Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Hoodie - Women's Review

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.