Review: Outdoor Research Aspire 3L
As a disclaimer I would like to mention that I was given this product so that I could write this review. All opinions on this page are my own and based on my own experiences with this product. I’m not compensated for the opinions on this review. Your experience with the product may be different. Click here for the full joint blog post of the must- have jackets from Outdoor Research via fatmanlittletrail.com
The Aspire 3L Rain Jacket in Neptune/ Fresh Mint
Cost: $249
Sizes: XXS-XXXXL
Colors: Galactic, Oyster, Maldives, Harbor, Olympic, Sunrise, Black
Men’s version is branded as Foray
My first time wearing the Aspire 3L jacket and a short respite from the rainy hike!
Waterproofing
The Women’s Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Jacket is ideal for wet adventures in the great outdoors! The first time that I used this jacket on a hike, I really got to see just how waterproof it was. The forecast was predicting light drizzle, but ended up turning into heavier rain along the way. My friend and I ended up getting lost on the hike and spending 3.5 hours in the rain. As we got back to the car and I jumped in the driver’s seat to take my wet clothes off, I noticed that I was completely dry underneath this jacket and rain pants. My hair and hat? Not so much! Hellooooooooo, WET RAT!
After a successful first time with this jacket, I decided to bring it along to the “MS City To The City Shore Bike Ride” on behalf of my Mom and those affected by Multiple Sclerosis. This took place two days after the rainy hike and Mother Nature decided she wasn’t done with the precipitation. She even spiced it up that day and added some humidity, fog, and all sorts of yucky weather to the mix. It was not ideal at all, but we still chose to ride in the weather, despite knowing it may be a bit of a crapshoot. This jacket kept me 100% dry underneath again the entire 6 hours- from both the rain and being the sweaty Betty that I am. It offered the necessary protection and performance needed on an intense riding day like this.
Breathability
As I mentioned above- I endured rain, as well as disgusting humidity and mugginess this entire bike ride. Despite all of those inconvenient factors of the day, the jacket not only proved to keep me dry from the weather, but allowed plenty of breathability. Even when I was in the Adirondacks for the Fall foliage a week later, the weather was warmer than I intended for it to be. I kept on taking my jacket on and off, as both the weather and I couldn’t make up our minds. I loved that this jacket was lightweight and easily packable when off, yet provided great ventilation while on.
Speaking of warmth, I’m someone who typically overheats very fast, especially in the Summer. I NEED clothing with great ventilation. A key feature on the jacket, to me, and one that I found very beneficial were the double zippers on the side. They start at the waist and allow the jacket to zip from the bottom up. This was especially great for venting the heat while on the more challenging parts of uphill biking and hiking adventures or moving at faster speeds. It helped me to keep moisture out all while regulating my body temperature. This jacket makes ventilation and breathability almost effortless!
Fit
The fit of this jacket was perfect and had a good length! I’m an athletic, hourglass build and typically wear size Medium in jackets. I felt that this was true to size, yet still allowed me adequate room to put base layers underneath in colder weather. I even wore the OR Transcendent Down Layered Jacket with it several times and it never felt too restricted. Overall, this jacket is made of extremely flexible material that allows for layers and excellent freedom of movement. Ideal for those who want comfort and ease while on the move.
Price Point
I think one of the most important factors to mention is the price point for the quality of this jacket. I mention this because my tried and true go-to jacket and arguably my favorite piece of outdoor clothing is twice the price of this. It has been my go-to for 8 years and I swear by it, as it has held up through the worst of weather and storms. It is still my go-to and one that I will always use! But the fact that I have grabbed this jacket just as much as that says A LOT! Besides the look and aesthetics of it, this is a piece that has kept me dry down to the bones every single time I have used it. It’s always been warm and precipitation has never once leaked through. It has successfully and continuously proven to be dependable on all of my hiking and biking adventures since.
