Outdoor Research Transcendent Sweater

I compared nine Down Jackets by ordering all of them, comparing and testing indoors and out, including light rain and 25mph winds. (thanks Seattle!). I tried jackets of 800+fill, ones with water-resistant down, and ones of ultralight construction. As I am not a climber, and use this jacket for just about everything else, it fits the bill for me.
I found by testing that jackets without a good pocket system wore out my patience as there was nowhere to store everyday needs, like reading glasses, a mini-camera, iPhone, etc.
I chose this OR jacket because it fit perfectly as a layer under my Goretex jacket, as well as over my base layers, PLUS, it's intelligent pocket system works for all my needs. The addition of micro fleece in the neck and pockets makes this jacket seem warmer despite the lower loft count.
It is not as water resistant as some, but it did well in light rain. Plus, at a lower price than most, using a Down Proof product brings it up to the competition for another $14.
Another thing i love about the OR product is that it is not glossy like a hefty trash bag.

I bought this jacket except my version has the hood and I am beyond happy with this thing. I am not good with layering usually and in VA in can get pretty chilly sometimes so when going to work where all I have to have on is my work t-shirt I can throw this thing over it and still stay toasty warm then only have to unzip it and I'm ready to go. If I do end up hiking though I have an outdoor research fleece pullover I wear under it also for extra warm and during the polar vortex that came through I still didn't get cold except my face.. I am really happy with this jacket and know that it will get the job done for years to come! My only suggestion even though this version doesn't have the hood is that the hooded one could be tucked way. Would give it 6 out of 5 stars then. I highly suggest this to anyone looking for a kick ass mid-weight down jacket!

I purchased the pewter in a small and it fit good. The armpits were tighter than other jackets with similar size. The quality seemed good and the warmth seemed to be good. I didn't keep it long because I was bummed to see it is made in China. I wanted to support a smaller company but it looks like they don't make them in the states. If you check out their website it seems like a good company. Also the Pewter color is a little darker, which I liked, than most all pictures I could find on line. Btw I am 5'9" and 140 lbs with 30 waist. This jacket is not bulky and is pretty light. It does have a nice tri cot soft lining on the inside of the collar, nice touch if you like that. The almost hidden chest pocket is pretty slick also. The material is a thin standard ripstop nylon, nothing fancy. Good luck

Super warm. When I first got it i was worried it was going to be too thin, but its more than warm enough. Very compactable. Its actually too warm to use while I'm moving, if I'm climbing or slogging through snow I'll start sweating profusely with it on. That obviously depends on you and your layers though.
I thought I ruined it during a winter slog up mount hood: sweated so much it made the down clump and lose all loft. I washed with nikiwax down wash. then dried it. Still had clumps and no loft. So put it in drier on No heat, with four tennis balls, which amazingly restored the loft of the down.
I treated it with Nikiwax "down proof" which is supposed to make the down repel water. Seems to work pretty well, hasn't got damp since. Still best puffy I've ever seen.

Researched multiple down jackets to supplement my primaloft jackets. Not as "puffy" as other down jackets of similar price. Small - I would call it an athletic fit for me (5'7" ex-pro cyclist build 38-39"chest). Little snug in arm pits. Perfect arm/hip length my size which is often not the case. Very warm for weight and great in wind for what it is. Nice big pockets inside. Very compressible. I was not going for the super warm, high alpine down so this is great. Primary use will be around town, post activity wear and when extra warmth is required in addition to carrying the primaloft (Atom LT hoody or older Cloudveil primaloft vest). Overall great jacket for price!

Freshly out of the box and I wanted to share my impressions. Great looking jacket. Light weight but lots of loft and warmth. This will definitely be my go to layer for warmth. I like a roomier down jacket so I bought a larger (5'10/165). It has lots of room and it will likely be my over layer. Love the interior pockets - great for maps and roomy enough to hold a skin on each side (if need be). A little unsure about the length as it is longer than most jackets (another reason I will likely use it on top when layering. Can't wait for the temp to drop.

This jacket is perfect for me in so many ways. I am 5'9" and weight about 175lbs and the large is perfect. When I first touched this jacket and realized how light it was I thought I would be disappointed in the pockets. To my dismay the pockets are lined and warm! I have the hooded version and I absolutely love it because it provides warmth but not that suffocating feeling you get from most insulated hoods. I have also had no problems with feathers poking me through the fabric.

I selected this jacket through the oudoor research grassroots program and I love it. For cold dry winter outings, I will always throw this in my pack. I am 6'0 and 165# and I fit well in the Medium I like slim fit jackets and this one fits under a shell as well. The best feature of this jacket is its length. It is about 3/4 inches longer than many jackets so it stays under the harness whilst cold climbing.

i tried a Patahoochie version (way too expensive), a Stoic version (wrist guards cut off my circulation) and the Revelcould from REI (didn't keep me warm at all) and came upon the OR version. LOVE It keeps me warm and toasty whether walking around in 40 degree weather or under a shell for snowboarding. packs down well (no pun intended). might even be able to use it as a down pillow-ette while camping.

Got this locally for $100 after passing on a patagonia marmot and mountain hardware all priced almost 2x more. Its not 800 fill but still toasty. Fit is great i am 5'8" 160lbs and got the medium. I use it under a shell on themountain and standalone on cool nights around my place. Plus OR has lifetime warranty which is a bonus.