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Outdoor Research Microgravity Review

This jack-of-all-trades jacket offers some of the best weather protection and durability for an air-permeable model
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outdoor research microgravity rain jacket men review
The Microgravity is a sweet all-arounder that will do very well at any number of outdoor actives. It's light enough for day hiking or mountaineering, and breathable enough for more aerobic activities like ski touring and backpacking where you might be wearing you shell for extended periods of time.
Credit: Ian Nicholson
Price:  $279 List
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Manufacturer:   Outdoor Research
By Ian Nicholson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Apr 17, 2023
76
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 17
  • Water Resistance - 30% 8.0
  • Breathability - 25% 8.0
  • Comfort and Mobility - 20% 8.0
  • Weight and Packability - 15% 5.0
  • Durability - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Outdoor Research Microgravity AscentShell is a highly versatile and air-permeable jacket. Featuring a thicker face fabric and a 3-layer construction, it offers some of the best weather protection and durability of any air-permeable model in our fleet, and it's also one of the most storm-worthy. Its extra thickness makes it less stretchy than other air-permeable contenders, and it's also heavier at 14.5 ounces. While this is a bit heavier than average, that weight easily translates into outstanding durability, weather protection, and versatility. Overall, if you end up owning this jacket, we don't think you'll be disappointed.
REASONS TO BUY
Great storm protection
Above average breathability
No clammy feeling
Packs tightly into reversible stuff pocket
Helmet-compatible hood
Less crinkly
REASONS TO AVOID
Average freedom of movement
Less stretchy than most other air-permeable models
Fit
Low handwarmer pockets could be more functional
Editor's Note: We read through this review to ensure we still stand by our findings on April 17, 2023.

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Great storm protection, above average breathability, no clammy feeling, packs tightly into reversible stuff pocket, helmet-compatible hood, less crinklySuper stretchy material, above average breathability, nice interior feel, lightweight, stuffs into its pocketSolid weather protection, excellent hood design, relatively low weight and packed volumeStretchy, very breathable, excellent adjustable hoodLightweight, breathable, inexpensive
Cons Average freedom of movement, less stretchy than most other air-permeable models, fit, low handwarmer pockets could be more functionalAverage weather protection, easy to overtighten hood and squeeze earsWets out quicker than other Gore-Tex models, two-layer design isn't as long-lasting, clammy interiorLess waterproof than others, opposite-facing zipperZipper isn't waterproof, fabric wets out faster, thin material is less durable
Bottom Line This jack-of-all-trades jacket offers some of the best weather protection and durability for an air-permeable modelConstructed with a super stretchy material and offering superb mobility, this is the ideal rain shell for demanding activitiesOne of the best values you can get for a piece of rain gear, this Gore-Tex jacket is packed full of functional featuresThis is an extra-stretchy, air-permeable rain jacket that is a phenomenal choice in inclement weather when maintaining mobility is a top priorityThis affordable rain jacket will keep you dry enough in most situations and has many of the same features as more expensive models
Rating Categories Outdoor Research Mi... Mountain Hardwear S... REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Helly Hansen Loke
Water Resistance (30%)
8.0
7.0
8.0
5.0
6.0
Breathability (25%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
9.0
8.0
Comfort and Mobility (20%)
8.0
9.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
Weight and Packability (15%)
5.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
8.0
Durability (10%)
8.0
7.0
6.0
8.0
6.0
Specs Outdoor Research Mi... Mountain Hardwear S... REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Helly Hansen Loke
Measured Weight 14.5 oz 10.5 oz 12.3 oz 14.4 oz 9.5 oz
Waterproof Fabric Material AscentShell 3-layer 2.5-layer Dry.Q propriatary material 2-layer GORE-TEX Paclite Proflex fabric with a breathable waterproof membrane HELLY TECH
Pockets 2 hand, 1 chest 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest 2 zippered hand 2 hand, 1 interior left chest zip 2 hand
Hipbelt Friendly Hand Pockets? No No No No No
Pit Zips? No Yes No No Yes
Helmet Compatible Hood? Yes No No Yes No
Stows Into Pocket? No Yes No No Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Outdoor Research Microgravity strikes an excellent balance of storm protection and durability, especially for the weight. At 14.5 ounces, it is a few ounces heavier than many of the products we tested. However, for the tiny bit of added weight, you'll receive better, longer-lasting weather protection, toughness, and overall versatility — all trade-offs we think most users will appreciate.

Performance Comparison


outdoor research microgravity rain jacket men review - the microgravity is an excellent, all-around, do-everything model...
The Microgravity is an excellent, all-around, do-everything model. It's just plain good at nearly any outdoor activity and excels at a wide range of activities. Folks who will get the most out of it will be using it for more aerobic activities.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Water Resistance


The Microgravity uses AscentShell fabric for its weather protection, Outdoor Research's proprietary air-permeable waterproof membrane. Unlike many other air-permeable shells out there, the Microgravity is a 3-layer construction, which means it boasts increased durability. It features a thicker face fabric, which takes longer to wet out in an extended rainstorm, and it feels less cold in windy conditions.

outdoor research microgravity rain jacket men review - the microgravity offers some of the best storm protection of any...
The Microgravity offers some of the best storm protection of any air-permeable model in our fleet; it's certainly a step up from the older model that it replaces. One aspect worth noting is this jacket doesn't feel as warm when it's windy and you are standing around. However, it does breathe exceptionally well when a small amount of air is constantly passing through.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

In our side-by-side hose and shower tests, the Microgravity was one of the more stormworthy contenders, boasting incredible weather protection, especially for an air-permeable model. We like the low-profile watertight zipper with minimal internal storm flap; it's a super-effective combination and allows for greater comfort and less bulk.

The hood is deep and fits over most bike or climbing helmets; it offers plenty of adjustment to cinch down, even without something on your head. The hood moved with us as we looked side-to-side, and we could maintain excellent peripheral vision. The hood also felt less claustrophobic the most other models in our fleet.

This model's three hood cinch points seal out the elements and...
This model's three hood cinch points seal out the elements and accommodate a wide range of headwear and head sizes.
This hood is big enough to fit over a helmet but just barely...
This hood is big enough to fit over a helmet but just barely. Depending on how bulky your climbing or bike helmet is, you may want to consider wearing your hood underneath your helmet.

Breathability


This model uses AscentShell, which is Outdoor Research's proprietary air-permeable waterproof membrane. The fact that it's air-permeable means that it maintains a relatively consistent level of breathability, regardless of the user's activity level or outside weather factors. This is due to allowing a small amount of air to always pass through the fabric.

outdoor research microgravity rain jacket men review - the microgravity is one of the more breathable models. its...
The Microgravity is one of the more breathable models. Its air-permeable fabric means there doesn't have to be a big temperature difference for it to perform well and it keeps working even once you've stopped moving. While it doesn't have any traditional vents, most of our testers didn't find that to be problematic; if you really need to, you can dump a little heat by unzipping its mesh-lined pockets.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

In our tests, the Microgravity was one of the more breathable options in our lineup. It isn't quite as breathable as thinner, similarly priced air-permeable models, likely due to its slightly thicker materials and 3-layer construction. However, these are also likely the reasons why it is one of the most storm-worthy air-permeable models we tested; this was most noticeable when we'd stop for breaks after long, hard pushes in the rain, where this jacket would feel less cold.

outdoor research microgravity rain jacket men review - we tested all the models in a series of side-by-side breathability...
We tested all the models in a series of side-by-side breathability tests and the Microgravity was one of the most breathable jackets in our review. It is also among the "cozier" and least clammy feeling models we tested.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Comfort and Mobility


The Microgravity offers average mobility and range of motion. Like other air-permeable models with polyester membranes, it features some stretch but less than other jackets with similar construction. It will perform adequately for most outdoor pursuits; however, if mobility is a priority, we would look towards something with more built-in articulation.

When we reached forward or above our heads, the sleeves didn't pull...
When we reached forward or above our heads, the sleeves didn't pull back. When we reached upwards, the hem (the bottom of the jacket) hardly moved.
Those used to more traditional "hardshell" fabrics will easily...
Those used to more traditional "hardshell" fabrics will easily notice the difference with this model especially if they partake in more aerobic activities.

One major plus is that the interior material is quite cozy feeling, and feels notably less clammy than many models in our fleet. It is also a lot less crinkly than 3-layer Gore-Tex models.

For being such a great jacket for general outdoor pursuits, it is a little bit of a shame that the lower-hand pockets aren't a bit higher — we found them ill-placed for wearing a backpack waist strap or harness, though they didn't pinch. On the other hand, our testing team loved the two Napoleon-style chest pockets.

outdoor research microgravity rain jacket men review - the handwarmer pockets are low, which is comfortable for walking...
The handwarmer pockets are low, which is comfortable for walking around town but they are useless with a pack or harness on. For such an outdoor-oriented jacket, this is one of the few things we were disappointed in. At least Outdoor Research used very low gauge zippers on this model, which didn't pinch our hips, even with the weight of a six-day pack on (not in this photo).
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Weight and Packability


Weighing in at 14.5 ounces, this jacket is slightly heavier than average. However, you get a ton of performance benefits for only 2-4 ounces of additional weight. Compared to those that are a few ounces lighter, the Microgravity is far more storm worthy and durable — all while offering above-average breathability and a nice feel. These are all trade-offs we think most people will find worthy if they're shopping for an all-around jacket.

outdoor research microgravity rain jacket men review - at 14.5 ounces, this model is slightly heavier than average;...
At 14.5 ounces, this model is slightly heavier than average; however, the 2-3 extra ounces it weighs are certainly made up for it via increased durability and better-than-average good storm protection. At 14.5 ounces, it is still plenty light enough for most human-powered activities.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

The Microgravity compresses nicely into its left lower-hand pocket, which doubles as a stuff sack with a clippable carabiner loop. The pocket is a pretty tight fit, which all of our testers loved; this is because we don't actually use the stuff pocket that frequently, and when we do, it's nice to have it actually compress the jacket, even if it takes a little extra effort to stuff it in. This jacket will pack down enough to keep most backpackers and hikers more than satisfied.

outdoor research microgravity rain jacket men review - this model stows away into a reversible pocket that pulls double...
This model stows away into a reversible pocket that pulls double duty as a stuff sack. Unlike some models, the stuff sack does a good job of compressing, though it does require a little more effort.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Durability


The Microgravity features a 3-layer construction that uses a 100% nylon 45D stretch ripstop face fabric, a 30D knit backer/internal fabric, and a polyester-based (AscentShell) membrane. The 45D face fabric is thicker, more abrasion-resistant, and just plain tougher than average. This makes it suitable for off-trail travel, extended trips, or for folks who are simply hard on their gear. The 3-layer construction also helps it maintain its breathability and weather resistance longer than most 2.5-layer options. We found the DWR and its ability to resist wetting out longer-lasting than many other models in our review.

outdoor research microgravity rain jacket men review - while it's a bit more expensive than other proprietary air-permeable...
While it's a bit more expensive than other proprietary air-permeable models, the Microgravity is generally more storm-worthy and higher performing overall. It's on par (or slightly less) than many Gore-Tex models, but offers the performance, durability, and feature set to justify the price.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Value


The Microgravity is similar to other jackets that offer a comparable construction and feature set. It is slightly more expensive than other air-permeable models but aligns with the performance of jackets that use name-brand materials, like Gore-Tex. This jacket easily justifies the price by offering some of the best feel, durability, and weather resistance of any air-permeable model; it's also easily compressable.

Conclusion


The Outdoor Research Microgravity AscentShell is a versatile, all-around jacket. It strikes an excellent balance of weight and packability, alongside storm protection and durability; not many models can match the versatility for its weight. This layer is excellent for self-proclaimed "heavy sweaters" or folks who run warm in general, thanks to its steady levels of breathability and its air-permeable design.

Ian Nicholson
 

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