Men's Mentor Jacket
4.8
5
13
13
Best choice for a Gortex Pro fabric shell
This is a review of the 2010/2011 OR Mentor jacket--though it’s mainly a summary of the reasons I decided on the Mentor as my ski shell. Getting almost 50% off the discontinued yellow (Pilsner/Fossil) color from Altrec was a big factor, honestly, but there are other reasons this is a good shell even at full price.
I was looking for a Gortex Pro shell with substantial fabric density, at waist length, not heavy or bulky, with large functional pockets, a high storm collar, and an available hood (not stuffed into a bulky collar)--the Mentor met all those needs. There were a few competitors from A**’****x that met most of those requirements: the Beta AR lacks a storm collar and is a little too short; the new Beta FL uses much thinner fabric; and the Theta SV is too long for me, thigh length. Only their new Rush jacket has all the features of the Mentor...but it’s huge price tag also comes with the huge pretentious logo on the breast.
I tried both the L and XL in the Mentor, and though I’m normally a Large, at 6’ and 195lbs, the L was slightly tight in the shoulders and upper back, especially when I crossed my arms. I went for the XL and it feels roomy and comfortable, which I prefer, but still seems streamlined. Though a powder skirt might have been good feature, I’ve saved that bulk and I think that the lower adjustable hem will cinch down enough to keep out the powder. The only feature that I wish the Mentor had is a way to cinch the neck, but I don’t think this is a very common feature on these kinds of shells.
October 5, 2011
Bomber shell
I was a big fan of OR's paladin shell before spotting this article on sale. It carries many of the features with Goretex Pro with little weight penalty. The hood adjustments are handy when outings call for a helmet. Abrasion resistance--so far so good. This is a nice piece to add to a layering system and worth saving for (as opposed to skimping and upgrading later).
September 28, 2011
OR Mentor Jacket
I have been going through jackets the past few seasons to try to find ONE jacket that would allow me to balance fit, warmth and looks in all conditions. I was tired of traveling with different gear for different conditions (which would undoubtedly change throughout the day anyways). We have all mountain skis...why not a jacket. It's Gortex, it is well featured w/ an athletic fit and helmet hood. Good to go!!!
August 24, 2011
High Quality 4 Season Jacket
Excellent jacket, made from 3 layer Goretex pro-shell, lightweight and looks good. I have owned much higher priced Arcteryx pro-shell jackets, and the Mentor is comparable in quality and features, in my opinion. The face fabric is soft and not as noisy and crinkly as some other gore-tex jackets, but is still tough and amazingly weather-proof. The 3-way hood adjustment allows the helmet compatible hood to be cinched down tight over the head without compromising visibility. The cut is not too baggy, just about right for a 4 season shell, to allow good layering in cold weather. There are many great features on this jacket, 2 way front zipper, for wearing over a climbing harness, and the pit zips, unzip all the way to the waist, for unrivaled ventilation. There are 3 outer pockets and two inner zip pockets. Overall I'm very pleased with this jacket.
February 11, 2011
Outdoor Research Mentor Jacket
This is a great jacket, really keeps out the water and the full length pit zips help to regulate your body temperature nicely. I haven't gotten to test this thoroughly yet, but I have worn it on a few rainy and windy days and it kept me dry and blocked the wind. It is also very easy to move in. I played 18 holes of golf in it with no problems, so it should do very well in the outdoors.
I would say the only downside, which has nothing to do with the jacket is that it is an outer shell, so it provides very little warmth. You must wear a fleece or another layer underneath when using this in the cold. I was aware of this when I bought it, but it is still a downside, especially when you spend so much on a jacket.
February 1, 2011
The Mentor jacket was just what I was looking for; a light-weight, storm-proof jacket to replace an old XCR jacket. It has a good slim fit with enough room for a mid-layer. My other Gore-Tex jackets are to long to use with a harness. The Mentor comes to just below the hips. The full length pit zips allow for great ventilation. Perfect for climbing and mountaineering.
December 27, 2010
Awesome jacket!!
This jacket is amazing. Super waterproof and very comfortable. The Gore-tex pro shell is very durable and rugged but still looks great! The pit zips on this jacket are very nice for back packing since they zip all the way to the waist. The hood on this jacket is very large since it is helmet compatible so if you plan on using it without a helmet be prepared to pull the hood adjustments in pretty far. Rather expensive but totally worth it, especially if you can catch it on clearance and on sale like i did!
November 25, 2010
Mentor
I love the jacket and the way it looks but the arm pits fit tight and it would not be comfortable riding a snowmobile when you have to have room to move.
October 27, 2010
Very strong quality OR Mentor Jacket
The quality is amazing. Feels like it would last for years. The waterproof is next to none. Haven't tried it on snow yet, but will definitely do later on. As the other review mention, the chest is a little tight, but the torso and sleeve lenght is perfect. I'm 5'10 170 with 40/41in chest and 32 waist. So I got a medium. I also tried wearing a TNF TKA200 and it fit well under the Mentor, just a little tight on the chest, but managable. I have one question, which I'm still looking for answer. All the zipper has a head cap on the top end of the zipper to prevent water from going in the jacket, but the cap for the pitzip zipper is INSIDE the jacket and not outside. I have no idea why it is inside??? Anyway, other than pitzip zipper???, this jacket is AMAZING. At $400.00, it is pretty expensive, but again it's a goretex proshell. But I got it at a bargain 60% off here at Altrec.com. You just have to keep checking back.
July 21, 2010
Pricy but Bombproof
It drains the wallet, but it also drains rain and snow. This coat has shielded me from blizzards while ski touring in Norway, from downpours in the Cascades, and most recently from the wettest day of downhill skiing I can remember at Fernie (Canada). Whether the moisture was falling vertically or flying horizontally, the coat has proved to be remarkably impervious to moisture. Like all shells it's easy to overload this one's breathability, but the poncho zips are the best solution I've seen for matching ventilation to effort. Other details of the coat are well thought out. The hood is especially impressive. Whether you're wearing a hat or a helmet, you can completely seal out wind and rain while maintaining good forward and peripheral vision. Finally, the coat is actually quite stylish. Not that I flaunt it around town, the thing was so expensive I'm rationing its use. It goes in the pack on longer trips or when the forecast is gnarly. Otherwise a cheaper shell, gets used for day-to-day basis.
April 14, 2010
Well Thought Out
OR did a great job making the Mentor a technical superior jacket. Features like the hem to bicep zippers that makes the jacket poncho like with the ventilation needed for summer humid rain. None of the comparable Arcteryx rain jackets have it. The jacket fits true to size.
August 10, 2009
OR Mentor Jacket
I rarely know what any week is going to bring. As a landlord, construction fraud investigator and hobby watercolor artist (that travels for subjects) we are in diffing climates and conditions on nearly a daily basis. The OR Mentor jacket is really well built and has already proved itself in driving rain and sleet. The pockets are easily accessible and well positioned. The the jacket's overall length is well calculated to prevent being soaked from wind driven moisture and the hood is helmet sized with easy reach of all draw cords. One particularly nice feature is the full length pit zips that allow you to open the sides of the coat like a poncho. Quite unexpected is being able to e mail or call OR to get their advice or to ask questions. Oddly enough in this market it is guaranteed forever and I am the kind of consumer that looks forward to holding companies to promises. I looked at several brands wanting a superior performing product to protect from moisture, with great pockets and breathability, that was light in weight (17.5 oz), easy to pack for traveling, and did not have a billboard of the company name that makes you stick out in a crowd while in another country. After all, what does Vanity Fair know about surviving in a NW winter or keeping dry on the coastal mountains of Italy during the rainy season?
May 29, 2009
Expensive but Impressive Jacket
I will get my chance to REALLY test this jacked fairly soon, but for now I only used it a heavy downpour in New York city. Unlike my legs, my entire body stayed try and the heavy winds did not penetrate through.
December 31, 2007
