Outdoor Research Enchainment Jacket

The Outdoor Research Enchainment Jacket is yet another softshell I have come to love from this awesome brand. (Remember my Valhalla review?)

The Enchainment is a fantastically versatile softshell. If you know me, you know I love being able to wear all my gear ALL THE TIME. And this jacket contributes to that life goal.

Most notable features on this are the lack of pit-zips and the trimmer fit. Instead of having full length pit-zips like the Valhalla, Outdoor Research opted to create the jacket with Schoeller® fabric with Nanosphere® technology under the arms. This allows for maximum breathability and infinite amounts of stretch for a dynamic range of movement. It doesn’t look like you’re about to go skiing down some San Francisco hills. And bonus, the lack of zippers means less wear on the fabric!

The 100% polyester fabric body is designed to block wind and shed snow. However, I haven’t taken this out to roll around in some snow. I like my winter clothing on the looser side for layering; it’s just personal preference. The slim cut doesn’t allow me to layer warmly when needed, and I look like a giant marshmallow when I try to. So far, it’s seen breezy but warm days of hiking and many days gallivanting around the city.

Other technical specs are two zippered hand pockets and a zippered chest pocket, critically taped seams, adjustable hood, and durable, water-repellent zippers. The jacket weighs in at 15.8 oz for a size Medium. Pictured above is an XS running across San Francisco and the Sutro Baths.

The trim fit makes the jacket run on the smaller side, so if you’re in between sizes, size up.

The Outdoor Research Enchainment Jacket has been discontinued. However, Outdoor Research has introduced a few other softshell jackets to the line: the Offchute Jacket ($285) and the Mithril Jacket ($260).

This was sent to me for review as a part of the #ORInsightLab.

Last updated on December 15, 2017.