just that.Īt 16.7 oz, the jacket is lightweight, breathable, water resistant and wind resistant. When you’re huffing and puffing away in varying temperatures, you want insulation that works with you and not against you.

Uberlayer review