Outdoor Research Men’s Interstellar Jacket

The Outdoor Research Men’s Interstellar Jacket is a lightweight shell jacket that offers protection from the elements all year. It’s perfect for spring hikes, summer backpacking trips, fall day treks, and winter ski tours.

It’s made using Outdoor Research’s proprietary AscentShell technology. This electrospun membrane-backed fabric breathes faster, weighs less and stretches more than traditional waterproof fabrics.

Lightweight

The Outdoor Research Men’s Interstellar Jacket is one of the lightest hard shells on the market, and it packs down small enough to fit into any pocket in your alpine pack. It’s also an excellent choice for hiking, climbing, and skiing adventures, as its impressive waterproofing and breathability let you pursue high-output activities without feeling overheated or limiting your movement.

The key to the jacket’s lightweight nature is its proprietary AscentShell fabric, which consists of charged nylon polymers electrospun into a membrane with excellent air permeability. It’s sandwiched between a 20-denier, stretch ripstop fabric that’s tough yet flexible for active movement.

While it has a few drawbacks – its thin build and flexible fabric that make it less windproof than heavier, 4-season jackets – it’s still a good option for summer, spring and autumn use and milder winter conditions. However, if you’re in the UK and looking to spend the bulk of your time in gnarly winter blizzards, you might want to invest in something more robust and secure.

Breathable

The Outdoor Research Men’s Interstellar Jacket is one of the lightest hard-shell waterproof jackets on the market and breathes like a dream. It uses AscentShell, an electrospun laminate membrane with a higher air permeability rating than Gore-Tex membranes (30,000g/m2/24hr).

The 20D mechanical stretch ripstop nylon exterior is treated with Durable Water Repellant, and a 12D polyester lining aids moisture management. All seams are taped, and the internal front storm flap and laminated construction provide high protection against rain and wind.

The Interstellar also features dynamic reach underarm panels that allow total mobility, above-the-harness pocket placements, and a fully adjustable helmet-compatible hood with HoodLockTM functionality. This makes Interstellar an excellent choice for fast and light alpine missions where movement and comfort are essential.

Durable

The lightest, most breathable hard shell with natural stretch, the Outdoor Research Men’s Interstellar Jacket offers waterproof protection for multi-sport versatility. The pinnacle of OR’s AscentShell technology, this fully seam-taped, 3-layer moisture-defender sheds heavy rain and sleet, keeping you dry while offering impressive mobility and breathability for alpine ascents.

The jacket has a trim fit, designed to move with your body, so it’s ideal for high-output activities in all seasons, worn snugly over technical baselayers or thrown on as a windbreaker over a single layer. Likewise, its active cut allows complete overhead reach in climbing disciplines without the jacket being too constricted.

The jacket packs down small to the size of a cantaloupe, and it’s helmet-compatible (a plus for ice climbing or backcountry skiing). The hood is also adjustable to work with your head and features a two-way toggle system that lets you tighten it around your face without losing peripheral vision.

Versatile

The Outdoor Research Men’s Interstellar Jacket is a versatile, lightweight hardshell that works well for most aerobic outdoor activities. Whether hiking, backpacking or skiing through spring, summer, and fall, this fully waterproof and breathable jacket will keep you dry and warm.

This jacket offers excellent weather protection without a huge price tag. Its proprietary AscentShell membrane is air permeable, which allows for exceptional breathability.

However, the AscentShell fabric doesn’t offer the same level of durable weather protection as a Gore-Tex Pro jacket. Its matrix of charged nylon polymers is electrospun into a membrane that’s also stretchy, which helps to reduce overall weight.

It doesn’t feature any pit or underarm vents, but these pockets can be opened to dump heat and moisture. Breathability is far more critical in a jacket like this than good ventilation options.