You know a company is confident in their shell’s breathability when they don’t even include pit zips. The Outdoor Research Interstellar Ascentshell breathability is, simply put, out of this world. While not as thick and warm as a traditional 3L shell, the Ascentshell provides exceptional water protection in a very lightweight package. The material is a bit on the thin side, so don’t plan on bashing into too many rocks and all will be well. At $300, it is an expensive coat, but the performance matches the price.

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The way that Outdoor Research describes the construction of their Interstellar AscentShell reads like science fiction. “Charged polymers are affixed to a grounded surface,” whatever that means. Essentially, the polymers form a “web” that helps shift sweat vapor to the exterior of the jacket while not allowing water droplets to enter. Now, this sounds all well and good, but does it work?

Weather-Proofing

The AscentShell technology created by Outdoor Research is quite impressive; the 3L Interstellar is light and moves really well with your body. The fit is more on the “athletic” side, so size up if you are looking to layer. The breathability and air permeability of the fabric does keep the heat moving in and out really well, but it doesn’t make the jacket as warm as other 3L jackets on the market. However, the jacket does seem to start wetting out a bit sooner than other 3L jackets that use Gore-Tex. The DWR (durable water repellent) is not as long-lasting and wears down quickly in abrasion zones like the shoulders while wearing a pack.

Weight and Durability

A trade-off for the Interstellar AscentShell with impressive movement and breathability is the overall durability of the jacket. Using a 100% nylon 20-denier stretch ripstop fabric keeps the jacket light and mobile, but it does impact the jacket’s overall ruggedness. Leave this jacket at home if you’re planning on bashing rocks and crashing through the forest.

At 11.8oz (335g), the Interstellar is one of the lightest 3L jackets on the market—thanks in part to the proprietary electrospun material. The jacket can pack into a handwarmer pocket and will have a clip on the outside when packed away. One side of the packed jacket pocket is mesh, so it won’t protect the jacket from any rain or dust, and the clip is quite flimsy.

Features

Outdoor Research was so confident in their AscentShell technology that they didn’t even include pit zips on the Interstellar. The handwarmer pockets, which are quite low and not in the best location, are mesh-backed and could be used as vents when needed.

There is a small chest pocket for valuables and two handwarmer pockets. The hood on the jacket is large enough for a helmet, but unfortunately, the brim doesn’t quite cover your face when wearing one, and as a result, water could run down and enter the jacket. The hood just needs to be just a little deeper to properly accommodate a helmet.

The Bottom Line

The Outdoor Research Interstellar AscentShell is a jacket made for high-exertion activities that don’t involve too much scrapping around rock or ice. Perfect as a hiking, biking, or backcountry skiing jacket, it comes with a great range of movement while maintaining impressive breathability. The price tag of $300 for a 3L jacket gives it a great level of value compared to other 3L hard shells that are nowhere near as breathable.

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