Icebreaker Helix Down Jacket

Down purists: don’t be alarmed. You might just be swayed by Icebreaker’s MerinoLOFT technology. While the Helix is not as packable or light as a comparably warm down jacket, only the gram-counters among us noticed the slight difference in size and weight. Where the MerinoLOFT technology wins, however, is its breathability. 

Instead of having to shed this Icebreaker layer in the middle of a skin or climb, Active Junky testers noted that the wool insulation and breathable side panels combined for excellent ventilation. The Helix eliminates the backcountry stop-and-go shuffle—instead of pausing mid-skin to stash your puffy, you’re good to keep on truckin’ as the jacket naturally regulates your temperature. 

According to Icebreaker, their wool insulation loses less heat than 650-fill down. Testers observed that the Helix retains warmth when wet, and, unlike down, the merino loft won’t bunch or lose loft. Bonus: the water-repellant polyester outer layer is recycled and the insulation is made from repurposed wool—adding to the sustainable story behind the Icebreaker brand.  

Tester Quote: “I was skeptical about MerinoLOFT, especially heading into the backcountry where I usually take a down puffy. I stayed warmer than I expected and, surprisingly, I never had to remove the insulator on the uphills. That’s something I always have to do with my normal puffy.”