Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire Ii Jacket

Finding the Perfect Companion for All Weather Adventures

As I stand at the summit of Mount Hood, rain pelting against my face and wind whipping around me, I can’t help but smile. Six hours of hiking through changing weather conditions, and here I am—dry, comfortable, and ready for the descent. The secret to my comfort in these less-than-ideal conditions? My trusty Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire II Jacket.

When I first decided to invest in a high-quality rain jacket three years ago, I spent weeks researching options. I needed something that could handle everything from backcountry hiking to bike commuting in the Pacific Northwest’s notorious rain. After all that research and now years of testing in the field, I’m convinced that the Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire II Jacket stands as one of the most versatile and reliable rain jackets on the market today.

But is it the right choice for you? In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my personal experience with this jacket—the good, the bad, and everything in between—to help you decide if the Aspire II deserves a spot in your outdoor wardrobe.

The Evolution of a Classic: Aspire II vs. Original

Before diving into the details, let’s talk about the evolution. The original Aspire jacket earned a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts (myself included), and the Aspire II builds upon that solid foundation with thoughtful updates.

When I replaced my well-worn original Aspire with the Aspire II last year, I immediately noticed the improved fit. The original was fantastic, but the Aspire II features a more tailored silhouette that eliminates excess fabric while still allowing room for layers. The result is a jacket that moves with me rather than against me, whether I’m reaching for the next climbing hold or pushing my bike up a steep hill.

The weight has also been slightly reduced without compromising durability, making it even more appealing for those of us who count every ounce in our backpacks. As someone who frequently embarks on multi-day treks, I appreciate any opportunity to lighten my load without sacrificing performance.

Technical Specifications: What Makes the Aspire II Special

Material and Construction

The heart of the Aspire II is its GORE-TEX® Paclite® Plus technology—a 2-layer waterproof, windproof, and breathable fabric that forms the jacket’s outer shell. This premium material provides exceptional weather protection while remaining lightweight and packable.

One aspect I particularly love is the strategic placement of 50D polyester fabric in high-wear areas (shoulders, forearms) and lighter 30D nylon in the body. This thoughtful design choice enhances durability where you need it most while keeping the overall weight down. After three seasons of heavy use, including scraping against rock faces and stuffing it haphazardly into my pack, my Aspire II shows minimal signs of wear.

All seams are fully taped to prevent water infiltration, and the YKK AquaGuard® zippers provide an additional barrier against moisture. These seemingly small details make a tremendous difference when you’re hours away from shelter in deteriorating conditions.

Waterproof Performance

I’ve tested many jackets that claim to be waterproof, but the Aspire II truly delivers on this promise. During a particularly memorable three-day backpacking trip along the Olympic Coast last spring, we encountered 48 hours of continuous rain—not the light, misty stuff, but proper, driving rain that tests both equipment and resolve.

While my hiking companions battled dampness seeping through their jackets, I remained remarkably dry inside my Aspire II. The GORE-TEX® membrane effectively blocks water molecules while allowing water vapor (from sweat) to escape, creating that elusive balance between waterproofing and breathability.

The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating causes water to bead and roll off the surface rather than saturating the fabric. This not only keeps you drier but also maintains the breathability of the membrane. I’ve noticed that after heavy use, the DWR coating does begin to wear off, but a wash and reapplication of DWR treatment quickly restores its performance.

Breathability and Ventilation

Let’s be honest—no fully waterproof jacket will ever be as breathable as a non-waterproof shell. However, the Aspire II comes impressively close to achieving that ideal balance.

What sets this jacket apart from many competitors is its innovative TorsoFlo™ venting system—full-length side zips that extend from the hem to the armpit. This feature allows you to convert the jacket into a poncho-style garment for maximum ventilation while still keeping your core and head protected from rain.

During steep uphill sections when my body heat rises dramatically, I can unzip these vents while keeping the jacket on, creating what feels like personal air conditioning. This versatility has made the Aspire II suitable for a much broader temperature range than any other rain jacket I’ve owned.

Beyond the TorsoFlo™ system, the jacket incorporates mesh-lined hand pockets that double as additional vents when opened. These thoughtful ventilation options make the Aspire II remarkably comfortable during high-output activities.

Hood Design and Adjustability

A rain jacket is only as good as its hood, and the Aspire II features one of the best I’ve encountered. The fully adjustable, wire-brimmed hood creates a protective canopy that keeps rain off your face without obstructing peripheral vision—a crucial safety feature when navigating technical terrain.

The hood is also helmet-compatible, a non-negotiable feature for me as I often wear it for climbing and cycling. With a single-pull adjustment at the back and two front adjusters, I can fine-tune the fit regardless of whether I’m wearing a climbing helmet, bike helmet, or nothing at all.

When not needed, the hood rolls down and secures with a simple hook-and-loop tab, preventing that annoying flapping in the wind that plagues many rain jackets.

Fit and Adjustability

Finding outdoor gear that fits well can be challenging for women, but Outdoor Research consistently impresses me with their understanding of female body proportions. The Aspire II comes in sizes XS to XXL, accommodating a wide range of body types.

I’m 5’7″ with broader shoulders and a relatively athletic build, and the medium fits me perfectly—close enough to prevent excess fabric from catching wind but roomy enough to layer a midweight fleece or thin down jacket underneath during colder conditions.

The adjustable Velcro cuffs allow me to seal out rain and wind or loosen them for ventilation as needed. The drawcord hem enables similar customization around the waist, which I find particularly useful when wearing the jacket with a climbing harness or backpack hip belt.

Storage Options

While minimalist in design, the Aspire II doesn’t skimp on practical storage. Two hand pockets sit high enough to remain accessible while wearing a backpack hip belt or climbing harness—a thoughtful detail that demonstrates Outdoor Research’s understanding of how this jacket will be used in the field.

There’s also a convenient left chest pocket that’s perfect for stashing a smartphone, map, or energy bar. All pockets feature water-resistant zippers with pulls that are easy to grasp even with gloves on—another small detail that makes a big difference in real-world conditions.

Real-World Performance: Where the Aspire II Excels

Mountaineering and Alpine Hiking

The Aspire II truly shines in alpine environments where conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably. During a summit attempt on Mount Rainier last summer, we encountered everything from sunshine to sleet within a single hour. The jacket’s exceptional weather protection, combined with its ventilation options, allowed me to regulate my temperature without stopping to add or remove layers—a significant advantage when moving through technical terrain where stopping isn’t always feasible.

The jacket’s durable construction stood up to abrasion from rock and ice, and the articulated elbows provided freedom of movement during technical sections requiring full mobility. Even when packed with climbing gear, the jacket compressed down nicely in my already-stuffed backpack.

Backpacking and Thru-Hiking

For multi-day trips where weight and packability become increasingly important, the Aspire II offers an excellent balance of protection and portability. Weighing approximately 13 ounces (369 grams) for a medium, it’s not the absolute lightest rain jacket available, but its durability and feature set justify every gram.

The jacket packs down to about the size of a large grapefruit, easily fitting into a side pocket of my backpack for quick access when clouds gather. On the Wonderland Trail circumnavigating Mount Rainier, where rain is nearly inevitable, having the Aspire II meant I could continue hiking comfortably through extended wet periods without reaching for emergency plastic ponchos or risking hypothermia.

Urban Commuting

While designed for technical outdoor pursuits, the Aspire II has become my go-to jacket for daily bike commuting in Seattle’s notorious rain. The reflective logos enhance visibility in low-light conditions, and the side vents prevent overheating during uphill pedaling sections.

The sleek, non-technical appearance also means I don’t feel out of place stopping at a coffee shop or running errands after my ride. Available in versatile colors like Black, Naval Blue, and Clay (my personal favorite), the jacket transitions seamlessly between outdoor adventures and everyday life—a versatility that helps justify its premium price tag.

Travel Companion

The Aspire II has accompanied me on adventures across four continents, from drizzly Irish coastal walks to unexpected downpours in Patagonia. Its packability makes it easy to toss into a suitcase or daypack “just in case,” and its versatile design means it’s appropriate for everything from mountain trails to urban exploration.

On a recent trip to Japan during tsuyu (rainy season), the jacket kept me dry through daily downpours while exploring Tokyo and hiking in the mountains. Its quick-drying nature meant that even after hours of continuous rain, a brief hang in my hotel room had it ready for the next day’s adventures.

Caring for Your Investment

At around $215-250 depending on retailer and sales, the Aspire II represents a significant investment. However, with proper care, this jacket can provide reliable protection for many years, making it more economical than replacing cheaper jackets every season.

I wash my Aspire II about 3-4 times per year using a technical cleaner specifically designed for waterproof garments (like Nikwax Tech Wash). After washing, I reapply a DWR treatment (Nikwax TX.Direct works well) to maintain the water-repellent surface. This simple maintenance routine has kept my jacket performing like new despite regular use in challenging conditions.

When not in use, I store the jacket on a hanger rather than compressed in its stuff sack, which helps preserve the waterproof membrane and DWR coating. These small habits significantly extend the jacket’s lifespan, making the initial investment more reasonable when considered over years of use.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

As outdoor enthusiasts, many of us feel a responsibility to protect the natural environments we enjoy. Outdoor Research has made strides in this area, though they still have room for improvement.

The Aspire II is not made from recycled materials, but Outdoor Research has been increasing its use of sustainable materials across other product lines. They are also a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and have implemented measures to reduce waste in their manufacturing processes.

The company operates under a “Designed by Adventure” philosophy, creating gear that lasts longer and thereby reducing the environmental impact of frequent replacements. Their Infinite Guarantee™ further supports this approach, offering to replace or repair any defective products regardless of age—a policy that encourages longevity over disposability.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

No gear is perfect, and the Aspire II does have a few limitations worth mentioning:

1. Price Point: At over $200, this is certainly an investment piece rather than an impulse purchase. While I believe the durability and performance justify the cost over time, the initial outlay might be prohibitive for some.
2. Weight Compared to Ultralight Options: While reasonably lightweight at 13 ounces, the Aspire II is not the lightest rain jacket available. Ultralight backpackers may prefer to sacrifice some features and durability for a sub-8-ounce option.
3. Noise Level: Like many GORE-TEX® garments, the Aspire II does have a somewhat crinkly sound when moving. This has never bothered me personally, but some users might find it noticeable, particularly in quiet settings.
4. Warmth: As a shell jacket designed for three-season use, the Aspire II offers minimal insulation. In colder conditions, you’ll need to layer appropriately underneath for warmth, though this is true of most rain shells.
5. DWR Maintenance: While the initial water repellency is excellent, the DWR coating will require periodic refreshing to maintain optimal performance. This ongoing maintenance is standard for all waterproof-breathable jackets but represents an additional commitment.

Comparing the Aspire II to Alternatives

To provide context, I’ve tested several competitors alongside my Aspire II:

• Arc’teryx Beta AR: Exceptional quality with similar performance, but at a significantly higher price point ($550+). The Aspire II offers comparable protection at a more accessible price.
• Patagonia Torrentshell 3L: More affordable ($150) but lacks the sophisticated ventilation system and tailored fit of the Aspire II. A good option for occasional use but less versatile for serious adventures.
• REI Co-op XeroDry GTX: Another budget-friendly alternative ($159) that performs admirably in moderate conditions but doesn’t hold up as well during extended, heavy precipitation.
• Other Outdoor Research Options: The Helium Rain Jacket is significantly lighter (5.6 oz) but sacrifices durability and features. The Foray II offers similar features to the Aspire II but in a men’s cut.

For most women seeking a versatile, reliable rain jacket for varied outdoor pursuits, the Aspire II hits a sweet spot of performance, durability, and value that’s hard to beat.

Final Verdict: Is the Aspire II Right for You?

After three years and countless adventures with the Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire II Jacket, I can confidently say it deserves its reputation as a premium all-rounder in the waterproof shell category.

The jacket is ideal for:

• All-season hikers and backpackers who need reliable protection in unpredictable mountain weather
• Climbers and mountaineers requiring freedom of movement and helmet compatibility
• Bicycle commuters seeking practical, visible protection without overheating
• Travelers who want one versatile piece for multiple environments and activities

You might want to look elsewhere if:

• You’re an ultralight backpacker prioritizing minimum weight above all else
• You rarely encounter serious rain or wind conditions
• You’re on a tight budget and only need occasional, light-duty rain protection

My Personal Recommendation

Having tested the Aspire II through everything from gentle spring showers to full-blown mountain storms, I’ve found it to be the most versatile and reliable piece in my outdoor wardrobe. The thoughtful design elements—from the adaptable hood to the game-changing TorsoFlo™ vents—demonstrate Outdoor Research’s commitment to creating gear that truly works in the field.

The Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire II Jacket represents one of the most worthwhile investments I’ve made in my outdoor gear collection. While the price tag might initially cause hesitation, the jacket’s performance, versatility, and durability have proven its value many times over. Three years in, it continues to be the first piece I reach for when dark clouds gather, whether I’m heading into the wilderness or just across town.

For women who refuse to let weather dictate their outdoor ambitions, the Aspire II offers the perfect combination of protection, comfort, and functionality. It’s not just a rain jacket—it’s the freedom to pursue adventures regardless of the forecast.

So, is the Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire II Jacket worth adding to your gear collection? If you’re serious about outdoor pursuits and value gear that performs reliably when it matters most, my answer is an unequivocal yes. Your future self, standing dry and comfortable amid a downpour while others scramble for shelter, will thank you for the investment.