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The Outdoor Research Refuge Jacket is a Great Layer of Warmth and Breathability
Whether you’re looking for a jacket to take you to the mountains, or to just keep you warm, you’ll find what you’re looking for with the outdoor research refuge jacket. The jacket features moisture management and supreme breathability, and it also offers thermoregulating synthetic insulation.
Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody
Among the many different outerwear jackets on the market, the Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody stands out for its ability to balance warmth and breathability. This jacket features unique FulLRange insulation, a combination of 60 grams of FullRange synthetic insulation sandwiched between two light-weight nylon shell materials. Its stretchy face fabric provides excellent breathability, and its smooth zippers and shapeless pockets keep your hands from getting cold.
The Nano-Air Hoody weighs only 12.2 ounces. It can be worn alone in light moisture, as long as it’s not raining, or it can be used as a mid-layer in higher temperatures. This jacket is designed to be worn as part of a coat system, and its ActiveTemp technology works to keep you warm without overheating.
The Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody is a mid-weight insulating layer, and it is designed for active use. Its insulation allows the jacket to breathe and remains warm even when wet. It has four front pockets, and two larger hand pockets on the lower side. It also features a helmet-compatible hood. It has exceptional moisture-wicking properties and is made of 55 percent recycled polyester.
Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody
Whether you’re a hiker, climber or skier, the Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody outdoor research refuge jacket is a versatile piece. This stretchy, lightweight hoody is made from Schoeller softshell material that has been DWR-treated, which provides excellent weather protection.
The First Light Jacket features a hood that can be adjusted to fit a range of head sizes. It is designed for warmth when you’re out on the trail, but also provides airy breathability when you stop to take a break. The hood is also helmet-compatible. The hood comes with a toggle at the back of the head that makes it easy to adjust the hood in harsh weather.
Black Diamond has been manufacturing high-quality jackets for years. Their First Light Stretch Hoody is an upgraded version of their original First Light Hybrid Jacket. BD designers updated the design of the First Light with a Merino back panel, which increases breathability and provides extra motion.
Women’s Refuge Air Hooded Jacket
Featuring a high quality, thermo-regulating synthetic insulation and moisture management, the Outdoor Research Women’s Refuge Air Hooded Jacket delivers excellent warmth and breathability, making it a top choice for the most active of winter months. The jacket’s lightweight design makes it ideal for wearing on its own or over a baselayer. It also boasts an eye-catching two-toned coloring scheme that adds to the appeal.
Aside from the high-tech insulation, the women’s Refuge Air Hooded Jacket also uses a more traditional hood design to keep your head warm. This hooded jacket is made of a thin, polyester fabric mesh that offers a great deal of breathability. A pair of pockets are also present, offering more room for ventilation. The jacket’s small details are also on display, including a well-placed zipper and a contrasting strip on the sides.
Warmth
Using its proprietary VerticalX(tm) synthetic insulation, Outdoor Research’s Refuge Jacket provides comfort and breathability when you are working or playing in the great outdoors. This jacket is also water resistant, allowing you to stay dry in wet conditions.
The Outdoor Research Men’s Refuge Jacket is designed for warmth in cold weather. This midweight jacket is made from a 20D fabric with mechanical stretch, allowing natural arm movement. It features a full length front zipper and a soft collar. It includes a key clip and is available in a variety of color options.
Although it is a great jacket for warmth in cold conditions, it can be too warm for winter hikers standing still. It is also bulky and difficult to stuff into your pack.
The Refuge has adjustable cuffs and a brushed tricot lining. It also has three zippered external pockets and two internal stuff-it pockets. However, it does not have hip belt compatible pockets.
Breathability
Whether you’re out on an active adventure or simply out and about on a cooler day, the Outdoor Research Refuge Jacket offers the perfect combination of versatility and breathability. With a lightweight Pertex Quantum Air shell and proprietary VerticalX(tm) Air insulation, the Refuge provides modest protection from the elements.
The jacket features a helmet-compatible hood and adjustable cuffs. It also has two zippered side pockets and a zippered chest pocket. The internal tricot lining is soft and comfortable. It has a clean, simple design that doesn’t look overly techy. The Refuge is a versatile piece of gear that will work well for both recreational and professional use.
The Refuge is designed to provide warmth against chilly alpine gusts and light-to-steady snowfall. However, it is not warm enough to be worn as a standalone jacket.
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