Customer Reviews Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoodie

Excellent

This is the solution to my layering problems. I used to ski tour in a MEC T3 fleece and a wind jacket but got fed up with constantly having wet fleece on my skin and freezing at transitions. I've only used it in warm temps, around -5C where I find it a bit warm (I run hot). However even though I sweat on the up the jacket stays warm and through some form of wizardry manages to be completely dry at the bottom of the run. It's like a Shamwow I guess. I've used this in moderate snow and found it to be adequately water resistant and just wind resistant enough to allow for breathability. High winds will cut through this piece. I do not feel the need to put a shell over top when skiing down. I thought the lack of hand zippers was a bit odd but now I appreciate the midriff vent. Overall this seems to be an ideal piece for cold weather ski touring, making transitions just that little bit faster and more comfortable. When OR puts it back out in that instabangin fluro green I'll buy six.

Ski touring

At first I was skeptical about this layer because of it's light weight, but I have to say this is my new favorite layer. When I combine this with a merino baselayer, OR transcendent, and this layer on top, I can hike or ski all day without sweating or getting cold. It's amazing at breathability and regulating body temperature as I'm usually one that overheats and starts to sweat fast.

Ascendant hoody - amazing in pretty much every way imaginable. Insulation itself is pretty innovative when you look at how it's constructed - appears to be largely "pilled" cotton, almost down-like, which gives a lot of space for air to circulate to maintain warmth and speed away moisture. The jacket isn't advertised as being waterproof, however it stands up nicely to cold drizzle and would be a great damp day addition if you live in the Northwest. Zippers work well and although the hand pockets aren't zipper-closed the chest pocket is. This jacket would also be a terrific mid-layer under a shell for all you pow hounds out there. Size fits snugly so be sure to order up a size from your normal jacket (fits like a mid-layer would). I went up a size to wear primarily as a jacket but order true to size if you intend on using as a mid-layer.

This is very light weight mid insulation layer with perfect fitting . I love this jacket and highly recommend it.

extraordinarily versatile, use for outerwear or mid layer, water resistant, dries fast and super compforatble

I bought this to wear as a mid-layer when cross country skiing and it is perfect. It's lightweight, fits underneath my ski jacket, and helps keep me warm in the cold weather. I only wish that it had zippered hip pockets. Would highly recommend and buy again.

Outdoor Research's Ascendant is simply phenomenal. I've experimented with this lightweight masterpiece in the San Isabel and Sangre De Cristo mountain ranges in Colorado, in both mild fall and below-zero winter weather, and the Ascendant has yet to fail me in any capacity. I originally bought this as just another layer for fall/winter hiking, but it quickly seized the role as my primary source of power in the mountains. Also, it's important to note that although it's not waterproof, it's resists quite a bit, so at least in my experience, it doe well at maintaining a harmonious balance between breathability and a basic resistance from the elements. The breathability is perfect given that it's intended to be more of an active layer, so it can sometimes feel a bit chilly when standing still on those frigid winter days, but it's unstoppable when your body is actively engaged. After packing a down jacket and a waterproof hard shell layer in preparation for a -22 degree wind chill summit, I was amazed to find that I was warm/comfortable at the summit with none other than a long-sleeve Merino wool shirt, a wool Buff, and my Ascendant. Upon experiencing that, I felt compelled to write this review. The sizing is a bit tricky at first due to its slim/trim cut. With regular cuts, at 6.1 ft and 190 lbs, I typically order a large in these situations. The Ascendant large feels more like a medium-large (it fit like a glove), whereas the extra large has elements of the typical large, but feels a bit too loose for the purpose of layering and style. Overall, I highly recommend this jacket to anyone on the hunt for a stylish and extremely capable mid-layer. It's one of the most comfortable and worthwhile pieces of clothing I've ever bought/worn. Outdoor Research's customer support is also second-to-none, so it's an added bonus of knowing the team has my back should anything arise that warrants OR assistance (e.g., defects, sizing issues, and so on).

I am 5 foot 10 and 175 pound. Most of my OR jackets are medium and fit perfectly. I was told that this jacket fit tight in order to be layered easier so I ordered the Ascendant in a large and it fits great. If you are between a medium and large, go with the large. I have had this jacket for a few weeks now and have had the chance to wear it on several excursions. It is an excellent piece for touring. Had it out all day yesterday during a splitboard tour up Burstall Past in Kananaskis Country. At minus 9 Celsius, I wore the Ascendant and a light weight wicking shirt on the uptrack. I was very comfortable and the wicking properties of the piece were impressive to say the least. I love this jacket. The only thing that I could think of that some people might not like is that the hand pockets do not have zippers, but the comfort, freedom of movement, warmth and amazing wicking that the Ascendant provides make the lack of hand pockets zippers a none issue for me.

Since day one, this has become the daily driver of all my jackets. I've worn it more days than not since owning it, either on its own or as a layering piece. It's great not having to think as much about what the weather is on a given day. It performs like a fleece when its colder, and like a light flannel when it is warmer, and is always super breathable. The only shortcoming of this jacket is its durability, but the durability-breathability balance is always a trade off. I never wear my Ascendant hoody when I'm climbing or there is a chance of rubbing up against rough surfaces (instead I wear the Deviator Hoody). However, on cold weather runs or hikes it really shines, and isn't to heavy or bulky to tie around my waist when my core starts to warm up.

So happy with this jacket. Comfy, water resistant, and incredibly warm despite it being super light and thin! Love it!

I had super high expectations for my Ascendant. The description seemed too good to be true, it had received multiple industry accolades, etc., but in reality...it EXCEEDS my lofty expectations, often. Specifically, I'm blown away by how the jacket seems to have this magical intuition (HP reference) in performing as I'd like it to in any given scenario. It's made me toasty warm in 30 degree weather, but doesn't cook when wearing it in a 70 degree interior environment. Truly phenomenal. HIGHLY recommend!

I wore this for 3 weeks straight. I feel like a super hero when I wear it THANKS

I am pleased with the fit. I read some of the reviews and was concerned that the large would not be big enough. I am 6ft 1 and 188lbs and the large fits perfect. I am looking forward to wearing it as a mid layer during ski season. It has been great so far on the hikes. The only suggestion I could make it to include zippers on the waist pockets. It is a mid layer hoodie so I can see why the zippers are not there. The breast pocket is great to keep a phone warm on those chilly days.

Just purchased. Hiked 14'er in winter-like conditions - handled the cold and the constant movement! Could be new favorite go-to piece!

Very light and good insulation, good for cold morning and evening around the base camp tent

Don't be fooled by how lightweight this coat is. What comes across as a lines windbreaker is actually a very warm coat. In fact, if you are looking for a cool weather jacket, look elsewhere, this will be too warm. (I bought this for my 13 yro son for the winter. The above comment is his. He wanted to give 4/5 stars because it so warm. Because it is so lightweight he wants to wear it when is just windy or cool out)

it's safe to say i won't be on many trips without this jacket, versatile breathable warmth for most any activity Fall through Spring.

Bought the mens version as I have a long torso. Use this for cold ski touring days or for skiing down in fall/spring days. Also my everyday casual around town fall / spring jacket. great value

Lightweight, breathable and warm. This is a great jacket for xc-skiing, winter running and other active activities. Packable and effective.

Super comfortable and versatile.

I would have preferred zippered side pockets but all in all a great jacket.

I bought this jacket to improve my mid-layering options. I bought the men's (I'm a female, 5'7" 125lbs) becaue I liked the color better, but it actually fits really well for my wider set shoulders. The fleece inside is SO soft, even after almost a year of use and washing. I haven't taken it snowshoeing yet, but I use it biking, and once the weather is below 60 it doesn't get to warm. It is extremely breathable, and the outer fabric is water-resistant, at least for misty bike rides that don't call for a full on rain jacket. My only issue is that the only zipper pocket is on the chest, but the pocket itself isn't sewn down, so if you put anything heavy it in, the mesh pocket slides around. It would probably work for an ID, though. The other pockets don't zip, but one has a plastic clip you can attach keys to.

Great midlayer hoodie. Incredible versatility. Have worn this skiing. Snowshoeing. Ice climbing. Mountaineering. Or just great every day wear for warmth and comfort. 5' 10", 175, 33 waste and the medium is a comfortable fit for me.