Outdoor Research  Deviator Insulated Hoodie - Men's

Tested on Denali, my new favorite active insulation

I am an outdoor research employee and had the opportunity to wear test this on a Denali expedition this Spring. I can't recommend this product enough for active ski touring/mountaineering when it's cold enough that insulation is necessary, but don't want to risk sweating while moving. The nature of this trip meant we were wearing heavy backpacks all day; every day and I found the grid fleece kept my back cool while still providing the insulation I needed up front. For me, this strikes the perfect warmth to breathability balance, and I plan to use as my go-to insulation piece for ski touring this winter.

Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com

Boy does this thing retain smells

I use this Jacket from light ski touring to a shell for early morning runs to a quick jaunt around town. I've had this Jacket for three months and had to wash it after almost every use due to the smell that is retained in the Jacket. I've had plenty of other soft shell jackets that have not had to be washed near as often, even after heavier. multi-day use. While I love the fleece on the inside for warmth and comfort, this jacket is not living up to my expectation as an everyday use jacket. Heaven forbid I visit a friends place after an activity, or they visit my house before I can wash the jacket. Great concept, poor delivery for use.

Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com

Just the thing for moving fast in winter

This is the piece that I have been waiting for years for someone to make. It is the perfect amount of warmth and breathability to allow you to move fast in the winter. You kind of have to think of it as a wind-shedding fleece rather than a jacket. The attached hood is perfect, as you can pull it up to block wind and keep your head warm, and it is always handy (and doesn't have to be stowed like a hat). The mesh panels on the back and along the arms are just right for throwing off moisture, while the whole piece still provides protection from the wind. It is thin enough that you have to put on a full-on wind layer when you stop, but it's well worth it not to be all sweaty at the top.

Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com

Epic hoodie for aerobic activities

This jacket fits pretty snug, but for aerobic activities that's what I'm looking for. I've primarily used it for trail running, hiking, and cross country skiing. Depending on the weather and temperature, this a jacket you put on at the beginning of the day, and you may not need to take off. Its the first jacket I've owned that lives up the idea that it keeps you warm without over heating. It breathes very well, moves moisture, without making you sweat bullets. Overall, this may be my favorite outdoor jacket of the last decade.

light and warm

very nice hoodie, more waterproof that I thought (light mist was not making it all wet). very warm for being this light and extremely breathable!

Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com

Warm but you MAY need more

I absolutely love the minimalism of this jacket. It is very thin but surprisingly warm for what it is. I have been on several early morning rides and walks with this jacket and it has not disappointed. It has been the perfect balance of warmth and breathability that have made my activities more comfortable. As the temperature has dropped, I have noticed it takes a bit more time get to the comfortable level but eventually it gets there. What is remarkable, is that the breathability never fails. With other jackets, I either sweat due to lack of breathability or stay cold because it lacks insulation. I would recommend this jacket along with a warm base layer when temps get colder.. it may run out of usefulness at some point but so far so good down to 40 degrees F.

Originally posted on ExpertVoice.com

Not to be underestimated!

I absolutely love this hoodie and have ordered more in other colors. I hesitated at first due to the high cost, but this is worth it. The design keeps the wind out but lets your back and arm pit breath while running or wearing a pack. The fit is intentionally slim-fit, as the product can keep you warm that way. Paired with a base layer this keeps me warm in temperatures just below freezing while running or hiking. If it gets cold, I just throw a soft shell over this and it's perfect. I highly recommend this.

Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com

Can you make this not smell terrible after one use

Love the deviator. It's a great layering piece and awesome for ski touring. The thing is that OR grid fleece smells TERRIBLE after only one brief use. Even wearing it around town it stinks after a few hours of wearing. Now, you may say, dudeman you are just a super smelly dude. And while I am a sweaty person, I wear my other layers for long sweaty backpacking trips or ski tours and they smell better at the end than the Deviator after some casual wear. Would be 5 stars if OR could figure this out.

Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com

Just right

Great for colder activities. Light insulation with good breathability. For me it works well under 40° and active like trail running; hiking you might be able to push up to 60's. Wind resistance works fine for me in Colorado (front side) with full back ventilation. Rain resistance I haven't gotten much experience with other than some light drizzle, which it did fine. Very similar to the Arc'teryx Proton FL but with more breathability for activities

Originally posted on ExpertVoice.com

I purchased this item for my boyfriend during the friends and family promotion. It was supposed to be used for running, but he loves it so much that he wears it all the time. The color is vibrant and beautiful, the fit is perfect, athletic and flattering, and even though this is a light-weight jacket it is warm enough to wear on chilly winter days. If you are looking for the perfect exercise jacket, don't hesitate anymore, this is the one to get!

Originally posted on ExpertVoice.com