Evaluation: Outdoor attire assessment – Outdoor Research Filament Down Pullover

The Outdoor Research Filament Down Pullover is a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a lightweight and affordable down jacket. Manufactured by the outdoor company Outdoor Research, this jacket is an intriguing option at $225, often seen on sale for considerably less.

Weighing just 7.05 ounces for a medium, the Filament Down Pullover provides good warmth for its weight and resists wind well, making it an ideal midlayer for skiing and a solid hiking and backpacking option.

The jacket's construction is first-rate, with clean and consistent stitching, and it features a unique baffle design. Large squares are offset by smaller baffles, creating a design that is both functional and visually appealing.

The Filament Down Pullover uses 800-fill-power down, which, while not as warm as options like the Patagonia Ultralight or Arc'teryx Cerium LT, still offers sufficient insulation for most cold-weather activities.

One downside to the Filament Down Pullover is that its Pertex Quantum GL fabric feels high quality but is not as soft as jackets like the Patagonia Ultralight or Arc'teryx Cerium LT. Additionally, the materials can be a bit noisier than most other ultralight jackets when being active.

The jacket's fit is comfortable and athletic, true to size, and the sleeves sit on the wrists in a way that holds the jacket in place at the wrist while allowing the insulation to overlap by a few millimeters. The Filament Down Pullover is a pullover style jacket without hand warmer pockets, but it does have a single cinch on the right side, allowing for adjustments without the jacket feeling pulled to one side.

The stuffed size of the Filament Down Pullover is incredibly small, measuring roughly 9.5 x 4.5 x 3.75 inches (LxWxH), making it easy to pack and carry along on adventures. Furthermore, the jacket stuffs down easily into its own chest pocket, adding to its portability.

Lastly, the Filament Down Pullover falls on the lighter end in terms of fill weight, and it does not have a hooded version. However, these factors contribute to its overall lightweight and affordable nature, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.