tlinn-com from United States, OR Public Profile

The OR Helium Down Hoodie is a high-quality down jacket that sets itself apart with a couple of features which make it a superior choice for certain use cases. The first feature is the heavier-grade fabric used on the hood and shoulders. This adds a nice look which elevates it above the competition, but more importantly, it adds durability against abrasion from backpack straps while also waterproofing the areas that soak through first when snow collects on its hood and shoulders and then melts, or when rain falls. It's worth noting that this doesn't make the entire jacket waterproof. You're unlikely to have a problem in snow, but in heavy rain a shell will still be required. Unfortunately, OR does not use hydrophobic down in this jacket. (Neither does Arcteryx in the Cerium LT I will be comparing it to below.)

The second feature is the soft pocket liners in both hand pockets. This makes the pockets feel warmer and softer on bare hands. It's a small touch that I notice whenever my hands are inside these pockets.

The fit isn't generous but it isn't Arc'teryx tight either. My Helium size L replaces an Arc'teryx Cerium LT size L that got a little too tight for me. The difference in fit isn't huge. It still feels like you're getting a hug when you wear the Helium, but the extra space in the torso is enough to notice. The sleeve length between the two is comparable but the Helium hangs down a little lower over my butt. The Cerium feels a little warmer and is lighter. The Cerium f