the one

By Ben Reff Ranked #421 - Men's Technical Shells March 15, 2011

If you're a multi-sport enthusiast like I am, you've probably encountered the frustration of trying to find gear that can do it all when the top products seem tailored to niche markets and highly specialized pursuits. We don't want to waste money buying an expensive niche jacket for each activity we do: We need one solid, simple jacket that will repel precipitation, block wind, and survive wear-and-tear through everything from backcountry skiing in the pow to bicycle commuting on a stormy summer day.

For me, the Furio is "the one," a real Renaissance jacket. It's got strategically-placed Gore-Tex Pro for durability and Paclite for breathability and weight. It has what I would call a "relaxed technical" fit - relaxed enough to allow for comfortable layering, but not saggy or boxy like a more generically fitted product from TNF or Columbia. The full-length torso zips are a great touch - they are two-way zippers, so you can just open up the pit areas if you want, or you can completely open up both sides of the jacket and wear it poncho-style. It also provides for quick and easy access to underneath pockets. Outdoor Research seems to be a real innovator in the area of jacket ventilation. While most companies are resting on their pit-zip laurels, OR is really expanding functional ventilation with products like this, and those that feature their Torso Flo (or whatever) ventilation systems. I appreciate that, although this jacket doesn't have a lot of "technical" features, the ones it does have are genuinely functional and useful.

They say that a jack(et) of all trades is a master of none, and so depending on your needs, you may find that the Furio is not specialized enough. It doesn't have a powder skirt. The pockets are a bit low for a climbing harness. It's not as breathable as a dedicated summer rain shell. It's not as lightweight or packable as a minimalist backpacking jacket.

But as the product video dude says, if you're looking to invest in just one technical waterproof/breathable shell that will do it all, the Furio definitely deserves your consideration. I've hunted through every brand from Marmot to Patagonia to Mountain Hardwear and this is the most versatile shell I've found. The fact that it's $50-150 cheaper than comparable items from other brands doesn't hurt, either.

View Details: Outdoor Research Furio Jacket - Men's

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