Customer Reviews Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoodie

Super versatile and lightweight for active adventures where breathability is key. Great for in between seasons or as a mid layer.

Great ventilation, breathes when you are on the move but insulates when stationary. Great midlayer, just one issue - the side pockets have no zips and things can fall out. Not good when you are high!

Great layer for under a puffy or alone in mild to warmer conditions. Definitely warm, wind and water repelling. The only cons I have is that the XL feels small and it appears on the site that it doesn't come in a XXL? I'm a big dude so if I'm to layer under the jacket with a fleece or Vashon sweater, then i need some room to work with. Also pocket don't have zippers or some way to close.

I've been using a size medium Ascendant hoody jacket for some early season skiing in Vermont and wanted to post a quick review. I am 5' 10" 160 pounds 32" waist and the medium fits perfect. Good sleeve / chest and waist size. I ski on Mount Mansfield and my ski runs start with a 1.5 - 2 hour uphill ski followed by a 1/2 hour ski out. Conditions have so far ranged from 15F to 38F across 5 tours. Four of the tours have been successes for the Ascendant. One has been a failure. First tour out was coldest. 14F and windy. I went up with a thin capalene long sleeve shirt under the jacket and started out uphill. By the time I was at the top I had the jacket unzipped but the hood was up on my head for wind protection. Typically I would have to add a layer before pulling the skins and heading down. In this case with the Ascendant I was amazed to be able to simply zip up the jacket, pull the hood on, add my goggles and head down. Once I started making turns I was perfectly warm and never once felt clammy or sweaty. The breathability was amazing and the thermal regulation was spectacular. Over the next few days I had a chance to test the jacket out again in slightly warmer temps (20F), light snow (25F) and finally 38F and a light breeze. In each of the cold weather outings the jacket was awesome... until today. Just back from a 1 1/2 hour uphill tour followed by a 20 minute ski out. It was warm so I wore a merino wool t-shirt and the Ascendant on top. By the time I reached the summit the jacket had been fully unzipped, hood removed and I was not wearing gloves. The lining on the jacket was soaked with sweat as was the t-shirt. The ski out was fine - however at the base while putting away gear I started to get cold and once home stayed cold until I could get my wood stove hot. Conclusion The fuzzy lining on the jacket feels good next-to-skin however from a sweat management standpoint - it does not do a good job of managing sweat during peak exertion in warmer temps.

This is a great jacket. It is light weight, but very warm. It is instantly warm and cozy. The only draw back is the sizing. I fit a large in most of the OR gear, but when I ordered a large in this jacket its was a bitt too small. I returned and go the XL because I loved the feel. The XL fits great around my shoulders and chest but is a bit long. That being said, I would buy this jacket again!

Medium is a great fit for a lighter guy with long arms (5' 9", 155lb). It's a comfortable, breathable and cozy layer with a great hood. The lightweight nature of the product requires a little more care than I usually give my gear. I snagged the stitching and tore it within a few months, but thank goodness I bought it from OR...they honor their guarantee and took care of the problem. I'm happy to endorse this and every other product I've bought from them!

If you want a warm bomb proof hoodie. This is it. After a sweat soaking summit this is instant warm to the skin. A little tight fitting but easier to layer.

Worked great for light summer hiking in Switzerland. I am sure will be a good Pacific Northwest hoodie too, just wish it had zippers on the pockets.

Somehow keeps you warm in a range of temperatures yet is hard to get sweaty in... I'm sold, the breathability, insulation and weather resistance combine to make a near magical jacket. Don't expect much durability from the outer shell if used as an outer layer, this is definitely more of a versatile, lightweight mid layer that can be used as an outer layer if your activity won't cause abrasion or other abuse on the jacket. But seriously, how does this keep me the perfect temperature while exercising, relaxing, walking, sleeping, hiking, etc.? I repeat, you won't regret buying this, it's like magic. The ascendant is so versatile, I even proposed to my fianc while wearing it! P.S. this is a solid option for taller, skinnier guys as well (us tall guys gotta help each other out).

Love it, minus 2 minor issues: no stuff pocket and no zippers on the hand pockets; however, it's still my number 1 jacket for climbing as it stuffs well into the extra nooks of space in my multi-pitch pack, typically going on at belays, if the wind kicks up, or clouds move in and temps drop. Purchased because it is lighter than any other jacket in its class that I could find; it has a decent amount of insulation while being wind resistant and a little water resistant; also, seems to cover a wide range of temperatures. During rain season, I combo this with a super light waterproof shell in my pack to cover all the bases, and the combo still comes in lighter than most do-it-all jackets while being more versatile.

Bought the red color to replace the yellow/green as it was too bright and a little uglier in person than I was expecting. The red is nice... not super bright and the charcoal inside/insulation blends in much better. These jackets are very light and packable, but I'll be interested to see how the durability holds up. The fit is tight but moves with you. All in all, great jacket. Price could be a bit lower though.

I think this jacket is great for higher exertion winter activities. It breathes well for how warm it is, it's light, and it packs down small enough to work as part of a system (including layering over it without a huge hunchback from the hood). It's best for cold weather layering or wearing like a casual hoodie, and doesn't shed wind and rain too well (if it did, it wouldn't be as breathable). I like the looks and feel of the fabrics, but be aware that the fit is athletic. It has some stretch, so it works with you, but is meant to be worn close to your body. I am 6'2" and 165lbs (40" chest, 32" waist) and fit well in a medium. I appreciate the length in the arms and torso. Don't love the color choices as I prefer neutral tones, and though some colors looked different in person (brighter) than the pictures online.

Nice concept with super light insinuative lining. Comfortable , good fit. Only downside is that I like zips on pockets to stop myself losing things. I have been using this as a mid-layer for ski touring and it works well, warm but breathable.

Great around town or Summer back country jacket. If you are looking for a waterproof outerwear shell, this isn't it. This one is comfortable and very stuffable into your pack when you get too warm hiking or late Spring skiing.

Sweet jacket, great on my bike ride to work.

Bought this as a slightly warmer alternative to the Marmot Ether Driclime hoody, a legendary windproof piece with a thin liner. By way of comparison, the Ascendant Hoody has cushy fleece lining that is warmer than the Driclime. It works great with a t-shirt or other thin base layer. Anything more, like a collared shirt, doesn't really fit under this piece. I'm a classic medium, 5'10', 175 lbs. I wore the Ascendant bike commuting with temps in the mid-20s and it stayed warm and comfy. It's also a great general purpose hoody for around the house. The light weight would make this the perfect warm layer to bring on summer hikes in the mountains.

Amazing all around jacket I have taken this jacket up in the mountains and it a nice light weighr jacket that i can always depend to keep me warm and very breathable very nice jacket that I would highly recommend for all around purposes

The trim fit is great for going over a base layer and fits well under a shell. Seems to work well over a pretty wide temperature range. The one drawback is the fluffy lining: it's not too durable. If you're in the habit of stuffing your skins into your jacket for the descent, you'll find that any exposed adhesive will be covered in blue fluff!

I always order large from OR, however I noticed that a lot of comments says this fits small, so I ordered an XL. The comments are right and I was quite happy. So think about ordering a size up! Other than that jacket is nice and lightweight, yet packs quite a bit of warmth and versatility with it.

finally a insulated jacket that breathes enough for xc skiing uphill! i live in northern sweden and use this down to -5 C with baselayer and thin fleece. comfy, stretchy and articulated arms, which is vital for xc skating. two cons: pockets without zips are simply useless. and all activity jackets should have two way front zip, so much better for ventilation, especially when wearing a pack.

I got the ascendant to replace my old Uberlayer. I have found that the ascendant is not quite as well insulated as the Uberlayer but it is way more breathable and less bulky to layer with. I have been using it for ski touring and ice climbing and have found that I almost never take it off during the day but rather adjust the layers I have over it.

Tried this jacket out backcountry skiing. Very breathable on the ascent. also good in moderate wind, allowing me to keep my hard shell in the pack. A four star rating is probably a bit harsh. However, without zippers the pockets are useless for storage of the extra hat or shell gloves that I typically doff once I warm up. That said, I'm very happy with my OR outerwear

I've only had the Ascendant Hoody a short time but have used it ice climbing several times, running on freezing mornings and AT skiing. It was warm enough to wear alone while ascending on ice or snow and water resistant enough not to soak up surface water or a light snow. It breaths well enough to dry quickly when active but also cuts the wind, unlike strait fleece. This was exactly what I was looking for, Good job OR. I would have given it 5 stars but the thumb loops are useless, they would be nice if I could use them to keep the sleeves tucked into my gloves.

Great as a midlayer. Would not recommend it if you intend on wearing as outerwear with a midlayer, as it will get tight. Have been using in below zero weather for fat biking with only a light baselayer. Stains easily.

I have long arms and a thin build. Thus it is often difficult to find apparel that fits that combination. The ascendant jacket is almost bang on for fit. The only criticism I have is that the sleeves really slide up my arms when I reach forward or upward. I have jackets of other brands that do not do this. If there was more allowable stretch in the back, or perhaps a more athletic/movable cut to the jacket I feel this would reduce that movement and make this a wonderful jacket instead of a pretty good one.