Outdoor Research  Vesper Insulated Hoodie - Men's

Perfect mid-layer. Perfect all season. Extremely lightweight. Extremely packable. Low profile. Amazing all-around jacket. I live in the foothills of NC and rarely need anything heavier/warmer. At the same time, I don't get too hot like I do in a down puffer. If I were to question anything at all, it would be the zipper mechanism, which can sometimes hang up, and seems like it could be fragile. This doesn't detract from my 5-star review. It seems to be loosening up some with use and it hasn't failed yet. I just wonder if Outdoor Research might want to improve upon that for future models. Runs true to size. There's really nothing else that could be improved upon.

The jacket itself is extremely comfortable and sizes great. It is perfect for quick walks into stores when it’s above 0. Extended periods of time outside above 20 is definitely doable. My main issue with this jacket is the ridiculous zipper. For whatever reason Outdoor Research decided to use the same zippers on the main zip that they use on the pockets. It’s so small and flimsy that it feels like you’ll break it any time that you go to zip the jacket up. For the price, you shouldn’t have to pay a local seamstress to put a real zipper in the jacket after the fact. Fix the zipper and it’s the perfect lightweight jacket for quick trips or outdoor fall and spring outdoor activities.

I decided to give the OR Vesper a try to replace a rapidly deteriorating Arc'teryx Atom. The Vesper has a lot going for it, better durability, good insulation, excellent fit, well thought out pockets, and Winterberry is the best colour ever. The main zipper and hood however, are two points of potential improvement. The zipper, as others have alluded to, is small and fragile feeling. Mine in particular is finicky to unlatch, even after a couple months of regular use. The hood is small and fits close to the ears. With the hood up, the sound of rustling material is very evident and frankly off putting. A slightly roomier hood would be a big upgrade in future versions of this jacket. Overall, I prefer this jacket to the Atom primarily for the superior durability and would buy it again in the future (especially if it has been revised).

Amazing jacket! Great as a casual jacket or high output jacket. Kept me warm in low 30s with wind, and I did not overheat in this jacket like I do many others. I was stuck between this jacket and Arcteryx's atom, but this one felt a bet warmer and had a better fit.

Got this jacket a few weeks ago as the temp started going down and so far I’ve worn it from mid-30’s to about 60 and it’s incredible. Light, comfortable, warm, but also windproof and water resistant. I’m excited to test it more in the winter, but it’s my new favorite jacket. 6’2” 180 and got the Large, perfect fit. Very stoked with this purchase

Warm and light jacket, but be warned the fabric is not super durable if you need that in a jacket. My jacket got a puncture and started losing insulation in the seams after 2 months. Tradeoffs of ultra light gear I guess. I think it's the same fabric as the Atom. I layered it with a shell for -10C snow days as well as casual travel use.

Perfect for days when a light layer isn’t enough and equally reliable as your everyday cold weather coat. Its soft, breathable design keeps you cozy without overheating, even when you're on the move. Plus, it’s a great piece to layer with, being slim enough to fit under a shell, yet warm enough to stand on its own.

Overall, this is a nice insulated hoodie. However, I have a question (actually, not only about this model): why do you make it so short? It doesn't cover my belt when I lift my arms. Make it 3-5 inches longer to cover the lower back, and it would be infinitely more practical.

This thing is so soft, so warm, and so versatile. And the colors are so nice!