Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie Review

Bottom Line

The Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie (men’s / women’s) is built to handle tough conditions, making it a solid choice for shoulder-season adventures. With waterproof Pertex Shield fabric reinforcing the hood, shoulders, and upper sleeves, it sheds light rain and snow better than most down jackets. The 800-fill down delivers dependable warmth, while the tough 30D Pertex Quantum shell with Diamond Fuse Technology holds up well against snags and rough use.

It’s not the lightest or most packable option on our guide to the best down jackets, but the trade-off is extra durability and better weather resistance. The athletic fit allows for good mobility, especially for climbing or hiking. The adjustable hood is a nice touch, but we found the loose cuffs could use a more secure fit. If you need a down jacket that can take some abuse and handle damp conditions, this one is worth a look.

How We Tested

We tested the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie over several months in Colorado’s rugged mountains and foothills. From snowy hikes in the Gore Range to chilly mornings around town, it endured heavy snow, strong winds, and freezing temperatures.

Comfort

The Outdoor Research Helium Down Jacket offers a good mix of performance and comfort. Its trim fit accommodates a base layer and light mid-layer but leaves little room for bulkier clothing. 

Based on our research, previous versions of the Helium featured a more standard fit, whereas the current model leans toward an athletic cut. The jacket fits snugly through the abdomen while offering more space in the chest and shoulders, enhancing mobility. 

The raglan sleeve design prevents the jacket from riding up during movement, and updates to the fit seem to address concerns about narrow shoulders. However, it’s worth noting that the jacket appears to cater better to taller individuals, which may not suit everyone.

The materials, while durable and protective, feel slightly crinkly, particularly on the waterproof hood, shoulders, and upper arms. Despite this, thoughtful features like microfleece-lined hand pockets provide a cozy touch, adding to the overall usability of the jacket. While it may not be the most comfortable jacket in its class, its weather resistance, durability, and functional details make it a reliable option for a range of outdoor activities.

Warmth

The Outdoor Research Helium Down Jacket provides decent warmth for a mid-weight down jacket, though it isn’t a top performer in this category. It features 800-fill-power down with a 90/10 down-to-feather ratio, offering reliable insulation for mild to moderate cold conditions. The updated hood design seals well, trapping heat and preventing cold air from sneaking in, which significantly enhances its overall warmth. 

The snug fit helps retain heat, but the loose, non-adjustable cuffs allow some warmth to escape, which detracts slightly from its insulating efficiency. The microfleece-lined hand pockets add a cozy touch. 

While it’s not ideal for extreme cold or activities requiring high breathability, it remains a solid choice for moderate shoulder-season adventures and layering in harsher weather.

Weight & Packability

The Outdoor Research Helium Down Jacket balances weight and durability reasonably well, though it’s not the lightest option we tested. Our men’s size large weighs in at 15.5 ounces, making it heavier than some ultralight competitors. 

This added weight comes from the rugged Pertex Quantum and Pertex Shield fabrics, which enhance abrasion resistance and weather protection. For those prioritizing durability over ultralight design, this trade-off may be worth it.

The jacket conveniently packs into its own hand pocket, creating a compact package that can be easily stashed in a pack or clipped to gear using the integrated carabiner loop. However, the microfleece-lined pocket flips outward when packed, making it prone to collecting dirt and debris if it touches the ground or other surfaces. While it’s not the most lightweight or packable option we’ve tested, it’s compact enough for most adventures.

Weather Resistance

This jacket stands out for its impressive weather resistance, particularly for a down jacket. The Pertex Quantum shell with Diamond Fuse Technology provides excellent durability and wind resistance, outperforming many of its competitors. 

For added protection, the shoulders, hood, and upper arms are reinforced with Pertex Shield, a 2.5-layer waterproof fabric also used in Outdoor Research’s popular Helium Rain Jacket. This combination offers enhanced protection against light rain and snow, making the Helium Down an excellent choice for damp, windy conditions.

While the jacket is not fully waterproof and won’t withstand sustained rain, it handles light precipitation easily. The upgraded hood design seals effectively, trapping warmth and blocking cold drafts, while the water-resistant fabric prevents moisture from seeping in. This jacket performed admirably during blustery Colorado snowstorms, but what truly impressed us was its performance while running a snowblower to clear 12 inches of fresh powder in whirling 30 mph winds. We were convinced the non-protected areas would soak through, but they didn’t, and we remained warm and dry throughout the job.

This weather resistance makes the Helium Down particularly well-suited for those who live in wet, maritime climates or engage in activities where sudden weather changes are common. 

While it doesn’t replace a true rain shell, the jacket’s mix of durability, windproofing, and moisture resistance makes it a reliable choice for cold, unpredictable conditions.

Breathability

The Outdoor Research Helium Down Jacket offers moderate breathability, making it suitable for low to mid-intensity activities in cold weather. Its Pertex Quantum shell with Diamond Fuse Technology prioritizes durability and weather resistance over airflow, which can cause the jacket to feel stuffy during high-output activities. The jacket’s insulation, featuring 800-fill down, retains warmth efficiently but doesn’t allow for much heat escape, especially during strenuous movement.

While the Helium Down isn’t designed with specific features to improve breathability, its lighter insulation and less lofty construction help prevent overheating compared to bulkier down jackets. However, the durable materials, particularly the waterproof fabric on the hood and shoulders, can trap heat and moisture, making it less ideal for activities where ventilation is crucial.

Should You Buy the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie?

For those living in wet climates like the Pacific Northwest or anyone who prioritizes durability and weather resistance in a down jacket, this is a solid option. 

Its rugged materials, water-resistant fabric on the hood and shoulders, and 800-fill down insulation make it great for shoulder-season adventures and cold, unpredictable weather. It’s best suited for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a mid-weight jacket that layers well and handles light precipitation and wind.

That said, the jacket’s narrow fit—especially in the shoulders—may not work for everyone, and it’s a bit heavier and bulkier than ultralight options. It’s also not the best choice for high-output activities where breathability is key.

If you’re looking for a reliable, weather-resistant down jacket that balances warmth and durability, the Helium Down Hoodie is a solid pick, especially for damp or rugged conditions.

What Other Down Jackets Should You Consider?

If you’re considering the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie, here are a few similar products worth checking out, or go straight to the source with our guide to the best down jackets.

Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody Review: This premium down jacket offers similar weather resistance with its use of synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas, but it’s lighter and more breathable, making it a great choice for active pursuits.

Rab Microlight Alpine Review: Combining excellent durability with hydrophobic down and a windproof Pertex Quantum shell, the Microlight Alpine provides a snug fit and better warmth-to-weight ratio, excelling in colder, windier conditions. The Microlight is heavier, warmer, and less expensive. However, it does not perform nearly as well in wet conditions. 

REI Stormhenge 850 Review: This fully waterproof down jacket features a mix of 850-fill power down and synthetic insulation, delivering impressive warmth and weather protection. It’s heavier than the Helium but offers superior performance in wet conditions. It’s also slightly less expensive.