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Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket
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Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket
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Product Description
Designed to keep you dry in the event of a downpour, the Outdoor Research Helium II jacket is a lightweight backcountry essential. Made with a super-breathable Pertex Shield fabric, the jacket is highly compressible and packs down to the size of a granola bar Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downXpfreaky
69
Jun 18, 2017
$100 for some fancy shmancy cut nylon? Really?! WTF is the world coming to? For those with more $$$ than sense...ain't consumerism great
ChurchillW
423
Apr 20, 2017
I'm not sure what the driver is for putting the shipping costs behind the "join drop," but it does seem feasible they may be hiding it. The shipping costs for this seem perfectly reasonable to me ($3.99) for this, but I am close to the warehouse they ship from.
K.Trowbridge
21
Apr 20, 2017
ChurchillWI've had the impression it is due to Magic: the Gathering as the cards typically are expensive to ship (which puts the drops, with shipping, often more expensive than competitors as well as taking weeks to months longer to ship, which has notable impact on the values of newly released cards) and has become site wide as an attempt to minimize that criticism while minimizing impact to their profits.
I agree their shipping costs are reasonable, it just typically feels deceitful that they are no longer highly visible and so I personally don't fault anyone for not supporting MassDrop until the decision is reversed (while I'll personally take it into consideration, it is outweighed by their cost savings typically and reasonable past experiences).
I agree their shipping costs are reasonable, it just typically feels deceitful that they are no longer highly visible and so I personally don't fault anyone for not supporting MassDrop until the decision is reversed (while I'll personally take it into consideration, it is outweighed by their cost savings typically and reasonable past experiences).
GoGoGreenGiant
68
Sep 6, 2017
Pro Tip: When storing your jacket, its better to leave it unfolded and definetly don't leave it in the tucked away in it's own pocket cause then it is very small and hard to find... Speaking from experience as I am still looking for mine in my own home....
dchu101
79
Sep 8, 2017
GoGoGreenGiantHaha I leave my folded up, but it lives either in my everyday driver backpack or my backpacking pack. Probably bad for long term durability but easier for having it on me when I actually need it.
dchu101
79
Jul 26, 2017
There's a lot of reviews out there in this piece, I'll just offer my two cents:
- Fit is cut close. I own the large. Enough for some layering, but nothing too bulky (a close-cut fleece would work, my down jacket would billow and gather). I'm an athletic 6', 200, 42" chest to around a 35" waist. My typical sleeve length is around a 34/35. I like a trim, athletic fit so it's fine for me, but if you prefer a relaxed fit then size up. - This thing is stupid, unbelievably light at 6 oz, and packs down small into a dedicated pocket. Super impressive at this price point. There are more breathable, lighter options but they retail a good $100-150 more so you can save 1-2 oz. - Ok breathability for a PU jacket, but zero venting. Can get stuffy in high output activity. - Really bare bones on the features. No hand pockets (one Napoleon pocket), and no cinches on the cuffs. Hood is surprisingly functional for how bare bones it is, but not as customizable as a more full-featured jacket. - Pretty waterproof (Pertex Shield + is rated at 20k mm waterproofing), but will still wet through in bad conditions. I expect the DWR would wear out pretty quick too. But good enough in my opinion. - Blocks wind, but requires an insulating layer if it gets really bad.
I everyday carry this jacket. It's with me just in case on my daily commute, day hikes, and good-weather multi-day treks. If I'm heading out during rainy season, I have a heavier, more full featured jacket I own which is bulkier but more protective. It's a bit of a specialist piece, for someone who wants an emergency rain jacket / wind protection they can EDC around town and in the backcountry. Not a great jacket if you know you'll consistently face bad rains or are just wearing it around the City (lack of pockets is killer).
If you value features more than the weight savings, I'd save a few bucks and go with something more like the Marmot Precip. If you don't plan to work up much of a sweat and don't care about breathability, I'd just grab the $20 junk rain jacket from Costco.
- Fit is cut close. I own the large. Enough for some layering, but nothing too bulky (a close-cut fleece would work, my down jacket would billow and gather). I'm an athletic 6', 200, 42" chest to around a 35" waist. My typical sleeve length is around a 34/35. I like a trim, athletic fit so it's fine for me, but if you prefer a relaxed fit then size up. - This thing is stupid, unbelievably light at 6 oz, and packs down small into a dedicated pocket. Super impressive at this price point. There are more breathable, lighter options but they retail a good $100-150 more so you can save 1-2 oz. - Ok breathability for a PU jacket, but zero venting. Can get stuffy in high output activity. - Really bare bones on the features. No hand pockets (one Napoleon pocket), and no cinches on the cuffs. Hood is surprisingly functional for how bare bones it is, but not as customizable as a more full-featured jacket. - Pretty waterproof (Pertex Shield + is rated at 20k mm waterproofing), but will still wet through in bad conditions. I expect the DWR would wear out pretty quick too. But good enough in my opinion. - Blocks wind, but requires an insulating layer if it gets really bad.
I everyday carry this jacket. It's with me just in case on my daily commute, day hikes, and good-weather multi-day treks. If I'm heading out during rainy season, I have a heavier, more full featured jacket I own which is bulkier but more protective. It's a bit of a specialist piece, for someone who wants an emergency rain jacket / wind protection they can EDC around town and in the backcountry. Not a great jacket if you know you'll consistently face bad rains or are just wearing it around the City (lack of pockets is killer).
If you value features more than the weight savings, I'd save a few bucks and go with something more like the Marmot Precip. If you don't plan to work up much of a sweat and don't care about breathability, I'd just grab the $20 junk rain jacket from Costco.
dchu101
79
Sep 8, 2017
I wear the Large. I'm 6', 205 lbs, broad shoulders and chest. I could also reasonably wear an XL, but I prefer a trimmer fit.
SawatchFactory
300
May 24, 2017
Our review...http://engearment.com/gear/outdoor-research-helium-ii/
Good jacket, light weight, compact, and packable. Looking back, though, there's a reason it won all its awards in 2015. It still holds its own, especially at this price, but there are some interesting alternatives out there now that weigh the same or less and offer better function and more features. Patagonia's Storm Racer is one - similar weight and features, but stretchy. Arcteryx Norvan SL and North Face Hyperair, both using Gore Shakedry, are two others - no DWR on them, but possibly fragile. Again, all more expensive ($249-$299).
For under $100, the Helium kills it. If function trumps keeping your wallet full, consider others!
Good jacket, light weight, compact, and packable. Looking back, though, there's a reason it won all its awards in 2015. It still holds its own, especially at this price, but there are some interesting alternatives out there now that weigh the same or less and offer better function and more features. Patagonia's Storm Racer is one - similar weight and features, but stretchy. Arcteryx Norvan SL and North Face Hyperair, both using Gore Shakedry, are two others - no DWR on them, but possibly fragile. Again, all more expensive ($249-$299).
For under $100, the Helium kills it. If function trumps keeping your wallet full, consider others!
Your_Loyal_Vizier
25
Jul 24, 2017
Hey man, I just saw this comment 3 months late, but I still wanted to thank you for the input. After receiving and wearing the Rhyolite, I can say that it's nice but I see what you mean about the mobility.
You've actually convinced me to do the opposite and buy this to have as a carry-everywhere piece, and return the Rhyolite. I need something to keep in my carry-on and on my bike, first and foremost. I don't find myself in that many situations where I KNOW conditions are going to suck, you know? And since snow hoods are so damn hard to find, it looks like if I ever want to dive back into snowboarding I'm gonna have to have two jackets anyway. I don't like it, but the sensible thing seems to be buy this to have as my emergency piece, and pick up a more hardcore shell the next time I see a good one on sale.
You've actually convinced me to do the opposite and buy this to have as a carry-everywhere piece, and return the Rhyolite. I need something to keep in my carry-on and on my bike, first and foremost. I don't find myself in that many situations where I KNOW conditions are going to suck, you know? And since snow hoods are so damn hard to find, it looks like if I ever want to dive back into snowboarding I'm gonna have to have two jackets anyway. I don't like it, but the sensible thing seems to be buy this to have as my emergency piece, and pick up a more hardcore shell the next time I see a good one on sale.
dchu101
79
Jul 25, 2017
Your_Loyal_VizierI actually just wrote that, but I'm glad to be of help, even if you went the exact opposite of my recommendation!
Fuzzymuzzle
171
Feb 24, 2018
Quick 2 cents: For me the Helium is only for a quick shower and definitely not any sustained precipitation, rain or snow. Mine wets out after an hour which for the PNW is mostly useless. Goretex performs way better for me. It also runs large and boxy. I'm 5'10", 170ish and almost always a Med. This jacket in Med allows room for winter layers including a midweight puffy and is still roomy.
Paddy66
28
Feb 27, 2018
Now I'm worried. I went another time to REI a few months ago to try on the same coat and I forgot what size I wanted but my daughter seemed to think it was a medium. That's why I went again. Oh well, if the large is a bit too large, I suppose I can layer more underneath. Thanks Fuzzymuzzle.
trythis1
8
Aug 6, 2018
Thanks for not offering my size again! Shop directly from OR website. Found an xxl in few different colors. Got mine for $47.70
trythis1
8
Aug 8, 2018
No problem. Yeah they have some great deals right now. You will be happy with the Foray
. much better all around Jacket. Love mine!
Survivalist7
85
Sep 28, 2016
I have had this Rain Jacket for 2 years and wrote this review
last year for Amazon. I hope this helps !
The Outdoor Research Helium II rain jacket is my go to for summer rain gear. It is for the minimalist weighing 5.6oz for medium, nylon-ripstop with Pertex rain shell that is so lightweight. It serves me double duty as a wind and/or waterproof jacket. It has a waist drawcord to cinch. It is perfect for wearing in warmer weather when you need to carry a waterproof hooded jacket and when I want to keep my gear as lightweight and compact as possible. The hood has somewhat of stiff cap cover bill.
It lacks side pockets and pit zips to save weight. As for breathability, just regulate by unzipping the water resistant/waterproof zipper to let air in and around. It has elastic around wrist as opposed to having added velcro to lock closed. If you lift your arms up, water drains down the sleeve from wrist area. It does fold into a internal pocket. It has adjustable elastic on back of hood to cinch around your face, but does not fit tight causing it to allow rain in and down around your face which I don't mind during warm weather but use my 12oz Marmot Precip for cold rainy weather. It is appealing to me for backpacking and hiking as a lightweight gear solution but is pricey. It is made with 30D nylon ripstop (2.5 layer Pertex Shield+).
OR's Helium II is waterproof and has fully taped seams and has a small chest pocket with a water resistent zipper. It has a small inner pocket 5"x6" which the jacket can be folded into for a small storage which I love. This is a great warm weather rain shell and for an ounce counter like me its lightweight for the value. It is so small and light, it always stays in my pack.
The Outdoor Research Helium II rain jacket is my go to for summer rain gear. It is for the minimalist weighing 5.6oz for medium, nylon-ripstop with Pertex rain shell that is so lightweight. It serves me double duty as a wind and/or waterproof jacket. It has a waist drawcord to cinch. It is perfect for wearing in warmer weather when you need to carry a waterproof hooded jacket and when I want to keep my gear as lightweight and compact as possible. The hood has somewhat of stiff cap cover bill.
It lacks side pockets and pit zips to save weight. As for breathability, just regulate by unzipping the water resistant/waterproof zipper to let air in and around. It has elastic around wrist as opposed to having added velcro to lock closed. If you lift your arms up, water drains down the sleeve from wrist area. It does fold into a internal pocket. It has adjustable elastic on back of hood to cinch around your face, but does not fit tight causing it to allow rain in and down around your face which I don't mind during warm weather but use my 12oz Marmot Precip for cold rainy weather. It is appealing to me for backpacking and hiking as a lightweight gear solution but is pricey. It is made with 30D nylon ripstop (2.5 layer Pertex Shield+).
OR's Helium II is waterproof and has fully taped seams and has a small chest pocket with a water resistent zipper. It has a small inner pocket 5"x6" which the jacket can be folded into for a small storage which I love. This is a great warm weather rain shell and for an ounce counter like me its lightweight for the value. It is so small and light, it always stays in my pack.
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