OR Ascendant replacement

Hey all,

I’m terrible with layering systems, materials, etc— (it all feels like a foreign language to me), but I’ve used the OR Ascendant hoody for years as a mid layer and love it.  Unfortunately mine is getting pretty beat and it looks like OR discontinued it.

Does anyone have recommendations on a comparable mid-layer jacket? Looking for something that is breathable and abrasion-resistant.  Trying to search online is kinda hard without being able to actually feel the materials.  Maybe the Patagonia nano air?

Thanks!

Here's a previous thread about this... 

https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/122181917/do-everything-midlayer

Since then I've found the dynafit free alpha jacket

https://www.dynafit.com/en-us/free-alpha-direct-jkt-m-08-0000071486

The outer layer is a bit of a thicker more noisy fabric but it's also more waterproof. The pits and side panels are grid fleece so it's not all apha direct. It's quite similar to the ascendent though.

I have an alert on eBay to notify me of OR Ascendants so I can get a replacement when it comes up.

To be more helpful, I have been using a Patagonia R2 as a mid layer and it’s super nice.

Marmot Alt HB if you're willing to go with octa vs alpha 

https://www.marmot.com/men/jackets-and-vests/insulated-and-down/mens-alt-hb-hoody/AFS_195115098988.html

+1 to the Polartec Alpha active layer fan club and the Ascendant.

I've been collecting/hoarding alpha pieces this season trying to find something better than the Ascendant (the loose/fluffy polartec alpha gets all goobered in my ski skins). All of these are discontinued as well, but are worth looking for on the secondary market.

* Rab Strata (This has replaced my ascendant in most conditions)

- More wind and weather resistant outer shell, but also lighter/less durable material

- About the same warmth

- Interior is also a brushed nylon, so it keeps my skins clean. Lacks inside skin pocket

* Eddie Bauer Propellant

- Got a good deal, but I've still never worn this piece

- Sized a little big

- Seems warmer/burlier than the Ascendant, especially on the outer fabric

- Has a brushed interior lining 

* Outdoor Research Uberlayer

- Also discontinued, I don't even have this piece, but my wife does, I've been trying to find one for a while

- Softer outer fabric (seems more breathable) and brushed inner fabric

* Outdoor Research Refuge Air Upslope Hoody

EDIT: Apparently the jacket I bought off ebay wasn't an refuge air ha!

- Lighter than the ascendant, seems very close to the Uberlayer

- Too light for me to BC ski most days, but I really like it for high exertion hiking and fat biking

- Has inner pockets for skins

I haven't seen or purchased, but have considered:

* Rab Alpha Direct (descendant of the Strata)

* LL Bean Alpha Air (heavier)

* Refuge Air - Saw in a consignment shop, seemed very close to the uberlayer, but maybe a little lighter?

I've had good luck finding jackets on Poshmark (there's a few Ascendant on there right now if you're willing to pay). Most of my deals/success have either been searching for "Polartec Alpha" or searching/filtering by known brands and then scrolling through the images (lots of resellers on there are selling jackets and they don't know what they have, so they don't title them correctly very often).

https://poshmark.com/search?query=polartec%20alpha&sort_by=price_asc&department=Men&category=Jackets_%26_Coats
https://poshmark.com/search?query=ascendant&sort_by=price_asc&department=Men&category=Jackets_%26_Coats

I'll second the Dynafit Free Alpha Direct.  It's also cut longer than the OR Ascendant so it stays tucked into harnesses better for me.  

The Marmot Alpha 60 is also discontinued I think, but was almost an exact copy of the Ascendant if you're looking at used products.

Appreciate the recommendations, thanks all

The Proton FL was a great replacement for me, after I sized out of the OR ascendant. I found it to be a better fit for climbing, even more comfortable, and less prone to a hot and sweaty patch on the lower back from overheating. 

Looks like a size small available 

https://www.wildernessshop.com.au/products/or-ascendant-hoody-m-black-pewter

Size XL for $35 on Poshmark - https://poshmark.com/listing/Outdoor-Research-Mens-Lightweight-Hooded-FleeceLined-Jacket-Size-XL-66b7cc93d253f1b752729009 (Not affiliated with the seller or anything, just saw a good deal and figured I would share)

Also, update to my post above, I found an Uberlayer on the secondary market which has become my go-to active insulation. Only downside is the torso is a little bit short for me.

I've got 2 black XL ascendant hoodies if anyone wants to trade me for another color. Good to excellent condition. I'll cover shipping 

MHW Kor Airshell Warm is pretty comparable.

https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/mens-kor-airshell-warm-hoody-2092121.html

I did just buy an Ascendant on eBay, but I also bought a Deviator this winter. The Deviator is very similar to the ascendant but it has a waffle fabric back. I found this really nice for ski touring as it lets the back vent a bit more than the ascendant. I feel like both of these jackets have a purpose in my quiver. The ascendant wasn’t great for my body temp for touring.

https://www.outdoorresearch.com/products/mens-deviator-hoodie-300465

What's the going rate for one of the ascendents these days? I've got a NWT tags, size medium, that's just waiting to enter the rotation...or perhaps to enter the market.