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Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Hoodie - Women's Review

A lightweight emergency layer that's simple and comfortable enough to be brought along (just in case) for pretty much any adventure
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Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Hoodie - Women's Review
Credit: Outdoor Research
Price:  $235 List
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Manufacturer:   Outdoor Research
By Maggie Nichols ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 1, 2022
62
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 13
  • Warmth - 25% 5.0
  • Comfort - 25% 6.5
  • Weather Resistance - 20% 4.5
  • Portability - 15% 9.0
  • Breathability - 15% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT is a simple, very lightweight jacket, both in actual weight and the warmth it provides. It's fairly comfortable to wear and can be a good option to toss in your pack “just in case”. It's one of the lowest-weight jackets in our lineup and packs into its pocket. Though not adjustable, the hood is accommodating and adaptable, fitting over a helmet without feeling enormous on our bare heads. As an ultrathin jacket with pretty minimal insulation, the SuperStrand just doesn't have a ton of warmth to offer compared to other models. And when packed up, we sorely miss having a loop to easily clip it to our packs.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Simple
Comfortable
Accommodating hood
REASONS TO AVOID
No adjustability
Not that warm
Has no carabiner loop when packed

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line A simple, lightweight emergency jacket that's comfortable to wear and easy to bring alongAn exceptionally breathable insulated jacket best for high-output cardio, or pairing with other layersThis non-technical insulated model is offered at a great price for wear in the winterA soft and highly weatherproof jacket that packs a suite of technical features, but runs quite largeA comfortable, warm baffled coat that isn't our favorite but has a great low price
Rating Categories Outdoor Research Su... Arc'teryx Atom Hood... Columbia Heavenly H... Rab Xenair Alpine -... Amazon Essentials L...
Warmth (25%)
5.0
7.0
9.0
8.0
5.0
Comfort (25%)
6.5
9.0
9.0
7.5
4.0
Weather Resistance (20%)
4.5
7.5
8.5
8.5
4.5
Portability (15%)
9.0
7.0
3.0
4.0
4.0
Breathability (15%)
7.0
8.5
3.0
6.0
5.0
Specs Outdoor Research Su... Arc'teryx Atom Hood... Columbia Heavenly H... Rab Xenair Alpine -... Amazon Essentials L...
Measured Weight (Size S) 9.3 oz 10.5 oz 22.4 oz 17.0 oz 13.3 oz
Number of Pockets 4 (2 zippered hand, 2 slip) 3 (2 zippered hand, 1 internal zippered chest) 3 (2 zippered hand, 1 internal zippered chest) 4 (2 zippered hand, 2 zippered chest) 4 (2 zippered hand, 2 internal slip)
Hem Type Elastic Dual bungee adjustment No adjustment Dual bungee adjustment No adjustment
Fit Relaxed slim Athletic trim Slim Relaxed Relaxed slim
Insulation VerticalX SuperStrand (100% polyester) Resilient Coreloft Compact 60 (100% recycled polyester) 100% polyester 133 gsm PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Active+ 100% polyester
Outer Fabric 100% nylon 12D ripstop Dope Permeair 20D (100% nylon) Storm-Lite DP II polyester 20D Pertex Quantum Air with fluorocarbon-free DWR 100% nylon
Lining 100% nylon 12D ripstop Tyono 20D 100% nylon
Stretch fleece side panels: 94% polyester, 6% elastane
Luscious Pile Fleece Polyester 20D recycled nylon 100% polyester
Hood Option Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Built-In Stow Pocket Yes; hand No No No No; included stuff sack
Cuff Construction Elasticized cuffs Stretch-knit Stretch-knit wrist-warmer cuff with thumbholes Elasticated gusset, Velcro adjustment Elasticized cuffs

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT is a lightweight jacket with a relaxed slim fit and a helmet-compatible hood. Its external fabric is 12D ripstop nylon, and it has a nonadjustable elastic hem. It boasts four pockets — two zippered hand pockets, which create two internal drop-in pockets — and packs into its own hand pocket.

Performance Comparison


outdoor research superstrand lt hoodie for women - the or superstrand lt is an ultralight jacket that adds enough...
The OR SuperStrand LT is an ultralight jacket that adds enough warmth for mild conditions but isn't ideal in serious cold.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Warmth


The SuperStrand is exceptionally thin with wispy lightweight insulation. It provides reasonable warmth for extreme conditions but can't compete against a long list of models with far denser and more insulation. A moderate length and drop hem add some coverage to this easily layerable jacket, and the cuffs end in elastic bands on the ends of long sleeves that add wrist protection. The hood (along with all the openings of this jacket) is rimmed by elastic, helping it to be the most accommodating size and shape of any we tested. It's compatible with most helmets without being so oversized that it won't protect your bare head.

outdoor research superstrand lt hoodie for women - the superstrand hood manages to be fitted enough to wear over a bare...
The SuperStrand hood manages to be fitted enough to wear over a bare head yet accommodating enough to fit many helmets.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Comfort


The SuperStrand is fairly comfortable, with the classic swishy material typical of insulated jackets. Its thinness adds flexibility and the shoulder area has a decent amount of space for movement, and its relaxed fit is more accommodating of a wider range of body shapes. This jacket offers no adjustability anywhere, which some of our testers love and some don't care for. The main zipper chin guard is an uncommon design. Rather than a single flap of fabric in which to tuck the fully zipped zipper pull, it's split into two halves of a whole guard meant to be pulled together by the zipper pull. In practice, the zipper pull nearly always catches on some part of this, preventing us from fully zipping the jacket without undue finagling and a two-handed struggle.

outdoor research superstrand lt hoodie for women - though the sleeve insulation doesn't hang over our hands, the...
Though the sleeve insulation doesn't hang over our hands, the sleeves are long enough that we still appreciate their increased coverage.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Weather Resistance


Without any adjustability, it's impossible to cinch the SuperStrand down against the wind. Depending on how it fits your body, you may be left with gaps around the hem or cuffs that let gusts right in. The main zipper also lacks a wind guard, making it a weak point in trying conditions. The fabric proved to be reasonably water resistant in our testing, though the baffle seams allowed some very minor seepage into the insulation.

outdoor research superstrand lt hoodie for women - the baffle seams are the only mildly weak points of the superstrand...
The baffle seams are the only mildly weak points of the SuperStrand when it comes to water. More obvious in a cold wind is its utter lack of a wind guard to protect the zipper.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Weight and Compressibility


The size Small we tested weighs just 9.3 ounces, making it one of the lightest insulated jackets in our lineup. It packs fairly easily into the left hand pocket, creating an oblong package. However, perhaps in an effort to continue cutting weight, the SuperStrand has no carabiner loop. Sure, you could clip into the cord loop on the zipper pull — but this is risky since it is simply tied in a knot, and if that knot comes undone, your packed jacket may end up on the side of the trail or tumbling down the pitch.

outdoor research superstrand lt hoodie for women - though the superstrand is very lightweight, it lacks a carabiner...
Though the SuperStrand is very lightweight, it lacks a carabiner loop to clip it to your gear. The zipper pull is an option, though it's just a knotted loop of cord that could easily come untied and dump your jacket without you noticing.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Breathability


As an overall thin, less warm jacket, the SuperStrand is better than most when it comes to breathability. And yet it has no actual features to enhance breathability and its slippery fabric will trap heat rather than let it escape. The breathability of the SuperStrand hinges entirely on the fact that it's less insulated and less warm.

outdoor research superstrand lt hoodie for women - the breathability of the superstrand hinges on its overall thinness...
The breathability of the SuperStrand hinges on its overall thinness rather than any special features.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Should You Buy the Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT?


If counting ounces is your bottom line, the ultralight SuperStrand LT may be worth the investment. However, if you're heading out to serious cold or need to know your jacket is secure when clipped to your pack, there are other lightweight jackets we like better for about the same cost.

What Other Insulated Jackets Should You Consider?


We like the SuperStrand best in mild conditions where an extra layer is appreciated but doesn't need to be excessively warm — like camping on cold high alpine summer nights. If you're after a breathable insulated jacket that can keep up on sweat-filled winter missions, the Ortovox Piz Boè offers the best breathability around, while the Arc'teryx Atom Hoody is breathable and excellent for layering as the conditions require.

outdoor research superstrand lt hoodie for women - the superstrand is ultralight and makes a good option for mild...
The SuperStrand is ultralight and makes a good option for mild climates - like backpacking in the mountains during summer.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Maggie Nichols