Outdoor Research  Helium Down Hoodie - Men's

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] *I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.* After 20 years of backcountry skiing in the Pacific Northwest, the OR Helium Down Hoodie has become my new go-to layer. I'm 5'8“, 180 lbs, and the medium fits perfectly over a base layer and light grid fleece with excellent mobility. This jacket proved itself during an early-season run up Excelsior Peak in mixed rain and snow. The DWR coating (pictured) beaded water impressively. On a December Baker backcountry ski tour, it kept me warm while digging snow pits in heavy snowfall. The 800-fill down performs well from 15°F to 40°F depending on activity. It even saved me during a roadside flat tire change in 25°F wind. The Pertex Quantum fabric breathes well, though pit zips would improve ventilation during hard efforts. Wind resistance is excellent. At under 11 oz, it stuffs into its own chest pocket to Nalgene-bottle size. After four months of regular use and compressions, there's no clumping or fabric tears. The Helium excels as active insulation for backcountry skiing and hiking. It's not for stationary cold-weather activities, but for mountain movement and unexpected situations, the warmth-to-weight ratio is outstanding. This jacket has earned permanent space in my kit.‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I used to think all puffy jackets were the same. OR proved me wrong. My favorite feature of this jacket is the slightly more durable, more tear/snag resistant, and more water-repellant material on the hood and shoulders. Turns it into a pseudo-shell like layer. Obviously, it wouldn't be enough water repellant for full on rain or heavy snow. But for light drizzle and standard snow, this was great. Took it hiking in wet pacific northwest winter conditions and it was perfect. Normally I'd have to either decide between combining a puffy and a shell/rain jacket, or a midlayer fleece and rain jacket. Instead, I just wore this for most of the Oregon winter. I would love to have that thicker material along the elbow and upper forearm (closer to the elbow). Although it doesn't need much water repellant fabric there, I think it would really improve the durability and range of function to have some more tear/snag resistance there. Enough mobility in the shoulders that with regular physical activity, I didn't feel restrictions anywhere (whereas with most other jackets, it gets tight along my upper back since I have broader shoulders). Also a big fan of the cuffs. Others tend to be a bit annoying and distracting. These felt smooth and never bothered me. For climbers: I don't think this jacket would work well with the hood over your helmet, without getting tighter in your armpits. But I'm sure you can belay with with the hood up unbothered, and when climbing, just put the hood down. I was also hesitant about the mustard color at first, but quickly grew to love it (vs all the standard black and navy puffy jacket colors).