Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L Jacket Review
The Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L ($385) is a strong pick for skiers who split time between the resort and laid-back day tours in the backcountry. It’s one of the most breathable waterproof ski shells we’ve tested and incorporates just enough stretch for unrestricted movement and a clean, stylish fit. Surprisingly, it’s a bit too bulky for long or fast missions, and—unsurprisingly, given the breathable design—the jacket’s wind- and waterproofing take a pretty big hit. We wouldn’t choose it for stormy or wet conditions, but in cold, dry weather, the Cloudchaser 3L delivers impressive performance and durability at a standout price.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Backcountry
Waterproofing
3-layer Pertex Shield
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
100D polyester
Pros
Cons
Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L
For a breakdown of this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Jackets.
The Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L prioritizes breathability and mobility over bombproof weather protection, and that tradeoff is clear in its stretchy 3-layer Pertex Shield construction. This fabric excels in lightweight performance but isn’t built for prolonged exposure to moisture. Compared to burlier Gore-Tex jackets like the Arc’teryx Sabre and Norrøna Lofoten or more robust proprietary membranes like Black Diamond’s BD.dry and Flylow’s Intuitive, the Cloudchaser falls short in both water and wind resistance. I made the mistake of wearing the jacket on a damp ski day with mixed snow and light rain, and the shell began wetting out within a few hours—a clear sign that Pertex Shield struggles in sustained wet conditions.
The Cloudchaser’s wind protection is similarly middling. During a blustery inbounds day at Grand Targhee with temperatures in the teens, I noticed cold air sneaking through the shell, even with a heavyweight fleece and wool base layer underneath. That said, the collar and helmet-compatible hood provide excellent coverage and seal up securely, and the jacket includes a powder skirt and hem cinch for added protection (though the skirt felt redundant paired with bibs). All told, the OR Cloudchaser 3L is a capable choice for dry, mild days or backcountry missions where range of motion and ventilation are top priorities, but it’s not the ski jacket I’d reach for in a storm or notoriously wet climates like the Pacific Northwest.
The Cloudchaser is a highly breathable, uninsulated shell that offers minimal warmth on its own. The slightly robust face fabric and tricot backer are a step up from a rain shell but don’t do much to block wind or retain heat like burlier resort jackets. Compared to thicker shells like the Arc’teryx Sabre or Black Diamond Factor (both of which feature heftier liners), or even a 2-layer option like the REI Co-op First Chair GTX, the Cloudchaser feels noticeably colder. While ski guiding, I typically wear a much heavier Gore-Tex Mammut shell, which offers significantly more warmth but sacrifices breathability and adds bulk.
That said, the Cloudchaser’s trim but accommodating cut leaves plenty of room for layering, allowing you to build your own insulation depending on conditions. I actually prefer that kind of versatility in an outer layer, so I don’t mind the Cloudchaser’s minimalist approach. But if you’re looking for a ski jacket that contributes meaningful warmth on its own, this isn’t the one.
The Cloudchaser is one of the more comfortable ski jackets I’ve worn, with a soft, supple feel and a touch of stretch that sets it apart from stiff, crinkly alternatives. A smooth jersey backer adds next-to-skin comfort, and while the Pertex Shield fabric isn’t as stretchy as BD.dry or Flylow’s softshell-like builds, it still allows for great mobility. The relaxed fit provides excellent range of motion and enough room for layering light to midweight puffies—though I did find a heavyweight insulated jacket made the fit feel a bit restrictive.
Despite its breathable fabric, the Cloudchaser has a surprisingly bulky feel due to its substantial shell fabric and integrated powder skirt. I wouldn’t choose it for long or technical backcountry missions where packability and low weight matter most. But for everyday resort use and shorter tours, it strikes an effective balance between comfort, stretch, and all-mountain performance.
The Cloudchaser is one of the most breathable shells I’ve worn and really shines in demanding backcountry scenarios where you’re working hard on the uphill but still want protection for the descent. It’s significantly airier than resort-focused shells like the Arc’teryx Sabre, Flylow Malone, or Black Diamond Stretch Recon, and it holds its own against lighter, tour-friendly options like the Patagonia SnowDrifter and Norrøna Lofoten.
Along with its breathable fabric, the Cloudchaser’s pit zips are a standout—they’re generously sized, glove-friendly, and made a noticeable difference when I was skinning or bootpacking without wanting to stop and shed layers. It doesn’t breathe quite as well as a true softshell like the Rab Borealis (my go-to for big uphill efforts), and you can get similar weather protection in a lighter package from a minimalist shell like the Arc’teryx Beta SL. But for a ski-specific jacket with real downhill chops, the Cloudchaser is one of the most breathable options out there—and easily the most breathable hard shell in my rotation.
The Cloudchaser’s 100-denier polyester face fabric is pretty impressive for a backcountry-oriented shell—it’s thicker than most touring jackets and even a bit on the heavy side. For comparison, the Patagonia SnowDrifter uses 50D polyester, the now-discontinued OR Skytour featured a 40-by-65D stretch nylon, and the Norrøna Lofoten runs a 70D nylon shell. On the burlier end, the Flylow Malone also uses 100D polyester, but that jacket skews more resort/backcountry hybrid. I never worried about snagging or tearing the Cloudchaser, even when skiing tight trees or brushing against rock.
The rest of the construction feels just as confidence-inspiring: The zippers are smooth and burly, with no issues around splitting or snagging, and the adjustments all operate cleanly. After a dozen or so days in both inbounds and backcountry conditions, the jacket has held up extremely well with no noticeable signs of wear. The Cloudchaser is clearly not an ultralight shell designed for big missions, but that’s not what it’s trying to be—instead, it strikes a solid balance between breathability and toughness and feels spot on for its intended use. I wouldn’t rely on it as a daily resort ski jacket, but for mixed use and light touring, its durability delivers.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
The Cloudchaser 3L’s feature set is purpose-built for backcountry travel, and I found it a pleasure to use on both the skintrack and the descent. Storage includes two generous hand pockets and a chest pocket large enough for a phone or other essentials, plus a stretchy internal dump pocket that’s perfect for stashing gloves or skins on the go. There’s also a ski pass pocket on the left wrist—which feels slightly out of place on a touring-focused shell, but it’s there if you want it.
The one feature that has me scratching my head is the Cloudchaser’s non-removable powder skirt. Some might appreciate the added coverage, but I don’t know any backcountry skier who uses a powder skirt, especially since a good majority of us seem to wear bibs. I would have loved to see OR make the skirt removable or eliminate it altogether—as it is, it just adds unnecessary bulk. Rounding out the feature set are large pit zips for ventilation and a helmet-compatible hood with an easy rear cinch, which I especially appreciated when skinning without a helmet.
Tester: 5’5” 140 lb.; 36" chest; 29" waist
Size tested: Women’s medium
I typically wear a women’s medium, and the women’s Cloudchaser 3L fits true to size—if anything, it runs slightly roomy, which makes it easy to layer underneath. The hem hits just at my upper thighs and fully covers my rear, providing excellent coverage without feeling bulky. I especially appreciate that the jacket doesn’t ride up when I lift my arms, which is key for dynamic movement in the mountains.
On colder inbounds days, I layered a wool baselayer, fleece, and midweight puffy underneath the Clodchaser and found that I was nearing the limit of what I could comfortably fit—it started to feel a bit snug. That said, it’s a great fit with a thinner insulation layer or just a base layer and fleece.
Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro ($899): A Primo Backcountry Shell
Yes, this jacket costs more than twice as much as the Cloudchaser—but if you’re after a top-tier touring shell, the Lofoten delivers. Gore-Tex Pro ePE is the gold standard for waterproofing and breathability, outperforming the Cloudchaser in both arenas. That said, it’s a far more minimalist shell: no hand pockets, minimal insulation, and a trim fit that’s better suited for fast, light alpine missions than resort laps. The 70D x 160D nylon is lighter and less durable than the Cloudchaser’s fabric, so it demands more care. Bottom line: If your focus is high-output touring in harsh conditions and you want the best money can buy, go Lofoten. But the Cloudchaser offers great all-around performance at a far more accessible price. For more, read our Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro.
Black Diamond Stretch Recon ($499): More Mobile and Waterproof
The Stretch Recon is a solid hybrid ski shell—great for resort days with some sidecountry missions or moderate backcountry tours. It’s a bit more expensive than the Cloudchaser, but its 3-layer BD.dry fabric is impressively stretchy and more supple-feeling, yet still edges out the Cloudchaser in waterproofing. It also leans more resort-friendly with oversized pockets and a more relaxed cut. Where the Recon Stretch stumbles is durability: the thinner face fabric tore during early testing, whereas the 100-denier Cloudchaser feels much more hardwearing. Choose the Recon if you want a softer, more mobile shell for mixed use; stick with the Cloudchaser if you’re logging most of your time deep in the backcountry. For more, check out our review of the Recon Stretch.
Built for backcountry skiing, the Cloudchaser is highly breathable and offers excellent freedom of movement. However, the stretchy face fabric will get overwhelmed in wet and/or windy conditions, and the jacket could be more streamlined for weight- and space-conscious days out.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Purpose-built for frequent backcountry skiers, the Lofoten GTX Pro is at once ultra-breathable and ultra-protective. However, the jacket’s wispy fabric means it requires a bit more caution than a more durable shell. And, if you didn’t notice, the Lofoten is wildly expensive, too.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
A soft and stretchy shell, the Black Diamond Recon stretch is comfortable, easy-moving, and still offers a high degree of waterproofing. However, the hood and collar are not very storm-worthy, and serious backcountry skiers will find the jacket too heavy and bulky.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Cloudchaser 3L for You?
The Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L is a great fit for skiers who split time between the resort and short-to-medium backcountry tours, and who prioritize breathability, mobility, and all-day comfort over maximum weather protection. It’s not as wind- or waterproof as burlier ski shells, making it less ideal for wet storms or long, frigid chairlift rides. On the flip side, it’s a bit too bulky for fast-and-light missions. But if you tour regularly in cold, dry conditions—or don’t mind a heftier shell in exchange for top-tier breathability—it’s a well-rounded pick. And at $385, it’s one of the best values out there.
pray for snow
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