Outdoor Research

Carbide Jacket - Women's

Poor quality fabric 0/10 do not recommend

I researched so many ski jackets before deciding on this jacket. I have worn it on two ski trips for a total of 12 days of skiing - one ski trip in 2022 and one in 2023. I am an average skier staying in greens and blues. I have not worn this jacket besides those two ski trips as I live in a warm climate. There is so much pilling under the arms and on the back of the jacket. This is not normal wear and tear, especially with this type of fabric. I called customer service and was told this is covered under the "lifetime" warranty. After waiting weeks for a warranty response, turns out OR will not honor their warranty. I was told to wash it inside out (it's barely been worn and doesn't need to be washed), hand wash it, or use a pilling shaver! This is not a washing issue. This is a quality issue. Fabric should not pill this quickly, especially on a jacket that is meant to be worn for outdoor activity. I am so disappointed in this jacket and the lack of warranty.

Solid ski jacket - Excellent layering capacity

Used for inbounds resort skiing. Jacket is lightweight and no bulk with excellent wind/waterproofing. When jacket is fully zipped has a wider collar to accommodate helmet strap, neck gaiter, and other collars without feeling choked. I can wear with a midweight baselayer, 1/4 zip fleece, and thin insulated puffy (eg TNF thermoball or arcteryx Cerium) on an 11 degF day, and it is warmer and less bulk than previous OR insulated ski jacket. I'm 5'2'', 125 lbs, 34B and the XS was ideal arm length, chest width, and hem length (even with all those layers). Also, need to mention bilateral Napolean pockets!

Extremely disappointed, jacket easily rips

I purchased this jacket for the ski season and only wore it a few times before the arm ripped when I was stretching (not even skiing, which is concerning). I reached out to OR for a replacement, and they would not provide any replacement, which is really disappointing because I'm pretty sure it was a product defect. I've been a fan of OR for years and have had lots of success with various products, but the customer service and quality of this jacket was extremely disappointing. I had a similar issue with Patagonia and they quickly repaired and replaced the items; I would definitely choose to go with Patagonia in the future.

Wanted to love

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

Xs

Height:

5' 2"

Weight:

115

I like it. It fits great and kept me warm in windy/snowy conditions. It feels light and not stiff at all. I took it for my first backcountry tour of the season today but immediately, on the first pull, the rope adjusting the top of the hood broke. I wanted to send back but there are no more in that size/color. I’m hoping the rest holds up.

Great ski touring jacket

Has all the features needed for back country ski touring

Look good, feel good, safety

Exactly the jacket I needed! The reviews on major independent gear review sites were right on. It's a lot of jacket packed into a slim, effective shell. Pockets for days, but not even my oversupply of fruit snacks and granola bars created annoying bulges or lumps. Half a season in, it's my only truly waterproof jacket. Pit zips are key. It's breathable, but let's be real: anything that can keep out snow, rain, and all the in-between misery is not gonna breathe like a bike jersey - so be attentive to your layering. Fleece is a no-go for me with this jacket, because it traps too much condensation, but a soft shell primaloft ski jacket was the perfect mid layer most cold (10F and below) days.

Great multi-purpose winter shell

I've been using this shell for resort skiing and winter hiking. It checks off so many boxes - good fit, flexible material good for moving, ample pockets (and external breast pockets key for winter hiking!), a ski pass pocket, double zippers, and a great hood! I can see it being great for backcountry skiing, too, I just haven't had the chance for it yet. Overall, great winter shell I'd definitely recommend!

Perfect Ski Jacket

I am in love with this jacket. I'm petite so struggle to find something that fits appropriately. This is in the perfect Goldilocks Zone, not too tight that I can't layer and move, and not looking like a circus tent draped over my torso either. I love all the zippers and pockets, there are plenty of spots to store little knickknacks that I need throughout the day in the backcountry or in the resort. I recently wore this on a wet and windy day in the mountains and it kept me dry all day. What a satisfying feeling to watch water bead right off and never soak in!

Great shell!

Great for resort skiing and touring! Love the colors, fit, and pockets. Vents are also awesome. My XL OR puffy fits under this shell! I wear a size 10 in tops (5,7 and bust ~38"), and this is a great and functional loose fit.

Not just ski season

Haven't used it personally, but the GF loves it. Seems like a solid jacket.