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Outdoor Research Skyward II Jacket - Women's
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Skyward II Jacket
There are softshells and hardshells, and then there's the Outdoor Research Women's Skyward Jacket; a soft hardshell suitable for skinning up steep, backcountry terrain and skiing down said steeps in deep snow. Outdoor Research's lightweight and thin three-layer AscentShell construction assures reliable waterproofing for snowy conditions, and it provides outstanding breathability that's air permeable to keep you comfortably cool when you work up a sweat.
A jacket this breathable might lead you to believe that it actually isn't that waterproof, but Outdoor Research taped the jacket's seams to prevent a single snowflake from seeping through. Just in case the fabric's air permeable nature isn't enough for you, the Skyward's long, hem-to-underarm, TorsoFlo ventilation system assures ample airflow. The hood adjusts over beanies on the skinner, and it slides over helmets with ease. In case your skins freeze, the internal Shove-It pockets warm them up on the ride down for the next hike up.
- A backcountry minded jacket that loves tearing up the steep and deep
- AscentShell 3-layer technology withstands the elements on long days
- Underarm ventilation dumps heat when the weather warms up
- Helmet compatible hood offers extra protection from blustery winds
- Fully sealed seams keep moisture from sneaking in when dropping in
- Drawcord hem locks out snow when taking a spill in deep powder
- Item #ODR00SD
- Material
- [membrane/laminate] AscentShell (3-layer), [face fabric] 50D 88% nylon, 12% spandex, [backer] 50D 100% polyester
- Seams
- fully sealed
- Fit
- regular/relaxed
- Length
- hip
- Center Back Length
- 27in
- Hood
- yes, helmet-compatible, adjustable, wire brim
- Pockets
- [internal] 2 Shove-It, 1 media, [external] 2 chest, 2 hand
- Venting
- TorsoFlo (hem-to-underarm)
- Claimed Weight
- 1lb 5.6oz
- Recommended Use
- backcountry skiing, backcountry snowboarding
- Manufacturer Warranty
- lifetime
Tech Specs
What do you think about this product?
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January 2, 2021
All the bells and whistles
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- M
- Height
- 5` 3"
- Weight
- 130 lbs
This shell has been great for my ski season thus far. OR really thought of everything. Inside pockets for straps and a chest pocket for your phone. Zippers for everything to keep items secure and allow for versatility. I fluctuate between a small and a medium but purchased a medium to fit this over my other jacket and layers. Highly recommend!
Christie G
November 20, 2020
Really nice Jacket - Too long for me
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
- Fit:
- Runs large
- Size Bought
- M
- Height
- 5` 2"
I love the features of this jacket, but the arms and torso were too long for me.
Elizabeth R.
October 28, 2018
To the Resort and Beyond!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- XS
- Height
- 5` 2"
- Weight
- 105 lbs
After purchasing this shell a few months ago, I couldn't wait to try it out on the slopes -- I love this even more than before! I'm learning how to ski this winter in Utah, so I've been researching the appropriate gear for a beginner, but I knew I wanted something I could get a lot of use out of both for skiing and other snow related activities. I've worn this for every occasion I've gone skiing and it's great at what it's designed for -- keeping out wind, moisture, and trapping heat beneath layers. **Note: This shell was designed as a touring specific jacket, so there aren't a ton of bells and whistles but you can easily wear this in the resort over a puffy or similar mid layer! It's a shell, so it is not insulated and will not keep you warm without the proper layers underneath it. ** The cut of this jacket is very flattering; not bulky, not too thin, not too short, not too long. Right where it's supposed to be with plenty of room to wear my Outdoor Research Sonata Puffy, or my North Face L3 Down puffy under it for super cold ski days! It has amazing range of motion in the shoulders/underarms, and the tailored fit does not feel tight or restricting before, during, or after I'm skiing (or falling, let's be honest here). The inner pockets provide ample room for things like skins, liners, gloves, a beanie, or similar items that you don't want to leave in the car but don't necessarily need to carry a backpack for. The two chest pockets are very convenient for my ski pass and my phone -- not once did I feel my large iPhone digging into my chest while skiing. The underarm zips are a nice touch as well for the days when it gets too hot or sunny but you don't want to take off all of your layers. That being said this jacket is made with OR's breathable AscentShell material and I didn't feel like I was sweltering at any point of the day! It also kept me dry every day I've worn it so far. I would put this on par with something like Gore Tex, but a lot more breathable/stretchy and softer as well while keeping the same amount of waterproof ability in tact. I am very eager to test this out some more! This is a great all-around shell for skiing inbounds or off - piste, as well as any other snow sport. OR killing it again!
Ana Stamenkovic
January 21, 2018
To the Resort and Beyond
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- XS
- Height
- 5` 2"
- Weight
- 104 lbs
After purchasing this shell a few months ago, I couldn't wait to try it out on the slopes -- I love this even more than before! I'm learning how to ski this winter in Utah, so I've been researching the appropriate gear for a beginner, but I knew I wanted something I could get a lot of use out of both for skiing and other snow related activities. I've worn this for every occasion I've gone skiing and it's great at what it's designed for -- keeping out wind, moisture, and trapping heat beneath layers. **Note: This shell was designed as a touring specific jacket, so there aren't a ton of bells and whistles but you can easily wear this in the resort over a puffy or similar mid layer! It's a shell, so it is not insulated and will not keep you warm without the proper layers underneath it. ** The cut of this jacket is very flattering; not bulky, not too thin, not too short, not too long. Right where it's supposed to be with plenty of room to wear my Outdoor Research Sonata Puffy, or my North Face L3 Down puffy under it for super cold ski days! It has amazing range of motion in the shoulders/underarms, and the tailored fit does not feel tight or restricting before, during, or after I'm skiing (or falling, let's be honest here). The inner pockets provide ample room for things like skins, liners, gloves, a beanie, or similar items that you don't want to leave in the car but don't necessarily need to carry a backpack for. The two chest pockets are very convenient for my ski pass and my phone -- not once did I feel my large iPhone digging into my chest while skiing. The underarm zips are a nice touch as well for the days when it gets too hot or sunny but you don't want to take off all of your layers. That being said this jacket is made with OR's breathable AscentShell material and I didn't feel like I was sweltering at any point of the day! It also kept me dry every day I've worn it so far. I would put this on par with something like Gore Tex, but a lot more breathable/stretchy and softer as well while keeping the same amount of waterproof ability in tact. I am very eager to test this out some more! This is a great all-around shell for skiing inbounds or off - piste, as well as any other snow sport. OR killing it again!
Ana Stamenkovic
November 15, 2017
Awesome lightweight shell!
- Familiarity:
- I gave it as a gift but have feedback to share
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- Medium
- Height
- 5` 5"
- Weight
- 155 lbs
I got this for my neice as a gift and I snowboard with her everytime I go. This peice is awesome! we have encountered just about everything mother nature could throw at us and she has been totally dry. Breathes well when we do hike makes a great shell for wet days on summer hikes. As far as a touring peice, totally the gear anyone would need! Lightweight shell that is nylon with pit zips. This thing would breathe all day on tours! She is 5'5" and about 150lbs and I got a medium for her.
Warren Young
November 14, 2017
Brave the elements in the Skyward
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- small
- Height
- 5` 1"
- Weight
- 120 lbs
I tried out this jacket on a blustery winter day, and boy, is it burly! When it comes to snow, sleet, hail, or wind, the Skyward is bombproof. I'm usually one to avoid the backcountry when the weather isn't clear and sunny, but the Skyward might be the jacket that gets me out there even when the sun is hiding.
Alisha
November 14, 2017
Excited to Take this on the Slopes
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- XS
- Height
- 5` 1"
- Weight
- 110 lbs
I recently purchased the OR Skyward Jacket as part of my first ever ski set up and I can't wait to see how it performs. Aesthetically, I really love the simplicity to it and the color -- not too vibrant but just enough pop to make it stand out. It also has ample room for layers beneath it. I tried it on with my OR Sonata Jacket as a midlayer and I didn't feel like my movement was restricted or tight at all! The hem of the jacket sits right at my hips but covers my bum, and the sleeves don't go past my fingertips (as a shorter person I get this issue a lot). The vented zippers go all the way to the hem, so that's also a neat feature. The internal pockets are another huge plus . I've read nothing but amazing reviews on the performance of their AscentShell waterproof compared to Gore Tex both in repelling water and being air permeable. I only gave it 4 stars as I haven't had a chance to test it out on the slopes but will be updating my review when I do!
Ana Stamenkovic
May 14, 2017
Look Good- Feel Good
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- Large
- Height
- 5` 4"
- Weight
- 150 lbs
What makes a jacket? For me it's not only the fit and color, but also how you feel in it! And I feel fantastic when skiing in this piece! I just picked this up in March, but it was perfect for the late winter/ early spring days. And since I was re-learning tele skiing it was long enough for when I fell several times no snow went up my jacket! This jacket has a feminine cut where it looks more tailored compared to some ski jackets but at the same time, its roomy enough for a puffy and you don't look like a balloon with just a base layer underneath. The pit zips are easy to use and actually in the right spot (you would be surprised with other jackets sometimes) It's super breathable and best of all POCKETS! Functional and perfectly placed pockets! I love pockets- somedays you need not only your cell phone but when touring to have pocket snacks, fresh headbands, and gloves all stored when things get hot on the uphill. I have not had an issue fitting anything into the pockets. Pro Tip for resort skiing: Bring a picket burrito and share with your chairlift friends- this jacket is perfect for pocket burrito storage.
Megan Davin
March 22, 2017
Incredible Jacket!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
This jacket is wonderful! I wore it for a multi-day snowboarding excursion, and it's the best jacket I've ever had. The chest pocket held my phone, lip balm, sunscreen, and more, and it didn't feel like anything was in there. It snowed on us most of the time, and the moisture slid right off the jacket. It provided great protection against the wind, and I never got overheated. The temperature never got above -5 celsius, so I didn't need to use the ventilation zippers. The high collar provided great protection, and I would highly recommend this jacket to anyone!
Sarah S.