Outdoor Research Men's Maestro Down Jacket

Excellent Down Jacket but Fragile
March 18, 2012

There are numerous things to love about the OR Maestro Down Jacket. The down fill is first rate, the fit and sizing is right on and it is extremely comfortable and warm. The reflective piping on the hand warmer pockets is a cool addition and the hood is well constructed and fits great. I really liked this jacket and would have kept it if it hadn't been for the very fragile outer material. The material is extremely soft and warm and holds the down in well, however I am very rough on gear and I knew I would pick iit, snag it or rip it on something pretty quickly so I had to return it. It would be an awesome jacket for kicking around town and such but definitely not one I could take into the backcountry with briars, broken branches, etc.

unusually warm
December 31, 2011

I can compare the Maestro to several other popular brand 800 insulators I own. First note that the Maestro is about $100 more expensive than most of the similar well known brands. For that, you get quite a bit more filling and a heavier jacket overall (my size L weighs 659 g.) I like the collar and handwarmers (no fleece, just smooth nylon, doesn't snag beard or dry hands); handwarmers have a down layer facing the outside shell; cuffs are elastic, no velcro to snag; and the jacket seems to be box baffled rather than the usual sewn through. The result is some serious warm insulation! Very wind resistant too. In all respects the jacket is quality stuff. I've had it out in about 25 degree wind and it is toasty and all you'd wish for. One thing: The jacket back is very long- longer than the specs indicate. My L was supposed to be 32", but it measures at 34"... that works out fine for warmth, but not for fitting under a wp shell...the bottom is going to get wet. That's not going to bother me, as I have shorter down layers for undershell and I appreciate the warmth this jacket affords. Just be advised...