REASONS TO BUY
Great durability
Relaxed fit
Excellent weather protection
REASONS TO AVOID
Somewhat heavy
Not very breathable
Outdoor Research Headwall Gore-Tex 3L Review
This heavy-duty hardshell is great for resort skiing or camping in stormy weather, as long as you don’t need much breathability
Credit: Zach Lovell
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ June 26, 2026
RELATED: The Best Hardshell Jackets of 2026
Our Verdict
The Outdoor Research Headwall Gore-Tex 3L is one of the more durable hardshells we've tested, but with reduced breathability in the material and a heavier-weight construction, it's less ideal for uphill adventures. It's ideal for resort skiing and chillier alpine climbing, especially in stormier weather. Its spacious fit is easy to layer with, and we never experienced any movement impediments. The Headwall is a great choice for anyone prioritizing in-bounds riding or recreation in colder climates, and it offers massive pit zips for added ventilation.
Our Analysis and Test Results
If you want a long-lasting hardshell, the Outdoor Research Headwall Gore-Tex 3L is worth a closer look. We appreciated Outdoor Research's thoughtful design considerations, especially the pit zips and pockets, but the fabric left our team fairly sweaty in warmer temperatures.
While this jacket works in a variety of settings, we liked it the most for resort skiing. Credit: Zach Lovell
Likes
The durability of the Outdoor Research Headwall Gore-Tex 3L is top-notch. Even after a full ski season at the resort, the Headwall showed minimal signs of wear and tear. The thicker Gore-Tex construction also made for a particularly weather-resistant layer that landed towards the top of the charts.
The Headwall kept our review team dry through mid-winter snowstorms, spring rains, and our showerhead tests. It's a classic three-layer design with long-trusted Gore-Tex fabrics, which is a build we commonly see in our most protective layers.
We were big fans of the consistent precipitation beading, across snow and rain storms of all shapes and sizes. Credit: Zach Lovell
This jacket also has an incredibly large pit-zip system that's almost unheard of in any jacket class. While the thicker fabric made us sweatier, the pit zips that go all the way down to the hip can provide some serious airflow.
This is one of the most impressive pit zip systems we've ever seen. Credit: Zach Lovell
Dislikes
Our primary complaint with the Headwall was breathability. The more robust build was great for longevity and storm protection, but we had to keep the pit zips open so we wouldn't get wet from the inside out.
This is a less breathable layer than much of the competition, which we really noticed in the backcountry in warmer temperatures. Credit: Zach Lovell
In stronger storms, leaving the pit zips open all the way also left too much of our underlayers exposed to the elements, letting rain or snow in.
This is also not the most packable hardshell, and it weighs 16.7 ounces in a men's medium. However, for more downhill-oriented activities, its bulk wasn't an issue, especially for in-bounds skiing.
This is one of the more bulky jackets we've tested, though it's more protective and more durable than the featherweight competition. Credit: Zach Lovell
Should You Buy the Outdoor Research Headwall Gore-Tex 3L?
Put the Outdoor Research Headwall Gore-Tex 3L on your shortlist if longevity and storm protection are your main needs. It's also ideal for those who aren't too concerned with weight and want a burly jacket they can rely on in rough conditions. However, if you're going to be hiking uphill in mild temps, you may overheat in its thicker material.
What Other Water Shoes Should You Consider?
If you'd like something easier on the scale and wallet, The North Face Summit Series Papsura Futurelight is worth a closer look, though it isn't nearly as durable as the Headwall. For a more all-around jacket that's a bit more breathable, consider the Arc'teryx Beta AR.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Outdoor Research Headwall Gore-Tex 3L versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $540 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | This heavy-duty hardshell is great for resort skiing or camping in stormy weather, as long as you don’t need much breathability |
| Pros | Great durability, relaxed fit, excellent weather protection |
| Cons | Somewhat heavy, not very breathable |
| Rating Categories | Outdoor Research Hea... |
| Weather Protection (30%) | |
| Mobility and Fit (20%) | |
| Venting and Breathability (20%) | |
| Weight (20%) | |
| Features and Design (10%) | |
| Specifications | Outdoor Research Hea... |
| Material | 3L Gore-Tex ePE 100% Recycled Poly 75D |
| Measured Weight | 16.7 oz |
| Pit Zips | Yes, all the way to hemline |
| Two-Way Front Zipper | Yes |
| Pockets | 2 hand, 2 exterior chest |
| Helmet Compatible Hood | Yes |
| Hood Draw Cords | 1 |
| Adjustable Cuffs | Yes |
—Zach Lovell
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