Our Verdict
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Outdoor Research MicroGravity - Women's | |||||
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Awards | ![]() Best Overall Women's Hardshell Jacket | ![]() Best for Active Wear | ![]() Best Value Hardshell | ||
Price | $125.53 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $600.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $379 List | $100.00 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $139.50 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | This is a tough three-layer shell at an impressively lightweight | Burly and still lightweight, with thoughtful features that make it very versatile | A uniquely featherweight yet protective jacket perfect for light and fast missions | For the price, you can't beat the versatility, breathability and value of this hardshell jacket | The soft feel for a hardshell jacket, delivering comfort and breathability in a comfortable, athletic layer |
Rating Categories | Outdoor Research Mi... | Arc'teryx Beta AR J... | Patagonia M10 Storm... | Rab Arc Eco - Women's | Rab Kinetic Alpine... |
Weather Protection (30%) | |||||
Mobility and Fit (20%) | |||||
Venting and Breathability (20%) | |||||
Weight (20%) | |||||
Features and Design (10%) | |||||
Specifications | Outdoor Research Mi... | Arc'teryx Beta AR J... | Patagonia M10 Storm... | Rab Arc Eco - Women's | Rab Kinetic Alpine... |
Measured Weight | 11.7 oz | 13.4 oz | 9.5 oz | 13 oz | 12.5 oz |
Material | AscentShell 3L, 100% nylon 20Dx45D mechanical stretch ripstop with 100% polyester 30D woven backer | N40d 3L Gore-Tex (body) N80d 3L Gore-Tex Pro (arms) |
3-layer H2No® Performance Standard shell with 100% recycled nylon ripstop fabric | Recycled Pertex® Shield Revolve 3-Layer construction waterproof technology with fluorocarbon-free DWR | 3L recycled polyester knit face with PU membrane and recycled polyester backer/Proflex |
Pockets | 2 external chest, 2 hand (jacket stuffs into left pocket) | 2 handwarmer, 1 internal chest | 2 Napoleon chest pockets | 2 chest pockets | 1 internal chest, 2 hand |
Pit Zips | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Helmet Compatible Hood | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Category | Lightweight slim fit |
Midweight regular fit |
Lightweight slim fit | Midweight regular fit | Lightweight regular fit |
Drawcords | 3 hood, 1 waist | 4 hood, 2 waist | 3 hood, 2 waist | 2 hood, 1 waist | 3 hood, 2 waist |
Adjustable Cuffs | Yes, Velcro | Yes, Velcro | Yes, Velcro | Yes, Velcro | Yes, Velcro |
Harness and Hip Belt Compatible | No | Yes, high pockets | Yes | Yes | Yes, high pockets |
Two-Way Front Zipper | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Length of back, from base of neck to bottom | 27 in | 26 in | 28 in | 27 in | 26 in |
Warranty Policy | Infinite Guarantee | Practical lifetime warranty - Material or workmanship defects will be replaced or repaired at Arc'teryx's discretion | Lifetime Guarantee | None noted on the website | Guarantee covers the original owner with proof of purchase, for the usable lifetime of the product |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The MicroGravity hardshell jacket from Outdoor Research is a durable and weatherproof shell for cooler climates. One of the lightest in our lineup, it weighs in at just 11.7 ounces. It has a total of four pockets and stuffs into the left side. Though it doesn't have pit zips, it has a helmet-compatible hood, adjustable cuffs, and a tough exterior.
Weather Protection
The MicroGravity is made of three-layer AscentShell material, which is highly weatherproof, breathable, and very tough. This fabric is not as well known to us as the well-vetted Gore-Tex products, but we were pleased with its field performance and appreciated the soft feel of the internal face fabric. The jacket seals well against the storm, with an adjustable hood, cuffs, and hem, and has a waterproof zipper on the front and storm flaps on the pockets to help keep moisture out.
Mobility and Fit
The MicroGravity may not reduce your perception of gravity, but it allows for good movement in a variety of dimensions. The shoulders and chest felt a bit more snug than others, but the arm mobility remained decent. The fit was tight when wearing a helmet, but it still worked. The lack of pit zips also makes this jacket feel much smoother and more supple through a range of arm movements.
Venting and Breathability
The MicroGravity is better suited to colder environments and medium-level activities that aren't overly vigorous. The material is reasonably breathable for the level of weather protection it offers. However, it lacks pit zips for ventilation, so if you tend to heat up quickly or run warmer during activities, you might want to look for a jacket with better breathability and venting options.
Weight
The MicroGravity is ahead of the curve for weight in this review. It is quite lightweight for the level of protection it offers. We appreciate the relative simplicity of the jacket, which is in part how it achieves its relatively low weight–it doesn't have many extras, not even pit zips.
Features and Design
Although many of the features on this jacket are very well thought-out, some missed the mark. We appreciated the hand pockets with storm flaps and the waterproof main zipper, also with a storm flap, which ensure this jacket is well suited to rainy environments, exactly as advertised. However, the hood, which is adjustable, feels a bit snug when worn with a helmet, limiting its range of uses to less technical endeavors that don't require much helmet-wearing. The chest pockets are very high, and we found them difficult to use–even more so when we tried wearing a helmet and then accessing them with the jacket zipped up.
The jacket has a key clip loop in the left-hand pocket and can be stuffed into that pocket. This can be nice for clipping to the back of a harness, but given the pocket and tight hood issues, that feature doesn't line up as well for the utility of the jacket. For those who like to tuck jackets into pockets for ease of packing or to protect the fabric, this is personal preference, and many others prefer to stuff their jackets loose to facilitate better packing.
Should You Buy the Outdoor Research Microgravity?
The MicroGravity is a tough yet lightweight three-layer shell. This gives it a lean toward milder climates and rain over high mountain use, but it will do well enough in most mountain conditions. However, it has some limiting features, like its snug hood when wearing a helmet and its chest pockets, which are placed awkwardly high toward the neck. This is one you may want to try on before you buy to see if these features are a deterrent for your personal needs.
What Other Hardshell Jackets Should You Consider?
The MicroGravity is a nice blend of lightweight, breathability, and durability. If you want a slightly burlier shell that still breathes well for athletic endeavors, we recommend the Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0. For those that are in need of burly weather protection, the Arc'teryx Beta AR is the way to go.