Outdoor Research Hemispheres Ii Jacket

From Backcountry Skeptic to Devoted Believer: My Journey with OR’s Ultimate Alpine Shell

After fifteen years of chasing powder and climbing peaks in every imaginable condition, I’ve developed what my friends call an “unhealthy obsession” with outerwear. When it comes to technical shells, I’ve tried them all—from budget-friendly options that left me soaked to high-end jackets that cost more than my first car. So when Outdoor Research released the Hemispheres II Jacket, claiming it had somehow improved upon its already legendary predecessor, I was both intrigued and skeptical. Could it really deliver on such ambitious promises?

Spoiler alert: The Outdoor Research Hemispheres II Jacket has completely redefined what I expect from alpine outerwear, and after a full season of testing in the most demanding conditions across three mountain ranges, I’m finally ready to share my unfiltered thoughts.

First Impressions: When Engineering Meets Intuition

Opening the package, I was immediately struck by two things: the jacket’s surprisingly light weight and its unmistakable quality. At just 19.8 ounces (560g) for my men’s medium, it feels substantially lighter than most comparable three-layer GORE-TEX shells. This wasn’t just another overbuilt, stiff mountaineering jacket—the fabric had an unexpected suppleness that hinted at the revolutionary construction I’d soon come to appreciate.

The Hemispheres II represents a significant evolution from the original, which was already considered a game-changer when it launched. The design team at Outdoor Research clearly took the feedback from hardcore users seriously, refining rather than completely redesigning what worked. The signature stretch panels remain, but they’ve been strategically expanded and reinforced in this iteration.

Technical Excellence: The Architecture of Protection

Let’s talk about what makes this jacket special from a technical perspective. The Hemispheres II isn’t just another GORE-TEX shell—it’s built with GORE-TEX Pro with Stretch Technology, a material combination that previously seemed like an impossible dream for alpine enthusiasts.

The jacket’s construction is a masterful balance of seemingly contradictory properties. The main body features a robust 70-denier nylon face fabric that’s bonded to GORE-TEX Pro, providing bombproof protection against driving snow, sleet, and wind. But the true innovation lies in the strategic stretch panels incorporated throughout the jacket—under the arms, across the upper back, and in the hood.

These panels utilize GORE-TEX with Stretch Technology, a significantly more flexible membrane that allows for unrestricted movement without compromising waterproofing. This isn’t the token “stretch” some brands claim—it’s a genuine 4-way stretch that makes a noticeable difference when you’re reaching for holds, poling through deep snow, or simply turning to check on your partners during a storm.

Field Testing: When Theory Meets Mountain Reality

Over the past season, I’ve put the Hemispheres II through a punishing regime across varied terrain:

• Backcountry skiing in British Columbia’s Coast Range during a week-long storm cycle
• Ice climbing in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains during fluctuating mid-winter conditions
• Resort skiing in Utah during both powder days and spring slush
• Alpine climbing in Wyoming’s Wind River Range during unpredictable shoulder season weather

Through it all, one thing became abundantly clear: this jacket thrives precisely where others fail—at the intersection of extreme conditions and demanding physical activity.

During a particularly memorable day in the backcountry near Rogers Pass, we started skinning under clear skies only to watch the barometer plummet as an unexpected system moved in. Within an hour, we were navigating whiteout conditions with temperatures hovering around 5°F (-15°C) and wind gusts exceeding 40mph. My partners, wearing traditional hardshells, quickly became restricted by their stiffening layers. Meanwhile, the Hemispheres II maintained its flexibility and breathability, allowing me to continue moving efficiently despite the deteriorating conditions.

The waterproofing proved exceptional. After six hours of continuous heavy snow and occasional rain at lower elevations, the DWR finish continued beading precipitation while my base layers remained bone dry. This wasn’t just about staying comfortable—it was about safety in conditions where moisture management becomes critical.

Ventilation: The Overlooked Essential

One of the most thoughtful design elements is the ventilation system. Rather than simply including standard pit zips (which are present and generously sized at 14 inches), Outdoor Research incorporated a comprehensive approach to heat management.

The two-way main zipper allows for bottom-up ventilation while keeping the jacket securely fastened. The mesh-backed hand pockets double as additional vents when opened, creating cross-flow when used in conjunction with the pit zips. These might seem like small details, but during high-output activities like bootpacking or climbing, they make a substantial difference in regulating temperature without exposing yourself to precipitation.

On a spring tour in the Wasatch, temperatures swung from the mid-20s at dawn to nearly 50°F by midday. Where I’d normally be switching between layers constantly, I was able to fine-tune my temperature through the Hemispheres II’s ventilation options while maintaining consistent protection.

The Hood: An Engineering Marvel

Let’s talk about the hood, because it deserves special attention. Technical hoods often fall into two categories: either they’re too small to accommodate a helmet or so large they become a billowing liability when worn without one.

The Hemispheres II hood completely sidesteps this dilemma with what Outdoor Research calls their “Helmet Compatible Hood.” This understated name doesn’t do justice to the ingenious three-way adjustment system that allows for a perfect fit with or without a helmet. The rear volume adjuster and dual front adjusters create a customized seal that moves with you rather than restricting head movement.

During a windy belay on an ice climb in Ouray, I was particularly grateful for the hood’s ability to create a protective cocoon around my face while maintaining peripheral vision—a crucial safety feature in alpine environments where awareness of changing conditions is vital.

Pockets and Storage: Practical Thoughtfulness

The pocket configuration reflects a deep understanding of how alpine athletes actually use their gear. The two hand pockets are positioned high enough to remain accessible while wearing a harness or backpack hip belt—a simple but crucial detail often overlooked by designers who don’t actually spend time in the mountains.

The left chest pocket includes a media port for headphone routing (though I rarely use this feature) and is sized perfectly for a smartphone or small GPS device. The right interior mesh pocket proved ideal for storing gloves or a buff during brief periods of high exertion.

What I particularly appreciated was the inclusion of a dedicated internal pocket specifically designed for avalanche beacons. This secure, centrally-located compartment keeps your beacon protected yet accessible—exactly where you want it during backcountry travel.

Fit and Sizing: Engineered for Movement

The Hemispheres II features what Outdoor Research calls a “Standard Fit,” but this somewhat generic description doesn’t capture the nuanced articulation built into the jacket. The sleeves are pre-curved to match your natural arm position while skiing or climbing, reducing material bunching and improving range of motion.

The jacket’s length struck me as particularly well-considered—long enough to provide complete coverage when reaching overhead or bending forward (no snow down the back!), yet not so long as to create excess bulk or interfere with a harness.

I typically wear a medium in most technical outerwear (for reference, I’m 5’11” and 175lbs with an athletic build), and the medium Hemispheres II provided a perfect fit for my frame. There was enough room for substantial midlayers on the coldest days without excessive bagginess when wearing just a base layer during high-output activities.

Durability: The Long-Term Investment

After approximately 45 days of use in conditions ranging from dense forests to sharp granite, the Hemispheres II shows remarkably little wear. The reinforced areas at the shoulders and forearms have prevented abrasion where pack straps and climbing movements typically cause premature failure.

The DWR treatment has maintained its effectiveness longer than most jackets I’ve tested, though I did apply a fresh coat after about 30 days of heavy use. The main zipper, often the first point of failure in technical jackets, continues to operate smoothly even after repeated exposure to icy conditions and grit.

Outdoor Research backs the Hemispheres II with their “Infinite Guarantee,” a lifetime warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. While the initial investment is substantial, this level of coverage combined with the evident durability makes the jacket a sound long-term value proposition.

Color Options: Practical Aesthetics

The Hemispheres II is available in a thoughtfully curated range of colors that balance visibility with versatility. My test model came in “Eclipse Blue,” a deep navy that looks sharp without showing every bit of dirt or tree resin encountered in the backcountry.

For the current season, color options include:

• Eclipse Blue
• Black
• Forest Green
• Madder Red
• Pewter Grey

These choices reflect a practical approach to mountain apparel—visible enough for safety in alpine environments but subdued enough for versatile use. The subtle reflective logos and accents provide additional visibility in low-light conditions without creating an overly technical aesthetic.

Sustainability: Progress, Not Perfection

Outdoor Research has made notable strides toward sustainability with the Hemispheres II, though there’s still room for improvement. The DWR treatment is PFC-free, addressing one of the most problematic chemical components in traditional outdoor gear.

The jacket comes in packaging made from recycled materials, and Outdoor Research has committed to reducing waste throughout their manufacturing process. The GORE-TEX membranes used in the jacket are now produced using recycled materials when possible and with reduced chemical impact.

That said, the nature of high-performance waterproof-breathable fabrics means that truly sustainable technical outerwear remains an ongoing challenge. The durability of the Hemispheres II does contribute to sustainability in perhaps the most meaningful way—by creating products that last longer and require less frequent replacement.

Price Consideration: Premium Performance, Premium Cost

Let’s address the elephant in the room: at $650, the Hemispheres II represents a significant investment. Is it worth it? After extensive testing, I believe the answer is unequivocally yes—for the right user.

If you’re an occasional resort skier or casual outdoor enthusiast, there are certainly less expensive options that would serve you adequately. But for those who regularly venture into demanding mountain environments where performance directly impacts safety and enjoyment, the Hemispheres II justifies its price point through exceptional versatility and reliability.

When amortized across the jacket’s likely lifespan and considered in the context of other essential mountain equipment, the value proposition becomes clearer. A $650 jacket that performs flawlessly across multiple activities and seasons ultimately represents better value than purchasing separate, less capable pieces for different uses.

How It Compares: The Original Hemispheres and Competitors

The original Hemispheres Jacket was revolutionary when it launched, being one of the first to incorporate GORE-TEX stretch panels in a technical shell. The Hemispheres II builds on this foundation with several meaningful improvements:

• Expanded stretch panels in key mobility areas
• Improved helmet-compatible hood design
• Enhanced pocket configuration optimized for mountain sports
• Updated, more durable water repellent treatment
• Refined fit based on extensive athlete feedback

Compared to competitors like Arc’teryx’s Beta AR or Patagonia’s PowSlayer, the Hemispheres II distinguishes itself through its strategic stretch panels and thoughtful feature set specifically tailored to mixed alpine pursuits. Where many competitors excel in either skiing or climbing, the Hemispheres II truly shines as a versatile tool for the mountain athlete who refuses to specialize.

Care and Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment

Proper care significantly extends the life of technical outerwear, and the Hemispheres II is no exception. Based on my experience, I recommend:

1. Washing the jacket approximately every 15-20 days of use with a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash
2. Avoiding fabric softeners and regular detergents, which can damage the waterproof membrane
3. Reapplying DWR treatment when water stops beading (typically after 30-40 days of heavy use)
4. Machine drying on low heat after treatment to activate the DWR
5. Storing uncovered on a hanger rather than compressed in a stuff sack

Following these simple steps has kept my Hemispheres II performing like new despite heavy use in challenging conditions.

Who Should Buy This Jacket?

The Hemispheres II is ideal for:

• Backcountry skiers and splitboarders who demand protection and breathability
• Alpine climbers who need unrestricted movement without sacrificing weather protection
• Mountain professionals who require reliable all-season performance
• Avid all-mountain skiers who venture beyond groomed terrain in variable conditions
• Anyone pursuing multiple mountain sports who wants to invest in a single, versatile shell

If you identify with any of these categories, the Hemispheres II deserves serious consideration as your primary technical outer layer.

Where to Purchase

The Hemispheres II Jacket is available directly from Outdoor Research’s website and through specialty outdoor retailers like REI, Backcountry, and Moosejaw. I recommend purchasing from authorized dealers to ensure you’re covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Stock tends to fluctuate seasonally, with the best selection typically available in early fall before the winter sports season begins in earnest. Popular sizes and colors often sell out by mid-winter, so planning ahead is advisable if you’re interested in a specific configuration.

Final Verdict: A New Standard in Alpine Outerwear

After thorough testing across diverse conditions and activities, I can confidently say that the Outdoor Research Hemispheres II Jacket sets a new benchmark for technical alpine shells. It masterfully balances protection, mobility, breathability, and durability in a package that excels across multiple mountain disciplines.

The strategic use of GORE-TEX Pro with Stretch Technology creates a jacket that moves with you rather than restricting your motion, while the thoughtful feature set addresses the practical needs of serious mountain athletes. The exceptional build quality and comprehensive warranty justify the premium price point for those who spend significant time in demanding alpine environments.

For backcountry enthusiasts, alpine climbers, and dedicated all-mountain skiers, the Hemispheres II isn’t just another expensive shell—it’s an essential piece of safety equipment that enhances performance and enjoyment in the mountains. In an outdoor industry often characterized by incremental improvements and marketing hype, the Hemispheres II represents genuine innovation that translates to tangible benefits in the field.

If you’re serious about mountain pursuits and unwilling to compromise on gear that stands between you and the elements, the Outdoor Research Hemispheres II Jacket deserves a place in your technical arsenal. It has certainly earned its permanent place in mine.