Two Cents; Issue 5; Outdoor Research Transfer Hoody

-This standard winter soft-shell that is anything but average, providing versatility that view soft-shells can match.



Its Role

When I started looking for a soft-shell I didn't really understand what I was getting into. So, I took a shot in the dark, and got lucky. This was my first experience with Outdoor Research, and that is when I fell in love with them. The Transfer Hoody has become my favorite winter jacket, just one stop short of a hard-shell.


Pro's

• Durable
• In excellent condition after two seasons of climbing, and one ski season and has survived many falls.
• Well Balanced 
• The fleece lining and soft-shell fabric that OR used has enough insulation to be warm, but not so much that it is unwearable
• It's a Hoody
• While some soft-shells do not have a hood, it provides the extra little warmth reducing the number of layers you need

Con's

• The garment is two inches short
• It covers the waistline, but just barely
• Requires the correct layers beneath to operate effectively 
• Just something to take into consideration

In Conclusion

The Transfer Hoody is a fantastic winter soft-shell that is versatile just about anywhere. With a durable outer fabric, and fleece lining it works as both the outer layer or a mid-layer depending on the weather. A couple of things to keep in mind is that the sleeves would be uncomfortable to wear with an other the cuff glove. The Velcro tabs are easy to use with gloves on but that fact makes them bulky. You might be able to get them under a full gauntlet glove but it would be a stretch. Something else I noticed is that you have to have your base layers figured out if you want to add anything benieth this layer. A fleece, 1/4 zip, effectively doubles the warmth of the system. Not a bad thing to be sure, but something that should be taken into account. My 'biggest' complaint about the Hoody is that the garment length is cut too short for my tastes. It covers the waistline when standing but offers no protection when you bend down to get something or adjust a pack. What made me fall in love with OR, is when they cut the fabric of their garments they don't make them athletic fit. I'm in decent shape but am no where near what some companies think is the ideal body for the mountains. I'm not the ideal body build, but the gear I use should fit my build. My shoulders fit comfortably and I have a full range of motion. Their apparel just fits on me. 

Go, No Go

This product receives a 9 out of 10. It is my go to jacket for mild days. I would recommend this jacket to anyone that needs a winter soft-shell that is good buy itself but also slim enough to fit under a hard-shell. The Transfer Hoody receives a go.

K

A Perfect Review, Huh.

A Note of Clarification

I recently reviewed BD's Dirt Bag Glove and gave it a 10 out of 10, and the thought crossed my mind, can something truly be perfect? The answer, something can be perfect for one person or scenario and not for another, so the answer is both yes and no. For what I use them for, the system of equipment that I have, and the weather that I am out in, they are perfect. I have a heavier winter pair for when conditions are nasty but I don't use them very often. All of my coats do well with an under the cuff glove, in fact that is what they are designed to do. Had I, for example, bought BD's Guide Glove, my review would not have been as good. Not because the quality of the glove, but because it would not have worked well with my system. I try and take that into consideration when I write my reviews, did the product fail me, or was it buyer error? BD's Speed 30 was buyer error, the pack didn't fail. TNF Hedgehog the product did not hold up and I gave my thoughts on both as honestly and respectfully as possible. The goal is not to go after a company because I don't like "x" about them, the goal is to relate my experience of their product to the reader. If you have had a different experience with a product that I have reviewed, please post a comment and I will address the comment accordingly.



I look forward to hearing from you.


K