#Ascendant vs uberlayer windows#

Once my Uberlayer is too filthy to wear to work (or if it’s really warm out), the Ascendant is the jacket that I pick up until I have the chance to do laundry again.īuy the Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody through REI or Outdoor Research for $249. I’m not getting rid of my Ascendant Hoody anytime soon. However, because mine is grey, it’s not something that pops in photos, and therefore, not the first layer on my body when I’m out shooting. Now, it comes in more fun colors like purple and blue.

The Ascendant was originally an REI exclusive and offered in only two colors. Lastly if you’ve been following my blog, you know that I love bright colors. The Ascendant has much less insulation, compared to the Uberlayer. I also tend to get really cold, unless it’s the middle of summer with no air conditioning. That’s one thing I wish that Outdoor Research kept on this lighterweight little sister. Things fall out of my slip pockets often. Zippered hand pockets are incredibly important to me. If I had to pick between the two, the Uberlayer is my first choice every time. They first perfected it with the Uberlayer, and then added a similar jacket. Outside Magazine says Outdoor Research perfected the mid layer with the Ascendant, but I disagree. It takes forever for me to warm up, so having the Ascendant as an extra layer really helps. I also love it for gym climbing in the winter. The fuzzies (as opposed to polyester ripstop) are much more comfortable when you’re festering in an office environment. The Polartec Alpha Direct Insulation with its fuzzy lining is one thing that I wish more companies did! I wear it over a t-shirt on most days and work up a sweat by the time I get in the office. It’s enough insulation without being too warm. The Ascendant Hoody is generally my go-to for warmer weather commuting. The Ascendant Hoody weighs approximately 10.9 oz. The fit is trim, but you can still fit a baselayer or even another lightweight jacket underneath. The jacket features three pockets: two hand warmers and one zippered chest pocket. When it’s really chilly, thumb loops keep your sleeves in place over your hands. The hood is helmet compatible I’ve pulled it over my bike helmet to protect my cold ears many times. When it’s breezy out, the Ascendant Hoody blocks the wind from reaching your core. When it starts to sprinkle unexpectedly, the Ascendant Hoody is water resistant. It is non-restricting and moves and breathes with you. The insulation is Polartec® Alpha® Direct Insulation 100% polyester#95 g/m2. The outer is constructed with Pertex® Microlight 100% nylon 20D ripstop stretch woven shell. The Ascendant Hoody is another piece in Outdoor Research’s active insulation line, and active insulation it is. Last spring, the Ascendant Hoody popped onto the line-up, as the Uberlayer’s lightweight little sister. To this day, it’s still one of the pieces that I reach for the most. The exterior of this jacket is made from Pertex Microlight 20D ripstop nylon that is both water shedding, windblocking, and stretchy.Ĭan it really replace a breathable fleece layer and lightweight poofy jacket and combine it all into one jacket? To find out, I tested this hoody out over a five month period including a 7 day coastal backpacking trip, a 5 day canoe trip, and several day trips rock climbing and hiking in the summer and fall 2017.Ĭolours:Night/Ultraviolet, Black/Flame, Pewter/Typhoon, Pinot/Raspberry, Sea/Atlantis The Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody is a brand new do-it-all layer that boasts the ability to adapt to both your active insulation and sedentary needs.In 2015, Outdoor Research introduced the Uberlayer Hoody to its line up of puffies. Although not as waterproof as your shell, rain does bead on its surface quite well. The stretchy material moves with you - not against you. The interior is a soft fuzzy Polartec Alpha Direct insulating polyester fleece.

#Ascendant vs uberlayer windows#

How does this fabric work? The best analogy I can think of is that the fabric is like a network of thousands of tiny windows that open when you are working hard and close when you are sedentary. The net result is the ability to stay warm (but not sweaty) and cozy all the time. Other features include: adjustable helmet compatible hood, internal thumb loops, zippered chest pocket, two handwarmer pockets, and an elastic drawcord hem. My first impression of this jacket when I picked it up is how light it is. Compared to Outdoor Research's other active insulation jacket the Uberlayer at 16.8 oz, the Ascendant feels significantly lighter at 10.9oz.

As someone who counts grams this is a significant difference.