Feathered Friends Helios Jacket

Review Date
January 16, 2004

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Bob Moore(Unregistered User) ,  Skier

Price Paid:  $200.00 at FF online

Summary:
I bought an XXL with nylon shell and at 6'1' with a 36 in. arm length it's still too small. When they say their jackets are snug, they aren't kidding. The helios is a sweater, not a jacket. The nylon does leak some feathers, but it's not a serious issue. It is a good garment, but the "snug cut" takes some getting used to. As long as it's used in conjunction with an outer shell it's warm to about 10 degrees. I would buy it again if they'd make it bigger in the shoulders and sleeves. Maybe I'll try the Mont Bell ultra light down jacket next time.

Customer Service:
They did not properly describe the fit and cut of the garment.

Similar Products Used:
none

Review Date
October 30, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: irideforme(Unregistered User) ,  Climber

Price Paid:  $210.00 at called em

Summary:
Large Helios Epic with 800. Me 6'1" 170lbs, narrow waist, broadshoulders. Had it custom for my monkey arms (armspan is 6'2" Feathered Friends are made for people with builds like myself, athletic, flexible etc. So a large is not really that big. I really appreciate the ab/stomach/chest section does not bunch up like most other jackets when I sit down (marmot, n-face, patty) the extra long arms were key for me. jacket weighs about a pound, stuffs down really small but has few zipper pockets (only one, really small) but that is fine with me, the double insulated hand warmer pockets really work well. This coat has been extremely durable, I've probably used it 300 plus times. Worth every penny. It has already been said but they do make the best down gear available. I've used my helios extensivly for 5 years, and I couldn't say anything has changed about it. I thought it would loose some water repelency, but no, even after chaffing. I just washed it (by hand) for the first time and it still didn't lose any water replancy.

Customer Service:
I keep hearing bad things, but I have only experiences profesional service, quick, helpful, nice etc.

Similar Products Used:
Marmot down sweater, N-face (okay if you pay less than $70)

Review Date
March 10, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Elliot Johnson(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Leeds, UK

Price Paid:  $350.00 at Website

Summary:
I scoured the internet to find the best down jacket in the world, and shortlisted Rab of Sheffield, England and Feathered friends of Seatle USA. I was tempted to go for the local option but in the end i went for the FF Helios, due to the fact that it is made to order and i could get it exactly the way i wanted. It has lived up to every expectation, and the EPIC fabric is unbelievably waterproof, although yet to determine how durable it is. I highly recommend the 800+ upgrade it is a bragain for the price

Customer Service:
Havent used

Similar Products Used:
Rab Summit

Review Date
January 23, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: jbunger20(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Price Paid:  $205.00 at FF

Summary:
This jacket kept me warm in -10F weather. I bought the 800+ fill XL with epic fabric. It is great to throw on while resting in the middle of a hike, or when you get to camp. Is very light and stuffs into almost nothing. I commend FF for their pocket design. No messing with zippers while wearing big gloves, or touching cold metal with no gloves. Just slip your hands inside. Epic is a great fabric. I also have a sleeping bag made with the same material. All of my equipment has stayed dry... even in a moist tent. Sizes do come small. I ordered an xl (6ft, 165lbs.) and am very happy with the fit. i am able to wear it over a patagonia r3 fleece jacket and a midweight shirt. not much rooom left after that. FF intends them to be small. The design is both beatiful and functional. Articulated arms alow you to wave to the camera at the summit without the jacket exposing your waist... probably the reasoning behind the design. To anybody looking for a great down jacket, this is the one to get. Thanks FF.

Customer Service:
Have not had to deal with anything other than ordering.

Similar Products Used:
North Face Nuptse - Much heavier. Down quality is obviously lower. Still a very warm jacket.

Review Date
January 20, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: corey green(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from burnsville north carolina

Price Paid:  $0.00 at feathered friends

Summary:
This is a great jacket. It weighs around one pound stuffs tiny and is MUCH warmer than fleece. I have one of the water resistant shells and it has leaked VERY FEW feathers. I like the pocket design which allows easy, snag proof access without your crap falling out. The zipper doesn't snag that much as well. I have always worried about the thin feeling fabric but I have not had any problems. Made in USA quality as well. This jacket would be hard to improve.

Customer Service:
This jacket did take a long time to get here but I think they are made to order. The people were no trouble to deal with.

Similar Products Used:
Mountain Hard Wear sub zero jacket. Good jacket as well