The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody is one of my absolute favourite pieces of outdoor clothing. This women's softshell jacket is extremely versatile and durable making it useful in a number of environments. I love this jacket so much I have it in 3 colours and is the hands down winner comparing it with similar models from other companies. All three of my hoodies look as new as the day I got them, and I've put them through the wringer.

Outdoor Research Women's Ferrosi Hoody
Price: $129 USD
Women's sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL
Colours: Black, Cornflower/Night, Desert Sunrise/Sangria, Orchid/Crocus
Weight: 11oz/313g (Medium)

This softshell material is best I have tried. It is very stretchy (note the stretch in the pockets where my hands are) which makes this jacket very comfortable. The material is thick enough to take away a cold morning chill but breathable when the sun starts to beat down on you. 

Two comfortable zippered hand pockets

Hood with pull tabs:

Wrist elastic:

As a P.E./Outdoor Education Teacher, I wear these jackets to school almost everyday. I also use them in my personal life while climbing, hiking, paddling, etc. I have bushwhacked, been rained on, crack climbed, and spilt many dinners on them and it still looks brand new. The jacket's shoulders and arms are made of a thicker material that is very abrasion resistant under pack straps and on gnarly rock surfaces.

This hoody is a phenomenal wind layer for mountaineering, hiking, and ski touring. It breathes well when ascending, and blocks wind in alpine environments. This garment also sheds rain quite well not enough to throw out my proper rain shell out of my pack. 

Pros: Durable, windproof, lightweight, stretchy, not tight fitting, fits well with a harness over top, hood fits over a helmet, breathes well.
Cons: Colour combination/options could be better (I love Desert Sunrise/Sangria colour though!).

I first found out about these hoodies by a mountain guide who had 3 of them. He raved about them and so my husband and I decided to give them a shot. My husband now has 4 of them and I have 3 so that should tell you how much these jackets ROCK!

No wonder this this hoody won Editor's Choice in the Outdoor Gear Lab's Softshell jacket category! I highly recommend this jacket-another Outdoor Research SLAMDUNK! 

The Outdoor Research Deviator Hoody is a new hybrid insulated wicking hoody out on the market in spring 2015. The hoody looks like something you've seen before, but trust me, it isn't. At first it looks like any old fleece, one with a special windproof front panel. But inside, the Polartec Alpha and Polartec Power Grid Technologies have a created a garmet that is like no other.

OR Women's Deviator Hoody
Sizes: XS-L
Colours: Alloy/Pewter, Flash/Apple, Ultraviolet (pictured below)
Weight: 9.7oz, 275g (Medium)
Price: $190 Cdn

I've had the pleasure of testing out the women's version for the past three months. In the months of April, May and June in Canada, temperatures can swing greatly from morning to afternoon and this is where this hoody shines. Although it feels like a light fleece hoody, this jacket breathes and wicks like no others thanks to the Polartec Alpha technology. Just when you think you have to de-layer, you don't! Warm when you need it, and cool when you don't this jacket is one I can wear all day (and do!). In my work environment I travel from cool and hot/humid outdoor temperatures, to rooms with and without air conditioning and no matter where I go, this jacket stays on.

The fit of this jacket I would describe as a close fitting athletic cut. The women's version is low cut over the tailbone which I like. The fabric is very stretchy so no movement is inhibited. There are two generous sized hand pockets at the front and two comfortable thumb loops if your hands get cold. The zippered front chest pocket has room for my iphone and more. The hood will accomodate a climbing helmet if need be but can be worn without as well.

This jacket to me represents a new era of clothing versatility. It breathes better than my Outdoor Research Ferrosi softshell jacket, and is also warmer. It's extremely light and packable, and I am keen and eager to try this hoody out in the winter months doing aerobic activities as well as cooler months when rock climbing. I think this is a stellar piece for anyone who lives in environments with large temperatures swings or is participating in activities where moving and standing are both included. As a female, getting 'chilled' is common and I think this is the garmet I've been waiting for that will wick as well as it insulates. I often pair this hoody with the OR Echo Shortsleeve Tee in the same colour.

Pros: Lightweight, athletic cut, long length, wicking, warm, great pockets
Cons: None so far!

Kudos to Outdoor Research and Polartec for creating a fantastic hoody!