The water-resistant Pertex shell did an excellent job of repelling precipitation, which beaded off my shoulders and sleeves as I loaded and unloaded ski gear in the rain. It’s also become my go-to for approaches in the Coast Mountains backcountry, where 10-kilometer uphill slogs are common. During periods of high exertion, the jacket has been soaked with sweat (especially noticeable under my heavy BCA avalanche pack), but vents well, stays warm, and dries out quickly. In other words, it breathes when you’re moving yet keeps you warm when you’re standing still. And the Polartec Alpha Direct-distinguishable from other synthetic insulation like PrimaLoft by its low-density design-traps heat in its many air pockets when you’re inactive. The Pertex shell sheds moisture very effectively while still allowing for good airflow. One thing became immediately apparent: it has a remarkable ability to simultaneously vent heat and protect you from the elements. I often found myself hanging out in it from the moment I woke up until it was time to cozy up in my sleeping bag.īreathability is another strongpoint of the Outdoor Research Ascendant. With a bit less insulation than the since-discontinued Uberlayer (95g/m2 compared to 98g/m2), but significantly more than other options like the Patagonia Nano-Air and Arc’teryx Atom LT (60g each), the Ascendant lands in a well-deserved category as a versatile jacket for almost any season or activity. And it can definitely go colder with more layers added. In practice, I found the Ascendant’s “sweet spot” to be within five degrees of freezing on either end, which is a respectable range for an active insulation piece. In terms of layering, I often paired it with a short-sleeve baselayer, and sported the jacket as an outer layer for descending just as often as I did for climbing-a true testament to its temperature-regulating ability and breathability (more on that below). If anything, I found that the Ascendant ran a little on the warm side during aerobic activities. Despite its plush, toy-like appearance, the Polartec Alpha Direct synthetic insulation worked great. While I expected this weight-saving decision to impact warmth, that wasn’t the case. The Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody, unlike many other active insulation pieces, has only two layers: an outer shell and inner insulation. To see how the Ascendant stacks up, see our articles on the best synthetic jackets and best midlayers. Below we break down the Ascendant’s warmth, breathability, water resistance, weight and packability, fit and sizing, and more. We have mixed feelings about its exposed insulation, which results in a fuzzy, somewhat unkempt appearance, but the Ascendant proved itself to be a solid active insulation choice for high-output activities.
As an active midlayer with great mobility, it can be your go-to jacket for everything from backcountry skiing and climbing to hanging out by the fire after a day in the mountains. Piggybacking off the popularity of their functional Uberlayer jacket, Outdoor Research introduced the Ascendant as a lighter and more breathable option.
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