Description
Intense tech for intense conditions.
Outdoor Research built the Lodestar Softshell Jacket using ultra-advanced Polartec Power Shield High Loft and Polartec Power Shield Pro to give you durable protection from intense high-altitude conditions without limiting your mobility. When you're trying to set an ice screw or hanging from your rope in the middle of a snow squall, this jacket keeps the weather off your back so you can save energy and stay focused on your route.
- Polartec Power Shield High Loft softshell fabric features an abrasion-resistant face, a perforated membrane that blocks wind and enhances breathability, and a high-loft fleece backer that adds warmth
- Touch of spandex in the backer fleece adds flex
- Polartec Power Shield Pro in the hood and shoulders seals out moisture while remaining highly breathable
- DWR coating sheds moisture do you stay dry if you get caught in a flurry
- Adjustable storm hood keeps winter weather off your head and face
- Drawcord hem cinches down to seal out wind and cold
- Plenty of pocket space including a ported media pocket keep your essentials handy
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Outdoor Research Lodestar Softshell Jacket - Men's
? Share a...
Great jacket, too snug for ice climbing
Liam
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I returned this product before using it
I own probably 4-5 OR jackets which have all been great. This one, however, fits a bit tighter. The jacket looks great and would be fantastic around town but I'm not convinced it's ideal for ice climbing. The shoulders/armpits are tight. Compared to all my other OR medium-size jackets, this one really restricts my movements. The body has a nice slim fit but some test-swings in the kitchen convinced me to return the jacket before the tags came off. I'm usually on the small end of medium, sometimes fitting into a small.
The soft material lining the inside is great and I don't doubt any of the DWR fabric choices.
Just a personal preference, but I prefer a couple more pockets and sport-specific engineering bits in an ice climbing jacket. This is a fairly bare-bones design built using great components.
Cold shoulder
yec4313172
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
The Lodestar jacket will give you a cold shoulder/arm. The Powershield Pro used on arm and shoulder has a lower loft fleece backing. I wear a 260 weight merino baselayer, with Lodestar on top. I felt I am losing heat through the biceps in the 40 degree warehouse. When I stepped outside in 20 degree temperature, I felt biting cold in the arm and shoulder, while my body is comfortably warm. So unless you are working your arms real hard, like actively climbing, layer up.
I am also disappointed that the jacket doesn't have any inside pocket, and the hand warmer pockets are just big enough for my ski glove. I did try the North Face Polar jacket too. It was warmer in the arms due to Polartec Thermal Pro used, but the draw string at the hem is not tight enough to keep the cold air out. I got a cold belly. It has better, bigger pockets. Lodestar is more durable and quieter, and the Polar jacket is louder due to the nylon rip stop fabric used in the arms and hood. I end up returning both jacket.
Great Purchase
Brian
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
The lodestar was my first purchase of a quality all weather jacket. As I was moving to Colorado, I wanted to buy a jacket that would handle the wind and the cold up in the mountains where I was moving (8500 feet). I was looking for a jacket that I could use skiing, on a weekend cold weather hike or out while running errands. This fits the bill so far.
The weekend I got this jacket before leaving Ohio for Colorado I wore it to a Cleveland Browns game. It was about 38 degrees, raining and 20 mph winds. I didn't prepare other then the jacket. Needless to say I zipped it up, synched down the hood and dug in. I was toasty, dry and comfortable from the waste up!! Now the lower half was another questions!
I agree with Tom that it can be a bit warm for the 30's - 40's plus if your bundled up but as with any jacket if you unzip it a bit...you can find the right balance between hot and comfortable.
My only issue so far was that I pulled the hood strap to hard once and it broke off. Still functional but not what you want to see from a $400 jacket. One quick call to Outdoor Research on a Monday and I had a new jacket waiting for me at home after work on Thursday!
I would definitely recommend this jacket!
I have always loved the Outdoor Research...
Brian
Member since
I have always loved the Outdoor Research brand and am interested in purchasing my first jacket. I am looking for something to wear while hiking/skiing the rockies this winter that will keep me warm and fairly dry but wont be restrictive and need layer upon layer. From the video it looks like Kyle has another jacket on under the Lodestar in addition to his base layer. My question is how will this jacket handle with just a base layer underneath? Do you think this will fit my needs?
Kate Williamson
Member since
Depends on how aerobic you're getting. For the hiking, it will work just fine with just a base layer. For in-bounds skiing, you may need another layer if it's a super cold day. But the HighLoft should insulate well-enough for all but the coldest day and the softshell-exterior should be wind- and weather-resistant enough to retain that heat while heading downhill.
On a side-note, I believe the other layer that Kyle is wearing is the Ferrosi,which is a super light-weight softshell--the thickness is similar to a mid- or heavy-weight baselayer but with some weather resistance. Probably wearing it in case he needs to de-layer from overheating without having to be completely shell-less for any longth of time in the high-alpine...
Cold Alpine Action Suit
Mark Allen
Member since
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I am excited about the potential this Jacket has for my upcoming winter in Colorado and spring as I return to Alaska. I was able to test this Jacket on some alpine ice guiding in the Cascades while guiding on Rainier during a storm. The Temps where below freezing (10-20F). While guiding the Kautz Glacier Route. I was able to dump heat well while super active during the pitch and retain my heat during the belay while my clients followed. Also I will be defiantly taking this layer again to Logan 2013. This is a great cold weather expedition action suit when it hits the fan in the Yukon. The breathability of the Polartec Power Shield and synch hood certainly was fantastic piece to endure the storm but dump heat while digging to protect camp.
I see this as a great go to jacket for Waterfall Ice climbing on a cold day or moderate cold day allowing you step down in the puff weight you carry or dump it all together.
Also I'm excited to use it on cold ski tours
(-10F -10F) and not be switching jackets at all for the down.
Finally a newer fabric that is holding well thus far. Its built to last by using Polartec Power Shield Pro to give you durable protection.
I recommend this piece and a great new addition to the OR alpine line. Last I have the same color Kyle is sporting in the Vid and I dig it!
Hot
Tom Murphy
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I just received my loadstar about a month ago and the jury is still out. It is a very warm jacket and is so soft and comfy I think it will excel in super cold conditions but may be a little warm for near freezing temps. That being said it has been a great piece for cool evenings in the Northwest this fall as it is nearly as warm as something like the Transcendent hoody and far far more durable.
Lodestar Jacket and Pant
Kate Williamson
Member since
Kyle Dempster takes you through the features of the Lodestar Jacket and Pant.
hegaveitall
Member since
Also, how is sizing on this? From the chart the small is 37" and I have a 38" chest, does this fit true to chart and would the small be pretty tight with any layer under? Is this good for casual cold weather or just for more aerobic activity? thanks.

hegaveitall
Member since