Helium Rain Jacket - Men's
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Why We Like The Helium Rain Jacket
The Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket is the lightweight shell that's worked thru-hikers and gram-counters into a tizzy. Weighing only six ounces, the Helium rides light and takes up little real estate in our pack until we need it to ride out a surprise shower or gusty conditions at the summit. We like other OR rain jackets for torrential rains and downpours, but the Helium's Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse shell is surprisingly tough for its weight, highly breathable, windproof, and waterproof in light to moderate precipitation. It's a great emergency shell and a top pick for hikers, backpackers, runners, and climbers who prioritize weight savings and packability over everything else.
Details
- Ultralight and packable rain shell for variable weather
- Best for off-and-on precipitation and emergency use
- 30-denier ripstop is thin but highly abrasion-resistant
- Waterproof and seam-sealed to keep out light to moderate rain
- Adjustable hood and hem with elastic cuffs ensure a secure fit
- Chest pocket doubles as its stuff sack
- Carabiner Loop and Key Clip
- Item #ODRZ8AN
This item is made with PFAS chemicals.
- Material
- [membrane] Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse (2.5-layer) [face fabric] 30D nylon ripstop
- Seams
- fully sealed
- Fit
- standard
- Length
- hip
- Center Back Length
- [medium] 27in
- Hood
- adjustable
- Pockets
- 1 zippered chest
- Claimed Weight
- 6.3oz
- Activity
- hiking, backpacking
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 3 years
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4 based on 460 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
Here's what customers have to say
The jacket is lightweight, packable, and breathable, making it suitable for activities like hiking and running where minimizing weight is important. However, it may not provide adequate water resistance in moderate to heavy rain, with some customers reporting that it "wets out" and allows water to seep through. The jacket appears to be better suited for light rain and wind protection rather than sustained heavy rain. Overall, customers who prioritize weight and packability over maximum waterproofing tend to be satisfied, while those expecting a fully waterproof rain jacket may be disappointed.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews.
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageSeptember 29, 2025
The jacket is lightweight, just windproof enough, and keeps me rather dry. It's great for around town, commuting, and cycling. I wish it had hand pockets and was truly waterproof in heavier rains, but I'm still very happy with this jacket. The high-contrast zippers are a good touch! I'd recommend this jacket for anyone.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
September 11, 2025
Light and potable
Lightweight, self-storing jacket. Good as a "just in case" piece. Insufficient for sustained heavy rain.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
September 4, 2025
Perfect packable rain jacket for when you think it's not going to rain
Super light weight and packable. It's not a heavy duty rain slicker and it's not going to keep you dry in an all-day downpour, but it's great to have in your pack as insurance on day trips when the chances of heavy rain are low.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
August 9, 2025
Great product
Used the product in Alaska summer and rain and it was comfortable and extremely lightweight

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
August 7, 2025
Rain jacket? Not so much.
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Size Bought:
- small
- Height:
- 5' 6"
- Weight:
- 140
Picked this up on sale and glad I did not pay full price 'cause it is barely water proof. Steamy as a wind breaker and so-so as a rain jacket. Do like that it packs small and I had high hopes of finally having a waterproof wind breaker but no. Did not want to believe the reviews but it really does wet out on the inside pretty quickly in real rain. Might be OK in fog. Sorry I can't return it as it has been worn.
August 3, 2025
Versatile & Great
Great at keeping the rain out, while staying really light and easily packable in my trail running vest. It also does a great job of cutting the wind too. A great addition to my trail running kit.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
July 11, 2025
Water resistant and light weight!
I wore this jacket periodically during the Endless Mountains Expedition Adventure Race and was very satisfied! It kept me dry in the rain, warm as an extra layer at night, and was very durable and easy to pack!

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
June 25, 2025
It’s a great lightweights product
i’ve had mine for 3 years and it’s still working perfectly
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
May 17, 2025
Do not buy - it leaks.
The first time that I used this jacket in fairly light rain, it leaked badly. Do not buy.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
April 16, 2025
Great Ultralight Rain Jacket
Easy to pack, lightweight rain jacket. Doesn't keep rain completely out when it's downpouring, but that is to be expected with a UL jacket. Otherwise does great in light rain and soggy conditions.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
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