Outdoor Research Maximus Review

Likes
The Maximus is Outdoor Research's top-tier hardshell. It uses Gore Pro Shell, has two high-set handwarmer pockets and a helmet compatible hood.

Dislikes
The jacket is versatile in that it's made of good materials and has a fit that accommodates layering without being too bulky. But the shell falls below average in our rankings. First, its cut is simple and not particularly ergonomic. As you can see in our photos the jacket has straight tubular arms. Other shells, like the Patagonia Super Pluma and Alpine and Arcteryx Alpha SV have articulated elbows that feel more comfortable. Second, the Maximus has mesh-backed pockets that let in melting snow and ice. Solid pockets, found on almost all other hardshells, are better. And finally, our testers found the Maximus' Torso Flow side vents to be inferior to traditional pit zippers because they're not as easy to open on the go, and don't vent as well. Their main advantage is that they can be fully opened and used poncho style for high output hiking in vertically falling rain. That, however, requires unbuttoning the bottom and unzipping the sides, which can't be done while wearing a waistbelt.

A men's medium Maximus weighs 18.3 ounces on our scale. This is 4.2 ounces heavier than our highest rated all-purpose shell, the Patagonia Super Pluma, and 1.3 ounces heavier than the Arcteryx Alpha SV, our highest rated bomber mountaineering shell- which is better in every respect except price- than the Maximus.

Value
Although the Maximus is $50 cheaper than other high quality shells (like the Patagonia Super Pluma) we believe that it's well worth the additional cost to get a better fitting and better featured shell.