Outdoor Research  Helium Down Hoodie - Women's

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Size Medium - Female 5'7" ~ 150lbs I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. This jacket fits really well with baselayers or sweaters underneath. I can also put my medium shell ski coat over, and it fits well. The zippers are sturdy. The material is durable and didn't rip even when I was carrying bundles of firewood. The shoulders and the hood are sturdier in material, which helps with precip, although the jacket is not waterproof. I have taken this jacket ski touring, Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, winter camping and hiking. As for warm rating, it is definitely not extreme warmth, but not a light layer either. It is right in the middle, which I believe is an essential layer to have year-round. This Hoodie packs down really small and is great for adventuring, especially when traveling up into the high alpine. I am super stoked on this jacket and would recommend it to all of my lady friends!! Outdoor Research gave me this free product to try.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Fit and Comfort The jacket fits well, even with lots of layers underneath. It's close-fitting and well cut without being too tight. Nothing feels too tight or too oversized, even when moving around in the jacket. It is suitable for my activities. I recently hiked Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and used this jacket as my inner layer puffy for most days of the trek. I've also worn it in more casual settings around town and to work, since it's a great looking jacket and functions well off the mountain too. It is very easy to adjust, with zipper pulls that are long enough to be usable with gloves on - a huge plus! Warmth and Insulation I've worn the jacket as part of a layering system down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit with 20-30mph winds so far, and was still warm enough. The insulation feels evenly distributed throughout the jacket and I did not notice any cold or hot spots. The warmth matches the jacket's intended use. Breathability and Moisture Management The jacket did not trap moisture during activity. There were times I was a little warm, so I simply unzipped it to regulate. The jacket handled a minor amount of internal condensation and sweat well and did not feel wet. Weather Resistance The jacket performed well in windy conditions. I did not notice any significant drafts or wind cutting through the jacket. Mobility and Use in Motion I can freely move in the jacket while hiking. I did not feel restricted nor did I have issues with it bunching up. Packability and Travel The jacket is fairly compact when packed. I had to look online at first to see how the jacket packed down, since there were not clear instructions printed inside the jacket or pocket that I could find. The jacket does fit easily into the left pocket that serves as its stuff sack. I have taken the jacket on longer trips and would do so again. Durability and Construction The jacket held up very well after repeated use and washings, and shows no signs of wear. There are no issues with stitching, fabric wear, or insulation clumping, even after washing the jacket. All zippers and closures are working properly. Design and Usability The elastic cuffs on the jacket are great for keeping wind out of the sleeves. The pockets are a good size but not too big. There are no standout or problematic design details that I noticed. I like the style and color. Overall Performance I would recommend this jacket, and would buy it. It is best suited for hiking and other outdoor activities, along with wearing more casually day to day. It feels more durable than other similar puffy jackets I've owned in the past.