Helium Down Jacket - Men's
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Why We Like The Outdoor Research Helium Down Jacket
The Outdoor Research Helium Down Jacket is designed specifically for high-alpine adventures, where warmth and weight matter most. Constructed with lightweight, water-resistant Pertex Quantum fabric and insulated with premium 800-fill down, this jacket delivers exceptional warmth without unnecessary bulk. The elastic cuffs and hem provide a secure fit to keep the cold out, while five zippered pockets offer secure storage for our essential gear. This jacket compresses down small for easy packing, making it a perfect companion on our next mountaineering expedition or alpine trek.
Details
- Insulated down jacket built for high-alpine performance
- Pertex Diamond Fuse is wind-, water-, and abrasion-resistant
- Responsibly sourced 800-fill down is warm and lofty
- Raised collar blocks the wind and easily layers beneath our shell
- Elastic drawcord hem seals in warmth and offers a reliable fit
- Five total pockets keep our important items secure
- Jacket packs down into the left pocket for easy storage
- Item #ODRZ8ZB
- Responsible Collection
- Recycled/Repurposed, Responsibly Sourced (down), Bluesign Approved (face fabric)
- Material
- [face fabric] Pertex Quantum with Diamond Fuse Technology (59% nylon, 41% recycled nylon, PFC-free DWR finish), [lining] 100% ripstop nylon
- Insulation
- 800-fill RDS certified down
- Fit
- regular
- Length
- hip
- Center Back Length
- 28.5in
- Pockets
- [external] 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest, [internal] 2 zippered stash
- Claimed Weight
- 12.6oz (357g)
- Activity
- backpacking, hiking, mountaineering
- Manufacturer Warranty
- lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 8 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJuly 8, 2025
Lightweight with some weather resistance
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!
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
April 20, 2025
short breast pockets
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...
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
January 24, 2025
Warm and pretty robust
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.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
January 13, 2025
Great jacket but waist runs small
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.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
January 13, 2025
Solid Design & Fit
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.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
December 31, 2024
Excellent Quality Jacket
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.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
December 13, 2024
Over priced
There seems to be nothing special about this jacket and it's not overly attractive by any means...
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
October 30, 2024
Awesome Jacket!
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.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
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