The search for the perfect backcountry ski shell has been years long. But I think that journey can finally end. And the destination is the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Jacket.
Outdoor Research Hemispheres Jacket
The Hemispheres Jacket is very unique for a hardshell. First, the GORE-TEX fabric stretches. Second, it breathes astonishingly well. It does all this and still provides bomber protection from anything mother nature can throw at it. Need more convincing? The folks over at Powder Magazine were so impressed that the Hemispheres Jacket won an Apparel of the Year award.
The Outdoor Research Hemispheres jacket features:
- Fully Taped Seams
- Movement-Mirroring Stretch
- Helmet Compatible Hood with Hood Lock™
- YKK® AquaGuard® Zippers
- YKK® AquaGuard® Vislon Zippers
- TorsoFlo™ Venting – Hem-to-Pit
- Two Internal Shove-It™ Pockets
- Zip Chest Pocket with Internal Media Pocket
- Stretch Hood and Back Panels
- Zip Hand Pockets
- Internal Zip Chest Pocket
- Internal Front Stormflap
- Integrated Hood Cordlocks
- Double-Separating Center Front Zipper
- Thumb Drive™ Hook/Loop Cuff Closures
- Elastic Drawcord HemPocket Placement Above Harness or
Pack Belt
The Field Test
I’ve been backcountry skiing in the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Jacket most of this winter. From the skin track to deep powder in the trees, I’ve been able to test it out in many different conditions and mountain scenarios. And I must repeat what I stated in the first paragraph: the search for the perfect backcountry ski shell is over.
There are a few key features that make the Hemispheres Jacket stand above all others that I have owned. The first is that it breathes very, very well. One does not generally think of GORE-TEX as being the most breathable fabric out there, but the new GORE-TEX C-Knit with Stretch Technology is next level. I usually wear this shell on long, sweaty skin tracks over just a merino wool base layer and am comfortable from the trailhead to the summit. When I do start to overheat (which happens almost every tour no matter what I’m wearing) unzipping the front zipper along with the “Torso-Flo Hem-To-Pit” vents keeps air circulating. Plus the hem-to-pit zippers are much easier to operate than the pit zips of old.
My next favorite feature of the Hemispheres Jacket is how it moves through mountains. GORE-TEX C-Knit stretches, like, a lot. I could feel the difference immediately on my first tour. Backcountry skiing requires a lot of movement and most shells in the past felt constrictive. But the Hemispheres Jacket allows freedom of movement to the point that I forget that I’m even wearing it.
All this and the Hemispheres Jacket has all the standard features I’ve come to expect. It repels snow and water, it’s windproof, and the material is bomber when scratching up against branches while skiing in the trees.
Final Word
I think I’d be hard pressed to find a ski shell more packed with new technology then the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Jacket. If you’re looking to replace that old, faded shell of yours, give the Hemisphere’s line a look and I think you’ll agree with me.