Reviews > Clothing > Jackets and Vests > ODLO Aegis Hardshell Waterproof Jacket > Test Report by Brian Hartman

ODLO AEGIS 2.5L WATERPROOF JACKET
TEST SERIES BY BRIAN HARTMAN

TESTER INFORMATION

I have been backpacking for over 20 years throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and most recently in Western USA. In addition to backpacking I enjoy family camping with my wife and kids and being outdoors in general. I would describe myself as a mid weight backpacker. I use fairly light weight equipment and gear but still like to bring more than the bare essentials with me while on the trail.

INITIAL REPORT 

February 9, 2022

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: ODLO International AG
Year of Manufacture: 2022
Manufacturer's Website: http://www.odlo.com/

Jacket Specifications:
Materials: 100% Polyamide
Waterproof rating: 20,000 mm
Breathability rating: 20,000 g/m2/24 hr

Available Colors: Black, Mykonos Blue, Macaw Green, Marmalade, Deep Depths
Available Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large
Size Tested: Medium, 37.8-39 in (96-99 cm) chest
Listed weight: Not listed
Measured weight: 8.4 oz (238 g)
MSRP: $180.00 USA

Features:
Waterproof 2.5L Hardshell
Enhanced Breathability
Enhanced Comfort
Adjustable hood
Adjustable hem
Cuff with Velcro adjustment
Seam sealed interior

The ODLO Aegis (hereafter called Aegis or jacket) is a lightweight, non-insulated, 2.5L waterproof, breathable, hardshell jacket with an integrated hood.  Try saying that fast three times!  It's made of 100% Polyamide and is manufactured in Vietnam.  Its two most important specs, as far as I'm concerned, are its 20,000 mm waterproof rating and 20,000 g/m2/24hr breathability rating.  These are impressive numbers for any jacket!  The 20,000 mm waterproof rating means it can withstand the pressure of a 1 x 1 in (2.5 x 2.5 cm) column of water 20,000 mm (65.6 ft) high before water starts seeping through the fabric.  The 20,000 g/m2/24hr breathability rating means it allows 20,000 grams of water vapor to pass through one square meter of its fabric, from inside to out, in a 24-hour period.  Being a 2.5L (read 'layer') jacket, the Aegis has a DWR coated face layer, a waterproof second layer, and printed or sprayed material on the inside to add durability to the waterproof membrane.  This makes the Aegis lightweight and less expensive than 3L jackets.  In fact, at 8.4 oz (238 g) it's very lightweight, and $180 seems quite reasonable for a jacket with these features!  The Aegis' 2.5L design also allows it to be packed into small spaces.  One thing to note is that 2.5L jackets depend on the DWR coating on their face layer to keep water from soaking through the face fabric and ruining breathability.  For this reason, it's important to care for the jacket so the coating lasts as long as possible.  And when it finally does wear off, companies like Nikwax have products to help restore it.  It's also worth repeating that because 2.5L jackets don't have a third protective layer they are more susceptible to dirt and body oils clogging the waterproof membrane as well as friction and abrasion wearing down the waterproof membrane.  Personally, I'm a big fan of 2.5L jackets, when they're designed well and made of high-quality materials.  For backpackers, thru-hikers, and anyone looking to shed weight, they're a valuable and indispensable article of clothing with some killer specs.  

Moving on, the Aegis has a waterproof main zipper and two waterproof pocket zippers, all of which are YKK branded.  Directly behind the main zipper is a 1 in (2.54 cm) storm flap that extends the length of the jacket.  The two zippered pockets measure 5.25 x 11 in (13.3 x 27.9 cm) long.  The jacket has an adjustable waist thanks to two cord locks and a draw cord that's sewn into the bottom hem.  The hood is permanently attached to the jacket and has a draw cord that allows it to be adjusted.  The draw cords help keep wind and snow out on breezy days.  Finally, the jacket cuffs are adjustable in diameter via Velcro straps.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

The Aegis arrived at my house in a small plastic shipping bag along with some other items, and at first, I wasn't sure what was inside, as the bag seemed too small and light weight to include a jacket.  It wasn't until I looked inside that I realized it'd arrived.  

My first impressions of the Aegis were positive.  It arrived in new condition and the fit and finish were impeccable.  The stitching was straight, the seams were tight, and the jacket appeared to be of high quality.  It looks sharp with an all-black exterior and white interior and having ODLO's logo on the left chest is a nice touch.  The inner and outer fabric are soft and smooth but still feel durable.  The fabric isn't stretchy like a softshell, but that's because it's nylon.  I was also impressed by how sturdy the outer fabric felt.  When going into the backcountry, I'm always concerned about snagging my jackets on a tree branch or briar.  Unfortunately, that's because it's happened several times and usually results in a tear that makes the clothing unusable.  In this regard the Aegis feels solid, but I'll still be watchful off-trail.

Moving on to several other key features of the jacket, I really like the pockets.  They're wide and deep which means plenty of room for my hands, and plenty of storage space for items I need to access quickly.  I also like the integrated hood which should work well to block wind and rain.  Finally, I'm glad ODLO added the ability to cinch the waist tight to prevent cold air from getting underneath the jacket.  Since the jacket's not insulated, keeping warm air in and cold air out will be one of my main priorities.  Finally, I'm looking forward to simple, easily adjustable wrist cuffs.

READING THE INSTRUCTIONS

I couldn't find a label or tag on the jacket, so I went to the manufacturer's website, where they supply the following general care instructions for their clothing (paraphrased): wash every 2 or 3 uses to prevent from becoming too dirty.  Always turn clothes inside out to preserve color and prevent abrasion against other clothing and the washing machine.  Close all zippers to prevent damage during wash cycle.  Machine wash sparingly in cold water using a mild detergent.  Do not use bleach or fabric softeners.  Do not tumble dry.  Don't iron.

TRYING IT OUT 

The Aegis jacket has what ODLO refers to as 'regular' fit, meaning the lower torso doesn't taper in.  I selected my size based on the sizing chart on their website which appears to be accurate.  The Aegis was easy to put on and I really liked the stretch in the fabric, which made it easy to move around with no restrictions.  I wore the jacket on a short walk around my neighborhood with temperatures in the low 50s F (11 C) and it felt very comfortable.  I look forward to wearing it on upcoming backpacking trips this spring and summer.

SUMMARY

The Aegis jacket is lightweight, comfortable, and is purported to be waterproof and breathable.  It's well designed, meticulously sewn and I look forward to testing its durability and performance characteristics while backpacking.

This concludes my Initial Report for the ODLO Aegis waterproof jacket.

FIELD REPORT

FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS

I had many opportunities to test the ODLO Aegis Jacket during the past two months thanks to cold, wet weather in the Midwest. Most of my testing took place in Southern Indiana (IN), but I also wore the Aegis while walking in my neighborhood and at local parks. Temperatures during this test period ranged from 12 to 63 F (-11 to 10.6 C) and the jacket saw snow, rain, freezing rain, and high winds, as well as a few warm, sunny days.  The areas I backpacked in ranged from 554 to 928 ft (169 to 283 m) elevation. Below are some additional details:

Trip 1: 2 days and 2 nights in the Charles Deam Wilderness, IN
Weather: Cold and snowy.  Temperatures ranged from 12 to 27 F (-11 to -2.8 C)
Elevation: 710 to 860 ft (216 to 262 m)
Distance: 9.4 mi (15.1 km).
Pack Weight: 34 lb (15.4 kg)
Comments: The jacket kept me warm while moving but I needed to put on a down jacket to stay warm once stationary

Trip 2: 3 days and 2 nights in the Hoosier National Forest, IN
Weather: Mild and windy with moderate to heavy rain on day 2.  Nice when it wasn't raining.  Temperatures ranged from 48 to 63 F (8.9 to 17.2 C)
Elevation: 600 to 920 ft (183 to 280 m)
Distance: 6 mi (9.7 km) over wet, mushy ground
Pack Weight: 32 lb (14.5 kg)
Comments: The jacket kept me warm and dry while backpacking and hanging out in a shelter when the heavy rain came

Trip 3: 2 days and 1 night in Franklin County, IN
Weather: Cool and breezy with temperatures ranging from 32 to 49 F (0 to 9.4 C)
Elevation: 889 ft (271 m)
Distance: 5.5 mi (8.9 km)
Pack Weight: 32 lb (14.5 kg)
Comments: The jacket kept me warm and dry.  At one point the back of the jacket got caught on a tree branch and I thought it ripped, but after taking it off and inspecting it, the fabric was fine.

Trip 4: 2 days and 2 nights in Franklin County, IN
Weather: Cold and windy with freezing rain in the evening.  Temperatures ranged from 28 to 37 F (-2.2 to 2.8 C)
Elevation: 791 ft (241 m)
Distance: 8 mi (12.9 km)
Pack Weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
Comments: I was warm while hiking but cooled down and got cold after stopping to set up camp.

PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD

During Field Testing I wore the Aegis jacket over ODLO's FLI mid layer pullover and Kinship base layers and was impressed at how warm and dry I stayed most days.  Please see below for additional details on my findings.

Comfort and fit: The jacket fit well and was comfortable to wear throughout this test period.  I wore the Aegis in temperatures that ranged from 12 to 63 F (-11 to 10.6 C) and, for the most part, felt comfortable, which is a testament to the jacket's versatility.  The chest and waist fit well over top the FLI mid layer, and I had adequate room in the arm pits and sleeves.  The Aegis slipped on easily over the FLI, never getting caught up or twisted in the arms and shoulders as some jackets do.  I also had no problems putting my backpack on thanks to the Aegis' smooth fabric.  And finally, I didn't notice any rubbing or chafing where my pack straps contacted the jacket.

Warmth: Although the Aegis isn't insulated, it retained my body heat in temperatures down to 30 F (-1.1 C), when worn with my pullover and base layers.  Below this temperature I got cold, especially when the wind was blowing hard.  Cinching the draw cords around the waist and pulling up the hood helped, but I still  needed to keep moving to generate body heat when temperatures dropped below 30 F (-1.1 C) or resort to adding additional layers for warmth.  Pretty impressive though for an 8.4 oz (238 g) jacket!

Weather Resistance: The Aegis did a great job shedding rain and blocking wind.  Rain simply rolled off it, never puddling or soaking in. Given the jacket fabric is thin and lightweight, I thought it might wet through eventually, but the Aegis kept me dry for hours.  In addition, no rain came through the zippers or seams, which as previously noted are waterproof and seam sealed, respectively. 

Ventilation / breathability: The Aegis excelled at breathing and releasing moisture, which isn't surprising given its laudable specs.  The jacket performed as well when it was 60 F (15.6 C) and raining, as when it was 30 F (-1.1 C), and I was hiking aggressively.  The Aegis doesn't have pit zips, but it breathed so well that I doubt they're  necessary.  Opening the front zipper and leaving the waist draw cord and wrist cuffs open allowed for plenty of air circulation.  The jacket also dried quickly, after the outside fabric got wet from rain, or the inside got damp from sweat.

Durability: I had no problems with the durability of this jacket.  Granted I was careful with it, avoiding briar patches and thorns, but I also didn't baby it.  I trounced through brush and tall grass, rubbed up against trees, and hiked under branches that scraped against the jacket with nary a scratch on its fabric.  The Aegis handled abrasion well and I consider it backcountry worthy with the caveat of being sensible about the situations it gets put in.  After all, this is an ultra-lightweight backpacking jacket, not an upland bird hunting coat.

The Aegis doesn't show any signs of wear from my pack straps, from washing it, or from repeatedly stuffing it in my backpack.  Of course I'll continue to monitor the fabric during Long Term Testing to see how its water repellency holds up.

Features: The zippered hand pockets were great for keeping my hands warm and for storing small items.  And they were high enough to not be impeded by the waist strap on my backpack.  And did I mention the Aegis is lightweight and compressible.  It's been a great addition to my winter backpacking arsenal, and I look forward to using it in late Spring and early Fall when it's imperative to carry a lightweight, waterproof windbreaker, in case the weather turns nasty.

SUMMARY

Overall, the Aegis is a wonderful jacket that delivers on all fronts. It's lightweight, compressible, waterproof, wind proof and quite durable. I enjoyed wearing it the past few months and look forward to my next two months of testing.

LONG-TERM REPORT

LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS

I wore the Aegis jacket for 18 days during Long Term Testing.  This included backpacking trips to the Hoosier National Forest, Hawaii HI (Maui, Kauai, and Oahu), and three day hikes in Central IN. I hiked approximately 74 mi (119 km) in total on these trips.  In addition, I wore the Aegis to work and around town for wind and rain protection.  

Hoosier National Forest (HNF), Indiana (IN)

The weather was cool and breezy on this trip with sunny skies and daytime highs in the low 60s F (16 C). The Aegis did an excellent job of keeping me warm in the morning and evening hours. I hiked mostly on trail through mature forests that were just starting to leaf out. The terrain was moderately hilly with elevations ranging from 530 ft (161 m) to 780 ft (238 m). 

Maui, HI: 6 days / 5 nights

1. Red Hill Summit Trail on Mount Haleakala.  Elevation 10,023 ft (3,055 m)

2. Keawakapu Beach Trail

3. Graves Trail

4. Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls

5. Seven Sacred Pools Trail

6. Hana Bay Cliff Trail

7. Waianapanapa Coast Trail

8. Waihee Ridge Trail

9. Kapalua Coastal Trail

10. Napili Bay Beach Trail

Kauai, HI: 3 days / 3 nights

1. Wailua Falls Hike

2. Sleeping Giant Trail

3. Pihea Vista Trail

4. Kalepa Ridge Trail

5. Kokee Nature Trail

6. Pu'u Hinahina Lookout Trail

7. Waimea Canyon Lookout Trail

8. Lumahai Beach Trail

9. Kauapea (Secret) Trail

10. Waiakalua Beach Trail

Oahu, HI: 6 days / 5 nights

1. Banyon Tree Route

2. Malaekahana Loop Trail

3. Tom Tom Trail

4. Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail

5. Manoa Cliff Trail to Manoa Falls

6. Diamond Head Summit Trail  

PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD

The Aegis performed exceptionally well during Long Term Testing, keeping me warm and dry on Mount Haleakala in Maui, and shedding rain and body perspiration so I stayed comfortable while hiking in Kauai. Its lightweight design, water resistance, and breathability made it indispensable, and now one of my favorite warm weather jackets.

Since temperatures averaged 71 F (21.6 C) at night and 81 F (27.2 C) during the day in Hawaii, I mainly wore the Aegis over a t-shirt or rashguard.  Only a few times did I wear it overtop ODLO's FLI mid layer.  One of those times was while hiking at the top of Mount Haleakala at 10,023 ft (3,055 m) elevation.  The temperature there was 49 F (9.4 C), while the wind blew steadily at 25 mph (40.2 kph), and it rained sideways.  In this inhospitable environment the Aegis and FLI worked together to protect me from the elements while retaining my body heat and providing much needed insulation.

Because the Aegis was lightweight and packed down well, I found myself taking it everywhere I went.  I stuffed it in my backpack wherever I went, even when not expecting rain or cold.  As such, it saved me on two occasions in Kauai, when hiking on Tunnels Beach and Secret Beach, where it was sunny and then pouring down rain a few minutes later.  Although temperatures were in the low 70s F (21.6 C) when the storms happened, not having the jacket would have meant getting soaked to the bones and quite chilled, not a good combination.  

Throughout Long Term Testing the Aegis proved durable and well suited to life in the backcountry.  After four months it shows no signs of wear on the shoulders or waist from my pack straps and the zippers continue to work well, never snagging on the fabric or getting stuck.  When not wearing the jacket for rain or wind protection, I wore it in the lush, dense forests of Maui and Kauai to prevent the mosquitoes from biting me.  

The islands of Maui, Kauai, and Oahu were so different from each other in their landscape and feel, that I was glad to have traveled to each.  Below are a few photos of the trails and scenery.  They were so incredible that these pictures don't do them justice.  I found most of the trails, unless they were on beaches, to be steep enough that I worked up a good sweat while climbing them.  At the end of most trails, or the halfway point for loop trails, were beautiful lookouts where stiff breezes helped cool me down and dry out my clothes.  As much rain as parts of Maui and Kauai got, some of the trails were slick and muddy.  In fact, my hiking shoes are still stained brown and red from all the mud I hiked through.  Going up typically wasn't a problem as long as I took my time and was careful when stepping on rocks which tended to be slippery.  Coming down however was sometimes dicey, as multiple times my shoes lost traction and slid out from underneath me.  Luckily, I never fell on the trails and only once in the water while crossing a deep, wide stream with rapids below a waterfall.  

During my two-day backpacking trip to the Hoosier National Forest, IN the Aegis was up to the task and performed flawlessly. It kept me warm during cool breezes and I never felt overheated when pushing it hard on the trails or cold and clammy when stopping to rest.  When not in use I hung the jacket from the ridgeline of my hammock, and it aired out quickly. Similar to the results from Hawaii, the zippers worked well while hiking in the HNF, and the fabric was durable, taking abuse but never faltering.  In regard to breathability, I noticed light perspiration inside the jacket, but it never caused problems and quickly cleared out once unzipped.  

SUMMARY

This concludes my Long Term Report for the ODLO Aegis and this test series. Thanks to ODLO and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to test this jacket.

Reviews > Clothing > Jackets and Vests > ODLO Aegis Hardshell Waterproof Jacket > Test Report by Brian Hartman