Outdoor Research Helium Bivy
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
As the lightest weight bivy from OR at just a smidgen over a pound, the Outdoor Research Helium bivy is a true minimalist built for fast-and-light solo expeditions.
Shop newer version- Featherlight, waterproof and breathable Pertex® Shield+ fabric doesn't compromise on durability
- Fully seam taped for full weather protection
- 40-denier Hydroseal® floor fabric
- No-nonsense clamshell design handles adventuring nearly year-round
- Shockcorded single Delrin® overhead pole, high-volume toe end and removable no-see-um mesh at the opening add comfort
- Features include 2 stake loops and 1 guyline loop
Imported.
View the Outdoor Research Helium Product LineView all Outdoor Research Bivy Sacks| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Weight | 1 lb. 0.8 oz. |
| Packed Size | Unavailable |
| Bivy Length | 82 inches |
| Shoulder Width | 26 inches |
| Ultralight | Yes |
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3rd outdoor research bivy, love them
So light and packable I lost my first one after 12 years of use. The helium is great build, huge inside, quite, just sit up to get out. Bivy trick: a small fan turns it into a balloon / wind tunnel, dry's quicker, keeps fabric off body, significantly cooler, eliminate humidity. I have other bivys the Outdoor Research definitely gets the most use.
Waterproof, easy setup, hot
Love this thing, mostly but have a gripe. This was purchase from outlet in winter 2018. Small, lightweight, easy to setup. My Big Agnes 72x20 pad fits with plenty of room to spare. I toss in my sleep and had plenty of room to move around. The bad is lack of ventilation. Even the when the head area is exposed to only mesh, the exterior shell just folds in half to leave it draped across my neck. I got no airflow on my body this weekend in low 70s sleeping in southern IL. If there were some zip vents or a way to roll up the outer head area I would give this a 5 star. I'll try again in the fall, but need something else in warmer camping.
Comfortable with minor condensation issues
Used the Helium Bivy on a 3 day canoe trip at Algonquin. First night set up beside the lake, day time high 25°C night time now 7°C, sunny and clear skies. Woke up in the morning with some condensation in the Bivy and water droplets on my sleeping bag. Was set up on sandy dirt with an open view of the sky and lake. Second night set up the Bivy on pine duff under a tree, similar conditions of 25°C and 7°C but experienced no condensation. Overall, relatively pleased with the Bivy, but I have not slept with the clamshell shut yet. The material seems to be breathable in the right conditions. Would prefer 2 more stake loops so the Bivy can be staked out in all 4 corners. Wouldn't add much weight, maybe a few grams.
Bikepackers Dream
I bought this bivy for a light weight shelter to bikepack with. this thing packs down to virtually nothing, and the one pole collapses nicely to fit in my frame bag. I'm 6'1 and I fit great in it. I use a Nemo Tensor size long and it fits well in the bivy. It's also a huge plus to have the mesh face option during good weather. Last time I used it it was cold and windy. It cut the wind nicely!
Solid Bivy
Although I have seen other reviews that mention problems the bivy, I personally think this is the best bivy on the current market. One thing to remember about bivy sacks is that they are NOT TENTS. Unlike tents, bivy bags have little to no ventilation, and are essentially the smallest, single walled shelter you could buy. As for the Helium’s quality, it is top tier. The fabric is predominantly Pertex, which is breathable and waterproof nylon. Additionally, bivy bags are not meant to be 100% breathable - all bivy bags on the current market will ALWAYS have some sort of condensation problem. The Helium will have some condensation (like on a car’s windshield on a cold morning). Other lower quality bivy bags may have heavier condensation, and quite possible pooling of water. The Helium also has 3 tie out points: one on the roof to further elevate the bivy bag’s fabric off of your body, and two on the floor of the bivy to keep the bivy from moving around your campsite. Yes, it would be ideal if there were more tie-outs, but for an 18 ounce shelter (510g), the Helium is a go-to for me.
A must have for any ultralight enthusiaist
This is one of the best Bivys that I have used. I have used the Helium in Colorado and Southern California in both the desert and snow covered mountains and have not had any issues. It is very spacious for a bivy and allows you to keep your necities inside with you. The Helium completed my ultralight sleep system with the Thermarest Vesper Quilt and Uberlite Sleeping Pad. I believe alot of the gripes with the Helium are from people that don't understand the capabilities and limitations of Bivy Sacs. I have never had Bivy survive a heavy rainstorm. Period. You can't have the tension needed to repel the rain off of the surface due to the structure that makes a bivy a bivy. That is why I always have brought a lightweight tarp me if there is even a light chance of rain. Condensation is just a reality of backpacking with with a Bivy. The Helium's pole at the head of the bivy mitigates alot of that condensation by allowing air to flow through the body of the bivy and towards the feet were it usually collects. One thing that the other reviewers seemed to forget about is the biggest strength of backpacking with a Bivy--you can sleep anywhere! Does the forecast say there will be a downpour? Setup underneath a boulder or pines. Is it a warmer night and you're afraid of condensation? Set your bivy up so the vent is facing into the wind! The Helium is a great piece of gear and I highly suggest it for those that want to travel light and want the ability to camp anywhere and wake up to great views.
Great for Backpacking
I’ve used this for several years, and it is the perfect size and weight for a backpacking trip. I tried a few different bivvys before selecting this one, and am very pleased with the ease of set up, the space within it (for a bivvy) and continue to use it on my trips. I highly recommend this product.
Fantastic Bivy
The Outdoor Research Helium Bivy is an outstanding choice for minimalist adventurers. Its ultralight, durable design offers exceptional weather protection while maintaining a compact and packable size. The waterproof and breathable fabric ensures you stay dry and comfortable even in challenging conditions, while the full-length side zipper allows for easy entry and exit. The bivy's low profile and excellent ventilation enhance overall comfort, making it ideal for solo camping or emergency situations. With its impressive balance of weight, protection, and functionality, the Helium Bivy is a must-have for any serious backpacker or mountaineer.
This item should have been sold as Used Gear
I like the product, but upon removing the bivy from it's included stuff sack, I was greeted by dirt. This bivy should have been sold as Used Gear. There was quite enough dirt and scuff marks on the bottom of the bivy. I also found dirt inside. I am a little disappointed, because I've only started putting together my first backpacking loadout. Nevertheless, I cleaned it out and found no major damage so far. I will have to further examine the product and decide whether to return it or not. I am giving the product a 3 star rating. I can't give an honest review at this point as I may not even try out the product in the outdoors and return it.
Excellent for what it does.
I use this bivy for spike camps on the fire line and so far it has been perfect for what I use it for. I love the option to leave the main zipper open for a good breeze since the bug net keeps the mosquitoes out. I haven't noticed mosquitoes being able to bite through this fabric and I haven't had a chance to coat it with permethrin yet. I would definitely set it up with all of your kit at home to make sure everything fits. I use a seat to summit comfort plus tapered sleeping pad with it and it's a winning combination. Bivy camping is kind of niche, but this thing is great for ultralight backpacking or for emergency camps like we set up on the fire line.