Outdoor Research Enigma Jacket - Women's

This jacket is good as a piece of gear. I wear it over layers on back country ski trips, and in the summer as a rain shell. I ordered a medium, I am 5' 8" and 140lbs. I can fit a thin synthetic jacket under this. I am extremely pleased with this jacket, it is roomy, plenty of space in the arms and shoulders so it breathes well and is comfortable. I would recommend this for back country backpacking and winter trips. However the cut and fit is not that feminine, and I think that for street wear there are more stylish jackets out there. As far as functionality goes it is awesome! Also I love the berry plum color!

Why, you ask? Isn't Gore-Tex Gore-Tex? Yes and no. The way that OR constructs their Enigma Jacket gives you what I call "mechanical breathability." Instead of just having pit zips like everyone else does, this jacket has "Torso Flow" which gives you the choice to do a pit zip option from top down or a hem zip UP to allow for better air flow through your torso. It also allows for you to have this flow even when wearing a harness or hipbelt.

The fit of this jacket is awesome and work great with the Aria Down Hoody as a layering piece. LOVE IT!

This is the best purchase of the year. I was a little hesitant to buy it because I didn't know if it was comparable to the arc'teryx gore-tex jackets that everyone seems to want. I bought it and now I want one in every color. The fit is great (I'm 5'1" and the XS fits nicely around my waist with room for layers. It's a feminine fit, has lots of pockets, and it truly repels the Pacific NW rain that we are so famous for. I use mine for skiing, and I like that there is no powder skirt (I think they just get in the way and bulk you up). I've received several compliments on this jacket. Definitely a keeper!

I put considerable time into doing comparison research and looking for just the right jacket to meet my needs. The Outdoor Research reputation was definitely an important consideration when looking at comparable jackets. Fit, durability, functionality, and style are all important product features in addition to company reputation. This jacket does not disappoint in any of those areas. My one and only problem is that while Outdoor Research is a Seattle based company, this jacket was made in China. For that reason, alone, it is rated only 4 out of 5. Had I known it was actually made in China, I honestly wouldn't have made the purchase. For ethical reasons, I do not buy anything made in China. I try to buy American or Canadian made products. The reality that the Enigma is made in China is extremely disappointing to me. I will now have to do more research and specifically ask if products are made in China even when the company is based in America or Canada. Two thumbs up for the jacket; two thumbs down to Outdoor Research in the making of this jacket in China :(

First off, this jacket is beautifully constructed. No doubts about the quality whatsoever. That being said, it is NOT cut for a woman. Tight in the hips and absolutely HUGE in the shoulders and arms. There's enough extra fabric in the shoulders and arms to make another miniature coat for my daughter. I looked ridiculous, like a muscle head macho guy for Halloween. I'm 5'6" and about 145lbs and wear a size medium in just about every brand. If I were to have sized down to the small in hopes of getting the shoulders smaller, the hip area would have been way too tight for layers and ski pants. If you're an "apple-shaped" woman with larger shoulders than hips, this jacket may work for you.

Great jacket over a downlight sweater for these arctic spring temps of 20º. Being short-waisted, the fit is snug on the hips, but the full zip pits are awesome both for supplying more movement space, and also for cooling off. Tried it as a "poncho" and even that was great. Love the reds, the high neck which stops the wind, and the huge front pockets that reach from nearly the shoulder down to the hem...easy to get at this way no matter how you wear your pack. I tried a small, but felt more at ease in the medium...a snug fit and perfect through the shoulders. I am already loving it!

First things first, I love this jacket! It is incredibly light and functional. I use it for spring/backcountry skiing as well as backpacking. I love the full side zips, that allow you to make this jacket into a poncho. As for sizing/fit, the jacket is definitely fitted in the waist and bottom, which I like since I don't have to worry about it riding up or snow getting in. There is plenty of space in chest area (almost too much for me!) so its easy to scramble/climb without restriction. I am 5'5" and 140, I went with a medium so I could layer underneath with room to spare. Finally, Outdoor Research has an "infinite warranty", which is amazing!

With all these fancy (pricey!) jackets out there it was hard to decide, but I am incredibly happy with my Enigma Jacket. You can layer it up (my light down fits under it) or layer it down (baselayer and vest) and this jacket takes care of bitter cold to sunny and above freezing. I really enjoy the fit of OR womens gear. I am 5'3, 120 pounds and their Small size is not too long in arms, shoulders, or legs; great gear that shows the testing and thought in designing this. It is definitely fitted, but not at all constricting or tight.

I ordered this jacket based on the great reviews. When I got it I was bummed to see there is no powder skirt in the jacket :( The lack of a powder skirt is not good for powder days so I wouldn't recommend it to someone for skiing. Unfortunately, I have to return it for this reason.