Customer Reviews Outdoor Research Illuminate Down Hoodie

This was great for the field but being 6,2 and about 205 pounds the jacket is very narrow on the hips was disappointing. On the other hand it kept me warm it is great to put on under the uniform.

I am strictly writing this review to help others with sizing issues/questions. I am 6' tall 220 lbs. I originally ordered an XL Baja Pullover. Even though i'm a thick build i was swimming in the XL. Therefore, I figured I would drop down to a large. Being that the Baja and the Illuminate are both listed as a "standard fit" on the website and both have the same measurements, i figured I would be fine to try a Large Illuminate. I returned the Baja and ordered an illuminate in a Large. The Large size in the Illuminate was FARR too small specifically around the hips and butt, leading me to believe that it was a Trim Fit. I just reordered the Illuminate in an XL ( probably what size i should be) and it fits great I think the website is listed improperly and the Illuminate should be a "trim fit" and the Baja should be a "standard fit" due to the differences I experienced between the two products with the same XL sizing. I also have the OR ascendant hoody which is a Trim fit XL and it fits perfectly as well. I have not yet used this item merely tried it on, but i'm sure it will perform well.

This jacket has an excellent warmth/weight ratio as expected, especially after reading some of the previously posted comments. However, while the wind doesn't exactly cut through, there is a surprising amount of wind resistance that adds to the length of time I'm able to wear the jacket as an outer layer in temps at, or just below 30-32F. And, while I didn't specifically mention the issue above, I did notice a small bit or two of down floating from the jacket during compression (packing, sitting, etc.) that usually takes other down jackets a while longer to present. The Illuminate works very well as a mid-layer under a shell, or as added insulation under a larger fitting synthetic, like the Perch Belay, for more static endeavors. And, as mentioned previously, the outer material is probably not going to be able to take much more abuse than rough packing, or the occasional snag or friction from an over-layer. All in all a great purchase if used in accordance with its limitations.

I was between this and the transcendent hoody. This is great if you need something to keep off the chill but its not really cold out. I wanted to replace a very large heavy coat I use for everyday in winter and have something light weight for backpacking and this is great but anything under 30 I really gotta layer or expect to be cold. I think the transcedent might be more warm as a stand alone but they are both "hoodys" so this is great because it fits under shells much easier. I think I would rather they upped the fill (say double) and could have a really awesome all around stand alone coat.

Amazing standalone jacket for 30F+. Couple with a solid baselayer and you'll be fine down to 0F. A nice perk is the pockets seem to be fleece lined. My main gripe is that the zippers get stuck often, and I had the jacket hanging by the hang-loop with only gloves in the pockets and the loop ripped at one end. Otherwise, great jacket for cold weather.

It runs a little small. I usually wear a Large but got the X-Large in this jacket. The X-Large fits perfect.

Great fit. Nice features. Lightweight. Not as warm as I expected. Wind seems to pass between the baffles. During 40 degrees I was very warm. At 35 with fleece I felt some of the coolness outside. At 29 with fleece I shivered sometimes and felt occasional wind drafts in my back.

Good fit but outer layer is very thin. Was looking for more wind protection in cold, damp conditions. Returned.

Was looking for a lightweight, warm jacket to use when not active in cold, wet, windy weather in the southeast. This jacket is just too light for cold winds. Would need an even heavier outer layer on top of this jacket. But fit was great, very light. Returned.

The soft lining around the collar and in the pockets in a nice touch on a jacket style that otherwise I don't consider "cozy" because down jackets are mostly nylon. It wasn't quite as puffy/insulated as I'd hoped but it does pack down nicely.

I love the jacket. The black color is too shiny. It makes the jacket looks cheap. In the sun it have the glossy look that I don't like.

Have mostly really enjoyed this jacket. Packs small, super lightweight, I like the look. The only downsides for me are that it started losing feathers fairly quickly (The seat of my car had 15-20 small feathers just from the back). The other weird issue is If I have my phone and wallet in the main front pockets and I go to sit in my car or sit down anywhere they are just at the level where they stab me in a weird way, I'd never had a jacket have that issue.

Jacket is light and warm however not durable. My first time wearing the jacket my hydration pack created several holes. I would recommend the jacket for casual occasions but not outdoor recreational activities.

Seems to run large I'm 5,8 and 150lbs and small was normally to small for my shoulders back in 2015- as I have two OR filiment down jackets that Was a great awesome jacket comparable to the Mountain Hardware ghost whisper, and with actual Pertex Quantum 850fill , Why OR got so far away from the OR filiment jacket is beyond me , this is not a good substitute for the OR filiment jacket . I'm allittle disappointed / that said I will still use this jacket and this is still a great product compared to itself and the knock offs out there selling bad down quality and stitching . I can tell this jacket is built high quality and thought except for size , a Medium feels like large !

Not durable at all. Don't even look at anything sharp with this on, or you may be dealing with more feathers than you'll want to. The finish on this jacket is very "shiny", which isn't clearly shown in the picture. Overall very warm, comfortable, and crazy light. Better around town, than in the field.

It is an awesome puffy, as long as you are thin in the lats/chest. I fit a large in all the OR jackets but not this jacket. I'm not huge but it barely fit across my chest and was super tight in the arm pits. I could not use it even thought it was the right weight and material for my upcoming adventure plan.

Very warm, very thin material ripped after only a week of light use.

This jacket is way too lightweight to be used by itself. 800 fill power only goes so far if there isn't enough of it. And you can easy see light through the material where it is stitched all of the way through the jacket, so there is absolutely NO insulation every 2" throughout the jacket. The materials themselves, fit, etc. seem okay, just not enough down to make it a standalone jacket.

Love OR. Not sure what the issue is on this jacket. Medium is too small and the large is too bulky. This is not common for me. I think the jacket should be a bit broader in the upper torso on the medium (Arms are tight when extending). I wear a medium on almost everything. Large is too big.

I have had really good luck fitting OR down jackets for several years. With the revised cut the shoulders are narrower and sleeves shorter. When trying it on it seemed that material was added around the waist. OR should bring back the more athletic cut. For reference I'm 6'2" and 175#s with a 37 to 38" sleeve.

shipped wrong size, very little down in jacket

I find this jacket to be made poorly. it started to come apart after wearing it a total of 3 times just around the house. the bungee cord that is at the waist has broke, and stitching is starting to come out. in conclusion i suggest you don't buy this jacket and if you got it as a gift return it for something of better quality. this is not a jacket for the active person or camper.

Love OR clothing and products but the color choices and two tone look on this new jacket leave a lot to be desired...won't be purchasing this one.