Outdoor Research  Helium Down Jacket - Men's

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Take durable, lightweight warmth to an entirely new level with the men's Outdoor Research Helium Down jacket. Its secret sauce of Pertex® Quantum with Diamond Fuse technology is ready for rugged use.

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Features

  • Lightweight Pertex Quantum shell fabric with Diamond Fuse technology resists wind, water and abrasion for exceptional durability that won't weigh you down
  • 800-fill-power goose down provides an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio
  • Single-separating, center-front zipper is backed with no-snag webbing
  • Left hand pocket doubles as a stuff sack for easy packability
  • External chest pocket; dual internal stash pockets
  • Brushed tricot on knuckle side of hand pockets
  • Carabiner loop with key clip
  • Clean-finish elastic drawcord hem
  • Low-Pro Binding™ provides a low profile and secure fit

Imported.

View the Outdoor Research Helium Product LineView all Outdoor Research Men's Down Jackets

Technical Specs

Best Use

Multisport

Fabric

Pertex Quantum ripstop nylon

Lining Fabric

20-denier ripstop nylon

Windproof

Yes

Insulated

Yes

Insulation Type

Down

Insulation

800-fill-power goose down

Warmth

Warmer

Hood

No

Packable

Yes

Back Length

Hip-length

Back Length (in.)

29.25 inches

Gender

Men's

Weight

12.6 ounces

Sustainability

Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria

Down certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS)

Size Chart

Outdoor Research Clothing - Men's
XSSMLXLXXLXXXL2830313233343536384042
Chest33.5 - 3636 - 38.538.5 - 41.541.5 - 44.544.5 - 4848 - 5252 - 56
Sleeve Length31.532.533.534.535.53636.5
Waist26.5 - 2929 - 31.531.5 - 34.534.5 - 37.537.5 - 41.541.5 - 45.545.5 - 5029.531323334353637394143
Hip32.5 - 3535 - 37.537.5 - 40.540.5 - 43.543.5 - 4646 - 49.549.5 - 5335.53738394041424344.54647.5
Inseam31.531.53232.53333333232323232323232323232

Sizing Notes

Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.

Buying Advice

A person sits on the snow wearing the Patagonia Nano Puff, an insulated jacket
Government Camp, Oregon, United States

Reviews
337 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars

75% 21 of 28 reviewers recommended

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Average Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Average Product Weight

LightweightHeavy

Average Warmth

Not Insulated / WarmVery Insulated / Warm

Customer Images

9 Toes
Anchorage, AK
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

My favorite puffy jacket ever

1 year ago

I live in Alaska and have multitudes of awesome gear. Usually I like my jackets to be on the heavier side, so I know I'm wearing something, but this puffy is feather light and swaddles me in comfort and warmth like a little baby bird. I absolutely love it. Feathers have been staying in better than other jackets ive had, and the elastic on the cuffs and waist lock out the cold. One of my favorite amenities, is that the pockets are lined with a fuzzy soft material that keeps my hands cozy and warm. Haven't seen that feature in many other puffins. All in all, if you are looking for a puffy jacket, this is the one to buy. For reference, I am 6'0 175lbs , and a medium fits great.

Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com
Thanh
Calgary, Alberta
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Great material, fit, and design. My feel underfilled.

4 years ago

Fit is great for layering. Roomy at the chest. Sleeves and hem are not too long, which might not be great for tall guys. The materials feel tougher relative to other light-down jackets. I measure 5'9" 42-33-41 and go with a large. There's more room than I need. I can layer a base layer, a fleece and a synthetic jacket under this before it feels tight. I might be able to fit in medium if I am wearing this on top of a base layer. One thing that is very unexpected is how the down is distributed. Around the collar is very lofty, moving down the jacket I find that center back, front, and sleeve are very thin. I feel almost nothing in some areas. I took two pictures with an ultralight-down jacket that uses 800+ fill power for comparison. Please note that the other jacket weight less but also uses a 10D fabric compare to the helium down 20D fabric. I feel like the person that sewn my jacket might have improperly distributed the down.

Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com
Jedd
PA
Rated 1.0 out of 5 stars

Major disappointment

10 months ago

I've got two other comparable down jackets from mt hardwear and REI. This is by far the worst. There is little to no down in these baffles. I've never seen an 800 fill power jacket with no loft and that's basically because they hardly use any down. Maybe that's OR's idea of responsibly sourced down, "no geese were harmed in the making of these jackets." Not to mention I immediately noticed poor stitching in spots. Also, it has an awkward baggy fit compared to my other down jackets. The most impressive thing about this jacket is that they are able to sell such a cheaply made piece of clothing at such a premium price. This is getting returned.

Fashion style:Athletic
Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com
Jacopo
San diego
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Awesome jacket but bring back the maroon color!

3 years ago

Multiple backpacking trips with this. Used as my 3rd layer in -5F and was warm. Unfortunately jacket was stolen in the alps. Please bring back the maroon color!! The new red is horrible

Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com
Quinn M
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Everyday / Adventure Jacket

4 years ago

From the moment I first put this on, it's been difficult to take off! The 800 fill means this is super light, and has the true Down quality of being a great temperature regulator, so I don't find it too warm to even wear around the house unzipped. Wore this for a couple tough hikes near the Oregon coast, one of which included some fairly steep climbing through dense brush - the jacket is still in perfect condition. I've also found it suitable as a windbreaker, though you'll probably want to layer with a proper wind/rain layer for total protection from the elements. I plan on doing just that for a Mt. Hood climbing this weekend.

Originally posted on ExpertVoice.com
Cap
Colorado Springs
Rated 3.0 out of 5 stars

Good but could be better

3 years ago

Great for hiking or under a shell in colder weather. No complaints about warmth, overall fit, or packability. Definitely the best jacket of this type for the price among all the major brands that I researched. That said, it doesn't quite measure up to the well worn jacket it replaced. Specifically, I am disappointed the Helium is two key to me features - pit zips and thumbcuffs. The pit zips are great for alpine summer hikes here in CO when exertion prompts a bit of perspiration but the wind prevents full removal of the layer. Thumbcuffs ensure there is no need to mind the gap between glove and jacket when reaching to plant a pole or to secure a frosty beverage.

Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com
Don
North Carolina
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Excellent for... You name it.

3 years ago

Only sporting this jacket for about a month but can confidently state that it's warm, light, infinitely packable and a great travel companion. Currently on an Airbnb type, two week Italian excursion, to see my daughter who is studying here this semester. It's winter and it's my only substantive layer...And I have no complaints. Looks good, and isn't a burden to carry when I'm not wearing it...oh....and it's warm! Note: this was a replacement for the OR transcendent sweater (which was almost identical) that had a grommet issue after about a year. So far so good with build quality on this iteration. Will revise if need be.

Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com
Brad f
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Rugged and warm

4 months ago

I’ve put this jacket through everything and it consistently delivers. The warmth-to-weight ratio is incredible—this thing feels featherlight but traps heat like a much bulkier coat. The Pertex® Diamond Fuse shell is no joke either; I’ve brushed up against rock, ice, and gear with zero signs of wear. It packs down small enough to disappear into my pack, yet performs like a serious cold-weather layer. The water resistance isn’t meant for a downpour, but it’s held up well in light snow and mist. Overall it's perfect for layering, durable for the outdoors, and reliably warm when the temperature drops.

Originally posted on ExpertVoice.com
Brian V
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Warm as an oven, light as…helium

8 months ago

I received this jacket in black for Christmas as a gift. It is super warm and windproof with cozy lined pockets and I like the chest pocket for my phone. The fit is comfy, not bulky, and it does not ride up on my long torso, making it a superb layer under waders. It is extremely light and compressible in its own pocket. This thing will keep you nice and toasty on blustery days, without the extra fluff.

Originally posted on ExpertVoice.com
Andrew
Undisclosed
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Quality and warmth

3 years ago

A great warm layer, I wear this religiously when coaching ski racing, in temperatures as low as -34 Celsius. Usually I layer merino wool long underwear, my outdoor research thin fleece under it and my work provided jacket (resort, somewhat insulated jacket) around it and I will be sweating in -34. Great overall fit, I do wish the neck had more room and wasn't as tight a fit, but the chest and arm fit is great (44 chest in a large) and the rest is not too tight and not too big on my body. Pockets are great, packability is a bonus and so far has stood up to about 40 days of all day wear.

Originally posted on outdoorresearch.com
1 - 10 of 337 Reviews

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