Outdoor Research Mithril Jacket

Winner for Best Versatile Softshell Jacket

The Mithril has been a staple in Outdoor Research’s softshell jackets for years, and as it evolves, it just seems to get better. Robust and versatile, this jacket can withstand a lot of wind, rain, and snow before it starts to wet out. And it’s sealed tight at the seams and zippers, making this jacket truly waterproof. With all increased weather protection, there is a reduction in breathability and stretch. However, the super soft fleece lining helps increase comfort while adding heat retention. 

The hood has a pliable bar in the brim to adjust to the perfect shape for maximum visibility when you're bundled up against a downpour or bombing down the slopes. The sleeves on this women’s softshell jacket are lusciously long and have the benefits of elastic, but can cinch down with a hook and loop tab. And one fun little addition is a small mesh pocket inside the chest stash pocket.

Field Notes: Since this was one of our only waterproof softshell jackets, we just had to stress this thing to the max with deluges of water, slow and steady onslaughts of mists, and dunk tank style shocks of water. The Mithril jacket withstood the mist for hours and the deluge for a few minutes, but even with the fabric wetted out, not much continued through all the way to the skin. And we all know the dunk tank was less of a test and more of a washing, but it did dry quickly. 

Tester Comments: “The weatherproofing on this jacket is incredible. So much so that I find it strange that I keep coming back to my favorite aspect of this Outdoor Research jacket being the hood. I know, I know, weird right? Sometimes a jacket can do everything right and then blow the whole experience with one detail. Not this jacket. The Mithril instead takes the whole jacket up a notch by thinking through and really delivering with a comfortable and highly adjustable hood.”

Key Attribute: Weather Protection