Outdoor Research Helium Jacket Review

The outdoor research helium ii rain jacket weighing in at a scant 6 2 ounces for a men s medium is fully wind and waterproof decently well featured and fits the bill for both ultralight die hards and comfort ultralighters.

Outdoor research helium jacket review. In 2020 their updated helium rain jacket and rain pants offer a better fit improved waterproofing and durability and are even lighter weight than. Using a unique fabric with diamond shaped filaments that lock together the new helium rain jacket and pants have five times the tear strength of the current helium fabric as well as a 50 percent higher waterproof rating. New for aw 20 outdoor research helium rain jacket and pants. It even packs into its own pocket down to the size of a sandwich making an easy addition to your harness backpack or running vest.

One interesting alternative is black diamond s fineline this jacket uses a 2 5 layer construction with built in stretch and has a similar trim fit. I went out yesterday in 40 f weather with 12mph winds. The helium ii blows the competition out of the water here coming in at a featherweight of just 5 2 ounces. It manages to offer respectable stormworthiness and the extended water resistance you d expect from a rain jacket but with the weight and packability of a wind shirt.

The new outdoor research helium is essentially a cross between a super light rain jacket and a wind shirt. Outdoor research sizes the helium ii for normal fit. The designers at outdoor research focused entirely on keeping this jacket light unfortunately cutting down on weight sacrificed a bit of this jacket s ability to protect you from the elements and last through countless adventures. The outdoor research helium s combination of 159 price tag 6 ounce weight and full waterproofing put it in a unique spot in the market most of its rain jacket competitors are either more expensive or quite a bit heavier.

The helium line from outdoor research has set the standard in lightweight and packable rain shells for backcountry adventures and travel for years. Built for flash storm protection the 100 waterproof breathable helium ii jacket weighs an incredibly light 6 4 ounces. By ordering mine one size up i got a jacket that layers perfectly over my down jacket. Since the outdoor research helium ii is simply a thin jacket designed for the purposes of providing lightweight portability it can be understood that it comes with no accessories.

While my down jacket was warm enough by itself adding the helium ii on top of it really boosted the warmth. The closest thing to an accessory that comes with this jacket is a small pouch that it fits inside when compressed into its portable travel size.