Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Gore-Tex 3L Jacket Review
The 1-pound Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Gore-Tex 3L ($655) might not seem like a stout barrier against the weather at first blush, but it proved its mettle in heinous Pacific Northwest ski conditions. It also boasts decent breathability, although its warmth and storage aren’t up to par with burlier resort shells. If you split your time between inbounds and the backcountry and want a versatile, uninsulated jacket that will keep you dry, though, the Hemispheres is worth the money.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort & backcountry
Waterproofing
3-Layer Gore-Tex ePE, C-Knit backer
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
80D nylon
Pros
Cons
Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team GTX 3L
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Jackets.
Rain-soaked chairlift rides in the Pacific Northwest are a good way to expose weaknesses in a shell, but when faced with those conditions, the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Gore-Tex 3L stood tall. On a day at Stevens Pass that started with wet snow and devolved into a full-blown deluge, I kept waiting for that cold, seep-through feeling as I hunkered down on the saturated lift seats—but it never came. Despite the shell looking drenched (as pretty much any jacket would’ve in that weather), the Hemispheres’ 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE membrane kept moisture from reaching my midlayers. I stayed dry for the full session.
In colder temperatures and lighter snow, like when I was touring up Skyline Ridge near Stevens, the Hemispheres Team Gore-Tex 3L performed even better, shedding flakes cleanly and never looking close to reaching its limit. For a shell that’s just a hair under 1 pound and is designed for both backcountry and resort use, the Hemispheres’ waterproofing is one of its best assets. Wind protection is solid but not absolute, though. On a cold night-skiing session at Mission Ridge, with gusts around 20 mph, I could feel wind cutting through more than I do with thicker shells, such as the Patagonia PowSlayer, another crossover model that has 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE Pro (the most premium material available). Compared to lighter, touring-specific jackets like the Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L, though, it offers a clear step up in weather protection.
For it to work for ski touring, designers left insulation out of the Hemispheres. The fabric is relatively thin and flexible, which is great for movement but doesn’t trap much heat. It’s less warm than thicker, heavier resort ski jackets, like the Trew Gear Astoria. On a sunny, low-40s resort afternoon, it felt just right over a base layer. But at Mission Ridge, when I was skiing with temps in the mid-20s and battling wind, I needed a full layering system: a thin synthetic base, a fleece, and an insulated midlayer.
Thankfully, the Hemispheres’ cut afforded me room to stack those layers comfortably, which helps offset the jacket’s thin build. If you’re touring, you'll appreciate the lack of heat retention, but for deep winter resort days or if you’re spending a lot of time in windy, exposed terrain, I’d reach for a jacket that’s thicker (or has true insulation) and more wind-resistant.
Even before I was impressed by its waterproofing, the first thing I noticed about the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Gore-Tex 3L was how un-shell-like it feels. It’s not crinkly or overly stiff, and I’ve even worn it in the car for 45-minute drives to the mountain without feeling restricted or overheating, which says a lot about its comfort. (A knit backer on the inside also makes a difference.) I found it more pleasing to wear than the fabric on the PowSlayer, which was a little more crinkly.
There’s a touch of stretch in the fabric—less than I’d ideally want, but enough to move naturally while on descents and while I’m in the skin track. Sizing up to a medium gave me room for two to three layers underneath without feeling bulky. Even fully layered for that cold night at Mission Ridge, I had no issues with range of motion.
The Hemispheres’ collar zips high enough to protect my face without crowding my mouth or nose. The sleeves run slightly long, which I appreciate when reaching for gear or adjusting bindings. Overall, it’s one of the more comfortable Gore-Tex jackets I’ve worn—lighter and more flexible than the PowSlayer, but less stripped-down than ultralight touring shells.
The Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Gore-Tex 3L isn’t meant to be a minimalist, super-breathable touring shell, but it provides enough airflow for moderate tours in the right conditions. On snowy uphill laps when temperatures were in the high 20s or low 30s, I felt comfortably regulated, especially with the pit zips open. The vents are easy to operate and feature two-way zippers, which makes fine-tuning things simple. (I did wish they extended slightly lower along the sides of my torso for more cross-breeze, though.)
However, on a warm, sunny climb toward the Nisqually Chutes on Mount Rainier, with unseasonably warm winter temperatures pushing the high 40s, I felt plenty of heat building up. That’s where the Hemispheres’ bombproof waterproofing shows—it offers about the same breathability as the similarly protective Sentinel and slightly more than the PowSlayer, but it’s less airy than the Patagonia Stormstride or the Cloudchaser. This shell will work just fine for most people if you’re taking a slower-paced day or the weather is cold, but for spring missions and warm days, something lighter and more air-permeable would feel better.
As with the Sentinel, PowSlayer, and Patagonia Untracked—all ski jackets with 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE membranes—the Hemispheres’ face fabric is 80-denier nylon (these models do have different varieties of the material, though). Its construction can’t match the abrasion resistance of resort-only shells like the Astoria, but I’m positive I’ll be able to wear it for multiple seasons. In fact, I have an older Hemispheres shell that’s still in circulation, and its longevity gives me even more confidence for the updated model.
The new Hemispheres maintains the same high-quality feel: solid zippers, clean seam work, and durable toggles. After roughly 10 days of mixed backcountry and resort skiing, brushing up against trees, and throwing it in my truck bed, it’s doing quite fine. Its face fabric is slightly thinner than that of the PowSlayer, so I’ll keep an eye on abrasion over time, especially around the pockets, which punctured on my previous Hemispheres when I kept storing hard-sided objects, such as my GoPro and helmet mount in them. Overall, though, this is a well-built shell.
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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 pocket layout is functional but not generous, and not ideal for resort skiing. There’s a single external chest pocket, which feels limiting on in-bounds days when I’d rather not wear a backpack. (The Hemispheres’ matching bib, on the other hand, has a wonderful storage layout.) It also has two hand pockets, though I avoid loading them with bulky items while skiing since they press against my thighs when flexed. A lower sleeve zip pocket with a built-in clip is perfect for a ski pass, key, or ID. Inside, there’s a secure chest pocket and a large mesh dump pocket for gloves.
The hood fits well over a smaller touring helmet and includes three adjustment points. Over larger resort helmets, however, it feels snug. Without a helmet, it can also feel oversized, though the side and rear cinches help dial it in. Finally, the Hemispheres’ powder skirt works simply and adds welcome protection on storm days without feeling too bulky.
Tester: 5’6”, 135 lb.; 34" chest; 27” waist
Size tested: Women’s medium
I typically wear a women’s small in ski shells, but I sized up to a medium in the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Gore-Tex 3L for layering flexibility. That was the right call, as the fit is regular, with room for substantial midlayers. There’s ample space for a base layer, fleece, and insulated midlayer on colder days, yet the jacket doesn’t feel oversized. Its sleeves run slightly long, covering midway down my fingers, and the hem provides solid backside coverage without interfering with movement. For touring and technical skiing, that balance works well.
Arc’teryx Sentinel ($750): Better in Bib Form
If you read our review of the Hemispheres’ matching bib, you’ll see that we rate it about the same as the Sentinel’s bottom half. However, the matchup changes when you look at their respective jackets. While the Hemispheres shell is priced the same as the bib, the Sentinel increases by $50, which makes it $95 more for a strikingly similar 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE membrane, 80-denier face fabric, excellent waterproofing, and good-but-not great breathability. Don’t get us wrong—the Sentinel is still a fantastic crossover shell that will impress anybody who has the money to buy it. But from a value perspective, the Hemispheres is the winner here. For more, read our review of the men's Sabre.
Patagonia Untracked ($699): If You Tilt to the Resort
The Untracked is a little over 5 ounces heavier than the Hemispheres, and its slightly burlier face fabric and flannel backer on its 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE performance material make it a touch warmer if you’re sitting on a cold chairlift. A pass pocket on the left shoulder, a powder skirt, and multiple pockets on the torso (one outside zippered, one inside zippered, and a drop pocket) complete its in-bounds profile. Two flap-covered hand pockets are also a neat style nod. However, this is still a reasonably airy jacket that you can wear for a tour, even if it lags behind the Hemispheres a bit in the breathability department. Both shells will keep you dry in rough, wet weather, and fit might be the great decider here.
Patagonia PowSlayer ($799): Burlier and More Storm-Ready
If you prioritize maximum weather protection, the Patagonia PowSlayer is a compelling alternative to the OR Hemispheres Team. Both jackets use 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE constructions and 80-denier face fabrics, but the PowSlayer’s thicker Gore-Tex Pro build is noticeably more windproof and slightly warmer, making it the better option for cold, stormy resort days or harsh backcountry conditions. The tradeoff is comfort and breathability: the PowSlayer feels stiffer and traps more heat on the skin track, whereas the Hemispheres’ lighter, more flexible build is a bit easier to move in during tours. If your skiing leans toward brutal weather and durability, the PowSlayer gets the nod, but the Hemispheres is the more balanced crossover shell. To learn more, read our review of the PowSlayer Jacket.
OR’s top-shelf ski jacket aims for that elusive mix of resort and backcountry performance. A knit backer and Gore-Tex waterproofing give the Hemispheres Team reliable chops in harsh weather, though the moderately thick build knocks it down a notch in breathability.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
The Arc’teryx Sentinel brings together everything you want from a shell: premium Gore-Tex waterproofing, thoughtful features, and impeccable construction. It’s one of the best all-around ski jackets money can buy, for both resort and backcountry use.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
The PowSlayer offers 3-layer Gore-Tex protection from the elements in a sleek package. This full-featured touring jacket should be a serious contender for the seasoned rider in search of a dependable and relatively lightweight backcountry shell.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Hemispheres Team for You?
If you frequently ski in wet, variable climates and want a shell that balances resort-ready waterproofing with a lightweight build and touring-friendly comfort, the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Gore-Tex 3L has you covered. It’s not the burliest or warmest option in the category, and storage is more streamlined than some competitors that are tailored more to groomed slopes, but for skiers chasing storms in the Pacific Northwest—or anyone who splits time between resort laps and skin tracks—it’s a dependable shell that handles just about everything short of arctic cold or slushy spring skiing.
pray for snow
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