How to Choose Rainwear

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When clouds gather, slip on the light, durable storm protection of the women's Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket. Pertex® Diamond Fuse technology resists abrasion without adding unnecessary weight.
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View the Outdoor Research Helium Product LineView all Outdoor Research Women's Multi-Sport Rain JacketsBest Use | Multisport |
---|---|
Fabric | Nylon |
Windproof | Yes |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | 2.5-layer Pertex Shield |
Hood | Yes |
Packable | Yes |
Back Length | Hip-length |
Back Length (in.) | 28.5 inches |
Gender | Women's |
Weight | 5.6 ounces |
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 4X | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 16W | 18W | 20W | 22W | 24W | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bust | 28 - 30.5 | 30.5 - 33 | 33 - 35.5 | 35.5 - 38.5 | 38.5 - 41.5 | 41.5 - 45 | 45 - 48.5 | 48.5 - 52.5 | 43 - 47 | 47 - 51 | 51 - 55 | 55 - 59 | 32.25 | 33.5 | 34.75 | 35.75 | 36.75 | 37.75 | 39.25 | 40.75 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 |
Sleeve Length | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 32.5 | 32.5 | 33 | 33.5 | 34 | |||||||||||||||
Waist | 21.5 - 24 | 24 - 26.5 | 26.5 - 29 | 29 - 32 | 32 - 35 | 35 - 38.5 | 38 - 42.5 | 42.5 - 46.5 | 39 - 43 | 43 - 47.5 | 47.5 - 51.5 | 51.5 - 55.75 | 26 | 27.75 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32.75 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 38.5 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 |
Hip | 30.5 - 33.5 | 33.5 - 36 | 36 - 38.5 | 38.5 - 41.5 | 41.5 - 44.5 | 44.5 - 47.5 | 47.5 - 51 | 51 - 55 | 45 - 49 | 49 - 53 | 53 - 57 | 57 - 61 | 34.75 | 36 | 37.25 | 38.5 | 39.5 | 40.5 | 41.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 |
Inseam | 30 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
Short: Some pants are available in short sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 2 inches shorter than regular sizes. Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
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As much as I’ve tried to like OR equipment over the years it has mostly let me down. The O2 jackets have been the last straw. These jackets soak up rain like a sponge. My wife bought 2 because one was a bit small. The glued in pockets quickly fell off. But the big issue is they are not rain worthy. I tried different DWR ( NikWax and polyurethane) and it didn’t help. The taping looks good but the jackets wet out in very light rain. Sorry OR. You’ve got a lot of products on the market and it would be convenient to use your stuff, but these are outdoor products and if they don’t protect me from the weather I won’t use them again. Garbage stuff.
As a plus size (22/24) woman this is the very first time I have ever purchased a rain jacket that actually fit me. Bonus that this is the most packable, high tech one that probably exists. I stuffed it into a teeny STS ditty bag and its about the size of a tennis ball packed up. Brining it on a trip to Italy but already planning future camping adventures in hopefully rainy conditions! Best $$ I've spent in a LONG time.
This jacket had good reviews, but I was soaked through and through during a rain storm hiking in the Smokies. My down under my jacket was soaked and i was miserable. The rain seeped up the cuffs of my jacket soaking my sleeves of my down jacket as well.
The good, great color, true fit. The bad, where are the pockets? This jacket has no pockets. I questioned this when I ordered but really thought that it was not possible to make a jacket without pockets! Well they did so back it will go.
I live in one of the rainiest places in WA. I expect a lot of my gear regarding rain. First, the pros: 1. fits great! I’m 5’1, 160 lbs. I’m thick, got the Large, and it fits over other clothes and my hips perfectly. The chartreuse color is a favorite. 2. very light, breathable and packable. 3. Taped zipper and seams keep water out well. And the cons: 1. The fabric does not wick. This is a huge con. I’ve treated with nikwax I don’t know how many times, because the fabric has never wicked well. Within about a half hour, the fabric is taking on water. An hour in, shoulders and chest are fully soaked through. I would return, but I was too optimistic and couldn’t accept defeat early enough for REI’s newer return policy. Still looking for the right wax, cause the garment could be great!
Living in Southern California we don’t get a ton of rain. I bought a little while ago and it worked for the 5 minutes of rain we usually get. I would bring it with me on hikes and trips just in case, but never needed it. Today, we are getting a steady amount of rain. Nothing torrential, just a normal bout of rain. I went for a walk to test out the jacket. I spent no more than 20 minutes walking and it wet through in some areas. Yes, it’s lightweight. But it shouldn’t wet through that quickly, especially at this price point. I’d probably be better off in Frogg Toggs.
Picked this up as a light alternative to other more bulky rain jackets on long backpacking trips. The first day of use was fine, it kept me dry during on and off rain for 2-3 hours. By the second day, rain was completely soaking through the jacket. I would hardly call this a rain jacket as it only kept me dry for maybe 10 minutes of steady rain. Pretty disappointed with this and wish I could return it. Rather than wasting an otherwise nice jacket, I use it for dry/windy hikes and some multi pitch climbing since its easy to pack away. Wouldn't recommend if you're planning on using this for truly rainy days, maybe a drizzle at best.
Unfortunately, I didn't realize before I ordered, there is only 1 pocket, and it is a chest pocket... yes it does fit a phone... a bit awkward looking however... and impractical if you're hiking with a pack of any kind. There are NO SIDE/HAND pockets!!! Lol... I thought we were past the whole 'not-giving-ladies-reasonable-pockets' phase in life lol... ummm so unfortunately... will be returning. I will say other than that is was light weight, a good feel, and fit well. I wish there were more 'longline' type of 'gortex lightweight' raincoats available in plus sizes... I have not found many, so this was next best option, although I wish they made raincoats for hiking for greater length.... to cover the butt/upper thighs (so don't always have to throw on your rainpants on as well) (& with a double zipper design would be nice)... but alas no! So, i'm a size 18 in most brands... the 2X fit well, mightve considered a 1X even, depends on how much room you want for layering.). The dark purple is very pretty and looks good. I did not get a chance to try it out in rain before returning. So.... almost... but the pocket thing will probably really bother me, so returning.
I bought this because I wanted something for those hiking days when it's not cold unless the wind is blowing. I also wanted something lightweight and packable. This jacket weighs almost nothing, packs up really small, and comes in a standard shade of blue. I had only two concerns: how durable it would be considering how thin and light it is, and how breathable it would be. While walking down a steep trail with loose dirt and rocks, I slipped and fell and landed on my arm; I was sure I ripped the jacket. Not only did the material remain intact, there wasn't even a scuff mark. As for breathability, above tree line, with the temperature in the 60s and wind gusts 30-40mph, the jacket never made me hot, whether I was going uphill or down. It felt pretty perfect actually. The only time the jacket made me hot was when I was in the trees and out of the wind. Not having pockets isn't a problem - I don't put my hands in my pockets while hiking and I wouldn't want to add the weight of zippers, so for me, it works.
I love how waterproof and durable this jacket is. Great for going running in the rain or going on a hike. Fits great and super lightweight!