The fill feels pretty even, distributing heat uniformly across my torso.Īlso of particular note: Lots of pockets. I also loved that the fill is synthetic, 100 percent polyester-so I don’t have to worry about whether geese were painfully plucked for down. When the sun came out, I liked how easily I could scrunch up the sleeves and pull down the hood, or stuff the jacket into its own left pocket for storage. Even when the water-resistant Refuge got drenched by a downpour while I was coming off a Colorado Fourteener, the VerticalXTM insulation retained my body heat surprisingly well. Meanwhile, the light weight, precise cut, and stretchy material meant it moved easily and freely, so I didn’t feel like a stiff doll packaged in bubble wrap.
In low temps like those I encountered while climbing and hiking in Colorado’s mountains or just working at my computer late at night when our home’s heat has shut off, the VerticalXTM polyester insulation and capacious, adjustable hood kept me warm and snug. The first feature that sets the Refuge apart is the surprising warmth-to-weight ratio. This versatile midweight outer layer (18 oz, on average) is one of those garments that becomes an old, faithful friend that you wear for years and years until it’s more duct tape than fabric. Outdoor Research’s aptly named Refuge Hooded Jacket has offered me sanctuary from wind, cold, rain, and hail in the four months I’ve been testing. The Outdoor Research Refuge Hooded Jacket.
Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+