My guest reviewer Crystal G has been testing the Outdoor Research’s Women’s Helium Down Hoodie day after day after day. Her overall result is that she loves it.
She writes: “It is now my go-to jacket and I find that it is suitable for a variety of different activities, keeps me warm and is extremely comfortable.”
Features of Outdoor Research Women’s Hooded Helium Down Jacket
- Pertex® Quantum with Diamond Fuse Technology 100% nylon 15D x 30D ripstop
- Pertex® Shield with Diamond Fuse Technology 2.5L 100% nylon 30D ripstop waterproof hood / shoulder / upper sleeve,
- 100% nylon 20D ripstop lining
- 800+ fill power, responsibly sourced goose down insulation
- Hybrid mapped construction
- Adjustable hood
- Single front zipper
- External chest pocket
- Dual internal stash pockets
- One pocket doubles as stuff sack
- Carabiner loop with key clip
- Weight: 436 g
- Spotted for £169 at Ultralight Outdoor Gear.
- Also see Outdoor Research.
What’s good about Outdoor Research Women’s Hooded Helium Down Jacket?
The Helium Down Hoodie is lightweight but also highly robust. This is not always the case with lightweight insulated jackets, but Outdoor research has created a jacket that is light, warm and can withstand abrasion.
The hood, shoulder and upper sleeve areas of the jacket have the addition of a waterproof layer. This is made of the same highly durable ripstop fabric but also adds a waterproofing element.
This means that the area of the jacket that would be most likely to receive the greatest abrasion, for example if carrying a rucksack or climbing, or throwing skis on your shoulder, are made of touch ripstop fabric.
The fabric does not irritate with a rustling noises as I walk, which is a bonus.
The Hoodie is well insulated with 800+ fill, which have kept me warm on those chilly mornings that I walk in the mountains of Northwest Spain.
I also love the fact that the pockets are very large and deep. They are great for holding my phone, keys, and other bits and bobs as well as having plenty of room to warm up my hands. The fabric inside the pockets is very soft, which actually makes me want to put my hands in them.
At 5’9 and around 135 pounds, the medium was the right size for me. One of my concerns was my long arms, but in contrast with other brands, the sleeves were plenty long enough. Had it not been for that, I probably could have gone with a small since there is some extra room in the body of the coat, even while wearing it with several layers underneath.
The hood is warm and keeps the wet out on a both windy and drizzly days. The hood is adjustable and deep, which makes it easy to keep on my head.
I find that other jackets and hoodies can sometimes tend to have smaller hoods which makes it harder to keep on my head when I am walking, wearing my hair in a ponytail, etc.
The main zippers for the pockets are very smooth and easy to use.
The hood, as well as the hem, are adjustable using the elastic draw cord.
And packing it up into the pocket stuff sack is very helpful while packing for your travels or adventures.
Whether you are walking around town, going on a hike, or out on an adventure, this hoodie is a very versatile.
What’s not so good about the Outdoor Research Women’s Hooded Helium Down Jacket?
This hoodie is not very fitted, so if you are looking for a women’s hoodie that is more form-fitting, or (shows off your silhouette), this may not be the jacket for you.
Conclusion: I would highly recommend the Outdoor Research’s Women’s Helium Down Hoodie for any woman looking for a lightweight, warm and very durable jacket for cool days.