Outdoor Research

Carbide Jacket - Women's

Nice jacket

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

I accidentally ordered the wrong size and had to return this jacket. However I liked the color and the long length. The hood was well designed. There are enough pockets just no wrist pocket.

Runs Tight in the Chest

I bought this jacket online in a size small so I could not try it on first. I already own an OR Aspire Gore-Tex jacket in size small and it fits okay thru the chest. I use the Aspire as a rain jacket in mild and warm temps so I rarely wear an insulating layer under it. This Carbide jacket is too snug in the chest so it is not possible to wear an insulating layer underneath it. I bought the Carbide jacket to wear during the cold, snowy winter months in Michigan. I will have to return it. Apparently OR has changed their size dimensions in recent years so a size small no longer fits me properly. I am 5'4" and 115 pounds. Be forewarned: this Carbide jacket is NOT a "standard fit" but rather a "slim fit". Also, the front zipper is difficult to fit into the slot at the bottom so it takes several attempts to get it started so you can zip this jacket up. I would have loved wearing this stylish jacket to snowshoe and hike had it fit me properly as the pretty green color is one of my favorite colors.

Love this coat

Best fitting coat I've ever had!

Perfect shell

I did a ton of research before selecting the Carbide jacket. I had to go up a size, the medium was smaller than expected, but I love the fit of the large! So many great pockets on this. The main zipper does take some effort and is not smooth. I've worn this skiing twice in really really cold weather (insulated jacket under) and I've been perfectly comfortable. I love the color, I got the lilac. I usually go with black because I don't want dirt to show, but I'm so happy with the purple. The hood cinches are all great for modifying with or without a ski helmet. Also love the premium features like the snow skirt and armpit zips. This will be perfect for year-round use. I'm so happy with my purchase.

Great looking parka

I like the flexibility and softness of the fabric and the fit is good. Ihave not warn it yet in snowy or rainy conditions but hopefully it will hold up well. I am 5'3" and sleeves are a little longer. Its great OR makes various lengths of pants. It would be nice to have shells and jackets in petite sizes. If they were available OR would not have much competition for the " short" market

The dream jacket

So I'm the basic girl who's always wanted to fit and look good in Flylow gear. I have given up on that all together!! Last year returned a Flylow coat twice for a different size and still wasn't comfortable. I am a girl with bigger hips, thighs, and butt. The outdoor research coat fits my body well as a top layer and goes over my hips without looking tight. In addition, when layering the coat doesn't make me feel like a suffocated marshmallow. I also wear outdoor research bibs, so I knew I was going to be a fan of the non-insulated design, but I really like the thickness of the coat. Sadly, I haven't tested the waterproofness due to lack of snow, but when some flurries came down the coat didn't seem to care. Lastly, the color I'm a big fan of. I was worried it would be too pink, but it's that perfect subdue pink that looks great with my black pants! Overall I'm stoked with OR gear and I'm excited to see what's next!

Poor quality fabric 0/10 do not recommend

I researched so many ski jackets before deciding on this jacket. I have worn it on two ski trips for a total of 12 days of skiing - one ski trip in 2022 and one in 2023. I am an average skier staying in greens and blues. I have not worn this jacket besides those two ski trips as I live in a warm climate. There is so much pilling under the arms and on the back of the jacket. This is not normal wear and tear, especially with this type of fabric. I called customer service and was told this is covered under the "lifetime" warranty. After waiting weeks for a warranty response, turns out OR will not honor their warranty. I was told to wash it inside out (it's barely been worn and doesn't need to be washed), hand wash it, or use a pilling shaver! This is not a washing issue. This is a quality issue. Fabric should not pill this quickly, especially on a jacket that is meant to be worn for outdoor activity. I am so disappointed in this jacket and the lack of warranty.

Solid ski jacket - Excellent layering capacity

Used for inbounds resort skiing. Jacket is lightweight and no bulk with excellent wind/waterproofing. When jacket is fully zipped has a wider collar to accommodate helmet strap, neck gaiter, and other collars without feeling choked. I can wear with a midweight baselayer, 1/4 zip fleece, and thin insulated puffy (eg TNF thermoball or arcteryx Cerium) on an 11 degF day, and it is warmer and less bulk than previous OR insulated ski jacket. I'm 5'2'', 125 lbs, 34B and the XS was ideal arm length, chest width, and hem length (even with all those layers). Also, need to mention bilateral Napolean pockets!

Extremely disappointed, jacket easily rips

I purchased this jacket for the ski season and only wore it a few times before the arm ripped when I was stretching (not even skiing, which is concerning). I reached out to OR for a replacement, and they would not provide any replacement, which is really disappointing because I'm pretty sure it was a product defect. I've been a fan of OR for years and have had lots of success with various products, but the customer service and quality of this jacket was extremely disappointing. I had a similar issue with Patagonia and they quickly repaired and replaced the items; I would definitely choose to go with Patagonia in the future.

Wanted to love

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I like it. It fits great and kept me warm in windy/snowy conditions. It feels light and not stiff at all. I took it for my first backcountry tour of the season today but immediately, on the first pull, the rope adjusting the top of the hood broke. I wanted to send back but there are no more in that size/color. I’m hoping the rest holds up.