Reinforce Down Jacket? - Outdoor Research Helium Hooded Jacket Review
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- In this episode of The Outdoor Gear Review, Luke is passing on his review on a new type of Down Jacket, one that is stronger and more durable than most. Warmer too!
This is the Outdoor Research Helium Hooded Jacket Agenda Free Review!
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Agenda Free Link : www.outdoorres...
Price : Retail is $280 but at the time of filming can be found for less than $200.
Weight : 14.6oz for the medium size
Materials :
Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse (2.5-layer), [face fabric] Pertex Diamond Fuse (100% nylon ripstop), [lining] 100% nylon 20D ripstop
YKK Zippers
800+ fill goose down, RDS-certified
Sizes : Small - X Large
Colors : Madder red, Black, yellow and black and so on.
PRODUCT FEATURES
A lightweight down jacket for active pursuits in alpine conditions
Durable face fabric reinforced at key points with waterproof fabric
High-loft down delivers impressively packable warmth-to-weight ratio
Elastic cuffs and drawcord hem keep out chilly weather and trap heat
Left hand pocket doubles as a stuff sack, includes carabiner loop
Brushed tricot lining inside hand pockets offers a soft touch
Chest pocket equipped with media details
Pros :
Excellent quality jacket
Very well made - no issues with stitching
No issues with down loss
Excellent wind resistance
Warmer than the average middle weight down jacket
It can be stored inside its own pocket
Waterproof fabric along the shoulders and hood
Sizing is on the bulkier side which I like; plenty of room to move and for layer which expands the use of this jacket.
Reenforced sections
Excellent zippers, very smooth
Windblock behind the zipper
Chin guard materials is present if you have zipped all the way up.
Lifetime warranty
Good hood; adjustable and warm
Very large internal pockets
Good value for the money; when taking into account the warmth, the features, the weight, compressibility and the robustness of the materials, the value for the money is there and the price is comparable to other available options.
Fairly lightweight
Fairly compressible
Cons :
Not the lightest down jacket but it is tougher; so the question is, what do you need? Weight wise, completely acceptable but there are lighter jackets on the market.
The same can be said for compressibility - not the most compressible - within acceptable ranges though.
Reenforcement areas could be expanded to the cuffs where a majority of down jacket punctures take place at - pushing through brush, climbing over a rock, that is where the reenforcements are truly needed.
Hand pockets are only half lined with hand warming material; I would like to see that material on both sides
Summary :
The Outdoor Research Helium Down Hood is a bit different when it comes to being a down jacket. It stronger, slightly more waterproof, wind resistant, warmer, and heavier and is made for taking a bit more abuse.
With that being said, while more waterproof and stronger than your average down jacket, you still need to be careful with the materials and with the weather. This isn’t made to be in bushwhacked in or to be in full on rain.
In the end, do I recommend this jacket?
I do, it is a top notch performer and while there are less expensive down jackets out there, check out my reviews, this one does punch above its weight class in many ways.
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I am assuming that "Media Details" means a brushed tricot material to reduce scratching your phone or other electronics?
For your phone?
Media details is a new term for me. I would expect it fits a smartphone and its extra waterproofed.
Edit: i would expect a bit more then just a smart phone size pocket. Maybe a sleeve to feed a cable in to charge it with the powerbank in a lower pocket. But Luke said there's no sleeve.
I would say the front pockets are right. The back of your hand against the fleece type material providing warmth. The palm against your body which should be providing warmth to the hand ✋🏻
On the handwarmer pockets, they may have thought that having the palms of your hands closer to your body would provide extra warmth on that side. Just a guess.
Ask the company? I would.
Most companies do it because blood flows on the tops of your hands.. so if you warm that blood it warms the rest of your body.. same with gloves with handwarmer pockets.. it's always on the backs of the hands to warm the blood.
I bought the same exact jacket (same color and size) a few months ago because it had excellent reviews and it seemed to have all the right specs for my intended use: early morning walks in the hills near my house in Utah during periods of cold weather. Suffice it to say that it has performed admirably. The normal temperature when I take my walks is usually in the high teens or low 20s but this jacket keeps me warm even when I'm just wearing a short sleeve t-shirt underneath. To be quite frank, when I'm going uphill, this jacket works so well in maintaining heat, that I start working up a sweat. Bottom line, this jacket has now become an indispensable part of my wardrobe and I highly recommend it. Five stars for sure...
As far as the pockets, that idea was started by Arc'teryx, some of my jackets are the same, fleece against the top of the hand with nylon against the palm of the hand. Thanks for the review I will have to check out the OR Helium.
Yes after 2021! It's too late?
I work at the sewing factory, and can tell that the mistery of only the one side of the pocket being fleece is that it makes the sewing process easier for the manufacturer ;) especially when it is combined with the incide dump pocket.
Thanks for taking your time to explain the pocket Fleece question. Replies like yours is the reason I read them. They're always interesting insights in the replies.
Purchased the black one recently based off your review...in case you weren't aware (I didn't read all the comments) the waist pockets are now fully lined...can't wait for a cold day!
I really wish this outdoor stuff came in bigger sizes. I'm a big fat guy but I still want to go into the woods.
I have this jacket, and I like the pockets. I immediately figured that they are designed this way to save weight and share body heat with hands. I especially like this with the chest pocket as I'm able to keep a device warmer in that pocket with my body than if there was insulation on the inside of that pocket. I also am not sure the hood and shoulder material is meant to reinforce anything against physical wear. My impression was that the design merely aims to resist water as rainfall falls mostly on the hood and shoulders. Bottom line for me: I love this jacket immensely.
Luke, the hand pocket design and materials are perfectly designed. The slicker material allows breathability and getting hands and stored items to be more easily extracted out of the pocket. If the pocket was lined completely with the fleece material, things tend to "grab" too much. The Diamond Fuse material isn't necessarily for "reinforcement", but rather, water/snow resistance because those are large flat surfaces that rain or snow collect. The "reinforcement" is a byproduct and just an added bonus. Nice review. Fyi, OR usually puts a double sided zipper on the pocket that is the intended stuff pocket. That way it can be zip closed when turned inside out to stuff.
Outdoor research seems like one of the companies that had resisted the siren call of ever-cheaper manufacturing methods and lower quality materials.
Y. This is has become a huge problem in recent years. Companies are still charging top $$$ but the quality is no longer there. It particularly happens with outdoor gear. New companies start off great and then slide down.
Luke, I bought the jacket, tried it on & the fit was perfect.
When I held mine up to a window during daylight, way too much light came through so I returned it.
For $300, this coat should be able to take a beating and keep you warm and dry, no matter what you are doing!
The price is for quality and a reasonable weight.
Waterproof jackets make you sweat under exertion. Down hates wet, though treatments have made it less absorbent. Even synthetically insulated jackets, when protected with Gore-Tex or similar waterproof/breathable outer fabrics hold in lots of moisture when the wearer is active.
People who spend days at a time outdoors will have separate insulation and waterproof layers for versatility in varying conditions. Working for a major outdoor retailer quickly teaches one what works, what doesn't, and what's 99% hype.
@@danielkutcher5704 In addition to what you stated, applying a waterproof, breathable membrane such as Gore-Tex to an insulated garment is tricky and can create retention of water vapor inside the garment, causing the water vapor to condense into water. This happens in particular with garments that are well insulated because the breathable membrane needs heat energy to push the water vapor through its micro pores. When a garment is well insulted, such as with down, your body heat is retained close to your body and does not reach the membrane in order to push the water vapor through the membrane. This also happens with sleeping bags. Typically, when a waterproof breathable membrane is used on such a garment or sleeping bag, a much more porous, and less waterproof, membrane is used. For garments, this may not be desirable because hard, heavy rain may penetrate the membrane and the expectation of waterproofness is not achieved.
I found them online for as low as $179.
This is $180 at REI right now. The non hooded version is $130 at Steep and Cheap.
You guys are getting Hammered out there, enjoy the challenges. STAY SAFE
I recently purchased a middle weight down jacket by Marmot. Fairly heavy outer material more resistant to an errant spark than rip-stop. Detachable hood several pockets inside and out. I'm in Alaska and this jacket nicely fills the spot when my arctic full sized parka is more than needed. it's called the "Fordham" and I'm quite pleased with what I got for the money
I'm bingeing on your video's on a freezing rain day...I love.. absolutely love the movie references.."what's in the box"
You have to check Polish brand Cumulus.....really good quality and low price just like helikon tex..... strongly recommend 😉
Just checked them out, they have some good stuff at very good prices. Nice one 👍.
Thanks a lot, Luke, I've been waiting for a detailed review of this jacket. It looks like it probably will not fit me very well. As a person with cold hands, I actually like the absence of insulation between the hand pocket and the belly. I usually press my hands against my belly to warm it up.
Totally agree with using tougher and waterproof material at the cuff. It usually bunches up there and snow usually enters your glove/cuff there. It will eventually get wet and down will flatten. That being said I think the top of the shoulder gets a lot of abuse as well. I find rain will usually enter my should first. Backpack strap rubbing will wear out the DWR there and when it rain, the water is agitated and seep in.
How has the material held up? The diamond fuse ripstop nylon is supposed to be quite durable. I have a 10D nylon down jacket that is warm, but I am always worried about ripping it. Is this jacket worthy as an outer layer?
Hello from over the pond in scotland🏴, love the video. Good quality material from the specs. I have to say ive been using the mountain hardware stretch down DS jacket and ive never looked back. Its not sewn like lost down jackets and with use sewn down jackets sheds down. But the stretch down jacket is starchy and welded seams like gore tex seams. So it never sheds down when using in. Love the warranty 👍
Nice clear review. Thanks for flashing up the metric - very thoughtful and appreciated!
Excellent review! They may have thought people carrying a pack while wearing this jacket would appreciate the reinforced shoulders. But I agree about the cuffs and mid-forearms. Also the pockets could use the fleece on both sides.
Looks nice but that color reminds me of one of those Mylar balloons for some reason.
Luke.... nice review. Really appreciate your thoroughness! You had me sold, until you mentioned the price.... and the available sizes. Why is it so many outdoor clothing manufacturers offer up to XL or maybe even a 2XL, but almost never 3XL or larger? I wear a 3XL for two reasons. One, I want to wear something under the jacket and two I like the comfort of a larger jacket. It puzzles me!! (Rhetorical question). Best wishes.... Ax
Fleece on one side so if it gets wet it may dry better? again I think this is a great looking jacket on you. Media pocket material means anti-scratch material like osprey has on their packs.
Fleece for comfort, mostly. My Marmot winter down jacket has fleece lined hand warmer pockets.
I love that jacket.. Need one now for this Oklahoma weather..Prayers for Texas...
Those of us outside mainland north america seem unable to procure these garments from within north america and have them shipped internationally.
I like the jacket. You and I are pretty much the same size and height, thanks for saying what size you are wearing. 💪🏻🇺🇸💪🏻
Its a nice jacket.. tuff is essential in the bush.. warm is first however and it sounds like this one is.. maybe a worthwhile investment thanx for the honest review
I think you also missed the con about the low pockets. If you wear a backpack and put on the hip belts the low pockets become useless because they get in the way. Same issue with fanny packs. The pockets should be higher closer to the rib cage. Its hard to put your hands inside them anymore. This was the biggest flaw of this jacket. Also the upper tougher shoulder and hood materials you described are not for what you thought its for. They are for extra water proofing in snowy conditions. That material is same as their helium rain jacket.
Great review as always. I like the shoulder reinforcement and from what I’ve seen sets this jacket apart. Underarm zips would make it even better.
hi Luke I've been watching for about three years now love the vids keep up the great work
Try to buy one in NZ and see what you have to pay and to ship one from overseas means $90US.
Second thoughts: handwarmer pockets, they're one sided to allow your hands to access your torso's heat. It's not a heated jacket after all.
Rain resistance: nope, no way. Maybe at first but not long term, way too much stitching.
Weight: compared to what? What is this jackets r-value? How can we compare weights without balancing against measured insulation factor?
Luke, what's your favorite synthetic insulated jacket, budget and top-shelf?
My down jackets are for in-camp wear only, sweat and rain, snow, and even mist soak into the down and reduce the loft, making it less warm, plus it takes a long time to dry. Also, my favorite winter down jacket is losing down from numerous campfire sparks melting the fabric. I used Silnet seam sealer dabbed into the holes.
Down stands up to numerous packing and unpacking better than synthetics and handles dryer heat better than synthetic fibers that can lose their crimp and loft when heated too high for too long or left compressed for extended periods of time.
A dependable zipper(s) would be my choice for most crucial feature. Growing up in Manitoba, have seen the danger of poor quality zips. 👍 jacket 🧥.
Excellent review Luke. Plenty of good information to make a decision. I trust you.
Looks like a descent jacket...still cost is high...thanks for the video...pls be safe and Freedom for all and God Bless All people...
I've read all the replies up till now. I especially like the LIFETIME WARRANTY.
Ярослав Барничка - thank you for taking your time to explain the pocket material sewing from your perspective of working in sewing at OR factory. Your reply should be PINNED.
Are the shoulders reinforced maybe for backpacking?
They probly did the pockets that way to either regulate temp to keep your palms from sweating or to save weight. Mav just purchased some simular jackets..no down tho and the poly fill is recycled materials. Hopefully ours holds up to the elements. I believe he bought them for around $68.00 and they seem to do the trick so far...only con is they do not fit into the pocket like this one...but does come with a storage bag. Thanks for sharing friend🤠🤙
Hey luke. great review of the helium jacket I was just wondering what winter gloves you wear for camping out/ hiking? I live in Ireland and whilst we have'nt had serious snow the weather with the wind chill gets fairly serious and was looking for any ideas on good waterproof winter gloves.
Always had GL w/OR products... I have a 'sun hoody' that I wear constantly.
Thank you brother for sharing your thoughts and adventures brother
I guess my synthetic amazon essentials puff jacket for $44 is not in the same league. It does have the advantage that I don't stress out about it getting damaged.
Shoulders get worn out due to pack strap friction. Damage to cuffs comes from other contact or fire from firepits and stoves.
If you don't wear it with a pack, you won't need the added material.
I think the reinforcement is for water resistancy not wear. Otherwise they wouldn't have bothered w the hood. I do agree that the cuffs would benefit from being beefed up tho.
Iwould like to get one but none of the North America outlets ship to NZ.
I like the detail on the shoulders. Jackets lose a lot of loft because of backpack straps.
Great review Luke.
Looks like a nice jacket. Luke can you do a review of the Rab Valiance down padded jacket which is waterproof as well.
I think OR is an underrated company.
LUKE you look like a Christmas ornament in that thing!!!! :) Does look cool though. The yellow and blue ones look like star trek uniforms.
...I found it's not a good idea to fly off a snowmobile while wearing a big puffy down filled jacket...instant feather snow storm...lol..good review...stay safe...
I would have love to see this jacket with a detachable hood, since it is in the way when wearing a backpack
What type of hat are you wearing? It looks warm and seems to cover your head and ears perfectly. Is it warm and do you recommend it?
I'm wondering if the re-enforcements , other than having higher moisture resistance . It is for backpack strap wear ?! . Sounds pretty good ,over all . ODR makes some stuff . Stay safe .. gubs
I believe that the fleece on one side of the pocket would have to do with turning it into a pillow
I’d consider purchasing if it had underarm zips. Good review.
Pit zips are for clothing designed to be worn while hiking. Down isn't the best insulation to sweat into. It's best for use in camp, out of the elements, or for rest stops.
The Helium is a well designed item, but I agree that it doesn't need the shoulder reinforcement, but some people will hike in it for sure, and it will take some pack strap abrasion.
@@danielkutcher5704 It could be that the reinforced material is also waterproof, and in that case the reinforced shoulders can really help in rain. The material on the sides having an easier time shedding the rain so it just needs to be water resistant to keep the worst off.
REI has this for $180 right now and Steep and Cheap has the non hooded version for $130.
I love my Columbia, but I ripped the arms to shred walking in the forest. I was hoping for reinforced all over the sleeves with this one…
Luke im surprised you never review any Marmot gear, theyre easily my favorite outdoor clothing brand. Always on sale too, nobody likes paying full retail and they definitely arnt cheap
It's always been in the upper 2/3 in quality, but often lags behind in features and weight. Good for most hikers, but not necessarily for the go-light, go-fast crowd. They make good, solid products.
Just bought a Marmot 800 fill power down jacket from CampSaver for $105. Its an ugly yellow color, but for half the price of the blue one who cares.
Quality is excellent. Way better than that Eddie Bauer First Ascent trash down jacket that I returned that feathered everywhere.
$209 right now on the website and $35 for the pants which is a steal...
Hello Luke, first off let me say all these hooty-hoo companies that don't make X Plus Sizes suck you know why because big guys like to hike they like to go camping and they like to stay warm as well. Media details oh possibly they're talkin about that a large cell phone pocket??? Guarantee that's what it is, just a bougie way of saying it, that cost an extra ten bucks. Oh and that red color you might be seen in a disco room with that. That's my review and I'm sticking to it. Luke nice review good job on everything that you do there at outdoor gear review, take care buddy.
Could it be that the hand warming material is on the outside to prevent heat loss, but not on the inside, to save weight/volume, and less necessary because it is closer to your body?
Lester River Bushcraft 100% Wool Olive Green Boreal Shirt Anorak is my choice for high dollar gear.
that will be something your grandkids can still use.
@@vins2800 yes sir 👍🏼
Add hydrophobic treated down and good to go for the Smokies.
No wet snow, don't get caught in the rain, don't push limbs or branches out of the way with your arm's or elbows, don't build a camp fire without changing coats, so basically buy this for your girlfriend who works in the mall 😂
Everything that was pointed out was pointed out by Luke not me, if your upset write luke a letter for being honest on his channel and pointing any negatives that he finds with products he reviews, I didn't say those things he did. The mall joke was just that a joke.
I love the fact that he's brutal honest when he reviews products.
When a product is good he will have pretty much nothing but good things to say about but when theirs oddities or something abnormal possibly subpar he'll state them in the review no matter what, that's how it works with Luke.
Or just take advantage of the lifetime warranty...
I would be worry to use any down jackets as an outside layer in the woods.
They are just oo expensive and too frigale.
Sorry to be off topic but I wanted to ask about tents. What all around 2-3 person (3 season) tent or brand do you recommend. Thanks in advance.
Luke is the jacket come in men and women and do you need to wear multiple layers to keep warm
These subs you got just loveeee to take the best color off the market quick, big Ole rip.
If I became I patreon. Do we reicieve and logo stickers? So we van addvertise.
Anyone know how much different this jacket is from the OR Illiuminate jacket? Trying to figure out if it would be worth the upgrade.
Naming this jacket Helium, is a bit odd, considering it is heavier and more burly, when the whole helium line is supposed to be the lightest weight possible.
Not made for my size. Need 2XLT, bummer. Looks nice though.
Love your videos as usual !! But I want to start backpacking in summer and ad winter gear eventually to go 4 seasons. With Covid, my finace and I lost our job and we had no money... so i started working as a respiratory therapist for a month now and i want to know what gear should i start with. What is the best bang for the bucks for my big three ?
Look on ebay!!
where can I find this for under $200?
Steep & Cheap has the red on sale for $179 as of 2/17.
Nice I have an older version of that jacket.
Correction i have the Transcendent jacket. Still a good jacket.
Do you find your upper shoulders getting colder than the rest of your body when wearing that? I have bought several down puffers recently and keep running into that issue. Maybe I just need to layer better, but it seemed weird to me at the time.
why not just make the whole jacket in Ripstop. Would look better than the shiny red.
Luke. I gave up on Down filled jackets and coats even gloves years ago . Great video as always happy Trails .
really depends where you live more than anything on if down is the smartest idea or not.
For the price it doesn't seem much better than the Rab Nimbus I got for £80 years ago. Which also has the benefit of being synthetic.
If the padding was in more useful places instead of the shoulders I could see some point to it though.
Also all reviews of jackets should include a section on what noise they make as the material rubs against itself. It might just be me but I cannot stand the feel and noise some make when they do that.
Thanks for the video
Luke would the jacket be warm in a winter storm that you and Susie went on
Ive never been able to wear a down jacket as I work on a ranch. This one might actually stand up to some abuse.
I wouldn't bet on it.
Chest pocket probably for cell phone/ social media device
Nice jacket need XL,XL, large.
What is your height and weight?
Nice coat.
First thing I thought: "Disco!"
Media details may mean you can put your earphones or earbuds in there possibly
Luke said there were no media ports. So I guess that means it will work with BT devices as the breast pocket is not shielded by wire mesh worked into the fabric ;)
Gan Ainm Right, I meant just a pocket just to store them
All of these promotions are no good to people outside of north america as the manufacturers appear reluctant to ship international. I see these promotions constantly and they all preclude international sales and shipping. Would love to take advantage of an opportunity but it seems there isn’t one.
If they did this jacket in a green I would be all over it, like a leprechaun on my lucky charms.
Nice
Love the jacket, hate the colors, smdh .
👍
To test wind factor go out in tee shirt and jacket. No with fleece fleece and more fleece. Jesus
I personally like my chest pockets on the inside like the stow pockets. Personal preference, I suppose :-)
The color is nice. Looks like Iron man.
Lol he circled back
I thought you were here to share info and drink coffee.