This Outdoor Research Optimizer Jacket review is about a reliable 3-layer Gore-Tex Active hardshell jacket for men and women designed for weather protection even in extreme conditions. This is a very lightweight piece for year-round use.
Key features & benefits
- Hardshell reliable jacket.
- Gore-Tex Active Shell fabric.
- Extremely breathable.
- Fully waterproof.
- Windproof.
- Very lightweight.
What is in the name – what type of jacket is this
You will see in the video below that the person from Outdoor Research speaks about Gore-Tex Active fabric used. This may be a bit inaccurate, my understanding is that this is Gore-Tex Active Shell. There are big differences because of this word ‘shell’, and I have outlined this in my separate text. Here just to stress that the word Active indicates that this is a very breathable material for highly aerobic activities, while Shell tells you that there is an external fabric layer.
In any case, what you have here is one of the best materials. So this is a 3-layer hard shell, and this implies a 20D outer fabric which is a blend of 55% polyester and 45% nylon, while the inner layer is 20D 100% polyester backer. So the Gore-Tex membrane is sandwiched between these two.
As you realize, the external shell is not particularly durable, it is the same as what you have in their other new Interstellar jacket, but the inner backer is more durable than in the Interstellar jacket. As a result, the jacket is very lightweight, so you have only 12.9 oz (366 g) for the size L. Now, this is still a bit heavier than their Interstellar jacket which is 11.6 oz (329 g) for size L.
Who is it for
From the features mentioned above you can already see that this is a jacket for very aerobic outdoor activities. This includes skiing, climbing, fitness, wet weather, humid weather, travel.
Being so lightweight, you will love to have it in the backpack if you are a hiker or backpacker. Its design includes what they call the Dynamic Reach underarm panels for an unimpeded arms movement.
Overview of features
The hood
Here you have all the adjustability you need, on the sides and on the back, and the hood is helmet-compatible. Note that this is not a rollaway type. On the front you have a rather small brim with wire.
The pockets
There are 4 of them, so this is one more than in the Interstellar jacket. The hand pockets are quite high and this design is on purpose so that you can use them even with the climbing harness, or with your backpack’s hip belt. There is one chest pocket on the left, plus one internal pocket on the right side.
Other features
You have a full-length two-way front zipper with an inner storm flap. This and other zippers are the best quality YKK water-resistant. The cuffs are with Velcro tabs, and you also have a drawcord on the hem. The colors are not the best part, there are just 3 or perhaps 4.
Specifications – Men’s jacket
- Weight (size L): 12.9 oz (366 g).
- Center back length: 30 in (76.2 cm).
- YKK AquaGuard zippers.
- Sizes: S, M, L, X, XL.
- Dynamic Reach underarm panels.
- Double-separating front zipper.
- Hook/loop cuff closures.
- Elastic drawcord hem.
Outdoor Research Optimizer Jacket vs Competitors
Here I give the Optimizer side by side with one rain shell and one hardshell jacket, just to get some idea of where it fits regarding the weight. You realize that it is indeed very lightweight for a hard shell type. But you might want also to compare the prices, so please follow the links in the table.
Weight, g
Layers
Membrane
External pockets
Internal pockets
Pit zips
Fabric
Roll away hood
Powder skirt
OR
Optimizer
366
3
Gore-Tex Active
3
1
no
polyester & nylon
no
no
Arcteryx
Alpha SL
305
2
Gore-Tex
1
no
no
nylon
no
no
Marmot
Spire
709
3
Gore-Tex
3
1
yes
polyester
no
yes
Outdoor Research Women’s Optimizer jacket
There are no differences in the functionality and features between the jacket for men and women, only the size and the shape are such to accommodate the body shapes. The women’s jacket is in sizes XS, S, M, and L. As far as I can see, here too you have only 3 colors.
Final thoughts & rating
So in the conclusion of this Outdoor Research Optimizer Jacket review, I would stress that here you have a top-notch outdoor piece of garment, but it comes at a price. The comparison table above shows that as a 3-layer hardshell jacket it is still close to the weight of the super-light Arc’teryx 2-layer rain shell jacket. So they have built it nicely and I can fully recommend it if you can afford it.
Outdoor Research Men's Optimizer Jacket
Pros
- Very breathable.
- Very light.
- Great quality.
- Very soft and pleasant materials.
Cons
- No vents.
Check at REI
Otherwise, please visit my page with clothing, there are many more affordable jackets there for men and women presented in detail. Check also my list of the best jackets for men and jackets for women.
Please use the comment box below in case of questions or comments. Have a nice day.
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