Review: Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie

Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie

Everyone needs that one go-to hoodie to keep in the pack for when the morning frost takes a little too long to burn off. The Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie works great as that option but is also a versatile option that works as a mid layer in the winter or a top layer in the spring or fall. Here is my detailed review of the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie.

As a disclaimer I would like to mention that I was given the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie so that I could write this review. All opinions on this page are our own and based on our own experiences with this product. I am not compensated for the opinions on this review. Your experience with the product may be different. This site uses affiliate marketing links. If you click a button or link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

From Outdoor Research

Before I get into my review of the Deviator Hoodie, I wanted to let you know what Outdoor Research has to say about their hoodie. From their website, they say, “Built for a wide range of active pursuits in cool weather, the Deviator Hoodie can retain warmth when it’s crucial yet breathe and sheds heat when moving.”

Here is a bit more on the specs before the review.

Specs

Price*

$229.00

Sizes*

Men’s: S – XXXL

Women’s XS – XXL

Colors*

Men’s: Solid Black, Grove (shown), Topaz/Black, Slate/Gray

Women’s: Balsam Grove, Slate/Gray Heather, Solid Black

Features

• Fabric Performance:

• Wind and Weather Resistant
• Movement Mirroring Stretch
• Highly Breathable
• Lightweight

• Design Features:

• Strategically Placed Weather Protection, Stretch and Breathability
• Lightweight Breathable Knit Insulation at Hood, Shoulders, Sleeves and Front Body.
• Insulated Hood with Bonded Brim and Stretch Elastic Opening
• Zip Chest and Hand Pockets
• Reflective Logos for Visibility

Technical Details

Fabric:

• bluesign® approved 90% Nylon, 10% Spandex, 20D Stretch Woven Shell at Hood, Shoulders, Sleeves and Front Body
• bluesign® approved 95% Polyester 5% Spandex Stretch Grid Fleece with ActiveTemp™ Finish at Back Body, Side Panels and Under Sleeve
• bluesign® approved 100% Polyester VerticalX™ Octa Insulation at Interior of Hood, Shoulders, Sleeves and Front Body

Center Back Length:

71.1 cm / 28 in

Weight:

12.5 oz/ 354 g

Origin:

Vietnam

All information from OutdoorResearch.com and subject to change. Check the website for full details and options.

What I liked about the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie

There is a lot to like about the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie. First, I have always been impressed with the Outdoor Research products. They seem to be made very well and have a lot of attention to detail. For the Deviator specifically I was really impressed with the flexibility, warmth and breathability. Here are some more details about what I liked about the Deviator.

Warmth

The Deviator Hoodie is a lightweight jacket and not really set up for deep winter hiking. While it does work pretty well as an insulating layer. I found it to be a really nice weight for spring mornings and evenings. Those times when the frost is still on the ground before the day starts to warm up. I wore it in the 40-50 degree range and was still really comfortable. (However, I do tend to run warm.)

I really like the way that Outdoor Research did the lining of the Deviator. They put their insulation and lining in the places that it is needed the most. The chest, arms, shoulders and up into the hood. Plus, despite the jacket being really flexible, it seems like they sewed the lining on separately. That way the insulation stays exactly where it should be and keeps those core areas warm no matter what motions you are doing. I found that temperature regulation was really easy with this hoodie. Since they put the lining in these specific spots, it was easy for me to unzip a bit anytime I was getting too warm. It is also very breathable which helps with temp regulation.

Overall, I really liked the way this hoodie kept me nice and warm without ever getting too hot. I have been hiking with it in the spring in the mountains where the temps vary a lot depending on the sun and wind. I have been comfortable in every situation but especially love it in the mornings. It fights off the morning chill without making me sweat as the day warms up.

Flexibility/Stretch

This may be my favorite part of the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie, the fit and flexibility. I have a bigger body and oftentimes I find jackets and hoodies to be a bit restrictive in places but that was not the case with the Deviator. The arms and flanks, as well as the back panel are made with a spandex mix that allows for a complete range of motion. The Deviator actually moves in every direction and I was as free to reach up to scramble as I was to walk on a path.

The flexibility leads to a really nice fit as well. I found it to be snug without being tight, which I liked. It didn’t hang off of my body like a kite but I still had the freedom of movement that I would get with loose fitting clothing because of the flexibility. The flexibility also allows for more base layers on the colder days. The hoodie will expand to allow the layers and then return to shape when you remove those layers due to the spandex. It is just a really comfortable fit.

Wind and Water Resistance

This hoodie is not designed as a waterproof shell. It does a decent job of being moisture resistant. I got caught in a snow shower. It was one of those spring wet slushy snows that collected on my arms and the hoodie was fine in that but it wasn’t like a blizzard or anything. But again, this wasn’t designed to be waterproof.

I was very happy with the wind resistance of the hoodie. The outer portion is made with 90% Nylon which does a great job of blocking the wind. The mountains of Colorado get very windy in the winter and spring and I hiked on a few days with winds in the 20-30 mph range and the hoodie did a great job of protecting me. I also really like that the hood stays tight to the head when the jacket is zipped up. That helps prevent the wind from howling inside the hood. This really reduces the hood flap that I hate!

So for weather resistance I would say that this works well against wind but shouldn’t be considered a waterproof option.

Weight

The Deviator Hoodie isn’t an ultralight item but it is also pretty light weight. It comes in around 12.5 ounces which makes it nice to have in the pack for a day hike or in the car camping kit for that perfect option for the mornings or around the fire.

Despite the light weight, the Deviator is still a really versatile hoodie. The lining keeps you nice and warm and it is very breathable so it helps prevent overheating. It is a great option as a lightweight jacket that can always be in the pack, the car, or the kit because of that versatility.

Breathability

Despite being very warm, the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie does a really good job of being breathable and not overheating. I was really impressed with just how breathable it was. Looking at the hoodie, I was concerned that with the extra lining I would be way too hot. However, I found that as the temps started to rise I was still comfortable.

It is hard to describe breathability, but Outdoor Research has achieved it without needing relief panels in the underarms. The flexible materials seem to let the heat release down the flanks and underarms. Even with the breathability, the jacket functions well as a windbreaker and the insulation does a good job at keeping warm in the core areas that need it most.

How I use the Deviator Hoodie

This is a new section that I am going to start adding to my reviews. The goal is to show how I would or do use the products that I review. For the Deviator Hoodie, I like to use this on spring and early summer early mornings and evenings. It is one of those hoodies that is nice to have in the pack for the start of a hike or at the end of the day to make sure I have a lightweight option that does a good job of keeping warm but is also breathable enough that I won’t overheat as the day gets warmer.

What I didn’t Like

There was a ton that I liked about the Deviator Hoodie but they will take away my blogger card if I don’t find something that I didn’t like. This was pretty hard, and I got pretty picky, but I settled on the lower hem.

Lower Hem

There is a solid hem around the bottom of the hoodie but I found that it is a little light weight and can roll up the back especially on longer hikes with a backpack on. On normal wear without a pack, I didn’t feel the rollup at all but it seemed like the longer I hiked with a pack on, the more of a possibility to slide up the back a little bit. The main back panel is really stretchy, which is great for the flexibility, but I think it could use an adjustable or a bit heavier hemline to keep the jacket in place on longer hikes.

Video Review of the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie

Before my final thoughts here is a quick video review of the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie. If you enjoy the review make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to be the first to see my new content.

Wrap Up of the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie

I really enjoyed the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie. I found this to be a very versatile hoodie. It is lightweight and works well on cool mornings but I also used it as a top layer in the spring in the mountains. The hoodie is put together really well and protects well from wind. The insulation also does a good job of keeping me warm, while the breathability keeps me from overheating.

More than anything, I love the way the Deviator fits. The flexibility and stretch feels almost like a second skin, moving with me with no restrictions. It is also soft and really comfortable to wear. I really enjoyed this hoodie and it will be one that I keep in my pack or camping kit for anytime the chill hits the air.

More from the Fatman

For a list of other products that I have reviewed you can check my Product Review page here. If you have any products you would like me to review or any comments you can email me at fatmanlittletrails@gmail.com or you can follow me on any of the below social media platforms. Happy Hiking!