Outdoor Research Redline Jacket Review

by Dan Brosious · Published January 20, 2014 , 7:38 pm · Updated April 6, 2022 , 10:44 am

Looking for an ultra-lightweight jacket for days when the weather can’t make up its mind? Well, Outdoor Research has you covered with the Redline jacket. This breathable and water-resistant jacket performs exceptionally well on windy days, and can be stuffed into its own chest pocket once the weather warms. The Redline jacket is part of Outdoor Research’s High-Ex Collection. The “High-Exertion” line of clothing is lightweight, streamlined, and designed to “maximize your natural athleticism and let you operate with no restrictions when trail running, fast packing, and peak bagging.”

Fabric

The Outdoor Research Redline Jacket is made of 100% nylon ripstop fabric, which is great for running through brush. The fabric has a DWR coating and is wind resistant, yet still highly breathable. Weighing in at 4.6 ounces, it is also one of the lightest jackets on the market. Keep in mind that this is not the jacket for sub-zero mountain ascents, but is best suited for days in the 40s or 50s with variable weather conditions. There are a few reflective accents on the chest and sides, but not enough to make a runner feel safe on the side of the road at night.

Performance of the Outdoor Research Redline Jacket

Outdoor Research is known for making ultralight gear without sacrificing performance. This jacket is no exception. The fabric is soft on the skin and the cut does not restrict motion in any way. I wore the Redline jacket mainly in temperatures in the 40s and 50s. When wearing into the 30s, it didn’t provide enough warmth as there is no insulation. My favorite part of the Redline is the wind resistance. I took it out on various windy occasions without a complaint.

We have not had much rain lately in Colorado, so I was forced to give the Redline the soak test. This consists of having a 4 year-old spray you with a hose at full blast for about 30 seconds. The DWR coating did a great job of repelling the water, and I could not find any leaking through the seams or zipper. I cannot attest to how the jacket would hold up under hours of rainfall, but as with most water resistant fabrics, water would eventually soak in.

Fit

The jacket has a trim fit, and an elastic band around the waist to tighten on windy or rainy days. I tested a size medium, and found the jacket to run true to size. Another feature that I would consider “fit” is that the jacket can be stuffed into the chest pocket, and can be pressed down to about the size of a fist. This makes the Redline an excellent pick to throw in a daypack if you are unsure of the weather conditions.

Final Thoughts

The Outdoor Research Redline Jacket is a great choice for the shoulder season or for when the forecast calls for varying conditions. It performs well in wind and rain (read: hose), and can be easily stuffed into a pack or held in your hand so you can comfortably complete your run.