Helium Rain Jacket - Men's
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Why We Like The Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
An award-winner and thru-hiker's delight, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket is our ultralight and ultra-packable pick for an emergency shell that we can stash away for surprise showers, windswept vistas, and drizzly descents. The thin Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5-layer is surprisingly durable for its weight and keeps our weather protection as light and breathable as possible for our calorie-burning pursuits in the wind and rain. We like other Outdoor Research shells better for consistent rain and downpours, but it's hard to beat the Helium's 6-ounce weight and its packability when we stuff it into its zippered chest pocket to hog less of our precious pack space. The Helium more or less lives in our pack, so we always have easy access to some waterproof and windproof protection on our hikes, trail runs, and backpacking trips.
Details
- Ultra-light and ultra-packable rain shell
- Best for occasional precipitation or emergency use
- 2.5-layer shell is waterproof, windproof, and breathable
- Nylon ripstop shell is lightweight and abrasion-resistant
- Zippered chest pocket holds a small stash
- Reflective details for low-light visibility
- Carabiner loop and key clip attachments
- Only 6.2 ounces
- Item #ODRZ8ZC
- Responsible Collection
- [material] bluesign®️ APPROVED
- Material
- Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse (2.5-layer)
- Seams
- fully sealed
- Fit
- regular
- Length
- hip
- Center Back Length
- 29.3in
- Hood
- fixed, adjustable
- Pockets
- 2 hand, 1 zippered chest
- Venting
- none
- Thumbholes
- none
- Reflective
- logo, forearm trim
- Claimed Weight
- 6.2oz
- Activity
- hiking, backpacking, running
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
3.5 based on 25 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.Customer Images
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageSeptember 29, 2025
Super light. Perfect stowaway jacket
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Size Bought:
- Medium
I needed a new raincoat. My last one I purchased is a soft shell (circa 2014ish) and makes for a better wind and light rain jacket. I've used this one for staying warm here in the PNW evenings, light rain and on a hike with high winds. I was comfortable in all conditions. I've also had it my rear pocket for a just-in-case shell and did not weigh me down.
September 24, 2025
in between a rainshell and a windbreaker
not very waterproof, not very breathable.....I wanted to like this jacket, and if the only precip you face is s very gentle mist, in cold conditions, then it's great. It IS packable, and the fit is decent. But if you are running or touring and generating heat, it is not breathable enough to wear (unless, I suppose, it is very cold). But since it isn't very waterproof, it's kind of in-between a rainshell and a windbreaker.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
September 2, 2025
Good waterproofing, very lightweight, I’m very bothered by the lack of front pockets
This is a very lightweight packable jacket. It weighs almost nothing. That being said, it did a great job keeping me dry at the Giants Causeway in sideways rain. The seams and taping performed well despite 30 plus minutes of heavy rain. I would give it 5 stars for those qualities, but I’m someone who both wants and needs front pockets, especially in a rain jacket. Where do I put my hands when it’s raining?

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
August 31, 2025
Bring back the 2 hip pockets!
I have the older version that I love that has 2 hip pockets. Bought this one for my son thinking it was the same and my son rarely wears it because he also wants hip pockets.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
August 27, 2025
NOT WATERPROOF AT ALL
NOT waterproof at all! I brought this on a long hiking trip and we had some heavy rain- I got instantly soaked and literally could see the water coming through the fabric of this jacket. So disappointing and ended up getting sick because of this jacket claiming to be waterproof.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
August 18, 2025
Super Light Weight
Have really enjoyed how light weight and easily packable this rain jacket is. It’s very thin, but still keeps me dry and is great for packing on days when you’re not 100% if it will rain but don’t want to be burdened by a bulky rain jacket. Fit is pretty form fitting, so if you’re between sizes would recommend the larger of the two.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
August 17, 2025
Not waterproof
This jacket is definitely not very waterproof. Other reviewers say it is suitable for light rains, but mine gets easily saturated and leaks in even the lightest rainfall.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
August 4, 2025
Helium Rain Jacket
It’s a good lightweight jacket. It folds incredibly small and weighs next to nothing. I have it only 4 stars though because harder rain will allow moisture to get through the jacket. It’s a great jacket, just ensure you use it with the proper conditions.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
July 17, 2025
Its no a Rain jacket
I will use this as a wind jacket as it doesnt work as a rain jacket. It does not work as a rain jacket and should not be advertised as sutch. I have used it 4 times and it has leaked all 4 times, on a hike, bike ride and to work. Leaks on the shoulders, seams to hoodie and arms. It doesnt work. I was suppriced as i was hoping for it to be a good rain jacket as it was so light. But nope, dont buy this if u are looking for a RAIN JACKET, wind breaker shure... not for rain.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
July 11, 2025
Light weight and water resistant
After wearing the jacket and pants in the Endless Mountains Expedition Adventure Race, I was very satisfied with its durability, ease of packing, and water resistance. It is great for warm weather, but I think it would not be enough if the temps are below 55 for me. Any outdoors enthusiast could find use for this product!!

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
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