Customer Reviews Outdoor Research Aspire Jacket

I received a "friends and family" promo code through my spouse who is a member of the pro program, so I decided to finally pull the trigger on this jacket. I struggled with what size to order as I'm often right between M and L (I am 5'10, 170lb, 34D bra size and have long limbs). I went with the L, and when it arrived it was quite baggy. The promo code I had used was no longer valid, so I called customer service to see if they could help. The person I spoke with gave me a promo code of the same value to order the M and then decide which fit better. The M is much more flattering, with just enough room to fit a warm layer underneath if needed! I haven't had a chance to wear it in heavy rain yet but am very happy with it so far.

This is just an all-around great jacket. The fit is great, material is durable but soft and lightweight, and the gore-tex has so far been plenty waterproof. So worth the money to invest in good rain gear!

I got this jacket two weeks ago. I've tried it on a lightly rainy hike and a rainy day in Seattle. It held up well under both scenarios. For the weight of the jacket, it was pretty breathable while hiking in light rain and the side zippers are a cool feature. I could see it not working super well if you're moving around in heavier rain, though (obviously...nothing really works perfectly at that point). It's also pretty cute as a casual rain jacket to wear around town. The material feels durable and while I haven't put it through the wringer yet, I'm confident it will hold up under harsher conditions. I briefly debated giving it 4 stars because the zipper sticks a little at the bottom every time I try to zip it up. A friend's does the same thing. Not something I'd expect from a brand-new item, but it's also not the end of the world. It ultimately works fine every time. I bought the scarlet color (it's not as pink as it looks in the picture, more of a very vibrant red) in a size small (I'm 5'7" and 125 lbs, 32C/D bra). I tried on a friend's medium before purchasing, and the body size/chest seemed pretty baggy, so I went with a small. The sleeve length on the small is great (I struggle with finding things with long enough sleeves for my body size) and I can still fit a fairly thick fleece underneath without it looking super baggy over just a t-shirt. I'm not sure how well a puffy will work, though.

This jacket is absolutely amazing and is able to withstand incredible amounts of rain without leaking. I use it for fieldwork as well as hiking and camping and it's held up under heavy rain even when I've been outside for 10 hours straight, multiple days in a row. Only downside is that it isn't very breathable, which can make hiking in it somewhat hot and uncomfortable. Other than that it's a fantastic jacket and I would definitely recommend it.

This actually was a gift to myself. I've hiked and backpacked for over 35 years. This is the most comfortable and water-resistant jacket that I've ever worn. i tested it backpacking in a rain and hail storm. When the storm stopped, I removed my jacket and I was totally dry ! Love this garment. The purple color is very pretty too.

I bought this jacket the first time a couple of years ago. It held up great, but I ended up losing it on a night out on the town. I had a gift card to another store, but ended up coming back to Outdoor Research because I absolutely LOVE this jacket. In fact, I ordered it in two colors this time just in case I do lose one and to add some variety to my wardrobe. One of my favorite aspects is the zippers on the armpits as I tend to get warm when on long jaunts. This jacket allows you to breathe while keeping you protected from the rain!

Great material, great rain jacket! I am a 36 DD and fit into the Medium. The large was a bit too roomy and sleeves were too long. The medium fits nice! Wish it covered the butt a little more, but that's the curse of a large chest.

This jacket is lightweight and very packable - ready to rumble the moment a threatening cloud passes over. I actually look forward to stormy days, just so I can bring it out! The complete side zip was a VERY pleasant surprise - it has come in handy more times than once. I would highly recommend this lovely little addition to your outerwear collection.

Great jacket! Love it!

My field site has very variable weather, so a good shell is indispensable. The jacket is waterproof with well-placed vents and a close-fitting hood. I layered my synth jacket underneath and stayed comfortable despite gusting winds and a sudden downpour.

I love this jacket to bits. And after 5 years it's only now that the seam seals are peeling. I work with small holder farmers and indigenous people on ecological agricultural methods and reforestation in the tropics and the weather can go from extremely hot to raining buckets within hours. This is a lifesaver - packable, waterproof, and the poncho us just so handy that you can wear the jacket, gear and all in a jiffy. However, I'm afraid the seams will let water in at any moment. Now to look into that infinite guarantee!

Great choice for a lightweight jacket! The gortex paclite material is awesome. It is definitely waterproof and comfortable to wear. The only negative comment I have it that it is a little too big. I got an XL. I am 5' 2" 170 lbs. My measurements are bust: 44, waist: 36, hip: 45. The sizing chart says that an XL is 42/34/44. So I was assuming this jacket would actually be too small. But I honestly could have gone with a large because the XL is a little too big. I have decided to keep this size because it will be nice to wear it with layers in colder weather.

Bought this jacket for a June trip to Iceland as I needed something both water and windproof. It definitely fit the bill for those two requirements. I like the zippers on the side to make it more of a poncho, helps it breathe a little that way. Also like that it packs down to fit into its own pocket. The only negatives would be the zipper sometimes sticks and it is not very warm, had to wear 3 or 4 layers underneath. It is also not super breathable, which is understandable given it is a waterproof jacket. Would recommend for a lightweight wind and waterproof jacket.

I love how lightweight the jacket is and the clip in the pocket to attach your keys is fantastic. My only complaint so far is that the hood is very small and, unless I'm wearing a baseball cap, my head gets wet. This is a big issue when you live in a temperate rainforest!

This jacket has performed well on hiking and canoe trips since I bought it in August. When newly washed water beads well off the jacket. I used this for a rainy day running a rappel for students and the full side zip allowed for the jacket to be tucked in my harness at the front but drape over my harness/bum in the back which I thought was great. I love the grey jacket/blue zipper look but would agree with many reviewers that this jacket has a large & relatively unflattering cut compared to other OR women's outerwear.

fit parfait!

Great quality jacket but it does feel slightly big

I use it for skiing and snowboarding

I use this jacket when leading programming for one day events and for twelve day backpacking trips. It is a wonderfully versatile jacket that is suitable to wear around the office and in the back country.

Im an outdoor guide and this jacket has been perfect for work. The only problem I have with the jacket is the zipper it's extremly difficult to zip it up for some reason .

Love this jacket for the most part. It's been great for New England fall rainy days. The only things I would say change are that the sleeves are too long and that the pocket on the sleeve is too small. I wish they could have put a pocket on the chest like they did for the guy's version, for easier access to my phone. But generally a great jacket. I love OR and truly recommend any of their products because they are made to last!

A friend of mine had one, i tried it on and loved it!

I use if for when I am in poor weather conditions at work as a wildland fire fighter

Used as primary rain jacket for day hikes in the white mountains of New Hampshire

I've tested this jacket sea kayaking in a rainstorm, backpacking in Denali National Park in constant rain, hiking in Colorado thunder storms, and white water rafting in Colorado. It has held up pretty well through all of these activities. I did not stay 100% dry but for the most part it is a good jacket.