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The Aspire 3L offers durability and unmatched ventilation with its massive TorsoFlo zips. Still, its added weight makes it a different product from the previous iteration —worth viewing as a separate entity, not a continuation.
Outdoor Research says:
The Aspire 3L Jacket is our top-selling three-layer high-performance rain shell and the new standard in breathable, waterproof rain protection. Now featuring an exclusive Nikwax DWR and 100% recycled 3L fabric with movement-mirroring stretch, the Aspire is the first technical apparel in the outdoor industry to be certified carbon-neutral by Climate Impact Partners.
New for 2024, the Aspire features an all-new stretchy three-layer 100% recycled nylon shell that moves, flexes, and compliments the body's range of motion and Nikwax's Direct.Dry, a high-performance, durable factory-applied DWR exclusively available on our Foray/Aspire Collection. Our proprietary AscentShell™ Dry technology delivers superior breathability, waterproofing, and wind resistance, keeping moisture out and allowing sweat vapor to effortlessly pass through to regulate body temperature. Our legendary TorsoFlo™ venting design provides rapid dump by unzipping nearly the entire length of the side of the jacket from the hem to the bicep and allows the wearer to access base layers, pockets, and waist belts without removing the jacket. Other features include a fully adjustable hood with bonded brim, YKK® Aquaguard® zippers, zippered chest and hand pockets, and an internal pocket key clip.
Perfect for hiking in the rain, cycling in challenging weather, or embarking on a wet weekend adventure, the Aspire 3L Jacket is engineered for dependable wet-weather protection and performance and is the most sustainable rain jacket we have ever created.
Our Verdict
The new Outdoor Research Aspire 3L jacket takes a big step up from the previous 2-layer model (my go-to shell since it came out in 2022) with the switch to AscentShell Dry 3-layer fabric, providing superior durability and weather protection. It’s much more robust and better suited for harsher conditions, but this added toughness comes at the cost of extra weight, which may not appeal to ultralight hikers. That said, for those facing challenging weather, the Aspire 3L excels, offering a solid balance of protection and breathability.
One key feature that continues to set the Aspire apart is the exceptional TorsoFlo ventilation system. These side zips are the largest pit zips on the market, running from hem to bicep, which means you can open the jacket up like a poncho if you need to. This offers unparalleled ventilation and makes the Aspire 3L fantastic for warm, rainy conditions where staying dry without overheating can be tricky. This has always been the main reason the Aspire has remained my go-to shell over the years—no other jacket provides such effective temperature control while maintaining its waterproofing.
In addition to the TorsoFlo, the jacket features a fully adjustable hood with a wire brim for maintaining visibility in heavy rain, YKK® Aquaguard® zips on the chest and hand pockets for keeping your essentials dry, and an elastic drawcord hem to help adjust the fit. These details enhance the jacket's versatility, making it a reliable choice in unpredictable weather. However, 416g for a medium is noticeably heavier than the previous Aspire 2L, which may put off some hikers focused on saving weight.
It’s important to recognise that the Aspire 3L isn’t just an upgrade of the older 2L model—these are two separate products. The Aspire 3L is a much more durable and protective option.
If you're after a robust, all-day waterproof jacket with unbeatable ventilation, the Aspire 3L is hard to beat.
- Reviewed by Basecamp Gear
Features
Fabric Performance:
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Breathable
- Mechanical Stretch
- Fully Seam-Taped
Design Features:
- Fully Adjustable Hood with Bonded Brim
- YKK® Aquaguard® Zippers
- Internal Front Storm Flap
- TorsoFlo™ Venting - Hem-To-Bicep
- Zip Chest and Hand Pockets
- Key Clip
- Single-Separating Center Front Zipper
- Hook/Loop Cuff Closures
- Elastic Drawcord Hem
Specifications
- XSmall (UK 8) weighs: 398g
- Small (UK 10) weighs: 408g
- Medium (UK 12) weighs: 416g
- Large (UK 14) weighs: 431g
- Fit: Trim Fit
Material & Construction
- bluesign® Approved AscentShell Dry 3L
- 100% Recycled Nylon 40D with Mechanical Stretch
