Best Outdoor Research waterproof jackets

The differences that matter

The 240 g Stratoburst stands apart from the heavier three-layer options. It uses 2.5-layer Ventia and packs into a hand pocket. The 435 g Foray adds AscentShell Dry construction and long hem-to-bicep openings, making ventilation layout an important part of the choice.

The 524 g Carbide and 503 g Headwall are closer in weight. The Carbide’s powder skirt and pass pocket are specific reasons to consider it for skiing. The Headwall combines high pockets with TorsoFlo vents. This guide covers these four men’s models, without claiming a winner across the entire brand.

Technical comparison

Foray 3L

Three-layer AscentShell Dry with a 40-denier recycled nylon face and mechanical stretch. An adjustable bonded-brim hood, chest and hand pockets, and TorsoFlo ventilation running from hem to bicep. The manufacturer lists a weight of 435 g. The manufacturer describes a standard cut.

Stratoburst Stretch

Ventia 2.5-layer construction with a 50-denier recycled polyester face and mechanical stretch. An adjustable hood, large pit zips and zipped hand pockets. The left pocket doubles as a stuff sack. The manufacturer lists a weight of 240 g. The manufacturer describes a standard cut.

Carbide

Three-layer Pertex Shield with a 40-denier nylon face and a tricot backer. A helmet-compatible Halo hood, pit zips, a powder skirt, a two-way front zip, a forearm pass pocket, chest pockets and hand pockets. The manufacturer lists a weight of 524 g. The manufacturer describes a standard cut.

Headwall GORE-TEX 3L

Three-layer GORE-TEX ePE with a 75-denier recycled polyester face. A helmet-compatible hood, high hand pockets, two chest pockets and hem-to-bicep TorsoFlo vents. The manufacturer lists a weight of 503 g. The manufacturer describes a standard cut.

What do owners report?

Foray 3L

This product has 119 included owner reviews. Repeated strengths include staying dry in rain (47.1%; 56 reviews); underarm vents helping release heat (26.9%; 32 reviews); and a comfortable fit (22.7%; 27 reviews).

Published drawbacks include water getting through the shell in rain (6.7%; 8 reviews) and body sizing that feels too small (6.7%; 8 reviews).

Read the Foray 3L owner reviews for the full published findings and revision scope.

Stratoburst Stretch

This product has 75 included owner reviews. Repeated strengths include low weight (46.7%; 35 reviews); staying dry in rain (42.7%; 32 reviews); and a comfortable fit (33.3%; 25 reviews).

Published drawbacks include sleeves that feel too long (6.7%; 5 reviews).

Read the Stratoburst Stretch owner reviews for the full published findings and revision scope.

Carbide

This product has 131 included owner reviews. Repeated strengths include staying dry in rain (35.9%; 47 reviews); low weight (30.5%; 40 reviews); and a comfortable fit (28.2%; 37 reviews).

Published drawbacks include body sizing that feels too small (9.9%; 13 reviews) and an awkward main zipper (6.9%; 9 reviews).

Read the Carbide owner reviews for the full published findings and revision scope.

Headwall GORE-TEX 3L

This product has 26 included owner reviews. Repeated strengths include a comfortable fit (38.5%; 10 reviews); room for layers underneath (26.9%; 7 reviews); and staying dry in rain (19.2%; 5 reviews).

Read the Headwall GORE-TEX 3L owner reviews for the full published findings and revision scope.

These mention shares describe separate owner groups, rather than performance measured under the same conditions.

Choose around your needs

Start with the shell that fits your activity: Stratoburst for carrying, Foray for its vent layout, Carbide for ski features or Headwall for its GORE-TEX construction and high storage. Compare the owner findings within each product before letting a shared brand name imply identical fit.