Customer Reviews Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoodie

This is a great outerwear for 3 seasons in WY. In the winter, it makes for a very good mid-layers well. I dig the snug fit and the interior is very cozy against the body.

Can I get a lifetime supply please? It's chilly so I put it on when I leave the car. I hike in it...then climb in it...then belay in it...then rappel in it...then hike back out in it...then I'm hanging around the campfire and realize I still have it on. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Ideal for cold long walks or skining days without changing layers! Works Better in dry weather. Tip: Wash it ones for better fabric breathing

I've been using this layer for a few months now for split boarding and climbing. I sweat like crazy so a layer that keeps me warm, dries fast, and can shed excess heat is critical. This does all of that very well. I love it for splitboarding, but it also excels at alpine approaches when the temp drops and the wind kicks.

Love this thing

The Ascendant has become a mainstay in my kit, all winter long for ski touring. It works in a variety of temps, especially on the uphill. Thus the name I guess! If I'm not moving fast, it is even more versatile. It layers well with other pieces below or above too for when I'm not going uphill or for super cold days. Often I would pull it out to wear as a jacket for traveling too. On that note, I'm psyched to use this piece this summer too. I bet it will be great for peak bagging, backpacking, belaying, and probably eating burritos, obviously. Oh yeah, and the best part is that it's SO light!!

When I started hiking and climbing, everyone wore pile fleeces. They looked dorky, were super heavy, stunk badly, but they kinda-sorta made sense for something between a T-shirt and a shell or outer layer. The Ascendant is basically a massively upgraded and perfected version of this ideal mid layer, but the construction allows it to work well as an outer layer if it's chilly or breezy, but not raining or snowing.

I found the Uberlayer really works best at temps below freezing, and I found the Ascendant fit that same role in temps above freezing. Skiing, climbing, or just around town, this jacket has proven to be versatile enough that I find myself hesitating not to take it on any activity outside.

Got this layer in the early spring. It's now become my favorite 'go to' insulation layer for almost all my activities. I use it from belaying at the crag to ski touring in the spring to alpine rock climb on a recent trip to the Sierra's. Overall i've been really impressed with the performance of this jacket. If it gets wet, don't worry it dries out super quickly and will still keep you warm. Wondering if it fits over a helmet, well I used it as my main jacket in the Sierra and it works great with my helmet. Overall super small, lightweight, and warms. Works well in a wide variety of climates!

I use this thing under a shell or on it's own. I love tossing it on after getting off the water. It's cozy yet sporty. Love it! If you're looking for that piece that will be with you on just about every adventure you head out on... look no further. It's so versatile. It goes everywhere with me!

Use this for skiing, camping, cold weather climbing and hiking in the winter. In the summer usually bring it too, it's kind of a nice all around light insulation jacket that I like for everything. Good in cold conditions, good in wet conditions, light and durable, so that's all I need in a jacket like this.

After owning the Uber jacket, I got this one on a whim, and WOW. Feels lighter, more versatile in flex, just amazing. You can wear it all day long, skiing, alpine climbing, cold rock climbing. Quiet and moves with you. An amazing temperature range. You won't regret it.

Great jacket! I like the look, the feel, and the weight. I'm 6'4 190 lbs and i wish the sleeves were an inch longer. Also the thumb looks are a nice touch but they are tight.

I have many jackets of this type, but got this on close-out so I couldn't resist. I've gone to this on every outing since and worn several times already in just a few weeks. I'd love to see zippers on the hand pockets and a slightly larger chest pocket. But, comfortable, warm but not too warm, and most important, it is not bulky so can stuff easily into your pack on the uphill climb/ skin. Hood is a great feature for added warmth. Water seems to bead up on it too, which is a nice bonus even though it isn't primarily for rain protection. The outer fabric doesn't appear to be super durable, so maybe not great for things like rock climbing and bush whacks.

Perfect trim fit. Fits under anything. Extremely comfortable. Great under a shell. Perfect for early spring days. Loses a star for no zippers on the hand pockets. Probably should lose two stars, but makes up for it (almost) with fit and comfort. Wouldn't buy again, but only because of the missing zippers. Might not be a big deal for the next buyer.

I bought this jacket for my husband at the same time I bought mine. We both have used them a few times while climbing outside in late spring and they provide a great amount of warmth while being light enough to move. We only wish the hand pockets had zippers, otherwise would give it 5 stars. He has said multiple times "I love this jacket!" as he has been wearing it/climbing in it outside.

Very light and warm

Really versatile jacket, alpha insulation is the best in changing conditions, very good jacket. Only flaw is the hand pockets are not zippered which limits useability somewhat hence I am deducting a star.

Great mid-layer that can double as a shell for the right weather. I have been most impressed with the warmth to weight ratio and comfort. At first I thought the lining would make it scratchy, but it's actually super comfortable! And it really does breathe well. The shell also appears to be more durable against rough rock/abrasion than I had expected, though I still wouldn't want to try thrutching up an off-width wearing it. The only minor con I have found is that it doesn't pack (or stay) into the pocket super easily or pack down quite as small as I'd hoped. Definitely not a deal breaker though. The colors are

This is the layer for spring multipitch. Its soft and warm but not hot. You wont be disappointed

Comfortable, warm, breathable. My only complaint is the seams on the outside of the jacket that are very susceptible to snags.

I've really enjoyed this jacket so far! The softshell/fleece combination provides nice insulation and wind protection without a lot of bulk. It is definitely a slim fit, so buying your true size is perfect for active use. I might size up if I wanted to use it as a more casual layer. Pretty excited to put it to the test on some alpine adventures this summer.

Excellent quality and value. Ascendant Hoodie is very light for something so warm. The fit is snug, an athletic or euro fit. Getting a size bigger than you usually do might be a good idea. The pockets lack zippers.

The XL is a good fit for me. I'm 6' 1" and weight 195 lbs. I wear a 16.5 x 34 inch fitted shirt and the sleeves are the correct length. Only thing I'm not sure about is that the hand pockets don't have zippers.

Perfect mid-layer. The Polartec insulation provides amazing warmth with practically no weight, and it breathes very well. My only ask is to put zippers on the pockets. When using as an outer layer my only safe storage is the chest pocket.