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Built to withstand the elements while on the move, this jacket offers a solid balance between water resistance and breathability within a high-quality construction
The Outdoor Research Aspire II is an all-around exceptional rain jacket.
The Outdoor Research Aspire II offers sufficient water resistance and lots of breathability, thanks to full-length ventilation below the arms. It also provides a full range of motion thanks to a more flexible fabric that is a pleasure to wear. In our opinion, this jacket is a worthwhile option for those heading outside when conditions are unstable and soggy conditions may factor in. Its design impressed us in many metrics, with high-quality construction, including watertight seams and zippers, and didn't show any signs of wear during our extensive testing period. Although other options in our current lineup will provide better storm protection in the face of heavy rains, this remains among our favorite rain jackets for women for all-around comfort, breathability, and packability balanced with reasonable rain protection.
REASONS TO BUY
Sufficient water resistance
Whole size/pit vents
Great range of motion
REASONS TO AVOID
No stow pocket
Heavy
Design Update at the End of 2024
In late fall 2024, OR released an updated version of their popular Aspire rain jacket. Now called the Aspire 3L, it is built using their proprietary bluesign-approved AscentShell Dry 3L fabric, made of 100% recycled 40D nylon with an exclusive Nikwax's Direct.Dry DWR for water resistance. Our test team will be examining this most recent design iteration with our next update.
With its well-rounded balance of performance and comfort, this jacket is built to withstand various outdoor pursuits
A quality rain jacket offering exceptional water resistance and performance that will hold up to the wildest weather
This super lightweight rain jacket focuses on water-resistant performance within an ultra-light, stretchy design that's perfect for fast and light alpine missions
A reliable rain jacket that offers great value and solid performance at a reasonable price
A highly wind and waterproof design that is perfect for urban commutes or low-output chores during inclement weather
Rating Categories
Outdoor Research As...
Patagonia Torrentsh...
Black Diamond Finel...
Marmot PreCip Eco -...
Helly Hansen Moss -...
Water Resistance(45%)
7.0
8.5
8.0
7.0
8.0
Breathability(20%)
8.0
7.0
7.5
7.0
4.0
Comfort and Mobility(15%)
8.0
7.5
8.5
8.0
7.0
Weight(10%)
8.5
8.1
8.9
8.8
5.1
Construction Quality(10%)
9.0
9.0
7.5
7.0
7.0
Specifications
Outdoor Research As...
Patagonia Torrentsh...
Black Diamond Finel...
Marmot PreCip Eco -...
Helly Hansen Moss -...
Measured Weight (Size Small)
10.4 oz
11.8 oz
8.6 oz
9.0 oz
24.3 oz
Number of Fabric Layers
2.0
3.0
2.5
2.5
1.0
Waterproof Fabric Material
2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite
3-layer 50D H2No Performance Standard ECONYL (proprietary material) with a PFC-free DWR finish
BD.dry 2.5L waterproof/breathable technology
2.5-layer PFC-free NanoPro (proprietary material)
100% polyurethane
Pockets
2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest
2 zippered hand
2 zippered hand
2 zippered hand
2 hand with button closure
Pit Zips
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Pit Zip Length
20 in
11 in
11 in
10 in
N/A
Stows into Pocket
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Carabiner Loop in Stow Pocket
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Helmet Compatible Hood
No
No
Yes
No
No
Hipbelt Friendly Hand Pockets
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Additional Features
Adjustable cinching hood, YKK Aquaguard zippers, internal front storm flap, elastic drawcord hem, adjustable Velcro cuffs, TorsoFlo 2-way side vents, key clip
Dual adjustable and stowable hood, microfleece-lined neck, external and internal zipper storm flaps, chin zipper guard, adjustable Velcro cuffs, drawcord hem, carabiner clip-in loop
Adjustable cuffs and hem, Waterproof YKK AquaGuard center-front zipper, stretch fabric for increased mobility
Back yoke with ventilation holes, front placket with hidden snap button closure and YKK zipper, welded waterproof seams
Our Analysis and Test Results
Retested in December 2024
After seeing a number of user reviews online citing that brand new Aspire II jackets were not waterproof, we decided to purchase another one to re-test and see what might be going on. While the jacket performed well in our at-home shower test, it didn't quite measure up during real-life rainstorms. We found this to be the case with most flexible designs we tested, as they aren't rigid enough to withstand a sustained downpour.
The Aspire II effectively beaded water during at-home lab tests. If you purchase a brand new jacket that doesn't seem to bead water water well, we recommend contacting Outdoor Research's warranty department. Gore-Tex's website also has information about refreshing the DWR on Gore-Tex products.
The Outdoor Research Aspire II sits at the intersection between adequate water resistance and superb breathability, with an emphasis on comfort and mobility thanks to its more flexible design. Though the price tag is on the higher end, this jacket is makes a great choices for freedom to move and sweat in the outdoors once conditions turn wet. The design offers a full range of motion, thanks to Outdoor Research's TorsoFlo venting that runs from the bicep all the way down to the hem, offering some of the best ventilation in the field, and with dual zippers, you can dial in the airflow to exactly where you want it. Though heavier and bulkier than the most lightweight options, we think the extra weight is worth it if you can afford to add a bit more.
Performance Comparison
The Aspire II offers an impressive level of water resistance.
Credit: Jessica Albery
Water Resistance
The 2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite fabric of the Aspire II works really well at shedding water with a moderate level of water resistance. This jacket performed well in light drizzles and moderate rain but isn't our first choice for extended periods of rainfall. That being said, the jacket excelled in our controlled shower and at-home pour tests, outlasting most of the field.
The sealed zippers excelled at keeping water from penetrating the main and the pocket zippers, keeping essentials protected from the elements. We found that the Paclite fabric takes up water a little sooner than some other Gore-Tex fabrics. Yet even though the fabric appeared damp at the surface, we also found moisture didn't seem to penetrate through to affect our base layers. While the hood offers good coverage for the head, face, and neck, there are other options within the review that supply even better coverage and prevent water from running down the neck.
Although the Aspire II is no longer our first choice for sustained periods of precipitation, the design, complete with watertight zippers successfully repelled water during our pour and shower tests.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Breathability
Outdoor Research has cleverly implemented TorsoFlo vents in the Aspire II, extending from the bicep through the underarms and all the way down to the hem to achieve maximum airflow. This is a step further than most other pit vents we've seen incorporated into technical rain jackets. The unique design vents not just the underarms but the entire core of the jacket. Dual zippers allow the wearer to partially open the vent from either direction to get airflow exactly where you want it based on the current conditions. Our testers found the creative design worked great as they built up heat on the uphill walk with vents closed — as quickly as they opened the vents fully, the jacket immediately dumped all excess heat, and the breeze through the massive openings helped to quickly return their bodies to a comfortable temperature. Such venting is perfect for clear conditions with occasional showers, but not ideal during a heavy downpour.
With the vents closed while hiking, we found that the Aspire II's 2-layer fabric does not breathe or vent internal excess water vapor as quickly as some of the most breathable options we tested. We felt the solution presented by the full-length vents worked okay when it is not raining too heavily, but if it was raining pretty harder, or when faced with both wind and rain, a full-length opening such as this left the bottom of our shirts open to moisture, dampening the fabric.
The vents on the Aspire II run from the bicep all the way down to the hem.
Credit: Jessica Albery
Comfort and Mobility
The fabric of the Aspire II is light and flexible, moving well with the body without feeling stiff or restrictive. The cut offers enough room through the shoulders for a full range of motion and is long enough to provide ample coverage even when bending or reaching. The hood's drawcords are buried deep inside the neck, making them less convenient to use since you have to fish around or unzip the top section to adjust them.
The neck of this rain jacket is on the taller side, and some testers found it a bit scratchy unless the chin guard was moved into place. Besides this, the collar's lining feels quite nice against the neck. The hood adjusts from the back and cinches from inside the neck, allowing the wearer to really dial in the fit for personalized comfort. We appreciate the useful chest pocket and loved the key clip in the hand pocket for securing car keys while out and about. Yet our testers found it difficult to zip the main zipper periodically, as the fabric behind the zipper required extra effort to feed it through in order to pull the zipper over the top. Caveats aside, the Aspire II is a comfortable design that is more flexible than others of more rigid constructions, and offers substantial range of motion during a variety of activities.
Testing the Outdoor Research Aspire II on a windy spring day.
Credit: Jessica Albery
Weight
The Aspire II weighs 10.4 ounces, which is on the heavier side of the testing group. This may be a dealbreaker for those counting every ounce, but for those planning to go on longer backcountry missions in rainy climates, we think the extra weight is worth the increased water resistance.
The Aspire II does not have a designated stow pocket with a dual-sided zipper, and it's a tight squeeze to fit it into its large chest pocket. However, it easily fits into its large hood if you just need to stash it into a quick bundle. Also, its zipper lacks a double-sided pull, making the jacket quite difficult to get zipped or unzipped, especially with cold hands or when wearing gloves.
The Aspire does not pack into a stash pocket but does fit nicely in the large hood.
Weighing 10.44 ounces, the OR Aspire II ranks among some of the lightest jackets that we tested, receiving an 8.5 out of 10 for this metric.
The design is very packable and supplies a competitive weight at 10.4 ounces for a US Women's size small.
Construction Quality
The 50-denier plain weave Gore-Tex Paclite face fabric on the Aspire II is smooth and flexible. Throughout the testing, it held up well throughout the testing duration
The seams use small stitches, are seam-sealed for water resistance, and performed well in our seam stretch tests. All drawcords and toggles used quality components, making them functional and durable. The sealed zipper moved a little slow from the resistance of the small teeth creating the seal, but it consistently opened and closed smoothly without any issues. Overall, the jacket held up well throughout months of testing and frequent use.
This well-crafted construction, complete with reinforced watertight seams and zippers, is built to last for many adventures ahead.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Should You Buy the Outdoor Research Aspire II?
The Aspire II is among the top performers when it comes to breathability, comfort, weight, and construction quality. On top of a solid technical performance, this rain jacket is comfortable to wear and boasts a full range of motion, whether running errands around town or getting deep into the backcountry.
While the test group includes designs that proved more waterproof, the Aspire II remains a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts on the go in mixed conditions.
If you're looking for a moderately priced jacket that features sufficient water resistance within a flexible, high quality construction, this jacket is a great option to consider.
Credit: Trish Matheny
What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?
For those who live in the Pacific Northwest or plan to adventure in the gnarliest conditions, the only jacket we feel comfortable recommending for sustained wet weather is the Arc'teryx Beta SL. The Beta SL offers exceptional waterproof performance with a high-quality design without sacrificing comfort and mobility. For those seeking a more affordable option, the Marmot PreCip Eco still features decent performance for wet weather exploration at a fraction of the price of the top premium rain jackets. And if you're interested in an affordable option and you don't mind a more rigid, high-performing construction if it maximizes water resistance, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is our overall favorite.
The OR Aspire II is a high-quality jacket and one of our favorites.
