Outdoor Research

Helium Rain Jacket - Women's

Wind breaker or for summer rain. Not waterproof.

I've had this jacket for a few years and it does exactly what I expected it to - I essentially use it as a wind breaker, for summer rain jacket, or as a second layer under my Aspire because it has elastic wrists and I always manage to get water up my sleeves. I would never pay full price for it, but because I got it discounted, it was totally a worthwhile investment for me. It's light and rolls up really well.

Not Great Waterproofing

I owned this jacket for a year and find it is not nearly as waterproof as advertised! On a recent biking trip, I got soaked through. In general it was an ok windbreaker, but anything beyond a light drizzle lead to soaking through. I think for a light jacket it's fine, I've kept using it for wind and when light rain is possible, especially since it packs small. But for future trips where heavy rain is expected, I'll have to find something better.

A Truly Great Jacket (Used Properly)

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Outdoor Research is a company that has steadily improved its cred in the outdoor athlete market by making lightweight feel like the real thing. This is maybe the best version of that I've seen. This thing packs up into a fist and carried me through more than one rainstorm on my bike. It is not a full-blown rain jacket. It's not meant for anything other than outdoor activities where you have to shed every ounce you can. This jacket ticks a lot of boxes if you're only bringing one on a bikepacking trip and need to remain un-hypothermic above treeline, let's say. It's a really, really good piece of gear, period. The hood is large enough to fit over a helmet, and the wrists are elastic and tapered. The jacket folds into its single pocket. It's not exactly clumsy but it takes a bit of finessing. The inside of the jacket feels like a light coating of high-quality waterproofing, and I've never experienced the problems others here have. If weight is no issue, there are many more options that would be far more appropriate, for what should be very obvious reasons. But if you're bikepacking, backpacking, or just really into great lightweight products, highly recommended.

Quality and performance in one jacket

I bought this for a backpacking trip and not only is it great in rain and wind, it’s so lightweight it is perfect for backpacking when you’re traveling as light as possible.

Lightweight Rain Protection

This will be the perfect jacket to stow away in my luggage or pack for “just in case it rains”. It is super lightweight and packs small. I will also be using it for Spring rainy days here in Oregon when it is too warm to wear my Gortex rain coat.

Wets through instantly, do not buy

Really disappointed in this jacket despite good reviews from external sites. From the moment I got it, it was not waterproof for even a slight drizzle. It wets through instantly. I tried washing it and re-treating it per OR's instructions, but it's still awful. Maybe ok as a windbreaker, but not worth that for the price. Really disappointing.

Don't waste your money

Not waterproof at all, small for size & do not recommend. Kind of worthless after a year of wearing it. Colors are good, and that's about it.

Failed in a storm

I remember when OR gear used to be absolutely bombproof -- I still have a pair of gators that I bought in the 90s! Sadly, those days are gone. Bought this jacket for a thru-hike on the Colorado Trail this past summer. It was brand new and completely failed in a torrential downpour; I got absolutely soaked, and if it had been much colder, it could have been a serious situation. I do a lot of thru-hiking and backcountry travel, and I need to be able to rely on my gear (especially when it's brand new.) I won't be buying technical gear from OR in the future. I guess this jacket is appropriate for... misty conditions? A short walk in light rain? A stroll down to the cafe? But don't trust if it you're really going to be out in the elements.

Nice But Narrow on Bottom

I’ve been looking for a very packable rain jacket to take on trips that are likely to have some rain but not much. I wanted a jacket with no Velcro which is hard to find. This jacket has none and is very lightweight so I decided to try it. I am 5’2” about 118 pounds and ordered the small thinking that would allow for some light layers underneath. The problem with this jacket and many others is they are cut so straight that there is little room in the hip area. With even a light layer it was very tight in the hips when zipped up. I wish outdoor clothing companies would realize that most women have hips!! I ended up getting a medium which fits really well except for the sleeves being too long. I can tuck them under. Have not worn in rain yet but since I will only use for light rain I think it will be fine.

Not waterproof nor water resistant.

This jacket is not waterproof at all nor is it water resistant.