Outdoor Research Helium Jacket – Ultralight, Packable Rain Jacket
Mountain weather can be fickle. Sun in the morning. Rain in the afternoon. Sure, you can head out the door without a rain shell, but when you can pack one that fits in the palm of your hand, why not take it?
The Outdoor Research Helium Ultralight Rain Jacket sets a high standard for lightweight weather protection. It has quickly become my go-to lightweight waterproof jacket for trail runs, bikepacking and general travel adventures.
Weighing in at a barely-there six ounces, its weight and volume are pretty remarkable for a waterproof, breathable jacket. It literally packs down to fit in the palm of your hand. The trade-off for being so compact is minimal features and a relatively delicate feel. In other words, if you want lots of pockets, adjustable cuffs, bomber durability and assorted bells and whistles, look elsewhere. The OR Helium ultralight rain jacket is minimalist by design.
2.5-Layer Pertex Shield Waterproofing
It uses a 2.5-layer Pertex Shield waterproof, breathable fabric. A 2.5-layer translates to a waterproof, breathable membrane bonded to an exterior fabric, and rather than using a lining (like a 2-layer) or a third layer (like a 3-layer) to protect the waterproof membrane, it uses a thin coating or print applied to the membrane surface. It’s significantly lighter and more packable than 3-layer construction. However, it’s also generally less durable. Pertex Shield is on par with GORE PacLite but not quite as light and packable as GORE Shakedry.
The Helium ultralight is a rain jacket that you always have room to take with you. It’s small enough to fit in a modest waist pack, trail running vest, backpack and even a cycling jersey pocket. And it’s full-on waterproof for keeping you dry in full-on rain. There’s only a single chest pocket, but the idea here is a jacket that will likely spend more time in your pack than on your body. It’s everything you need in a rain jacket and nothing you don’t. Why pack light? Because you can.
Outdoor Research Helium Ultralight Rain Jacket $170
Read our the 7Mesh Oro GORE SHAKEDRY Jacket review
Read more of our Adventure Ride Essential gear reviews
Support offpistemag.com by purchasing through any of the product links or banners on the site. While the website is partially funded through affiliate sales, we only review and promote products that we test and believe merit being highlighted.
