Outdoor Research Stratoburst Stretch Rain Jacket Review
A versatile, lightweight, breathable rain shell for demanding conditions
The Outdoor Research Stratoburst Stretch Rain Jacket provides excellent weather protection, with a mechanical stretch material that is perfect for high output activities such as hiking or cycling. Another plus is that the jacket stuffs into its pocket, making it compact and easy to carry on any outing.
The Stratoburst only weighs 8.5 ounces and is an excellent value at $165.
I used the Stratoburst on the 2,700-mile Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) that ran from Banff, Alberta, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Along the route, which is primarily through the Rocky Mountains, we encountered afternoon thunderstorms for several weeks.
The OR Stratoburst was the perfect rain jacket for the trip. The 2.5-layer Ventia fabric and fully-taped seams provided excellent protection from the rain and wind. The Stratoburst’s stretchy material allowed a wide range of motion. I never felt constrained by the jacket, and the fabric’s breathability kept me comfortable during high-exertion periods. The jacket also has an adjustable hood lock, allowing me to secure the hood over my bike helmet.
I also loved the packability of the Stratoburst. The jacket packs into its pocket, creating a compact, easy-to-stow bundle that fits easily into my fork bag along with my other rain gear.
The Statroburst provided an excellent balance between waterproofness and breathability. In my experience, all lightweight jackets will “wet out” after prolonged rainy conditions. This can be from rain soaking through or excessive sweating when a jacket isn’t breathable enough. I prefer a more breathable jacket that I can add insulating layers to stay warm in cold, wet conditions. The Stratoburst was not quick to “wet out,” and the stretchy materials were perfect to layer with insulating layers when necessary.
Men's
Women's
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Comparison Tables
Men’s
| MEN'S RAIN JACKET | WEIGHT (OZ) | WATERPROOF MEMBRANE | WATERPROOF RATING | PIT ZIPS | POCKETS | SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Research Stratoburst Stretch | 8.5 | Ventia 2.5L 100% recycled polyester | Not stated | Yes | 2 | S-XXXL |
| Patagonia Torrentshell 3L | 14.1 | H2No 3L | 20,000mm | Yes | 2 | XS-XXXL |
| Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket | 13.9 | 3-layer GORE-TEX | 28,000 mm | Yes | 3 | S-XXL |
| Black Diamond Fineline Stretch | 11.3 | 2.5L BD.dry | 10,000mm | Yes | 2 | XS-XXXL |
| Ultimate Direction Ultra Jacket | 6.6 | 2.5 Layer Proprietary waterproofing | 30,000mm | Vents | 1 | S-XL |
Women’s
| WOMEN'S RAIN JACKET | WEIGHT (OZ) | WATERPROOF MEMBRANE | WATERPROOF RATING* | PIT ZIPS | POCKETS | SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Research Stratoburst Stretch | 8.5 | Ventia 2.5L 100% recycled polyester | Not stated | Yes | 2 | XS-XXL |
| Patagonia Torrentshell 3L | 12.5 | H2No 3L | 20,000 mm | Yes | 2 | XS-XXL |
| Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket | 9.5 | Gore-Tex Paclite Plus | 28,000 mm | No | 3 | XXS-XXL |
| Black Diamond Fineline Stretch | 9.5 | BD.dry 2.5 L | 10,000 mm | No | 2 | XS-XXL |
| Ultimate Direction Ultra Jacket | 5.8 | 2.5 Layer Proprietary waterproofing | 30,000mm | Vents | 1 | S-XL |
Specs
Outdoor Research Stratoburst Stretch Rain Jacket
Price: $165
Weight: 8.5 oz
Material: Ventia 2.5L 100% Recycled Polyester 50D Mechanical Stretch Plain Weave
Center back length: 29.5 inches
Fit: Athletic with room for light layering
Pockets: 2 hand pockets with water-resistant zippers
Pit zips: Yes
Hood: Fully adjustable, helmet-compatible
Cuff closure: Hook-and-loop adjustable
Pack size: Packs into left-hand pocket
Sustainability: PFC-free DWR, bluesign-approved materials
Warranty: Lifetime guarantee
Gender styles: Men's and women's specific fits
Best For
The Outdoor Research Stratoburst Stretch is ideal for cyclists and hikers who need reliable protection in varied conditions. The jacket truly shines in environments where the weather can change quickly, and where you're alternating between high and low activity levels.
The Stratoburst's stretch and breathability make it suitable for high-exertion activities in wet conditions, while its durability and protection stand up to extended backcountry trips. I found it particularly effective during my GDMBR trip, where afternoon thunderstorms were common.
The jacket's mechanical stretch fabric and athletic fit make it excellent for activities requiring a full range of motion, such as cycling, hiking, and setting up camp. The stretchy fit also allows for layering insulating layers or wearing the jacket over my hydration pack.
How We Tested
I used the OR Stratoburst on the 2,700-mile GDMBR. The jacket kept me dry during the frequent Rocky Mountain afternoon thunderstorms. The Stratoburst has also been my go-to backpacking and day hiking jacket. Its compact size and light weight make it perfect to carry for any hiking or cycling outing.
What We Liked
Effective Weather Protection
The Stratoburst's 2.5-layer Ventia fabric and fully-taped seams provided excellent performance during extended rainy periods. The DWR treatment performed admirably, with water beading and rolling off even after weeks of hard use.
Mechanical Stretch
The Stratoburst is constructed of a soft, stretchy material that is comfortable on bare skin. The stretchy 2.5-layer Ventia fabric allows for easy movement.
The stretch also allowed me to add insulating layers under the jacket. I was also able to comfortably wear my hydration pack under the jacket.
Pockets
The jacket has two zippered pockets. The pockets are big enough to carry a phone or maps.
Hood Lock
The hood provided exceptional coverage while maintaining peripheral vision. Even in driving rain, the structured brim kept water from reaching my face. There is a hood lock that allows me to cinch the hood tight on my head or around a bike helmet and not blow off in the wind.
Adjustable Hem
The Stratobrust has a drawstring adjustable cord to cinch down the bottom hem to better keep out rain and wind while cycling.
What Could Be Better
No Chest Pocket
The Stratoburst lacks a vertical chest pocket found on many of my other rain jackets. I like to store my phone in a chest pocket. While I appreciated the two large hand pockets, I would have liked to have a chest pocket as well.
Breathability
The Stratoburst is not as breathable as a three-layer Gore-Tex jacket, such as the Arc’teryx Beta SL. But the Stratoburst large pit zips allowed me to adequately regulate airflow. In addition, I appreciated the stretch and packability of the Stratoburst. Plus, the Stratoburst is lighter and one-third the cost.
Features
Waterproof Construction
Breathable bluesign-approved 2.5-layer Ventia fabric and fully-taped seams seal out wind and moisture.
Mechanical Stretch
Unlike many hardshell rain jackets that feel stiff and restrictive, the Stratoburst incorporates mechanical stretch into its fabric design. This allowed for unrestricted movement when hiking, cycling, or setting up camp.
Large Pit Zips
The Stratoburst has large pit zips that help regulate ventilation during activities.
Adjustable Hood
There is an adjustable hood lock that allows you to secure the hood around your head or bike helmet.
YKK AquaGuard Zippers
All external zippers feature water-resistant YKK AquaGuard technology, preventing moisture intrusion at these vulnerable points. During testing, I never experienced leakage around the zipper areas, even in driving rain.
Packability
The jacket stuffs into its left-hand pocket, creating a compact package approximately the size of a large grapefruit.
Where to Buy
The Outdoor Research Stratoburst Stretch Rain Jacket is available through various retailers:
Outdoor Research: The manufacturer's site often has the best selection of sizes and colors, plus detailed product information.
REI: Offers the benefit of in-store fittings and its generous return policy.
Backcountry: Frequently runs promotions that might lower the price point.
Other Jackets to Consider
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
Waterproof/breathable H2No Performance Standard 3-layer shell
Heavier (14.1 oz)
Price: $179
A burlier option with more alpine-oriented features, the Torrentshell 3L uses Patagonia's proprietary H2No 3-layer fabric and includes additional hand pockets and pit zips. It lacks the stretchiness of the Stratoburst, but the 3-layer construction provides more weather protection. The Patagonia Torrentshell was named Best Overall in our Best Rain Jackets guide. For more information, see our in-depth review on the Patagonia Torrentshell rain jacket.
View The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket
Men's
Women's
Arc'teryx Beta SL
Premium construction in 3L GORE-TEX
Heavier (13.9 oz)
Minimalist design
Price: $500
The Beta SL offers legendary Arc'teryx quality, but comes with a much higher price tag and is heavier.
Learn more in our in-depth review of the Arc’teryx Beta SL Jacket.
View The Arc'teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket
Men's
Women's
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch
Similar price range ($189)
2.5-layer BD.dry
Weight: 11.3 oz
Another option using 2.5-layer BD.dry, the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch offers decent protection with a 2-way stretch woven face. The Fineline Stretch earned Most Comfortable in our Best Rain Jackets guide.
View The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Jacket
Men's
Women's
Why You Should Trust Us / About the Author
Mike Unger left a high-stress corporate job to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2006. That experience changed him, and he purposefully rearranged his life to allow for as much adventuring as possible.
Today, he’s closing in on 28,000 miles on North American long trails. He is one of a handful of people who is a Double Triple Crowner, having hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail each—twice. He’s also hiked more obscure routes like the Ouachita Trail, Oregon Desert Trail, and was part of the group that set the First Known Time on the Blue Mountains Trail.
He’s also picked up another passion along the way: long-distance bicycle touring, including the 1,850-mile Pacific Coast route and 2,700 mile Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. When he’s not hiking or biking, he’s probably planning his next trip and/or researching gear.
