The 2016 Outdoor Reseach Women's Whirlwind Hoody is a re-designed softshell jacket made for fast and light alpine missions. Is it worth the money? Read on to find out.
Outdoor Research Women's Whirlwind Hoody
Sizes: XS to XL
Colours: Apple, Black/Charcoal, Typhoon
Price: $115 USD
Weight: 7.5oz/213g (Size Medium)
Features: Made with highly breathable recycled polyester/spandex, the Whirlwind Hoody provides water and wind resistant protection in a lightweight package. The chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack and has a carabiner loop inside to clip to a harness or pack. Other features include: half-zip front zipper, elastic cuffs, thumb loop and elastic drawcord hem.
Outdoor Research Women's Whirlwind Hoody
Sizes: XS to XL
Colours: Apple, Black/Charcoal, Typhoon
Price: $115 USD
Weight: 7.5oz/213g (Size Medium)
Features: Made with highly breathable recycled polyester/spandex, the Whirlwind Hoody provides water and wind resistant protection in a lightweight package. The chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack and has a carabiner loop inside to clip to a harness or pack. Other features include: half-zip front zipper, elastic cuffs, thumb loop and elastic drawcord hem.
Climbing in the OR Whirlwind Hoody. Photo Credit: Ivan Petrov
Pros: Upon first glance, you can't help but notice how lightweight this hoody is. Compared to my Outdoor Research Ferrosi softshell jacket, it is 3.5oz or 100g lighter. At first I had concerns about the hoody's durability compared to it's bomber Ferrosi cousin. After months of testing, the Whirlwind still looks new. I am super impressed that this lightweight jacket is tough enough to handle a variety of outdoor activities: rock climbing, hiking, flatwater paddling, teaching phys ed and outdoor ed.
The typhoon colour is gorgeous. I am constantly receiving compliments on it's style, fit and colour. The simplistic design combined with it's functionality makes this hoody stand out.
The chest pocket fits my iPhone 5S and handy for other small lightweight items. When the jacket is stuffed in the chest pocket, it packs down to the size of my fist. The thumb loops are work well in cold, windy conditions and are not in the way when not in use as they tuck under the elastic cuffs.
I find myself grabbing this jacket a lot in the summer if I need an extra layer in the morning and evening over a t-shirt or tank top. It's a great lightweight layer that isn't skin tight like other baselayers, allowing air to circulate. It has become my 'go-to' summer layer inside my hiking and climbing packs. I pull it out as soon as the temp drops as the wind picks up or I approach exposed summits. I hardly even know I have it on most of the time, and feel like I keep it on longer than other layers I own because it adjusts well to so many conditions.
Cons: One of things I would change about this hoody is the small black plastic clip attached to the carabiner clip rope loop inside the chest pocket. For a garment made from thinner material, this piece of plastic lies prominently and awkwardly right on top of the apex of my chest anatomy. As a female, I found this to look weird (like I am revealing body jewelry I don't have) so my solution was to remove it. I'm not sure I would have used the plastic clip anyway. See photo below.
Other than that, this hoody is perfect. A highly recommended versatile piece.
Best Uses: Summer alpine ascents with cool breezes, rock climbing, flatwater paddling, casual use on cool summer nights, etc.
The typhoon colour is gorgeous. I am constantly receiving compliments on it's style, fit and colour. The simplistic design combined with it's functionality makes this hoody stand out.
The chest pocket fits my iPhone 5S and handy for other small lightweight items. When the jacket is stuffed in the chest pocket, it packs down to the size of my fist. The thumb loops are work well in cold, windy conditions and are not in the way when not in use as they tuck under the elastic cuffs.
I find myself grabbing this jacket a lot in the summer if I need an extra layer in the morning and evening over a t-shirt or tank top. It's a great lightweight layer that isn't skin tight like other baselayers, allowing air to circulate. It has become my 'go-to' summer layer inside my hiking and climbing packs. I pull it out as soon as the temp drops as the wind picks up or I approach exposed summits. I hardly even know I have it on most of the time, and feel like I keep it on longer than other layers I own because it adjusts well to so many conditions.
Cons: One of things I would change about this hoody is the small black plastic clip attached to the carabiner clip rope loop inside the chest pocket. For a garment made from thinner material, this piece of plastic lies prominently and awkwardly right on top of the apex of my chest anatomy. As a female, I found this to look weird (like I am revealing body jewelry I don't have) so my solution was to remove it. I'm not sure I would have used the plastic clip anyway. See photo below.
Other than that, this hoody is perfect. A highly recommended versatile piece.
Best Uses: Summer alpine ascents with cool breezes, rock climbing, flatwater paddling, casual use on cool summer nights, etc.
The awkwardly placed plastic clip in the chest pocket
Full disclosure: I was given this hoody as part of Outdoor Research's #ORInsightLab team. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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