– The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog
  • Avalanches
  • Gear Reviews
    • Ski Reviews
    • Boot Reviews
    • Binding Reviews
    • Snowboard Splitboard
    • Book Reviews
    • Avalanche Beacon Reviews
    • Airbag Backpacks
    • Backcountry Electronics
    • Misc Gear Reviews
  • Podcast
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Ski Touring Basics
    • Boot Fitting
    • Fitness & Health
    • Gear Mods
  • Trip Reports
    • Fourteeners
    • Huts – Cabins – Lodges
    • Denali McKinley
    • 8,000 Meter Skiing
  • Stories
    • History
    • Humor
    • Land Use Issues
    • Evergreen Ski Touring
    • Poetry
  • Resources
    • All Posts Listed
    • 100 Recent Comments
    • Backcountry Skiing & Ski Touring Webcams
    • Ski Weights Comparison
    • Archives of WildSnow.com
    • Authors Page
    • Ski Touring Bindings
      • Trab TR2 Index and FAQ
      • Salomon Guardian & Tracker
      • Naxo Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Silvretta Pure Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Marker F10-12 Duke Baron
      • G3 Onyx Ski Binding FAQ
      • G3 ION Ski Touring Binding
      • Fritschi Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Fritschi Diamir Frame Bindings Mount DIY
      • Fritschi Diamir Bindings FAQ
      • Fritschi Tecton FAQ
      • Atomic Salomon Backland MTN
      • Dynafit Tri-Step Binding 2001-2003
      • Naxo randonnee alpine touring AT ski binding FAQ
      • Dynafit Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Dynafit Binding Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Review 1
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Page Two
    • History
      • Ski Touring Binding Museum
      • Trooper Traverse Intro & Index
      • Randonnee Ski Touring “AT” ski gear — What is Hip?
      • Chronology
    • Backcountry Skiing Core Glossary
    • Gear Review Policy & Disclosures

– The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog

Banner
  • Avalanches
  • Gear Reviews
    • Ski Reviews
    • Boot Reviews
    • Binding Reviews
    • Snowboard Splitboard
    • Book Reviews
    • Avalanche Beacon Reviews
    • Airbag Backpacks
    • Backcountry Electronics
    • Misc Gear Reviews
  • Podcast
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Ski Touring Basics
    • Boot Fitting
    • Fitness & Health
    • Gear Mods
  • Trip Reports
    • Fourteeners
    • Huts – Cabins – Lodges
    • Denali McKinley
    • 8,000 Meter Skiing
  • Stories
    • History
    • Humor
    • Land Use Issues
    • Evergreen Ski Touring
    • Poetry
  • Resources
    • All Posts Listed
    • 100 Recent Comments
    • Backcountry Skiing & Ski Touring Webcams
    • Ski Weights Comparison
    • Archives of WildSnow.com
    • Authors Page
    • Ski Touring Bindings
      • Trab TR2 Index and FAQ
      • Salomon Guardian & Tracker
      • Naxo Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Silvretta Pure Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Marker F10-12 Duke Baron
      • G3 Onyx Ski Binding FAQ
      • G3 ION Ski Touring Binding
      • Fritschi Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Fritschi Diamir Frame Bindings Mount DIY
      • Fritschi Diamir Bindings FAQ
      • Fritschi Tecton FAQ
      • Atomic Salomon Backland MTN
      • Dynafit Tri-Step Binding 2001-2003
      • Naxo randonnee alpine touring AT ski binding FAQ
      • Dynafit Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Dynafit Binding Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Review 1
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Page Two
    • History
      • Ski Touring Binding Museum
      • Trooper Traverse Intro & Index
      • Randonnee Ski Touring “AT” ski gear — What is Hip?
      • Chronology
    • Backcountry Skiing Core Glossary
    • Gear Review Policy & Disclosures
   

Outdoor Research Chaos Jacket — 2.0

by Lou Dawson November 6, 2013
written by Lou Dawson November 6, 2013
OR Chaos 2013-14

OR Chaos 2013-14

Every mountain man needs a burly synthetic parka. This is your go-to if you’re a regular in maritime climates. Even in sunny dry Colorado I find myself wanting a thick synthetic jacket now and then. Say, for rainy trailheads, as an over-layer during pre dawn starts (throw in the car just before starting up), or just my knock-around parka that won’t spew feathers like a tennis serve machine if I happen to get a fingernail sized fabric tear while modifying expensive new ski boots.

(Oh, and when the big synthetic puffy wears out and looks too crummy for photos, perfect for logging and other mountain hombre type activities up at WildSnow Field HQ.)

Original Chaos was a good thing. Thick synthetic under a Gore Windstopper shell that repelled all but the most torrential moisture yet breathed easily. But the original Chaos fit rather loosely, and could have been slightly thicker. (Note, current OR Havoc jacket has WindStopper shell, is a trimmer and lighter weight synthetic worth considering — could be a favorite. See links at bottom of post.)

Version 2.0 of the Chaos maps 170g PrimaLoft on the torso and arms, 133g in the hood. Believe me, that is thick and warm. I’m wearing this walking sleeping bag at my desk as I type these words. I’m one tenth of a degree from heat stroke. And yes, I’ve been using the jacket outdoors as well.

To compensate for the added fill weight, thin Pertex fabric is used for the shell. In my opinion that’s what all synthetic jacket builds should do — use lighter fabric because down-proofness is not an issue. Only question is why they didn’t just use the thinnest fabric both inside and out (inside is thinner). The logic of this mix in materials escapes me. How much you want to bet it’s so the jacket looks better on the rack (or perhaps is necessary so the DWR treatment is more than psychological)? Whatever the case, consider this a prod for making synthetic jackets as minimalist as possible.

Chaos drop-in pockets suit the mountain lifestyle. Today, logging and then some merlot?

Chaos drop-in pockets suit the mountain lifestyle. Today, logging and then some vino?

Chaos jacket feature pros and cons:
– Drop-in pockets! I’ve noticed more of these appearing in outdoor apparel since we detailed them during our Denali get-ready back in 2010. Hopefully we spurred the designers. All jackets should have drop-ins. Period. But why not left and right? Only drop-in on this jacket is on left side.

– Bonus! Drop-in pocket makes the perfect stow pocket for the Chaos jacket. You can reverse the pocket and stuff the parka in seconds without extreme compression that’s bad for synthetic fill. Indeed, a commodious drop-in pocket such as this is a feature all jackets should have. I guess we’ll have to start sewing them in again.

Mesh drop-in pocket easily reverses and makes quick stowage for the parka.

Mesh drop-in pocket easily reverses and makes quick stowage for the parka. An incredibly nice feature when your hands are too cold for tightly stuffing the jacket.

– No-nonsense side pockets. No zippers. I mean, who when wearing a backpack uses these things, anyway? They’re nice for your hands when you’re walking around Jasper in late December, that’s about it.

– Semi-athletic cut is perfect compromise.

– Sleeve length is perfect for me, but I really don’t need the velcro on the cuffs.

– Two-way zipper is present; mandatory for a “belay” parka.

– One Napolean chest pocket is appreciated, probably don’t need two outside ones on a puff jacket, so they located a smaller one inside. Too small, but it’s there.

– Per the whole industry ramping up their hood performance, Chaos has a nice system that cinches two stretchy fabric inserts on the sides, resulting in a form-fitting feel that moves with our head. The collar comes up perfectly. Everything in the neck and head area works together and gives the impression a designer put some thought into it. Helmet compatible, but tight. If I used a helmet 24/7 I’d want the hood larger with more fabric at the back of my neck.

– Weight of my size large is 26.5 ounces, 752 grams, totally reasonable for what you get.

Do some Chaotic shopping.

Or get more athletic with the Outdoor Research Havoc.

13 comments
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
previous post
Dynafit Cho Oyu Down Jacket – Review
next post
Whistler Ski Touring Guide – Review

13 comments

Ellen November 6, 2013 - 7:58 am

Any knowledge on how the Chaos packs down compared to the Havoc? I am one click away from ordering this jacket. I have the Havoc, but wouldn’t mind something a touch warmer and in that color red!

John November 6, 2013 - 8:07 am

Any comparison between this jacket vs. the Mammut Rime Pro? Seem like pretty similar jackets and I was leaning toward the Rime. I’ve had a Stratus Flash for years and still keep it in the truck as a backup. Love that jacket.

Lisa November 6, 2013 - 8:16 am

Ellen, the Chaos packed smaller than we expected but it’s not a jacket we’d recommend for packability, but no synthetic puffy this thick will pack particularly small.

Doug CCBC November 6, 2013 - 8:35 am

A few years ago, after an OGE/GearX.com bowling night in VT, I was driven into a pond by one of my colleagues. Luckily after the car sank and I swam to shore I was wearing my Chaos jacket. It definitely gave me a new appreciation for synthetic insulation, standing soaking wet in March in VT. One of the best jackets I have ever had and I am excited to see the 2.0.

Dillon November 6, 2013 - 9:58 am

Great. Another coat review.

Brett November 6, 2013 - 10:10 am

You should note that its Primaloft One, not that Eco or Sport junk.

Lou Dawson November 6, 2013 - 6:30 pm

So here we are, with more than 2,000 blog posts here for the taking, many of which took a huge amount of work, and I can’t do a few coat reviews (grin)?

Lou Dawson November 6, 2013 - 7:04 pm

I like Backpacking Light, but they didn’t invent the clo,

“The clo… was developed in 1941… defined as the amount of insulation necessary to maintain comfort and a mean skin temperature of 33.3 centigrade in a room at 21.1 centigrade…”

They figured it out by using copper manikins etc. Not sure how standardized it is…

Louie Dawson November 6, 2013 - 7:16 pm

Wow Doug! That’s a fairly epic way of testing a jacket.

Lou Dawson November 6, 2013 - 8:00 pm

I’d second that one Louie!

John November 6, 2013 - 9:48 pm

I have one of these on its way to me in the mail right now, I first accidentally bought the older version due to a incorrect product description, and was pretty unimpressed with that one, so it went back and this is on it’s way. I’m a little bummed to see that there aren’t zippers on the hand pockets, it’s nice being able to leave a bar or something else in the pocket and not have to worry about loosing it every time I pull the jacket out of my pack. I’m excited to own a big synthetic puffy though. I’m ready to be cold less when I’m sitting around.

bubblegum casting November 8, 2013 - 4:37 pm

Make sure you have the correct great when you hit the slopes this winter!

Wilson November 9, 2013 - 9:05 am

Doug, we still speak of Jeremy’s driving skills and you swimming skills around the shop. Ha!

Comments are closed.

Recent Comments

  • S. Anstrum on Simple and Dependable — Black Diamond Helio 145 Binding Review
  • A. K. Mattix on Envisioning a Friendly, Busier Backcountry — Shaun Deutschlander Q&A
  • phillip gallagher on Envisioning a Friendly, Busier Backcountry — Shaun Deutschlander Q&A
  • WNDR Alpine on Versatile and Sustainable — WNDR Vital 100 Ski Review
  • Poppa G on Giving Myself the Gift of Backcountry

Gear Reviews

  • Versatile and Sustainable — WNDR Vital 100 Ski Review

    January 14, 2021
  • Meidjo 3.0 Binding Review – Backcountry Telemark Evolves

    January 12, 2021
  • Tele Tech First Look — Voile Ultra Vector BC, 22 Designs Lynx, Scarpa TX Pro

    January 5, 2021

Trip Reports

  • Finding Early Turns on Rainier’s Muir Snowfield

    November 14, 2020
  • Treading Lightly Through Close-to-Home Mountains

    October 6, 2020
  • Snoqualmie Classic — Chair Peak Circumnavigation

    May 26, 2020

Totally Deep Podcast

  • Risky Business — Zahan Billimoria on Solving for Z

    December 14, 2020
  • Totally Deep Podcast 81 — CAIC Director Ethan Greene

    December 9, 2020
  • Unraveling the Mysteries of Avalanche Education — Totally Deep Podcast 80

    November 16, 2020

Tips & Tricks

  • 10 Essential Mistakes for the Backcountry Ski Touring Beginner

    December 2, 2020
  • Buying Used Gear Guide Part II — Poles, Avy Gear, Packs

    November 25, 2020
  • Save Your Ski Day — Emergency Car Kit Essentials

    November 24, 2020

Ski Touring Stories

  • Giving Myself the Gift of Backcountry

    January 15, 2021
  • Six Who Dared — Elk Mountains Traverse & Richard Compton Tribute

    January 7, 2021
  • Risky Business — Zahan Billimoria on Solving for Z

    December 14, 2020

Newsletter Sign-Up

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • About Lou Dawson
  • Authors Page
  • About
  • Contact
  • Copyright & Legal
  • Website Security

@2020 - All Rights Reserved. Designed and Developed by WildSnow


Back To Top

Read alsox

Euro Puro Amoro — La Sportiva...

January 13, 2021

Petzl Irvis Hybrid Crampon Review

January 4, 2021

Outdoor Research Carbide W Jacket &...

December 24, 2020