Outdoor Research Women's Helium Rain Jacket

About This Item

Fit and Design

  • Waterproof
  • Windproof
  • Breathable
  • Fully seam-taped
  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Adjustable hood
  • Ykk aquaguard zippers
  • Single separating center front zipper
  • Zip hand pockets
  • Left hand pocket doubles as stuff sack
  • Carabiner loop and key clip
  • Bluesign approved Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5L, Bluesign approved, 100% Nylon, 30D Ripstop
  • Brand : Outdoor Research
  • Style : 10605412
  • Web ID: 23OREWHLMRNJCKTWSWOU

REVIEWS

3.2
53%
Recommended

28 Reviews

Light And Portable

Lightweight, self-storing jacket. Good as a "just in case" piece. Insufficient for sustained heavy rain.

Great Lightweight Option!

Great lightweight option, crazy how lightweight it is, but it did wet out within the first three times of wearing it. But nothing a little nik wax didn't fix!

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.

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.

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.

Verified Purchase

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.

Great Packable Rain Jacket

I bought this a couple years ago and has saved me more times than I can count. It packs down super small and is incredibly breathable which is needed for us down in Alabama where it can still be very hot while raining. Since buying this I can't tell you how many times I have recommended this product to customers. Truly my favorite jacket.

Long And Narrow

lightweight and packable. Kept me dry on a trip to Norway. Docking a star because the fit is very narrow through the hips, but a larger size would be too long in the arms and chest.

See Below

This jacket looks and feels nice but is more of a windbreaker than a rain jacket. It wets through after being in a light rain for more than a few minutes. I bought this jacket three years ago but haven't worn it much and the seam taping on both of the armpits is coming apart.

Verified Purchase

Great Quality!

Color & durability are so perfect!!!

Wet Out After Just 10 Minutes In Moderate Rain

This jacket has nearly zero waterproofing, with the arms of the jacket absorbing the rain immediately. It is very lightweight, but useless for anything other than throwing on to get out of your tent for a few minutes during rain.

Verified Purchase

Great Jacket! Super Light.

Great jacket for running and adventures in the PNW. Light and packable, but well made and protective.

Verified Purchase

Great Ultralight Jacket

No matter the price or claim all waterproof jackets will eventually wet out. However, why carry something heavy and wet when you can have a helium. These keep rain out pretty good, for the weight conscious, you won't get better. Probably the best ultralight rain jacket on the market.

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