Customer Reviews Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoodie

I have two ascendant jackets. A large for summer rock and alpine climbing, and an XL for skiing, ice, and expedition use. It is a super versatile mid-layer for colder conditions that is very warm for its weight. I use it all the time leading ice pitches that are not too wet. Perfect light shell for the uphill when ski touring. It is always in my pack during all seasons.

Awesome light weight jacket. Looking forward to getting many miles in this jacket.

The Polartec interior created a cozy warm feeling yet it was lightweight enough to wear around the town/bike shop on a 50F day. The snug and ergonomic fit accompanied with the durable and windproof exterior made it great for a windy weekend at a deep woods climbing crag.

At first feel, it doesn't seem like it will be warm enough because it's so light weight but soon you realize it's plenty warm. Must be some kind of magic in that polartec. It does have a slim fit so not a lot of thick layers can go under it but if consider it as a mid layer, you'll be fine. The breathability is great as is the windproofness. The key clip in the pocket is great but I'd rather have zippers on them. It has some nice stretch to it and I find myself grabbing it for almost all but nastiest weather. I now have two, because three would be silly.

Great coat/layer for cold weather high aerobic activities. It's warm and windproof enough that you stay warm but get rid of the sweat. This is my third purchase of this jacket. My wife's got one and I have two.

This is by far my favorite jacket that I have bought yet! It is really light and the fleece/fuzzy on the inside is really soft and warm. It fits great with just enough room for a T-shirt and another long sleeve underneath. I am very happy with this purchase. The small fits me perfectly, I am 6'1" and really skinny. I would say I am going to buy another one but this thing will last forever I think. Lightweight, warm and active wear. Highly recommend for your closet!

Great jacket for high-energy activities. Using it almost daily bike commuting. Suprisingly warm for how thin it is. Love it so far. Haven't tried it in wet weather yet, but I'm sure it'll do well. Keeps me toasty warm in cold wind.

An all around mid layer

I bought this thinking it would be a mid layer for skiing and it has turned out to be my go-to layer for everything. It's the first thing I throw on after taking my wetsuit off on a cold day, it's the first thing I want to wear while I'm running errands and it's suprisingly warm under my ski shell. *i did buy the men's one as a woman because I like a looser fit. I'm 5' 8" with an athletic build and the small fits me well.

Very comfortable. I'm between a Medium and Large. Size Medium fits great. Because the material is stretchy, it's not tight around the chest and back.

This jacket has become my go-to jacket for Montana fall-winter-spring. In the fall and spring I wear it alone. In the winter I can layer underneath and on top if I need to. It sheds water, blocks the wind and fits perfectly. I can't say enough about this jacket. I wear it to work, out to the crag, on chilly hikes, and skiing. It's versatile and comfortable. Best layer I own.

Great lightweight insulation on its own or layered

Great by itself or under a shell. I liked the vest so much I bought the jacket.

Great for backcountry skiing, it's begun my new favorite uphill jacket. Lightweight and super breathable.

Outstanding layer, I'm wearing this daily and it's performing quite well. I'm 6'2 170 and went with a medium. I'm happy with the fit, just a baselayer underneath for me. Sleeves are plenty long for my wingspan. Clients of mine are consistently asking about this item. Great product!

I've only had this layer for two months, but I have worn it pretty much every day, from daily walking in the city to hikes in the mountains. This thing hits the sweet spot for breathability, warmth, and weight-- it's a good bit warmer than a mid-weight fleece, but breathes almost as well, weighs the same, and is more weather resistant. It does an ok job with wind resistance, and has been great with short bouts of rain so far. If I'm outside all day, I never take it off. It has easily become my favorite mid-layer. At 5'9" and 165 lbs., a size Medium feels relatively svelte over a baselayer, while managing just enough room to layer over a mid-weight fleece. The hood snugs around my face well. It looks good. There has been a minor amount of pilling on the area where my backpack lumbar pad meets the jacket, but nothing that has affected performance. Otherwise, the fabric seems quite tough for its weight, and the construction is impeccable.

Bought this to have a light jacket to wear to town on cooler days. Very comfortable, light weight jacket that provides just enough warmth without being bulky.

Though I haven't put this jacket through its paces yet-that will have to wait until our east coast winter truly arrives-my early outings suggest this jacket is going to be one of my favorites. During modest exertion, it's kept me perfectly comfortable with only a t-shirt as an underlay. On a few truly windy days, I've been shocked by how wind proof it is. Time will tell about durability, though I must admit the light weight concerns me. I can imagine that some would prefer a slimmer fit but for my medium build, it has the right balance between length and the option to wear it as a an outer layer without flopping around or to comfortably take a warm outer layer over it.

Love this layer, Super light and warm when your on the move. Going to buy another for sure !

I love this jacket! I often put it on and it reminds me of being wrapped up in a blanket. It is super comfortable. It makes for a perfect cool weather jacket and I use it all the time for autumn and early winter mornings. It is a great layer to have!

This jacket does it all. It has enough warmth for casual wear in moderate cold but it really shines on a chilly hike. Once you get moving, it breathes well in all the right places and the open knit polartec is quite warm. I work as a photographer and can go from urban areas to wilderness and through it all the durability of this jacket is exceptional. The hood is adjustable it fits nicely around hats and can be used with a helmet. I'm 5'9 and 220lbs and I bought an XL and it fits really well in the shoulders, arms and chest but is slightly loose in the stomach. Overall, this jacket is one of the best I own for its versitality and comfort.

This is already my go to jacket for active pursuits in freezing weather. I never take it off. No more chill when I stop moving.

I love this jacket. It is light but warm. Nice soft feel.

I was surprised how comfortable and breathable this piece is. It's quite light, moves well, and seems to regulate temperature well by having enough breathability when you're moving that the moisture can escape better. It is not a particularly warm jacket - it's like a mid weight fleece, but better at regulating temperature swings. It's great for when you're active in colder weather.

great jacket for conditions it was designed for!!!!!