Peak Performance Helium Down Jacket - Women's - 2011 BCS

This is a comfortable, obviously ultra warm, feminine puffy. Take it camping, put it under a shell for a super cold day of skiing, throw it on on your way out- it's a classic. I get compliments on it all the time--I think because it's a little more slender than other down jackets. It's functional fashionable and I totally dig the smaller down chambers. Two hundred for a down coat this versatile is impressive too. Note: This is not meant to get soaking wet day after day.

I really liked this jacket. I unexpectedly got to test it out the first day I got it. It was supposed to be sunny and 50, but instead it was in the lower 40s/upper30s, windy, and cloudy. This jacket performed fairly well (ie. kept me warm and did a decent job of keeping the wind out) considering the conditions. I would have been warmer in my big puffy, but was relatively comfortable in this lightweight newbie. My only complaint is that the fabric isn't super sturdy. I had to return the product, because the front ripped on my hike out. I'm not really what it caught on, but I got to the car and there was an obvious TINY spot where feathers were making an appearance. Given the type of fabric, I didn't see how I could repair it and still have it look nice. If you are nice to your jackets and don't need high performance gear for hiking/climbing/etc, then this would be great for running or hanging out around town. The fit was form fitting. I'm 5'3" about 120 pounds and a small was perfect for a couple of thin layers. You can see the feathers, but that didn't bother me too much. I just needed fabric that was a little tougher, but then of course, you give up some of the light weight.

This is a great jacket for long distance (10 miles plus) running in really cold weather (25 F). With a base layer underneath, the jacket is super lightweight but keeps warmth in..... but can be partially unzippered to allow cooling in the later miles. The only negative of the jacket (I have a green one) is that the down feathers can be seen through the fabric but since the jacket is so functional, I overlook this. Often times, winter sports jackets are heavy and halfway through a run, the jacket becomes cumbersome - not this jacket. It keeps me outside instead of in a gym on a treadmill.

Great jacket. I'm small (petite some say) and the jacket fits perfectly - also nicely form fitting to make it an attractive jacket to wear both out hiking around and out on the town. The warmth is also supprising because it is so light in weight. What some may see as a downfall- that I have grown to love - is that they made it with both dark and light goose feathers which can be seen throught the blue, just adds some character. Hope that helps anyone looking to buy it.