Can Down be windproof? Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie / Jacket.

Outdoor Research Coldfront Jacket / Hoodie Review | Warm, Durable, and Built for Real Adventures

Amazon Link:
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In this video, I take an in-depth look at the Outdoor Research Coldfront Jacket / Hoodie and break down why this has become one of my favorite cold-weather insulation layers. From materials and construction to real-world warmth and fit, this jacket seriously impressed me.
The Coldfront uses 700-fill responsibly sourced down, delivering excellent warmth without excessive bulk. It traps heat incredibly well, making it a solid choice for cold mornings at camp, winter hikes, overlanding trips, and everyday outdoor use. What really sets this jacket apart is the strategic use of Pertex® Shield synthetic fabric in high-wear areas like the shoulders and cuffs, adding durability and moisture resistance where you need it most—perfect for backpacks, light snow, and damp conditions.
Fit-wise, this jacket runs true to size. For reference, I’m wearing a size Large, I’m 6’4”, 220 lbs, with a 34” waist, and the fit is spot-on with room for layering without feeling boxy or restrictive.
Pros:
Excellent warmth from 700-fill down
Smart hybrid construction with durable Pertex® Shield in high-abrasion zones
Lightweight and packable for travel and camping
Comfortable, true-to-size fit
Clean, functional design that works on and off the trail
Cons:
Not a heavy-duty expedition parka
Down insulation means it’s not ideal for sustained wet conditions without a shell
Outdoor Research has built its reputation on function-first gear since 1981, founded by Ron Gregg with a focus on problem-solving designs for climbers, skiers, and serious outdoor enthusiasts. That commitment to innovation, quality, and field-tested performance is why OR has such a loyal following today.
If this jacket looks familiar, that’s because Luke from the Outdoor Boys YouTube channel regularly wears the Coldfront Hoodie in the Camp print edition—and if it’s good enough for Luke, it’s good enough for Outdoors with Kevin.
If you’re looking for a warm, reliable, and well-designed down jacket that can handle real outdoor use without overcomplicating things, the Outdoor Research Coldfront is absolutely worth a look.

What 700-Fill Down Really Means (And Why It Matters)
When a jacket like the Outdoor Research Coldfront is rated at 700-fill power down, that number is not about weight, warmth level, or thickness—it’s a measurement of loft, which is the key to insulation performance.
The Science Behind Fill Power
Fill power measures how much space one ounce of down occupies when it’s fully lofted under controlled conditions. The test is standardized across the outdoor industry:
1 ounce of down is placed into a clear graduated cylinder
A standardized weight is applied on top
The down is allowed to loft naturally
The volume it fills is measured in cubic inches
So:
700-fill down = 1 ounce expands to 700 cubic inches
800-fill down = 800 cubic inches
900-fill down = 900 cubic inches
The higher the number, the more air the down traps, and trapped air is what keeps you warm.
Warmth doesn’t come from the feathers themselves — it comes from the still air pockets the down creates.
Why 700-Fill Is a Sweet Spot
700-fill down sits right in the performance-to-durability sweet spot:
High loft = excellent warmth
Still durable and resilient for daily use
Less delicate than ultra-high-fill down (850–900+)
More affordable while still being high performance
This makes it ideal for:
Camping and overlanding
Hiking and backpacking
Cold-weather daily wear
Jackets that will see abrasion, compression, and real use
For most people, 700-fill provides more than enough warmth without paying for diminishing returns.
Fill Power vs. Fill Weight (This Is Where People Get Confused)
Fill power does not tell you how warm a jacket is by itself.
Two jackets can both use 700-fill down and be very different in warmth depending on:
How much down is used (fill weight)
Baffle design and spacing
Shell materials
Fit and length
Think of it like this:
Fill power = quality of insulation
Fill weight = quantity of insulation
A jacket with more 700-fill down can easily be warmer than a jacket with less 850-fill down.


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