Outdoor Research Elixir Jacket - Men's

I have been looking for a replacement 4 seasons jacket for a little over a year. I am very selective as I tend to keep my gear for a long time and like to know what I am buying is top quality, fully featured and well priced. I was looking for a relaxed fit jacket that was very light weight - where you could comfortably layer underneath it in colder climates. I was also looking for it to have both hook and loop and elastic cuffs, pull cord hem, an internal pocket as well as good sized outer pockets and well designed, a fully stowable hood in the collar, pit zips, a proper membrane and not just a laminate and it had to look conservative enough that I could wear it any time including on wet days to work and the office without looking like I was on my way to the mountains. I searched through Patagonia, North Face, Marmot, Mountain Hardware, Arcterx and others. The Elixir not only fits the bill but exceeds it. It is quiet, comfortable, excellent quality and very well designed. Large front pockets that have a little velcro on a weather flap so you don't have to keep zipping / unzipping them if your actually carrying anything in them and they also have weather zippers if you want to fully close them. These main front pockets are mesh inside (but durable) so also allow the jacket extra venting when needed. I like this feature though I know others prefer fleece or a more solid lining in the pockets. For me that would be too warm to make it a real 4 season and would add weight. The hood is excellent with two way adjustments and moves well with your head and does not obscure vision. It also stores in the collar easily and is not obvious when stored. Its Goretex, light weight yet durable. Excellent Pit Zips and very good fit. Comfortable with or without layering. I am 6ft 225lbs and the XL is just right. The storm flap for the main zip (which is YKK) does not get in the way, has no velcro or snaps on it, yet functions perfectly. It has a outer chest pocket and internal pocket. The only thing I would change about this jacket is that these pockets could be larger or they could add another large internal pocket but they are functional and though not large enough to store maps they could hold your wallet and probably some light weight gloves. But this is not enough to drop my rating. The overall quality and features of this jacket make it an easy 5 stars.

elixir jacket is light(in fact, feel little heavier than other paclite jacket) but strong and well-made gear.
perfect seam-sealing and water-proof zip is also satisfactory. but when I asked the staff about material, I heard that this jacket is made of 75d Gore-Tex, but after I received this jacket, it is written that 70d Gore-Tex is used. In my opinion, there is not a big difference between two material, but I think that right information is needed for customers.

Spent an entire day in a canoe in the rain without a single leak or moment of discomfort. Was actually the best jacket of the group of us.

Many kinds of Paclite Jackets weight about 450g or less. But this one is about 540g. But when you put on this one, you cannot feel that this one is
heavier that others. And this jacket is better for all-day life than other outdoor-only jackets.
Elixir Jacket will give you the best satisfaction for both everyday-life and outdoor-life.

Another great product from OR. This jacket is light, sipmlpe and very versatile. Tru to size, has enough room for layers. Nice hood, not too large (please note, it's NOT helmet compatible), lots of adjustments, rolls up nicely into collar. Storm flap construction is nice, great zipper, solid fabric, feels beefy even for PacLite. Only one thing: if you have hood rolled up into collar and zip jacjet all the way up, it will be very tight around neck. Minor discomfort, but needed to be mentioned.

Jacket has room for layers underneath, and is absolutely waterproof, windproof. I will wear a Outdoor Research Fleece windstopper jacket underneath in the winter. Ventilation is great on both jackets. Zippers work good. Hood hides nicely in the collar, and the jacket packs fairly well. For the price, next best thing to my Arcteryx. 4stars.

Interesting jacket - fits well and has great ventaliation. The fabric is a little stiff and as a result it doesn't pack down as well as my old Berghaus. It is certainly waterproof and combined with a down sweater it gives good cold weather and rain protection. Not used it yet in anger.

I've been searching for more than a year, and I finally settled on this really great jacket. Go for the Goretex over the alternatives. The money you spend pays off in dryness you feel. I've only used it once, hiking in a relentless rain, and it sure beats my Patagonia, which it has replaced. Can't wait to try it on the slopes in a sleet storm.