Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Windshirt Review

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Ferrosi Fabric

Last summer, the male gear reviewer in the house got a pair of Outdoor Research Ferrosi shorts to review (full review here). I was instantly jealous of the fabric and wished I could own a piece of gear that featured the incredible stretch and comfort. Fortunately, I’ve had the opportunity to ski (skate and alpine touring), hike, bike, run, and snowshoe in the Outdoor Research’s new Women’s Ferrosi Windshirt. This versatile piece is ready to tackle just about any high intensity pursuit thank to its’ extremely breathable and stretchy fabric. The fabric features 14% spandex and 86% woven rip stop nylon, the combination means that it moves with you and will not impede your movement.

Outdoor Research states that the Ferrosi Windshirt “wears like a shirt, protects like a jacket”. The Ferrosi fabric is water and wind resistant like a jacket, but fits and moves like a mid-layer. Another major bonus, the Ferrosi fabric features a UPF 50+ rating to also offer protection from harmful sun-rays. The Ferrosi Winsdshirt does take on odors after a few days of heavy use, aka the pits begin to stink. I simply washed on the cold cycle and hung the jacket to dry and the stink is gone. This isn’t a big issue for me, but I try to be conscientious to my adventure partners.

Ferrosi Windshirt Fit and Features

The pullover design of the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Windshirt makes it easy to layer over a baselayer and under insulating layers, such as a vest or down/synthetic jacket. The fabric is smooth and slides easily with other layers, unlike fleece materials. The Ferrosi Windshirt features one simple pocket at the left chest that also doubles as a stash pocket for the jacket when not in use. The zippers are treated with DWR to continue the water resistance of the top. The pullover is easy to slide on and off over a hat or helmet, thanks to a generous half zip. The half zip also allows you to manage your temperature and cool down quickly.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Windshirt features a trim, or body skimming fit. I found the sizing to run true to size based on the Outdoor Research size guide (available here) and similar to other Outdoor Research tops and jackets that I have tested in the past. I can easily wear the Ferrosi Windshirt over a t-shirt and long sleeve, but typically utilized the pullover in milder temps of 30 to 50 degrees and didn’t always double the base-layers. The sleeves are plenty long and the hem hits about 3″ below my hips with a 27″ center back length. The length of the top is generous and the slight taper is useful for wearing a pack, harness, or while riding a bike. The jacket stays put and doesn’t flap in the wind on both ski or bike descents.

Specs

• For women, he Outdoor Research Ferrosi Windshirt is available in Elderberry (Purple), Oasis (Blue), and Black.
• For men, the Ferrosi Windshirt is available in Black, Pewter, and Dusk (Dark Blue).
• Available in size XS to XL for women, and S to XXL for men
• Avg. Weight (oz./g): 9.0oz / 255g (M)
• Fabric: 86% nylon, 14% spandex 90D stretch woven ripstop
• MSRP $95

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Windshirt is a great piece for a wide variety of temperatures and activities. The windshirt is an excellent layer while skate skiing and ski touring with temps in the 20s and is a great extra layer to toss in your pack for warmer hikes, climbs or runs. Outdoor Research also makes the Ferrosi Whirlwind Hoody, which is a full zip option with similar weather protection with a hood. Overall, I loved the versatility, fit and performance of this jacket.

For more information on the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Windshirt and other great products features Ferrosi fabric, please visit OutdoorResearch.com