Vertical-Life
Outdoor Research Transcendent Hoody
The American brand OUTDOOR RESEARCH, based in Seattle and, as its name states, specialised in outdoor gear, presents us with a down insulated jacket, the Transcendent Hoody. This same item is also available without the hood, the Transcendent Sweater, and in vest form, the Transcendent Vest.
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The Transcendent Hoody is available in 6 different colours. |
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Explanatory video. |
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Once stuffed inside the left pocket. |
The Transcendent Hoody with its highly attractive design is a warm, compressible and incredibly lightweight (435g) down insulated jacket. This last characteristic is probably its most striking quality. OR achieve this thanks to its 650 Fill Down/ Goose Down (note that Goose Down is the lightest, warmest and most compressible of all types of fillings).
The hooded version has a down-filled adjustable hood, same as the rest of the jacket, nevertheless, its form is not specifically shaped, hence why its use with a helmet is quite tight and a bit uncomfortable.
It has a large internal front zip pocket, perfect to carry your mobile, route printouts/descriptions, energy bars, etc. The side pockets have a fleece lining making them warmer and more comfortable. Its left pocket is designed to be able to stuff your jacket inside in a fast and easy manner, occupying minimal space in your rucksack.
It also has two big interior pockets you could use to carry your climbing shoes in, (i.e. great to keep your climbing shoes warm on those chilly bouldering days) or simply to store your gloves on a belay service.
Its warmer than what it seems at first glance (its lightness and thinness gives the impression of being fragile) although not as much as the really warm ones. This means that its not enough for those extreme cold days or if we are sensitive to the cold, but when are we climbers/boulderers exposed to extreme weather conditions compared to alpinists? Hardly ever.
It is therefore perfectly ok to use at chilly belays on most wintery days, when we are in search of the best friction for our boulder projects or for toughening up on light alpine activities.
Talking of alpine activities, due to its thin outer layer we should be careful not to "overuse" it to avoid any possible ripping.