Outdoor Research Deviator Hooded Vest

“Is that a hood on your vest?!”, exclaimed my friend on a three day backcountry ski hut trip. His jealousy was palpable, and for good reason. I’ve spent the past year galavanting around in my Outdoor Research Deviator Hooded Vest, taking it on every adventure imaginable – rock climbing, ice climbing, running, backcountry skiing, resort skiing, and even coffee or beer with friends.

At first I had some doubts as to the functionality of this vest, but over the past year have found it to be an incredibly versatile layering piece for a wide array of activities in temperatures ranging from 10F-65F. This vest excelled at mostly every sport I threw its direction; only failing me after thrashing up the offwidth pitch of Shune’s Buttress in Zion, as most clothing pieces would. A quick tenacious tape job and this vest is back as a wardrobe staple.

As part of the #ORInsightLab crew of dedicated testers for Outdoor Research, I was provided a Women’s Deviator Hooded Vest.  For fit, I’m 5’8’’ 140lb with an athletic build, long arms, and tall torso. I tested the vest in a size M (size chart).  The vest fits true to size.

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Bottom Line –  Do everything in this vest except scum up sandstone offwidths.

On-Sight

• Active Insulation – Polartec® Alpha® insulation on front and sides keeps you dry and makes vest breathable while Polartec® Power Grid™ in hood and back panel pulls moisture from your body to keep you dry during sweaty pursuits.
• Wind-Resistant – great for taking a head wind while your grinding forward.
• Versatile – Fabric and construction makes this a great piece for sunny and wintry days alike. The hood helps protect from elements including sun and wind.
• Lightweight, packable – weighs 9.3oz/263g for size M and rolls up nice and tight in your pack (if you ever take it off, I find myself putting it and keeping it on).
• Movement-Mirroring Stretch – go ahead and throw your hands up, this vest won’t ride up on you.
• Anti-Odor – I think I may be guilty of only having washed this three times in one year. It just doesn’t smell.
• Zip Chest Pocket – great for the little
• Dual Hand- Warmer Pockets
• Key Clip (located in left pocket) – Nice for making sure you can get back in your car after a long day running, biking, skiing, etc.
• Single-Separating Front Zipper – nice and smooth to zip/unzip with gloves on
• Elastic Drawcord Hem (accessed from right pocket) – Keeps the outside out.

Project

• Durability – the face fabric (100% nylon 7D ripstop) does not handle abrasion well. Would not recommend using this for climbing without a layer on top of it.

Addict Disclaimer – Thrillseekers Anonymous was provided with an Outdoor Research Deviator Hooded Vest for this review. The opinions expressed above are my own and reflect my experience. No one can buy my love!