Outdoor Research

Aspire Jacket - Women's

Not Waterproof

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

M

Height:

5' 7"

Weight:

135

I've had this jacket for a year, and it has never been waterproof. It's better than nothing but water soaks into the material instead of beading off, making it damp and uncomfortable on the inside. Another reviewer mentioned that it might be a bad batch of Gore-tex, which could be the case because I have a friend with the same jacket who says it works great. It also feels like wind gets into the front zipper area, maybe because the flap is on the inside. A few months ago the (very thin) lining in one of the pockets started peeling off, making the outer fabric even thinner in that area. And I recently found a hole in the bottom of that pocket, which ripped completely open across the bottom after regular pressure from putting my hand in. I'm maybe not the best at taking care of my clothes, but other shell rain jackets I've had have held up much better than this (although were perhaps pricier). I do have to say that I love the way this rain jacket fits (I am not a curvy person, and it seems like the sides are straight and don't flare at the bottom), and the color block design is looks really great. I wish more jackets were like this one in that regard. The hood and pit zips work just fine, although I've never found a reason to unzip them to the bottom. I think this jacket could be great for someone if you can get one with properly functioning Gore-tex, but it sucks that you may have to take that gamble.

Works well

The small is large enough on me to fit a sweater under in colder weather which I appreciate. It holds up well in lighter rain, I haven't worn it in storm conditions yet

Blizzard proof

Took a 4 mile walk around Boston in last weekend's blizzard and returned home completely dry under this coat! I love the adjustability of the hood--it was snug and cozy around my head. The full pit zips have also been great on warmer days.

Perfect for DRY weather

I have been a faithful Outdoor Research lover for years. I was in need of a new waterproof rain jacket for a trip to Iceland, so I got this Gore Tex jacket. Thankfully, it didn't rain very much during the trip because I would have been wet and cold. It did help with the wind on a hike to the volcano, but was terrible in rain. Just now I was outside for about an hour wearing the jacket in a light drizzle and came in feeling very damp. The water absorbs into the material instead of beading up and running off. This isn't typical for Outdoor Research products or Gore Tex and I'm disappointed. I have taken good care of it so I'm not sure why it isn't waterproof. It never was from day 1. I do love the features of the side zippers, pit zips, and adjustable hood, but the main reason I needed this jacket was to stay dry. If you like feeling damp, this is the "waterproof" jacket for you! Guess it's time to ask for a warranty credit, but honestly I don't know that I want to buy another OR jacket to replace it if this is how they are going to perform.

Awesome jacket for rain or snow

I love this jacket! It's light weight for the protection it provides. I use it for heavy rains and as a shell for backcountry skiing. I love the full-length pit zips for air flow during strenuous activity. I'm 5'3" and 130 lbs and the small size is just big enough to layer a lightweight puffy underneath. I'd love to see this jacket in more colors!

Awesome jacket for rain or snow

I love this jacket! It's light weight for the protection it provides. I use it for heavy rains and as a shell for backcountry skiing. I love the full-length pit zips for air flow during strenuous activity. I'm 5'3" and 130 lbs and the small size is just big enough to layer a lightweight puffy underneath. I'd love to see this jacket in more colors!

Tight arm pits

I bought this jacket to replace the exact same jacket I purchased in 2019. I tried on the jacket with the middle amount of layering that is typical of a hike or snowshoe day, and it felt good. EXCEPT!!!!!! The armpits. So small. I took off the jacket and laid it (same size M as the one I already own) out on top of my existing (old) jacket. The dimensions were almost exact everywhere except for the armpit area. Perhaps 4" down into the upper arm and 4" down into the body was fully a zipper width smaller than my old jacket. I tried on the jacket without anything other than the lightest pile mid-weight layering top on, and it was definitely what I'd consider to be VERY restricting. I am 5'5" and 143 lbs. Fit and active. It definitely will not work for me. I sent back the jacket. I'm so bummed. I realize this is a rain jacket, but I tend toward being hot, and it has worked for winter hiking/snowshoeing wearing just a puffy vest underneath it... even down into the teens. I hesitate to buy an actual 'ski' jacket for my snowshoeing because I have not seen one yet where the hood meant for helmets actually stays out of the face when not using a helmet. I have seen exactly one video from OR showing their new scheme to make hoods fit, but I don't see the adjustment promoted on any of their gear. I'd like to hear real world evidence that the hoods on all of their post 2018 jackets really work without a helmet. Very discouraged. :(

Great fit, very comfortable

I used this rain gear on a recent trip to Galapagos and it kept me warm and dry on the misty, chilly mornings. The purple color is gorgeous!

Love me new Aspire jacket

I sadly lost a beloved OR rain jacket and replaced with this one. Love the features including side zips and hood fit. Like the retro look and have received many compliments.