How to Choose Insulated Outerwear

Offering superior warmth and protection from the elements, the men's Outdoor Research Helium down jacket is made with packable 800-fill-power down and 100% recycled Pertex® Quantum shell fabric.
Imported.
View the Outdoor Research Helium Product LineView all Outdoor Research Men's Down JacketsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | Shell: bluesign-approved Pertex Quantum with Diamond Fuse, 100% recycled nylon 20-denier; collar/shoulder/upper sleeve: waterproof Pertex Shield with Diamond Fuse 2.5L 100% nylon 30-denier ripstop |
Lining Fabric | 100% nylon 20-denier ripstop |
Insulated | Yes |
Insulation Type | Down |
Insulation | 800-fill-power responsibly sourced down |
Warmth | Warmer |
Hood | No |
Packable | Yes |
Back Length | Hip-length |
Back Length (in.) | 28.5 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 13.5 ounces |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials Down certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | |
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Chest | 33.5 - 36 | 36 - 38.5 | 38.5 - 41.5 | 41.5 - 44.5 | 44.5 - 48 | 48 - 52 | 52 - 56 | |||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 31.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 35.5 | 36 | 36.5 | |||||||||||
Waist | 26.5 - 29 | 29 - 31.5 | 31.5 - 34.5 | 34.5 - 37.5 | 37.5 - 41.5 | 41.5 - 45.5 | 45.5 - 50 | 29.5 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 43 |
Hip | 32.5 - 35 | 35 - 37.5 | 37.5 - 40.5 | 40.5 - 43.5 | 43.5 - 46 | 46 - 49.5 | 49.5 - 53 | 35.5 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44.5 | 46 | 47.5 |
Inseam | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
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I like the cut of OR jackets. I am 6’1” 235. The Helium Down does not disappoint regarding warmth. It has that soft down feeling with added structural integrity where one might carry a pack. The gusseting in the arm allow for a full range of motion without much rise. I have long arms and can still draw out without the jacket tightening too much in the back. If for some reason I found myself in dire need of more warmth I could wear it underneath a jacket or shell because it could compress enough to almost be a base layer and not sacrifice its loft. At which point I am certain to roast.
This jacket served me well for 10 years of steady use every winter/fall and I finally replaced it. The quality is superb, the new Pertex Shield on the shoulders/arms gives it a much more durable feel. It has a premium feel in the hand and is a nice blend of weight/durability. Fits great with layers underneath, but also works well as a mid-layer under a shell. I'm a fan of the new color options too. In summary, this is a durable, lightweight, packable and versatile jacket that does its job in the back-country but transitions seamlessly to the front-country. Highly recommended.
Love that this uses a fairly high fill power down (800+), making it warm and space/weight efficient. I have higher fill power items like MH ghost whisperer UL (1000 FP), but most UL garments use fragile fabrics and don't have any weather protection, so they're really limited to cold, dry weather. The Helium Down Jacket has weather resistance in key areas due to the Pertex Diamond Fuse panels, which makes it more versatile. It won't be a great outer layer if you're expecting heavy rain, but I wear it by itself in a light mist or under a shell if heavy rain is expected. The Pertex panels are a little crinkly, but not as loud as some reviews suggest. I found the sizing to be accurate. This is quickly becoming a staple of my wardrobe from fall through spring. Thanks OR!
I have a number of OR gear/jackets/fleece. For reference I'm 5'10" and weigh 215 average build so I typically wear an XL in OR and L in some other brands depending on fit. This jacket is very well made and everything fits to be expected except at the waist. It's very small compared to my other OR jackets which surprises me. It is warm but the Storm color isn't accurately represented in the pictures. It's a much lighter grey color in person.
It's nice, but why do you and other manufactures refuse to put an additional pocket on the other side of the vest making it a two pocket vest........One for your ski pass and another for a cell phone that you need when you are in a difficult position when your hurt on the ski run it self and no one is there to help. Fair question with the usual no answer...
This jacket I has an incredible warmth to weight ratio. The reinforced areas are positioned perfectly for use with backpacks and tactical gear. Very comfortable and warm. Packs up very nicely if you’re a backpacker and space conscious.
Jacket has just the right amount of warmth. Haven’t been in really wet conditions yet with it but so far I am very pleased. I am 5’11” and 165. Med fits perfect.
There seems to be nothing special about this jacket and it's not overly attractive by any means...