Outdoor Research Interstellar Ascentshell Jacket Review

The Outdoor Research Interstellar Ascentshell Jacket is a flexible, lightweight, and breathable hardshell jacket at an affordable price.

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. 

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.