Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie Review

The down used in this product is certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). Set by The Textile Exchange, the RDS is the leading certification for sustainably sourced down in the outdoor industry. It ensures that down suppliers use sustainable land management practices, prioritize animal welfare, and provide workers with safe working conditions and fair wages. Third-party audits are conducted at all stages of the supply chain, starting with the farm supplying the down.

This product is made partly or entirely from recycled materials, the most common being nylon, polyester, wool, and down. Some products include a single recycled component or partially recycled fabric, while others are 100% recycled (generally excluding accessories like zippers, Velcro, toggles, etc). Look for these details in our product sustainability report linked below.

Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile certification system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A Bluesign-approved material indicates that it has undergone a rigorous vetting process based on the criteria above. A Bluesign Product goes the next mile, containing at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and at least 30% Bluesign-approved accessories.

This criterion evaluates this brand's commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing its environmental impact throughout the production process. Responsible manufacturing is most commonly demonstrated through certifications and membership in programs such as Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accreditation of Production, and the Fair Labor Association. We also recognize brands that prioritize local production, such as those that manufacture primarily in the United States or Europe, to reduce carbon emissions, maintain better oversight of working conditions, and comply with strict social and environmental regulations.

This brand uses recycled packaging and/or is making efforts to reduce packaging altogether. For example, it may use a certain percentage of recycled cardboard or make efforts to use less plastic across its packaging operation. In some cases, brands also use Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, which helps to ensure sustainable sourcing of forest materials.

This brand offers repair services, which can extend this product's lifespan and reduce overall consumption. Some brands offer comprehensive repair programs that can fix a wide range of issues, while others have more limited capabilities. If a brand's warranty policy only covers replacement, rather than repair, these programs usually do not meet this criterion.

This brand has a resale and/or recycling program, which helps keep gear in circulation for longer and out of landfills. The most common form is a trade-in program, where consumers can exchange items for store credit, which is then resold. Some brands accept products back for recycling at the end of their life, thereby reducing waste. Occasionally, some do both.

This criterion evaluates whether this brand measures its greenhouse gas emissions, along with its commitment to reduction and transparency in reporting. Typically, we require brands to follow established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. Generally, companies use the widely recognized scope categorization system for measuring brand emissions.

This brand produces and publishes an annual impact report for public consumption, tracking its environmental footprint and sustainability efforts. These reports vary in form but generally cover topics such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas and emissions tracking, waste and water usage, supply chain analysis, and packaging efforts. An impact report is an important step toward transparency and accountability on the sustainability front.