Review: Outdoor Research Vesper Hoodie

To stave off the cold, crisp mornings of fall, I need a jacket that’s warm—but that doesn’t mean I need to break out my 700 fill down jacket. Nope, that’d be too much. And while I love a classic, heavyweight cotton hoodies as much as the next guy, wind always cuts right through ‘em, leaving me cold and sniffling. That won’t do either. And so, in my search for something in between, I found the low-profile Outdoor Research Vesper Hoodie. It’s just right; a hybrid of my two favorite styles of layers. The Vesper mixes warmth, mobility, and waterproofing into one neat—and damn good looking—package, making it perfect for any inclement weather.

It's plenty warm for moderately cold temperatures, and the breathable material keeps me from overheating, so I don’t have to shed it a mile into the trail. What’s more, the soft outer shell is weather resistant, keeping the insulation dry in light drizzles and snowstorms alike. I especially appreciate the sleek design when the weather takes a turn for the worse, as I can easily slip a hard shell or insulated jacket over it without restricting my range of motion or looking like the Michelin man. While I haven’t yet the chance to try it out on an alpine tour, I’m positive that it will perform exceptionally. But even if it doesn’t, I know I can just pack it down into the left pocket (which doubles as a stuff sack) and stash it in my pack. Suffice to say, it’s one hell of a jacket, and one whose praise I’m happy to sing.

Available at outdoorresearch.com; $255.