Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L Jacket and Bibs Review
Breathable 3L waterproofing for high-output backcountry touring
December 22nd, 2025
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Our verdict
The Outdoor Research Cloudchaser Jacket and Bibs provide a breathable, stretchy, and comfortable kit ideal for backcountry skiers in drier climates who prioritize breathability and a good style and fit in their kit.
As far as hardshells go, the Cloudchaser provides excellent breathability and is among the top performers in this realm.
Fit, comfort, and mobility is an area where the Cloudchaser shines. This is one of the most comfortable ski shells we’ve ever tested, thanks to the supple fabric that offers a decent amount of stretch.
For skiers and riders who prefer a looser, more freeride-oriented fit in their kit, but want the performance of a breathable shell material, the Cloudchaser strikes a nice balance.
Our Colorado and Utah testers found the Cloudchaser kit to be incredibly comfortable for ski touring and durable and weatherproof enough to hold their own in the resort, too. We tested this jacket on warm spring ski days in hike-to terrain at the resort, on sidecountry adventures, during wet spring powder days, and on early season ski tours. We encountered warm temps, wet snow, sunshine, and plenty of cold wind throughout our testing days.
Some of the features we love most in the Cloudchaser kit include the comfortable and breathable fabric, the stretch in the material, the pocket options in the bibs, and the overall fit of both the jacket and bibs.
While this kit isn’t as weatherproof as others out there and not ideal for skiers in wet climates, it’s an excellent choice for those in dry climates who seek breathability and comfort above all in their outerwear.
For more ski jacket and bib recommendations, check out our Best Men’s Ski Jackets, Best Women’s Ski Jackets, Best Men’s Ski Pants, and Best Women’s Ski Pants guides.
JACKET
men's
Women's
BIBS
men's
Women's
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Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L Specifications
Jacket
Price: $385
Weight: Men’s: 576g, Women’s: 522g
Waterproofing: 3-layer Pertex Shield Stretch
Fabric: 100-denier Pertex Shield Stretch
Hood: Helmet-compatible, fully adjustable
Venting: Pit zips
Pockets: 2 hand pockets, 1 chest pocket, 1 internal drop pocket, 1 forearm pass pocket
Powder skirt: Yes
Hem & cuffs: Adjustable cuffs, adjustable hem
Zippers: YKK Aquaguard
Fit: Ski-specific freeride fit
Sizes: S-XXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s)
Sustainability: bluesign approved, recycled PET membrane
Bibs
Price: $385
Weight: Men’s: 627g, Women’s: 573g
Waterproofing: 3-layer Pertex Shield Stretch
Fabric: 100-denier Pertex Shield Stretch
Venting: Side vents, front center zip
Pockets: 2 thigh pockets, 2 bib chest pockets (with beacon clip in one chest pocket)
Drop seat access: Yes
Reinforcement: Scuff guards
Suspenders: Adjustable
Fit: Articulated freeride ski fit
Snow gaiters: Built-in gaiters
Sizes: S-XXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s)
Sustainability: bluesign approved, recycled PET membrane
Comparison table
Jacket
| SKI JACKET | MSRP* | SIZES | # POCKETS | WATERPROOFING | PIT ZIPS | POWDER SKIRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L Women's Men's |
$385 | S-XXL (men's), XS-XL (women's) | 5 | 3-layer Pertex Shield Stretch | Yes | Yes |
| Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Women's Men's |
$655 | S-XXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s) | 5 | 3-Layer GORE-TEX ePE C-Knit | Yes | No |
| Outdoor Research Carbide Women's Men's |
$329 | S-XXXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s) | 6 | Pertex Shield 3L | Yes | Yes |
| Mammut Haldigrat HS Women's Men's |
$625 | S-XXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s) | 5 | Drytech Pro 3L | Yes | Yes, removeable |
| Patagonia PowSlayer Women's Men's |
$799 | XS-XL (men's and women's) | 5 | 3L GORE-TEX Pro ePE | Yes | Yes |
BIBS
| SKI BIBS/PANTS | MSRP* | SIZES | WATERPROOFING | SUSPENDERS | SNOW GAITERS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L Women's Men's |
$385 | S-XXL (men's), XS-XL (women's) | 3-layer Pertex Shield Stretch | Yes, adjustable | Yes |
| Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Women's Men's |
$655 | S-XXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s) | 3-Layer GORE-TEX ePE C-Knit | Yes, adjustable | Yes |
| Outdoor Research Carbide Women's Men's |
$329 | S-XXXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s) | Pertex Shield 3L | Yes, adjustable | Yes |
| Mammut Haldigrat HS Women's Men's |
$529 | S-XXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s) | Drytech Pro 3L | Yes, adjustable | Yes |
| Patagonia PowSlayer Women's Men's |
$649 | XS-XL (men's and women's) | 3L GORE-TEX Pro ePE | No | Yes |
Best for
Backcountry touring
Skiers in drier climates
Skiers who prioritize breathability and comfort
Skiers who want a comfortable and breathable kit that works for both backcountry and resort skiing
Active skiers who run hot and need venting
The Cloudchaser is a comfortable and breathable hardshell for touring. Photo credit: Jacob Callaghan
What we liked
Excellent breathability for a hardshell
Stretch in fabric allows for great freedom of movement
Great overall fit and style
Good overall value
We like the fit and color options in the Cloudchaser—especially this bright and springy women’s option. Photo credit: Jacob Callaghan
What could be better
A little bulky to be used as a dedicated touring shell for long, big days in the backcountry
Weatherproofing not stout enough for wet climates or consistently nasty weather
Powder skirt feels unnecessary and is not removable
The Cloudchaser jacket features a full powder skirt, which we find unnecessary given its intended use and the fact that the kit includes a full bib. Photo credit: Jacob Callaghan
How we tested
We tested both the men’s and women’s Outdoor Research Cloudchaser in Colorado and Utah. Our testers spent a total of 10 days across varied conditions in the kit, from wet and heavy powder days at the resort to seeking out warm spring corn in the sidecountry and backcountry. For fair weather days at the resort, we found the Cloudchaser to be a good choice, especially when accessing in-bounds hike-to terrain, where the breathability was an excellent feature to have. The Cloudchaser held up for a while on stormy resort days, but didn't match the protection of burlier GORE-TEX kits—something to be expected with what the Cloudchaser was designed for.
The Cloudchaser jacket and bibs have a fit that is slightly boxy and provides ample room for layers underneath. When using the jacket with a backpack, we found the hand pockets hard to access, but the chest pocket was easy to access. And to be fair, our testers spend most of their time skinning without the shell jacket on (seeing as pretty much any shell is too warm to leave on for a long time in the skin track unless the weather is particularly bad), and that’s where the chest pockets on the Cloudchaser bibs proved to be quite handy. In our days of testing, neither our men’s or women’s testers encountered any durability concerns or issues, though one of our men’s testers found the main zipper of the jacket to be slightly sticky.
Performance in the field
Weather protection
The Outdoor Research Cloudchaser is made with a 3L laminate shell material that is wind and waterproof, but not quite to the extent of its GORE-TEX cousins. We found the Cloudchaser did quite well in windy conditions and in light snow, and with the DWR treatment, the Cloudchaser sheds light snow very well. But when things got wet—with heavy snow or when riding chairlifts on storm days—it did eventually wet out.
The full bib design of the Cloudchaser is helpful and protective in deep snow. The jacket also has a full powder skirt, which some folks may appreciate. But overall, we felt the powder skirt was bulky and unnecessary given the full bib design and the intent of the kit, which is geared for backcountry tours.
The Cloudchaser has a fully waterproof membrane that is more breathable than most other hardshells we’ve tested. Photo credit: Jacob Callaghan
Breathability and ventilation
As far as hardshells go, the Cloudchaser provides excellent breathability and is among the top performers in this realm. Of course, as is the case with any hardshell jacket we’ve ever tested for skiing, it’s still too much for those warmer days with steep skin tracks that have you working up a sweat. But when you reach treeline and need the protection of a shell, the Cloudchaser finds a nice balance between weather protection and breathability, all while providing lots of comfort and great range of motion. The generous pit zips in the jacket help with venting, too.
As for the bibs, they are very comfortable in the skin track, and the stretch in the fabric and breathability are especially beneficial and noticeable here. Additionally, there are outer thigh zips on the bibs to help with venting when things heat up.
There are generous outer thigh zips on the Cloudchaser bibs. Photo credit: Jacob Callaghan
These are a full bib construction. They come up to the chest in the front, with a central front zipper for easy on and off. In the back, the bibs come up to the mid back with a thinner softshell fabric for added breathability. For some folks, these bibs may be a bit much for long days in the skin track given the ample coverage, but our testers didn’t have an issue with this and in fact appreciated the pockets on the bibs when they weren’t wearing the jacket over top (there are two chest pockets on the bibs, one of which has a clip to function as a beacon pocket).
There is a full front zip on the Cloudchaser bibs. Photo credit: Jacob Callaghan
If you plan on cross-country skiing and want more breathability, check out our Best Cross-Country Ski Pants guide.
Fit, comfort, and mobility
This area is where the Cloudchaser shines. This is one of the most comfortable ski shells we’ve ever tested, thanks to the supple fabric that offers a decent amount of stretch. It moves well on the uphill and the downhill. And despite the full bib construction of the pants, the breathable fabric made for comfortable temperature regulation on the skintrack.
Many ski jackets and bibs or pants designed specifically for touring tend to have a slimmer fit, and while some folks like that, not everyone does. It has a looser, boxier, more freeride-style fit. We think the Cloudchaser is a little unique in this regard (though not totally alone—the Mammut Haldigrat HS is similar). For skiers and riders who prefer a looser, more freeride-oriented fit in their kit, but want the performance of a breathable shell material, the Cloudchaser strikes a nice balance.
Temperature regulation
Temperature regulation in the Cloudchaser is made a little easier, thanks to the breathable fabric. With the jacket in particular, our testers were able to keep this on for a lot longer than other shell jackets before heating up on uphills, whether that was on a backcountry skin or hiking in bounds at the resort.
There is no insulation whatsoever in the Cloudchaser, so that’s something to consider, especially if you plan to use it in the resort. This kit is technically a hardshell and is wind and waterproof to an extent, but it treads that fine line and almost feels more like a softshell. That means it’s quite comfortable, but not quite as much of a fortress in harsh wind and wet weather as many burlier hardshell options out there.
We love the breathability the Cloudchaser offers for backcountry ski touring. Photo credit: Jacob Callaghan
Durability
The overall construction of the Cloudchaser jacket and bibs is solid. Our testers did not encounter any durability issues when using the kit. There are reinforced scuff guards on the pants that help to reduce wear from ski boot buckles.
It is worth noting that the Cloudchaser fabric is on the thinner side—intentionally, given that this kit is designed for high output backcountry days. But there are always trade-offs and a lighter, thinner fabric like this is bound to wear faster than thicker hardshells, though we have not spent enough time in the Cloudchaser yet to verify this.
Weight and packability
The Cloudchaser jacket and bibs are on the lighter side, but they’re not the lightest we’ve tested (the Outdoor Research Hemispheres kit is actually notably lighter than the Cloudchaser). The bibs aren’t particularly packable, but that’s not really a concern since you’d likely always be wearing them. The jacket is moderately packable and sufficient for most ski tourers, but if you’re counting grams, this probably isn’t the kit for you. We think the powder skirt in the jacket adds a lot of unnecessary weight and bulk and that the overall design and functionality of the jacket would be better off without it, especially when paired with the bibs.
Ease of use and features
With the exception of our men’s tester finding the main jacket zipper to stick occasionally, we found the zippers on the jacket and bibs to be both smooth and functional, and amply waterproof. The hand pockets on the jacket are harder to access with a backpack on, and we wish that Outdoor Research would have moved them up a bit to make them pack compatible.
The bibs fit well over ski boots and the supple fabric is easy to pull over boots and adjust accordingly. The drop seat, which functions via a long side zip, is easy to access and use.
Overall the Cloudchaser jacket had smooth and functional zippers, though our men’s tester occasionally found the front zipper to stick a little at the top. Photo credit: Jacob Callaghan
System performance (jacket + bibs together)
The Cloudchaser functions well as a system overall. The full bib paired with the jacket offers better storm protection, though this still isn’t the most storm worthy kit we’ve tested. We like the functionality of the breathable shell fabric in both the jacket and bibs, and the stretch in the bibs is especially nice in the skintrack or when hiking. But if you prefer pants instead of bibs, or want a different (perhaps lighter) jacket to pair with the bibs, we think both pieces function well on their own, too.
Learn more about how to choose what to wear and how to layer in our What to Wear Skiing guide. Complete your kit with a quality pair of ski gloves and ski socks, too.
The Cloudchaser jacket and bibs work well together as a system. Photo credit: Jacob Callaghan
Features
Jacket features
3-layer waterproof-breathable laminate
The 3L Pertex Shield Stretch membrane is wind and waterproof while providing excellent breathability and mobility.
The stretch in the Cloudchaser shell material allows for plenty of freedom of movement. Photo credit: Jacob Callaghan
Fully taped seams
Since this is a hardshell, it comes with top-end features for weatherproofing, like taped seams.
Helmet-compatible hood
The hood is adjustable and fits over a ski helmet.
Powder skirt
The Cloudchaser has a full powder skirt.
Pit zips
The jacket features pit zips for venting, without any mesh.
There are pit zips on the Cloudchaser jacket for dumping heat on the skintrack or bootpack. Photo credit: Jacob Callaghan
Pockets
The jacket has two hand pockets, one chest pocket, one internal mesh pocket, and one pass pocket.
There are a lot of pocket options with the Cloudchaser full kit. Photo credit: Jacob Callaghan
Adjustable cuffs
Sleeve cuffs on the jacket have a Velcro adjustment.
Hem cinch
There is a drawcord on the jacket that cinches the hem.
Bibs features
3-layer waterproof-breathable laminate
The 3L Pertex Shield Stretch membrane is wind and waterproof while providing excellent breathability and mobility.
We love the stretchy shell fabric of the Cloudchaser and our testers found it especially beneficial in the bibs. Photo credit: Jacob Callaghan
Full front zip
The bibs have a front center zip from the crotch to the top of the bibs at the chest.
Zippered thigh vents
Outer thigh vents zip open for airflow.
Pockets
The bibs have two thigh pockets and two chest pockets.
Beacon clip in chest pocket
One of the chest pockets features a beacon clip for safely carrying an avalanche transceiver.
Adjustable suspenders
Sliding straps for fit adjustments.
Reinforced scuff guards
Thicker fabric added at the inner bottom part of the pant legs to increase durability.
Side-open drop seat
A zipper on the side of the pants opens towards the back end to allow for bathroom needs.
The Cloudchaser bibs have a large side zip that opens to the back for bathroom needs or layering adjustments. Photo credit: Jacob Callaghan
Articulated knees
The fit of the bibs is designed for movement.
Similar products
Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team
Type: Hardshell
Insulation: None
Sizes: S-XXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s)
Pockets (jacket): 5
Waterproofing: 28K - 3-Layer GORE-TEX ePE C-Knit
Pit zips: Yes
Powder skirt: No
Best use: Everyday, Backcountry
The Hemisphere’s is Outdoor Research’s top-of-the-line GORE-TEX kit, which is lighter and more weather protective, but not as breathable as the Cloudchaser, and notably more expensive. We've been testing the Hemispheres line for years and it was recently updated this year to the Hemisphere Team model. Because of the GORE-TEX weather protection, this jacket is notably more expensive than the Cloudchaser and best for folks who need that added wind and waterproofing.
Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team
JACKET
men's
Women's
BIBS
men's
Women's
Outdoor Research Carbide
Type: Hardshell
Insulation: None
Sizes: S-XXXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s)
Pockets (jacket): 6
Waterproofing: Pertex Shield 3L
Pit zips: Yes
Powder skirt: Yes
Best use: Everyday, Backcountry
The Carbide is another affordable shell kit from Outdoor Research, which offers great value. It’s more weather protective than the Cloudchaser, but a little less breathable. The Carbide is also available in more inclusive sizing going up to 4X, being one of the more technical plus-size ski pants we've tested.
Outdoor Research Carbide
JACKET
men's
Women's
BIBS
men's
Women's
Mammut Haldigrat HS
Type: Hardshell
Insulation: None
Sizes: S-XXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s)
Pockets (jacket): 5
Waterproofing: Drytech Pro 3L
Pit zips: Yes
Powder skirt: Yes, removable
Best use: Everyday, Backcountry
The Mammut Haldigrat HS is one of the most similar kits we’ve tested to the Cloudchaser, with a supple and breathable 3L hardshell fabric. The jacket is heavier and a little bulkier than the Cloudchaser, while the partial bibs are lighter and some of our favorites for touring in dry climates. The Haldigrat HS is a little more expensive than the Cloudchaser, and we’ve found it to be slightly better in bad weather (the jacket in particular). But overall, the construction of this jacket and its best use case is pretty similar to the Cloudchaser overall.
Mammut Haldigrat HS
JACKET
men's
Women's
BIBS
men's
Women's
Patagonia PowSlayer
Type: Hardshell
Insulation: None
Sizes: XS-XL
Pockets (jacket): 6
Waterproofing: 3L GORE-TEX Pro ePE
Pit zips: Yes
Powder skirt: Yes
Best use: Everyday, Backcountry
The Patagonia PowSlayer is a GORE-TEX Pro hardshell kit designed for backcountry freeride, offering excellent weather protection and durability for the weight, but without the breathability or supple feel of the Cloudchaser. Additionally, the PowSlayer is Fair Trade Certified, unlike the Cloudchaser. But both are made with bluesign-approved materials. The PowSlayer is notably more expensive than the Cloudchaser, and one primary reason is that it’s made with a GORE-TEX Pro ePE membrane, which offers top-of-the-line weather protection, performance, and durability.
Patagonia PowSlayer
JACKET
men's
Women's
BIBS
men's
Women's
Who should buy the Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L Jacket and Bibs?
Buy if you prioritize breathability and comfort in a hardshell jacket and bibs. This is a good pick for backcountry and sidecountry riders in drier climates who might occasionally use their gear on warm spring resort days, too.
Skip if you live in a very wet climate and need top-tier waterproofing and weather protection, or if you’re an ultralight ski tour needing the lightest kit available.
Where to buy
The Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L Jacket and Bibs are popular, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Jacket
Bibs
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Jacket
Bibs
Why you should trust us / About the author
All of Treeline Review’s gear coverage is independently tested and written. Treeline is not obligated to any of the brands in this review.
Stasia Stockwell has been a skier since she learned to walk. She has since spent every winter of her life on skis and gets out to the resort or the backcountry multiple times a week in the mountains around her home in Breckenridge. She’s been an outdoor gear writer and tester for over a decade and has been covering women’s ski apparel for Treeline Review for several years running.
Stasia is a true mountain dweller at heart. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held WFR, AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue Certifications and is working to become an avalanche education instructor. She now calls Breckenridge, Colorado and the mountains that surround it her home. In the winters, she racks up as many ski days as possible; she loves long days in the backcountry, but nothing compares to hot laps on the T-bar at her home resort. In the summers, she’s an avid mountain biker. Sometimes you might even find her on a trail sans bike, running slowly or backpacking to an alpine lake. She’s now a full time writer and editor in the outdoor space. Stasia is also the managing editor for the print publication for backpackers, Trails Magazine.
