The Happy Camper: OR Floodlight Jacket Review
A waterproof down jacket — what will they think of next?
This is one awesome jacket. Seriously. I originally bought the Outdoor Research Floodlight Jacket to be a medium layering system for winter camping. That’s what it’s advertised to be. However, after two trips so far, with temperatures reaching -20 degrees Celsius, I can honestly say it’s warm enough to be a top layer. It also isn’t one of those typical puffy down jackets that make you resemble the Pillsbury Doughboy. The Floodlight is lightweight and slim fitting. The hood has a wire brim that you can adjust, as well as an adjustable waist hem. The side pockets, which are placed high on the jacket to allow room for your pack hip belt, are lined with cozy warm fleece; a really nice touch when compared to other jackets. Two mesh stash pockets are inside the jacket, giving you a place to store a waterbottle or snacks.
The bonus, of course, is the 800+ down incased in a waterproof, breathable, stitch-free, outer shell called Pertex Shield. It’s an amazing addition, especially during those somewhat mild winter days where wet snow or sleet is falling. To keep the water from seeping into the baffle seems of the jacket, OR has bonded the outer shell to an inner shell, creating waterproof baffles. Other jackets out there have “treated” down, attempting to make the jacket water-resistant. The Floodlight idea is much better in my opinion. It also eliminates wearing a puffy down jacket under a rain shell. Of course, using the traditional integrated system makes sense when you need to de-layer and cool down. The Floodlight doesn’t. It’s an all in one deal. It’s still a medium layering jacket, however. So, overheating isn’t a big issue.
