ProView – Outdoor Research Refuge Hybrid Hooded Jacket
Your layering system can be the determining factor between an exciting journey and a rough day ending in frantic retreat from the elements. If you’re looking for a moderate insulating layer that won’t hold you back, check out the Refuge Hybrid Hooded Jacket by Outdoor Research.
Being a huge fan of Outdoor Research, I was stoked to have a chance to put the Refuge Hybrid Hooded Jacket through the wringer. My goal was to see how the jacket performed in as many different places and environments as possible. Can it handle climbing in Joshua Tree, Red Rock, as well as throughout Arizona? Yep, it can handle it. Can it handle backcountry skiing during windy days in Flagstaff? You better believe it. Can It handle a quick trip to Steamboat, Colorado? Sure! Now, let us get into the details.
Outdoor Research Refuge Hybrid Hooded Jacket
Product Description: We mixed the warmth and weather resistance of last season's Refuge Hooded Jacket with a movement-enhancing construction for a two-in-one blend of performance and comfort. A stretch woven fabric was added throughout the arms and hood, while the body received an extra dose of our exclusive VerticalX™ insulation technology to keep you warm even when wet.
Offer price: $160 MSRP
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Quality
(5)
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Features
(5)
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Fit
(4)
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Durability
(5)
Summary
I still have yet to be let down by any piece of Outdoor Research attire. While this is no down puffy, it has kept me comfortable during all sorts of outdoor outings. It can handle anything from climbing on cold desert mornings to spring skiing in the backcountry to making a quick coffee run. The Refuge Hybrid Hooded Jacket has become my go-to jacket for any moderately chilly adventure.
Overall
4.8Pros
- Comfortable
- Pocket stuff sack
- Versatile
- Breathable
Cons
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No drawcord on the hood
Fit/Comfort
The Refuge Hybrid has an impressive range of motion while also having a somewhat slim fit. Unlike some jackets, it allows for full range of motion that lets you focus on pulling that big move on your project. This jacket has kept me comfortable hanging from belay ledges and crawling out of my sleeping bag for a much needed morning cup of coffee. While not as much of an insulator as a full on puffy jacket, it has done a pretty good job in colder weather as well. Throwing a puffy on over the Refuge Hybrid will keep you especially toasty on those extra chilly mornings.
Look/style
Whether at the crag, in the backcountry, or just a chilly morning rushing to work or class, the Refuge Hybrid will keep you looking like an avid “outdoorsy” individual. Personally, I tend to value usefulness and durability over style, but I really do appreciate the sharp look of the Refuge. I even lent it to a buddy to use during a wedding in Steamboat CO, when the weather was a little cooler than he expected. While I don’t recommend using this jacket as your go to wedding attire, it rose to the occasion to keep a pal warm while also keeping him presentable.
Features
My favorite feature of the Refuge Hybrid is easily the pocket stuff sack. This makes packing the jacket a breeze as well as allowing you to hang it nicely from a harness. Plus it doubles as a make shift pillow! While the hood is slightly too large for me when not wearing a skiing or climbing helmet, it does work great to pull over whatever brain bucket you may be wearing.
One of the more unique features of the Refuge Hybrid is that the arms and hood are made of a stretch woven fabric while the body has Outdoor Research’s VerticalX insulation. While I was hesitant about how well this would work, I came to like it more and more as I tested the jacket. It is particularly nice for those in-between temperatures where it’s too warm for a full puffy but cold enough that you want more than just a shirt. The stretch woven fabric on the arms and hood do a wonderful job of regulating your body heat when working hard. I never had to shed it as a layer while backcountry skiing in Flagstaff. This was a big surprise to me as someone who normally starts skinning “cold and bold” in a light long sleeve or t-shirt.
Function/Performance
The Refuge Hybrid has performed well across a variety of activities through Arizona, Nevada, an California. While it is able to handle some cooler temperatures, it excels in more moderate climates or while you are on the move. Outdoor Research advertises the jacket as wind and water resistant. This is true to an extent but don’t expect it to take the place of a shell. I really appreciated the light wind resistance belaying my climbing partner on the second pitch of The Totem Pole in Lower Devils Canyon. It blocked the light wind while I was able to focus on catching some of his whippers on trad gear. However, If the wind picks up I would encourage having a light shell to use. I did this on a few occasions when the wind started to cut through the sleeves.
What I loved
The pocket stuff sack is my favorite aspect of this jacket! I am also a big fan of how well the jacket regulates heat when skinning, hiking, or climbing. It keeps you warm at the start but doesn’t get too hot as your adventure progresses. Overall, it has been great to have a jacket that bridges the gap between a light base layer and a warm puffy.
Room for Improvement
While I have been impressed by the Refuge Hybrid, there is always room to make something better. I would love to see a draw-cord on the jacket hood. While it fits wonderfully with a helmet, without one, the hood tends to slide down and restrict your field of view. Something that could easily be addressed by simply having the option to tighten the hood.
The Final Word
I still have yet to be let down by any piece of Outdoor Research attire. While this is no down puffy, it has kept me comfortable during all sorts of outdoor outings. It can handle anything from climbing on cold desert mornings to spring skiing in the backcountry to making a quick coffee run. The Refuge Hybrid Hooded Jacket has become my go-to jacket for any moderately chilly adventure.
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About the Gear Tester
Daniel Conrad
Daniel currently works as a student manager for Grand Canyon Universities Outdoor Recreation Department as well as working at the school's climbing wall. Over the past two summers, He has guided with Peak 7 Adventures in Washington leading a 50-day outdoor expedition leadership course called the Bower Adventure Course (BAC). Daniel is a member of the Mountain Rescue Association and Inland Northwest Search and Rescue volunteer. You can connect with him on Instagram @conrad_daniel.
