Bottom Line
The Outdoor Research Helium (men’s / women’s) is an ultralight, waterproof shell designed for hikers and backpackers who prioritize weight and packability. It has long been a favorite of thru-hikers and the ultralight crowd and it continues to be one of our top rain jackets.
Weighing in at seven ounces, it’s hard to find a lighter shell. Constructed with Pertex Shield, it’s something like a heavy windbreaker or lightweight rain jacket. It offers better weather resistance than a windbreaker but lacks the full weatherproofing found in 3-layer shells. Good enough to get you by in a pinch, the Helium is great to throw in the bottom of a pack for an emergency layer or for the ultralight hiker who doesn’t mind getting a little wet.
While ultralight, the Helium eschews some features found in heavier jackets. It lacks pit zips which makes it not as breathable and no hand pockets limit the ability to carry items or keep your hands cold. Despite this, the Helium continues to be one of our favorite ultralight jackets and is perfect for those wanting weather protection without the weight.
How We Tested
Tested against Alaska’s toughest elements—rain, sleet, and snow—this jacket has proven itself on strenuous hikes through relentless wet weather. For every rain jacket we review, we push it to the breaking point to see how well it holds up to moisture and identify the specific conditions where it performs at its peak.
Quick Specs
Outdoor Research Helium
Most Affordable Ultralight Rain Jacket
CleverHiker Rating: 76/100
Price: $170 (men’s) / $180 (women’s)
Listed Weight: 7 oz. / 6.3 oz.(men’s / women’s)
Pros
- Ultralight
- Less expensive
- Packs down very small
- Key clip in hand pocket
- Angled chest pocket
- Handwarmer pockets in women’s version
- Adjustable hood
- Many colorways
Cons
- No pit zips
- No hand pockets in men’s version
- No cuff tightening systems
Comfort & Mobility
The Outdoor Research Helium prioritizes lightweight comfort and mobility for outdoor adventures. Made with Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse fabric, it offers a slim, ergonomic fit that allows easy movement, whether you’re hiking, climbing, or running. While the fabric is not as stretchable as others we tested, it is still soft and comfortable on the skin.
Although it lacks cuff cinches, the elastic keeps the wrists snug. A cinch around the hem helps dial in the fit further. With an athletic fit, the Helium is designed for active outings and thinner torsos. Because of its trimmer build it is difficult to layer underneath making this jacket more ideal for summer activities than fall or winter.
Weather Resistance
The Outdoor Research Helium is a long-time favorite of the fast and light crowd as a lightweight and quickly deployable shield from the elements. A waterproof main zipper and chest pocket zippers are excellent features to enhance weather resistance in weak areas.
However, it has some shortcomings when exposed to periods of wet weather. The DWR coating does help repel moisture, but the jacket as a whole wetted through much more quickly than others we tested. We use this jacket primarily for runs in rainy weather as well as for an emergency layer to throw in a pack. While it isn’t our first choice to take out in the rain all day, it’s enough to get you by till you can retreat to drier conditions.
Ventilation
The Outdoor Research Helium offers moderate breathability, but not as much as we would have hoped for in a lightweight jacket. The 2.5-layer construction is not nearly as breathable as a windbreaker or even other rain jackets we tested. It often felt clammy and sticky during high-output activities.
The jacket also forgoes pit zips to reduce weight meaning the only way to increase ventilation is to unzip it.
Durability
In many ultralight products, there’s often a trade-off between low weight and durability. We found this to be somewhat true in the Helium as well. With a 30 denier fabric, it’s one of the thinnest out of all the rain jackets we tested.
While the fabric itself hasn’t shown any signs of wear, the weather resistance has decreased. After a few soakings, we noticed that it started to wet through more quickly each time. Outdoor Research recommends washing this jacket with Nikwax frequently to maintain its weather resistance.
weight
With a measured weight of 6.2 ounces (men’s medium), it is one of the lightest jackets we have tested. We loved throwing it in a running vest or a day pack for a quickly deployable layer if the weather rolled in. It packs down easily into its chest pocket. This is a great jacket for those counting every ounce who want one of the lightest jackets around.
Should You Buy the Outdoor Research Helium?
If you’re the type of person who counts every ounce in their pack and considers themself an ultralight aficionado, then the Helium is the jacket for you. It eschews creature comforts like pit zips and hand pockets in favor of ultralight performance.
This jacket is not the one to wear if you’re planning on standing in the rain all day but is great to stuff in a pack for a light and quick barrier against the weather. We love this jacket for throwing in a running vest for its packability. If you’re looking for a shell that can withstand rain all day, this may not be the best choice, but it’s a great emergency layer or a fast and light option for moving in and out of precipitation.
What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider
If you want ultralight but need a little more protection, check out the other similar options from our list of the best rain jackets.
Montbell Versalite Review: The lightest jacket we’ve tested, the Versalite is extremely packable and has the features of a heavier jacket like pit zips.
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Review: Stretchy and surprisingly lightweight, the Stretch Ozonic is another great option for a packable jacket that offers more weather resistance.
Arc’teryx Beta Review: If the Helium left you wanting more for weather resistance, the Beta is our most robust and waterproof jacket offering unmatched protection in heavy precipitation.
