Outdoor Research Ferrosi Grid Hooded

Our take Like the best winter-worthy softies, the Ferrosi offers good breathability, move-with-you stretch, and significant protection from wind and snow—but this one delivers all that at a sweet price. It’s heavier than the Mountain Equipment Dispersion (left), but airy enough for skate skiing down to the teens. “I kept it on for an entire ski day in Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains that swung from 18°F to 33°F—it remained breathable and comfy in all conditions,” one tester says. You also get better-than-average defense from the elements: It’s not waterproof, but the Ferrosi withstood several hours of wet snow and 30 minutes of rain thanks to the combo of its fleece lining, nylon face fabric, and a thin polyurethane foam bonding layer in between.

The Details A slim cut accommodates light insulation underneath. Testers appreciated the fuzzy polyester grid interior, which extends into the hood. Ding: We saw some pilling on the side panels after a season of use.

Trail cred “I forgot my neck gaiter while biking in Yellowstone during a blizzard,” one tester says. “But the neck and hood coverage was enough to keep snow out.”

1 lb. 7 oz. (m’s L); m’s S-XXL, w’s XS-XL