Outdoor Research Ferrosi Softshell Jacket Gear Review
The Ferrosi offers the best balance of performance and value
September 24th, 2023
We tested the men’s and women’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi softshell jacket for a season of hiking, running, and alpine scrambling. Photo by Matt Derrick.
After months of testing the men’s and women’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie in a variety of weather and across varied terrain, we found that the Ferrosi Hoodie is a versatile and functional layer that performs well for various outdoor activities. Of all the softshell jackets we’ve tested, we can say with full confidence that the Ferrosi offers the best bang for the buck.
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie won the best budget award in our guide to the Best Softshell Jackets, but we want to emphasize this is a lot more than just a budget piece of gear.
The Ferrosi is a trendy jacket, well-loved by outdoor enthusiasts and stacking heaps of happy customer reviews. And this did not surprise us since we’ve found that Outdoor Research makes quality, high-performing gear at more affordable prices than other outdoor brands.
Plus, the Ferrosi is available in extended sizing, making it among the most size-inclusive softshell options available. Here, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the Outdoor Research Ferrosi jacket so great for various outdoor activities and a wide range of folks.
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MEN'S
WOMEN'S
The author with her best friend on a fall hike in Colorado wearing the Outdoor Research Ferrosi softshell. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Best for
The Ferrosi Hooded Jacket doesn’t stand out with any superlatives for a specific category; it’s neither the lightest softshell jacket nor the most water-resistant or breathable. Instead, this jacket combines many great features, making it an excellent all-around option for hikes, runs, bike rides, and more at a friendly price.
The Ferrosi is an incredibly versatile jacket that would be a great addition to any outdoor person’s kit. While we found the Ferrosi to be most at home on hiking trails, it performed well on trail runs, mountain bike rides, and adventurous scrambles from Colorado’s high Rockies to the desert of southern Utah. Overall, this is a multi-functional jacket at a friendly price.
The men’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi softshell jacket offers comfort and stretch on cool days. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
What we like
The Ferrosi Hoodie dishes out great features and performance at a price point that makes it an incredible value and bang for the buck compared to many top competitors on the market, like the Arc’teryx Gamma (men’s only) and Mammut Ultimate VII SO (men’s and women’s).
We think the softshell fabric Outdoor Research uses to make this jacket is excellent—because of its stretch, comfort, breathability, and durability—and we appreciate its sizing range compared to other brands we tested.
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie is one of the most size-inclusive softshells out there. Women’s sizes are offered in XS-XXL and men’s in S-XXXL. The anorak version of this jacket is available up to 4X.
It’s worth noting that this jacket runs true to size and not on the small side, which happens often with softshell jackets we tested. So, if you’re looking for a true XL, etc., you’ll find it by ordering the XL.
We also love the comfort and stretch offered in this Ferrosi Hooded Jacket. It is one of the more comfortable softshells we’ve tested while maintaining good technical performance. And it’s value for the price, especially if you find it on sale, makes it an easy choice for your first outdoors outer-layer with lots of good reasons to add this to your outdoor quiver even if you own multiple outer jackets.
There are lots of details in the Ferrosi jacket’s features that make it stand out and we get into the nitty gritty below.
The author testing the Outdoor Research Ferrosi softshell jacket on a snowy trail run in the mountains of Colorado. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Versatility
Versatility is one area where Ferrosi excels. We took this hiking jacket in summer, fall, winter, and spring.
We took it biking, trail running, and sandstone scrambling.
It performed well during all these activities like a trusty sidekick who didn’t let us down.
The material strikes a nice balance between weather resistance, breathability, and durability, while the fit allows for a light layer underneath. We’d happily bring this layer along for almost any outdoor adventure.
Water-resistance
First, it should be noted that softshell jackets, as a category, are not intended to be fully waterproof like a high-end GORE-TEX rain shell you’d find in ski jackets (see our men’s and women’s guides for more on GORE-Tex) or higher-end rain jackets.
Instead, the Ferrosi—and softshell jackets in general—are ideal for shedding some moisture and fending off windy weather while remaining far more breathable than more protective layers.
The Ferrosi fits into this mold with excellent breathability and enough weather resistance to protect you when caught in a drizzle, some wind, or a light dusting of snow.
There is no waterproof membrane in the Outdoor Research Ferrosi (or most softshells). Instead, it’s woven with a 90-denier Stretch Woven Ripstop fabric, then coated with a DWR (durable water-repellent) treatment that helps bead moisture off the jacket's surface. The result is that, unlike a traditional waterproof jacket, it is a windproof, breathable, water-resistant layer that is versatile in many conditions.
We tested the Ferrosi over a year of hiking in the mountains near Breckenridge, Colorado in all seasons. Over many hikes, we encountered the full spectrum of weather–including gray, cloudy, and damp conditions. The Ferrosi shed light precipitation well, and we did not have issues with the jacket wetting out or saturating our base layer in misty weather or light snow flurries.
To be extra sure on its weather resistance, we took our garden hose to the jacket to test for true water resistance when we got home. It took a few minutes, but the Ferrosi finally wet out after a sustained spraying. It also dried pretty quickly. The Ferrosi Hoodie won't stand up to Pacific Northwest rain when used alone as a rain jacket, but it fared well for our Rocky Mountain adventures.
We tested the Outdoor Research Ferrosi jacket in cold and wet weather in the mountains and found the softshell to provide a lot of warmth. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Wind-resistance
On a late fall day in Colorado’s high country, we took the Ferrosi on a sunny but nearly blow-you-off-your-feet windy hike above treeline.
Occasionally, a powerful and sustained gust over 30 miles per hour would break through the jacket’s barrier; but overall, it kept us cozy.
For days out when the wind is ripping, we think the Ferrosi is more than sufficient to keep comfortable, though it won’t be quite the same as a full-on hardshell. The advantage to this, however, is that it remains breathable (which is the purpose of most softshells on the market).
It's worth noting that soft shell jackets, as a category, do not come with insulation beyond what is offered from the fabric. However, soft shells will generally be warmer than running jackets. The fabric will be thicker than the shell of a down puffy jacket or insulated synthetic jacket while offering warmth and more mobility.
Breathability
The hood on the Outdoor Research Ferrosi jacket has no adjustments or drawcords, but fits nicely without a helmet and is large enough to fit snugly over most climbing helmets. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Through our testing on warm and sunny days in the alpine to snowy winter hikes, we found the Ferrosi to breathe well on most days, except for a few surprisingly warm ones. Almost every time we took the Ferrosi out in fall conditions (temps ranged from 60 degrees to below freezing), we could leave it on for most of the activity.
On fast-paced hikes in chilly but not cold temps (40s to 50s), the Ferrosi proved a good companion. On one occasion, a tester went on a fall morning hike in the alpine where the sun blasted, and the temps got warmer than expected, and they had to finish the uphill portion of the hike sans jacket.
It's worth noting that for soft shell jackets as a category, you're not going to have the breathability of a lightweight running jacket, which in many cases, is more like a windshell. But overheating in the Ferrosi softshell wasn’t common in testing as long as conditions warranted a light jacket. When we worked up a sweat, the Ferrosi jacket dried quickly.
Quick Drying
The Ferrosi Hoodie will wet out in an actual rainstorm (almost any softshell will). The good news is that it won’t stay wet for too long if this happens. While a fully waterproof hardshell may take an entire day (at best) to dry, this jacket won’t.
Of course, how long it takes to dry will depend on several factors, like how soaked it is and what the conditions are like for trying to dry it. On hikes or runs, when we worked up a sweat while testing, the back panel and underarms of the jacket would soak up some sweat but dry out after several minutes of a more mellow pace.
Plus Sizing/Extended Sizing
The Ferrosi is offered in sizes S-XXXL for men and XS-XXL for women, which is a wider range than we often find for technical gear.
For 2023/2024, we are thrilled that the anorak version of this jacket is available up to 4X.
We think this is a fantastic jacket, especially at this price point. With how functional, popular, and affordable it is, we hope Outdoor Research will consider adding the jacket version of this piece to its plus-size lineup.
For more recommendations on outer layers designed for plus-sized bodies, see our Best Winter Plus Size Clothing guide.
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi softshell has a great range of motion of hiking, running, and scrambling. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Mobility and Stretchiness
The Ferrosi is made with a Stretch Woven Nylon Ripstop fabric blended with 14% Spandex 90 denier stretch material, what Outdoor Research calls “movement mirroring stretch.”
This fabric makes for a fairly stretchy jacket that offers a great range of motion. In all our testing, from scrambling to biking, we rarely felt our shoulders constricted when wearing this softshell.
Value/ Bang for the Buck
Of all the softshells we’ve tested, we think the Ferrosi offers the best value. And that’s something we’ve found true with many other Outdoor Research products. The company is doing a fantastic job creating highly functional gear at a price point that is easier to reach than many other technical brands.
We tested several other softshell jackets in the price range, including the popular men's and women's The North Face Apex Bionic 2. When it comes to technical features, the Ferrosi Jacket offers much better performance in a variety of weather and outdoor activities.
The Ferrosi retails for less than half the price of many other top softshells on the market. While some are more water resistant, more breathable, or lighter weight, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more versatile, functional, and high-quality jacket at this price.
The pockets on the Outdoor Research Ferrosi are big enough to fit most XL cell phones. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Abrasion Resistance and Durability
The 90-denier ripstop fabric of the Ferrosi proved durable during testing. We swiped tree branches on hikes and rubbed up against sandstone on scrambles without any issues. The Ferrosi jacket has a single separating front zipper made by YKK that can handle many zips and unzips. We’re confident the Ferrosi jacket is up for many miles of hard use.
Colors and style
On Amazon alone, we count 19 different colors and 5 additional colors in vest options. Not all retailers (including Outdoor Retailer's website) have all the colors in stock, so it's worth looking around to find the combinations you like.
Sustainability and ethical manufacturing
Outdoor Research uses 46% recycled materials to make the Ferrosi fabric. While OR has partnered with bluesign and makes much of its apparel line with bluesign-approved fabrics, the Ferrosi is not yet bluesign-approved. The brand also follows the code of conduct stated by the Outdoor Industry Association for workplace environments in their supply chain, as well as managing chemicals used in the manufacturing process of their products.
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi jacket’s has spacious and easy to access pockets, including a zippered chest pocket. Sleeve cuffs have an elastic band without bulk. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Features
HOOD
The hood on the Ferrosi is simple but functional. There are no adjustments or drawcords, but it fits nicely without a helmet and is large enough to fit snugly over most climbing helmets.Pockets
The Ferrosi features two zippered hand pockets, a zippered chest pocket on the exterior, and two mesh stash pockets on the inside. We appreciate the thoughtful and functional pockets in this jacket. The pockets are all quite spacious. Even the chest pocket, which is the smallest, can easily fit a large phone.Cuffs
Like the hood, the cuffs on the Ferrosi are simple but functional. There is no Velcro adjustment, just an elastic band on a portion of the cuff for a more technical fit. Our testers preferred the minimalism and simplicity of this feature, rather than the bulk of Velcro adjustments that many other softshells feature in the lower sleeves. The elastic cuff also means that it works better with winter gloves than some bulky Velcro systems.Zippers
The Ferrosi has sleek YKK zippers on the front and pockets. These are not taped or waterproof (which is the case for most soft shell jackets). However, not being waterproof did not cause any problems during testing, even on days with light rain.What could be better
Fit
The Ferrosi has a comfortable but athletic and technical fit. The hem hits just below the hips for ideal coverage without being too long or baggy, and there’s enough room for a light insulating layer underneath. Both our men’s and women’s testers found this jacket to fit true to size.
Overall, the fit of the Ferrosi jacket is functional, but it’s not particularly flattering or stylish. Our testers found it to be rather boxy, lacking the tailored look of other softshell jackets.
Other versions
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Anorak (men's and women's)
If you love the Ferrosi fabric but want a softshell with more street style, consider the Outdoor Research Anorak.
The anorak version of this jacket is available ijn plus sizing up to 4X.
We have not tested this particular model, but it is made with the same fabric; thus, you can expect equal performance from it.
However, as with all anorak jackets, the fit will differ.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Vest (MEn’s only)
If you love the Ferrosi fabric but want more arm mobility and better venting for high-output activities like climbing or cycling, consider the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Vest.
Vests are useful for situations where you need more arm or upper back mobility than most jackers allow. They are also lighter weight than jackets, and usually more affordable.
Unfortunately, it does not appear to be available in women’s sizing.
If you’re interested in vests, see our upcoming guides to Best Men’s Insulated Vests and Best Women’s Insulated Vests.
Updates for 2023/24
The update we are most excited about is the availability of the Plus Size Ferrosi Anorak, available in sizes up to 4x.
We talked to Outdoor Research and there are no updates for the Fall 2023/Winter 2024 model of the Outdoor Research Ferrosi jacket. However, there will be some updates coming in the future, so stay tuned!
Similar softshell jackets to consider
If you’re interested in the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Jacket but are looking for something with a different fit, different weatherproofing material and ability, or a lighter weight, here are similar soft shell jackets on the market. See our Best Softshell Jackets guide for other models we recommend as well as others we have reviewed.
| SOFTSHELL JACKET | CHECK PRICES | BEST FOR | WEATHERPROOFING MATERIAL | WEIGHT | # OF POCKETS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Research Ferrosi | Women's Men's |
All-around outdoor use on a budget | DWR treatment | 355 g (women's) 394 g (men's) |
2 handwarmer, 1 chest, 2 internal |
| Mammut Ultimate VII SO | Women's Men's |
All-around outdoor use | GORE-TEX Infinium | 441 g (women's) 530 g (men's) |
2 handwarmer, 1 chest |
| Rab Kinetic 2.0 | Women's Men's |
Softshell protection in wet weather | Proflex fabric with PU waterproof membrane | 290 g (women's) 336 g (men's) |
2 handwarmer pockets |
| Black Diamond Alpine Start | Women's Men's |
Fast and light mountain missions | Eco-Repel Bio PFC-Free DWR | 190 g (women's) 210 g (men's) |
1 chest pocket |
| Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody | Women's Men's |
All-around outdoor use | DWR treatment | 475 g (women's) 545 g (men's) |
2 handwamrest, 1 chest |
Stasia Stockwell is a lover of all things outdoors, including coffee. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Why you should trust us / About the author
A true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy city street. She writes primarily in the outdoors, adventure travel, and environmental realm. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held WFR, AIARE 1, and Avalanche Rescue certifications, and is working to become an avalanche education instructor.
Her bylines can be found in BACKPACKER Magazine, 5280 Magazine, and REI Co-op Journal, among others. She is also the managing editor of the new print zine, Trails Magazine. Stasia is a lifelong skier, backpacker, mountain biker, and trail runner with a passion for lowering barriers to entry for outdoor sports. When she’s not writing or cooking, you’ll find her in the mountains, probably above treeline, and probably testing gear.
You can see all of Stasia's Treeline Review stories on her author page and her other work on her website.
For her softshell testing, Stasia brings nearly a decade of professional outdoor industry experience and many more years of personal time playing in the mountains and desert. She spent a couple of seasons working as a guide in Southeast Alaska, where she was a lead backpacking guide, assistant mountaineering, and ice climbing guide, along with leading rock climbing and ropes course day trips. Soft shell jackets and pants were often the ideal apparel choice in these environments.
