For example, the double-separating front zipper effectively keeps the jacket out of the way-it can be unzipped from the bottom, which I found very useful while wearing a harness or whenever I wanted to sit down. This is largely due to the soft-touch C-Knit lining and stretch construction, but the Hemispheres Jacket incorporates smaller details that help, too. The only downside is that the venting takes some getting used to and looks a bit messy and cape-like when wide-open, but the system is incredibly functional for dumping heat quickly.Īs far as comfort goes, I barely noticed I was even wearing the Hemispheres most of the time. In addition, it’s easy to adjust the vents depending on the weather and my activity level-for example, if I’m hot but it’s snowing, I keep the main zipper closed for protection but the side zips slightly open to allow airflow. Combined with an open front zipper, I’ve been surprised at how comfortable the shell is, even on high-output climbs. When unzipped from the bottom up, the jacket flaps open allowing significant airflow. These two-way zippered vents-which are also found on OR's own Skyward II Jacket-run 15 inches from the hem to the armpit. To account for the lack of breathability in the fabrics, Outdoor Research outfitted the Hemispheres with a unique poncho-style venting system called TorsoFlo. That said, once I stopped moving or sat down on a chairlift, I quickly became comfortable again. But for testing purposes, I’ve worn the Hemispheres with many midlayers including the Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody, Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket, and Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody-all of which caused me to overheat in a hurry. For this reason, I don’t normally wear a hardshell when skinning unless the temperature is well below freezing or the wind is especially harsh. When fully zipped, the Hemispheres doesn’t offer much breathability, but that’s to be expected with a Gore-Tex shell (plus, I’m prone to running warm). In addition, the water-resistant zippers have protected my electronics and maps, and the main zipper’s storm flap kept snow out even when it built up along the neck line. The jacket doesn’t include a powder skirt, but the good seal at the waist and longer cut haven’t led to any issues. As far as the rest of the shell goes, the sleeves can be easily cinched with Velcro cuff closures (I wear these tight under my mittens on cold days and leave them loose over my gloves on warm days), and an elastic drawcord at the waist keeps snow and cold from creeping in. The large hood kept my face well-protected thanks to its high-cut collar and small opening that only left my goggles exposed. On one particularly frigid and blustery day, I was stuck on a chairlift for upwards of 10 minutes. In fact, the shell felt just as bomber as my Arc'teryx Beta AR and Alpha SV jackets, which feature Gore’s top-of-the-line Pro membrane. I was initially concerned since some of these areas are notorious for accumulating snow, but I found that the more pliable material did an equally good job of sealing out wind and moisture. To add mobility, OR worked in sections of 2-layer Gore-Tex with Stretch Technology at the back of the shoulders, along the hood, and under the arms. As expected, the jacket’s 3-layer Gore-Tex construction repelled precipitation with ease and did not wet out even during heavy snowfall. Thanks to a variable winter typical of the Pacific Northwest, I was able to put the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Jacket through heavy rain, wet snow, and lots of powder. To see how it stacks up, see our article on the best ski jackets. To complete your kit, we've also tested and reviewed the OR Hemispheres Bib. Below we break down our experience with the Hemispheres. I set out to test the Hemispheres in and out of bounds in conditions ranging from deep powder to downpours and am happy to report that it lived up to the hype, especially when it came to mobility, waterproofing, and ventilation. However, the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Jacket aims to deftly balance both demands without making any major sacrifices. When it comes to choosing a shell, backcountry-goers often have to make the decision between range of movement and weather protection.
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