Outdoor Research  Motive AscentShell Jacket - Men's

Super comfortable, super dry!

This has been the perfect rain coat for me. It is a lot drier than a basic rain coat, but far more comfortable than a stiff shell. It breathes well enough to keep wearing it all day and packs down super small so I always have it with me. I am 5’11 180 lbs and got a size large. It is a roomier fit than I usually get with OR, but I really like that. There is plenty of room for broad shoulders and the stretch in the fabric goes a long way to keep it comfortable. Great coat for a great price!

Super sweet jacket!

Great jacket! The lightweight breathability makes it super comfortable, but it also keeps you super dry. Much better than a basic rain coat, and way nicer to move around in than a stiff shell. I was dry and comfortable hiking for four hours in the rain on a warm day, definitely my new go to layer. The fit is more roomy than I am used to with OR, but I like that. I am 5'11 180 lbs and got a large. I have broad shoulders and don't experience and tightness when stretching. I definitely appreciate the roomy fit/stretchy fabric. It is also super packable, excited to take it more places!

Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com

So far it is great.

Holy smokes, this is a nice jacket. Fits well with just a T-shirt on, or over a few layers and nano puff! Comfortable, allows movement and stylish. I have only walked around the block in a medium/semi cold rain with it, but it seems to shed water as much as you need it to. I just got it 30mins ago, so I can't speak on its use in mid summer/humid wet conditions and breathability, but I mainly bought it for cooler rain days and as a winter shell. Testing out different layer combinations it seems it will do just that. I really hope it holds up cause it's one of the nicest rain jackets I've ever owned.

Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com

Did not fit

The jacket did not fit around my shoulders and under arms. It cut into armpits. Would not have had room for layering underneath it. The quality seems good and I'm sure it would have performed great. Sad that I'll have to return it.

Solid lightweight rain jacket

First time using this jacket was at Glacier National Park when the temperatures fluctuated from 80 degrees to flurries. This was the no-brainer to pack when needing a versatile lightweight, yet solid jacket. Precipitation rolls right off the jacket and kept me dry unlike many of my other rain jackets. During the much colder days I was able to wear it on top of my down puffy jacket for an extra outside layer. This was such a smart purchase my girlfriend purchased one in the female version. I would highly recommend this jacket for anyone looking for dependable rain outerwear.

Originally posted on ExpertVoice.com

Typhoon in Japan, no problem!

My wife and I just returned from two weeks in Japan, a late season typhoon was ordered up for us, seriously, this jacket handled without issue. I was dry, the contents of my pockets were dry (except the pocket I forgot to zip!). We were in Nagano, Matsumoto, Kamikochi and Narita, hiking, climbing, moving with baggage from trains to trains. While in the Alps someone in our party forgot an outer layer. I lent them my puffy and I put on the OR as an outer layer, it performed that task well too. I won't denigrate other options, but I've tried many. This one is my favorite.

Originally posted on ExpertVoice.com

Perfect Fit

I just got my jacket in the mail. Tried it on, bingo! They nailed this one. I know it will work good in the field. I have 45 years of active experience in the mountains, this thing is a hit. The hood tells me what I need to know. It is the proper size. My first OR purchase was a pair of Goretex mittens in 78, they are still making good stuff.

I'm in love with a raincoat and I don't care who knows

This is everything I was searching for in a lightweight no nonsense raincoat for a variety of uses. I plan on using this coat for backpacking, bike packing, backcountry skiing, hiking, foraging and everyday around town wear. So far I've used it for a few rainy hikes, mushroom foraging and super rainy landscaping and it's kept my dry and comfortable for all these activities. The comfort of the fabric and the breathability are the best characteristics of this coat IMO. I also love the lightweight minimalist approach and fit. I'm 5'11" 195#s and the large is perfect. Not too baggy and perfect arm length. I was nervous about the lack of wrist straps but I don't miss them. The wrist openings are very well thought out.

Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com

Breathes Incredibly Well

I purchased both this jacket and the Marmot PreCip Eco Pro. It was a tough decision, but I'm keeping the Eco Pro. The AscentShell was far more comfortable--only 1 oz. lighter but seemed much more so, and the breathability was beyond compare; I actually worked up a bit of a sweat fidgeting around with cinches on the EP. So why didn't I keep the Ascent? Well, I could see through the fabric--that worried me, especially considering the more-than-one-or-two reviews that I read complaining about its lack of water proofiness. The cinches didn't seem as responsive as the EP's (though I never worked up a sweat with them thanks to the overall breathability of the fabric) and, more importantly, the loose "cheapiness" of the cuffs (no velcro!) and lack of pocket welts only increased my doubts wheather the jacket would keep me dry in a prolonged downpour. On the plus side, the hood is big enough to accept a helmet--which the EP's won't--and as a windbreaker shell I liked the look (though I would go with a medium instead of a large if your right in between, as I am).

The jacket is super lightweight yet tough feeling. The hood and cuffs use elastic instead of velcro or a cord to cut weight and I haven't had any issues with them. Great as a Spring or Fall rain shell and great as a Winter outter shell. People considering this jacket need to realize that OR has left out pit zips to reduce the weight. Held up well in downpour while backpacking and kept me dry while being breathable. Great fit with or without a layer underneath. Nice length and love the color! Also love that it folds small and into the pocket.

Originally posted on ExpertVoice.com