The Outdoor Research Interstellar Ascentshell Jacket is a flexible, lightweight, and breathable hardshell jacket at an affordable price.
Quick Guide
Category: Hardshell Jacket
Length: Hip
Pockets: 3
Weight: Men's: 11.8 oz / Women's: 10.1 oz
Fabric: Ascenstshell, Nylon
Pros: Lightweight, good for layering, excellent breathability.
Cons: Not very waterproof or durable
Best Suited For: Hiking
Final Verdict: An affordable, flexible, lightweight, and breathable hardshell jacket.
Part of any successful outdoor clothing layering system is the perfect hiking jacket.
Having the right jacket for a day spent outside is one of the sure-fire ways to have a comfortable day on the trail. Depending on the climate, season, and activity, you will have specific jacket needs.
In these short hiking jacket reviews, we cover top-rated hiking jackets of varying styles.
Don’t worry, we don’t pick favorites either. We leave that decision up to you.
We’ll give you our honest review of each jacket, including the things we love and what they could have done better. So let's take a look at the Outdoor Research Interstellar Ascentshell Jacket
Outdoor Research Interstellar Ascentshell Jacket Review
The Outdoor Research Interstellar Ascentshell Jacket combines outstanding field performance at an affordable price.
Using the Ascentshell fabric as a core piece of the design, they were able to cut costs considerably compared to Gore-Tex jacket designs.
This fabric change does cut down somewhat on the weather resistance or durability, but not necessarily the jacket's overall performance.
The choice of a jacket made from polyurethane fibers makes the Interstellar a flexible, lightweight, and breathable hardshell jacket.
These functional aspects make it a fantastic jacket choice for most people seeking an affordable hardshell.
However, because of the limitations regarding waterproofing and durability, if you are seeking a high mountain hardshell, you may want to look at Gore-Tex utilizing competitors.
Not sure what kind of jacket you need? Check out our guide to Choosing the Right Hiking Jacket.
What We Like
There's a lot to like about the Outdoor Research Interstellar Jacket, including:
Lightweight
If you want a lightweight and packable jacket to bring trekking, this jacket is ideal. It weighs in at around 11oz and is easy to compress to save space when not in use.
Good for Layering
Since this jacket is an outer layer, it is vital to fit a few layers underneath without feeling restricted. There is plenty of space in the shoulders that you can easily move around, even with a few layers under the jacket.
Great Breathability
It is hard to strike the right balance between protection and breathability with a hard shell. This jacket shines more in breathability. It doesn’t have underarm vents, but it does have mesh pocket liners to provide enough venting if the pockets are left open.
What We Don’t Like
Not very Waterproof
Since this hardshell jacket does not use Gore-Tex fabrics, it is not the most waterproof or even weatherproof hardshell jacket option. This jacket is ideal for more mild conditions, not necessarily alpine or extreme weather.
Less Durable
The fabric used is relatively lightweight and breathable but not necessarily the most durable option on the market. If you are scrambling through boulder fields or bushwacking to find a trail, this fabric will tear easily and not hold up for long.
Key Features
- Fully Adjustable Helmet Compatible Hood
- Wire-Brimmed Halo-Hood with Hood Lock™
- YKK® AquaGuard® Zippers
- YKK® AquaGuard® Vislon Center Front Zipper
- Internal Front Stormflap
- Zip Chest Pocket
- Zip Hand Pockets
- Stuffs into Left Hand Pocket
- Carabiner Loop
- Key Clip
- Dynamic Reach™ Underarm Panels
- Single-Separating Front Zipper
- Hook/Loop Cuff Closures
- Elastic Drawcord Hem
- Elastic Cuffs
Final Thoughts
The Outdoor Research Interstellar Ascentshell Jacket strikes a good balance between field performance and price.
However, because of the limitations regarding waterproofing and durability, if you are seeking a high mountain hardshell, you may want to look at Gore-Tex utilizing competitors.
Check out more hiking jacket reviews.
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