Outdoor Research Motto Softshell Jacket - Men's

So far great! I havent punished it yet, but out of the box, the fit is good. I am 6' and 175 lbs. I got the medium and really like it. The medium fits snug (which i like) but is still loose enough to layer a patagonia down sweater. The length is perfect. I guess i'd say it was a little loose in the mid-section; I almost shouldn't even mention it as it is not really an issue. It looks and feels bomber. All the features are here. I cant wait to ride in it.

I looked everywhere for reviews on this softshell and couldn't find any so I think I may be the first! cool! I'm not a gear-snob, I'm just putting in all the info I can so it may sound picky, but so far I love the Motto.

History: My all-purpose jacket has been The North Face Denali for about 8 or 9 years (served me well). The wind whips through it easily, so I wanted something that would be windproof or close, and waterproof, and that I could wear in everyday situations. I'm just the type that likes to consolidate, so if I can get one jacket to do it all, I'm there.

Usage: I'm a snowboarder that likes to move & I don't care about buying "snowboarder clothes." I live in L.A. but spend time each year in Seattle (and plan to move back to Seattle in 2 years). My snowboard setup has been a lightweight top, Denali, and North Face shell - poofy.

The OR Motto itself:
It's thin, stretchy x4, feels like a softer version of the outer layer of a wetsuit. As the whole jacket is thin, so is the fleece lining. Collar is a little stiff at the zipper (because of where the hood snaps in - it also zips in).

Ventia fabric: the motto features the "ventia" fabric (OR exclusive?) which is *fully* waterproof itself, and *not* DWR-based. It's a laminate not a DWR coating. Also note the other tag says "ventia: waterproof/breathable by construction"

hood: As I mentioned, hood zips on in the back, and corners are attached by 2 snaps, hidden by a flap. Snaps & zipper are very inconspicuous. I like that it comes completely off, not rolled up & stored in collar. Hood has 2 elastic draw cords, vertical around head and horizontal behind head. Naturally fits a helmet no problem.

Other features:
-everything is zipper/seam-taped
-removable (zipper) powder skirt, stretchy mesh w/ elastic band.
-pit zips, big plus to me
-pockets. As far as I can tell, these can double as core vents and high/chest pockets. I'll miss low front pockets, but get used to it.
-rear pocket - wow! didn't even know about this when I bought it. It's 16" long & sits just above the bottom seam on the back. Big enough for plenty of odds & ends!
-inner pocket: small, just big enough to put my compact camera & case inside. Also has a small headphones hole.

Fit: I'm 5'10" 178lbs, I ordered a medium. Length & overall fit are good, but there's a little extra width around the middle.

Overall: This is a really good-looking jacket for the mountain, but it might look a little overkill for walking around town depending on your tastes. I've only had it for a couple days, I'll try to write more after testing it on the mountain.

This is my first OR product & I doubt it'll be my last!

I haven't used this yet, but I'll answer questions I had. It is a shell. It is cut such that the back drops lower to cover your butt when you sit or squat. I purchased this jacket to use for backcountry snowboarding/splitboarding. My mountain hardware synchro jacket was what I did use, but it keep coming up and if I fell over or bent over to strap in, my butt got cold and snowy. this jacket looks like it will fix that.The front pockets aren't super large, but you could probably fit a glove in each. I'm 5'8 180 and the large fit well. Plenty of room for an avalanche beacon and a couple layers. The hood accomodates a helmet, but doesn't want to zip up all the way if your helmet is large (I have a RED Hi-Fi). It did zip all the way, but just got tight at the throat/chin area.

I just got this jacket and I love everything about it. The waterproofness is lagit. Water doesn't even have a chance on getting into this jacket. Everything about this jacket is functional: removable powder skirt, removable hood, butt pocket for storage, fleece lining (big plus) and internal stash pocket. I am 5'8" and 185lbs, I got a large because I like to layer and the large for me give me that little extra room for other layers. Though, the price is up there, it is worth every penny. This jacket is not rated "windproof" but it cuts the wind pretty well. I am from Flagstaff, AZ and we have a lot of wind, 3 seasons out of 4, so that is a big plus. The warranty is solid for this jacket too. Get this jacket. you wont regret it.

I'm 5'8", 195 lbs and the Large fit loosely with plenty of room for layers. I have only used the jacket on a relatively warm day 30-45 degrees, and it worked great. I only wore a t-shirt under and felt very comfortable all day. The jacket repelled water well all day. I like the position of the two front pockets (a little higher than usual). Snow skirt is a big plus. Looks great. You won't be disappointed with this purchase.

First off ,Thanks to backcountry for good service and accurate ordering.
So far the Motto has been used for a bit of winter camping and day XC ski trips here in Michigan several times with several crashes. It appears to be neat ,clean and a tough garment as are the Tremor pants. Plenty of pockets, the cuffs and zippers work nicely.so far I believe it "breathes" well. I have to admit ,I sure look good in it !
Seriously though, the combo will get some fair testing this fall in the Yukon Territory I expect ,we'll let you know more then. thankyou Marvin.

This jacket is chock-full of technical details like the waterproof zips, pit vents, and zip-removable hood and powder skirt. The appearance screams high quality and the logo embroidery on the front is subtle and tasteful. Other reviewers have already mentioned the tech specs but I would like to reiterate the value you are getting for the price paid. This is a superior softshell jacket that repels outside moisture while remaining breathable and offers plenty of adjustability of the hood (2 way) and hem. I am 5'9", 160 lbs and I ordered a medium. The fit is impeccable, with a deliberate cut that offers a bit more protection for your bottom. As mentioned, there is a bit of extra room in the midsection, but where else would I put my beer belly? At 40% off, this jacket is a STEAL. GO FOR IT!

There are a lot of things to love about this jacket: great softshell feel, great color (Chili/Retro Red), all the bell & whistles (zip off powder skirt & hood, good pockets). Price is right. However, I ended-up returning it for two reasons: 1) the medium was just a little too long for my 5'8" frame (probably perfect for someone that's 5'10" or 5'11"), and 2) there was an annoying "bump" right in the middle of the jacket (along the zipper line) that was likely caused from being folded in half for a long period of time.

Obviously, I can't speak to it's waterproofness, breathability, or durabilty since I never took it outside. But is seems very well constructed (solid) and feels nice and durable. I have no doubt this coat would serve you well.