Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody - Women's Review
Compare prices at 3 resellers Pros: Lightweight, affordable, stretchy, durable, breathable, dries fast, packs into stowable pocket
Cons: Not the most weather protective, baggy fit, pockets aren't accessible with a harness
Manufacturer: Outdoor Research
Our Verdict
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 This Product
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody - Women's | |||||
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| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $70.92 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $94.50 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $206.73 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $80.99 at Amazon | $95.00 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Lightweight, affordable, stretchy, durable, breathable, dries fast, packs into stowable pocket | Highly breathable, quick-drying, foam inserts prevent jacket creep, helmet compatible, stowable hood, durable | Insulated, highly breathable, moisture-wicking, comfortable, great weather protection, durable, lots of pockets | Inexpensive, stellar mobility and breathability, stow-away pocket, harness-friendly pockets, excellent fit | Unbeatable weather protection, taped-seams, spacious hood, stretchy, generous drop-hem, adjustable cuffs |
| Cons | Not the most weather protective, baggy fit, pockets aren't accessible with a harness | Not very warm, no stow-away pocket for clipping to your harness, cuffs stretch out with heavy use | Spendy, no stow-away pocket for clipping to your harness, hood somewhat small, some reviewers feel it runs small | Not very warm, below average water resistance | Tight shoulders, runs small, somewhat heavy |
| Bottom Line | The Ferrosi Hooded is a well-priced layer for many mild weather applications | If you're in the market for a lightweight and durable layer that will repel sun and wind with ease and dry super fast, this is a stellar choice | If you need need good breathability and all-around comfort, this insulated hybrid is a great option | This jacket is lightweight, breathable, easy to move in, and affordable - a great combination for the active outdoorswoman | A fantastically mobile and stretchy technical jacket for alpine conditions, this layer manages to be nearly weather-proof AND breathable |
| Rating Categories | Ferrosi Hoody | Sigma SL Anorak Pullover | Proton FL Hoody | Rab Borealis - Women's | Marmot ROM - Women's |
| Weather Protection (30%) | |||||
| Breathability (30%) | |||||
| Mobility (25%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Versatility (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Ferrosi Hoody | Sigma SL Anorak... | Proton FL Hoody | Rab Borealis -... | Marmot ROM - Women's |
| Measured Weight | 11.5 oz (size S) | 9.5 oz (size S) | 9.5 oz (size S) | 9 oz (size 10/S) | 15 oz (size M) |
| Material | Body/hood: 86% nylon 14% spandex 90D stretch woven ripstop Shoulders/forearms: Cordura 91% nylon, 9% spandex 120D stretch woven |
Aequora Airperm (86% nylon, 14% elastane) | 84% nylon, 16% elastane | Lightweight Matrix single weave with 2-way stretch and DWR | GORE Infinium 3L (92% Nylon, 8% Elastane Plain Weave) |
| Type | Active | Active | Technical/Hybrid | Active | Technical |
| Lined/Insulated? | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hood? | Yes, 1-way adjustable | Yes, 2-way adjustable | Yes, 1-way adjustable | Yes, stretchy but not adjustable | Yes, with Peripheral Cord Adjustment |
| Number of Pockets (zippered unless otherwise noted) | 3 (2 hand, 1 chest) | 1 chest | 4 (2 hand, 2 chest) | 2 hand | 4 (2 hand, 1 chest, 1 interior) |
| Adjustable Cuffs? | No, Stretch Cuffs | No, Stretch Cuffs | No, Stretch Cuffs | No, Stretch Cuffs | Yes, Velcro |
| Available Sizes | XS - XL | XS - L | XS - XL | 8 - 16 | XS - XL |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Ferrosi performs solidly and admirably for a very accessible price. It's highly breathable with excellent mobility, making it a natural choice for sweaty, high-exertion activities.
Performance Comparison
Weather Protection
While the Ferrosi provides a decent wind barrier, its lightweight material isn't ideal for inclement weather. In our water tests, this layer soaked through pretty quickly — it was leaking and had noticeable drips of moisture inside the jacket within less than 10 seconds. At the one minute mark, it reached total failure, becoming wet around the shoulders (and that was with the hood up!). The Ferrosi does have a decent amount of resistance for light sprinkles and spray, especially on the Cordura-reinforced shoulders and forearms. It also dries very quickly, which is something we like to see. As long as you're keeping your heart rate up, you will have little problem staying warm in cooler weather.
As far as wind, the Ferrosi handles decently well, though it is not the most wind-resistant and is also not the warmest of the bunch. That being said, the hood is generous, and the overlapping thumb loops keep gusts out even when not in use, a nice attention to detail.
Breathability
This is an excellent layer for breathability. The material is thin, and the pockets are mesh-lined for added ventilation. It isn't as comfortable next-to-skin as some other models, but we never felt stifled or sticky. All in all, this layer is a great choice for high-exertion activities where you need a bit of protection. Running, hiking, biking, climbing, and anything else that works the cardiovascular system are natural activity-fits for this jacket.
Mobility
Mobility is another category where the Ferrosi shows its value and grabs an admirable score. With stretchy fabric and a generous fit, this is a great layer for getting your move on. The hood is ever-so-slightly restrictive with a helmet on, but not bad. Some climbers and backpack-wearers don't like baggy jackets, preferring a slimmer cut and fitted design for under-harness/pack strap neatness. But if you like a little extra room for layering underneath, the Ferrosi may be ideal. Given the four-way stretch of the fabric, the Ferrosi never impeded movement or kept our reviewers down.
Weight
This thin and light jacket earns another decent score in the weight metric. The Ferrosi weighs 11.5 ounces for a small, which is somewhat on the lighter side of options in our review.
Versatility
This is a feature-rich softshell, especially for the price! The Ferrosi has a list of great features that make it very well-suited to outdoor adventuring. It's stretchy, breathable, quick-drying, lightweight, decently weather-protective, helmet-compatible, and offers UPF 50+ sun protection. The shoulders and forearms are reinforced with abrasion-resistant Cordura. The thumb loops don't chafe, and they overlap to keep cold air out. The hem is drawcord-adjustable, there's a key clip, and — our favorite — a pocket that doubles as a stuff sack ready to be clipped onto a harness. That being said, the stow-away pocket commands some serious real-estate when clipped to your harness, and the clip loop is among the least robust of the jackets that have this feature. Style-wise the Ferrosi is fairly boxy and baggy and has an overall sportier look, but it's durable and comes in fun colors.
Value
This jacket is a great value for what you get, best for anyone who wants a durable layer they can thrash without spending a fortune. If you need something simple, lightweight, breathable, stretchy, and well-featured, then look no further. The Ferrosi handles equally great in granite off-widths and as a wind-layer on warm days while skinning up to backcountry ski.
Conclusion
Solid, consistent performance meets an outstanding price point with the Ferrosi Hooded. This is a fun jacket with good features that provides protection from the sun, wind, and sprinkles while breathing and moving with ease. It's light and packs down small and has great versatility for what it is — all at a very fair price.
— Mary Witlacil and Penney Garrett