Outdoor Research  Helium Rain Jacket - Women's

Unfortunately not at all waterproof.

I wore this rain jacket in the rain for the first time, and wow! It's not at all waterproof. It's unfortunately not even water resistant. I wore a denim dress with pockets underneath, and when it started to rain, I moved my cell phone from the denim dress pocket to the rain jacket pocket to keep it protected. Well, the rain jacket pocket soaked right through to the phone! My keys in the denim dress pocket stayed dry. This rain jacket is less water resistant than denim! I'm honestly shocked, as I've bought outdoor garments from this brand before and they've worked.

Updated with cheaper fabrics and quality

I had a Helium that I wore on my Appalachian Trail thru hike. It wasn’t the most waterproof but was great for the weight. I decided to buy a new one and it tore under the arm pit after 4 days. I purchased at the $180 price point so am extremely disappointed. Wouldn’t buy from them again!

The prettiest jacket, not the most functional

I absolutely loved this OR helium jacket. I had been eyeing it for a year and got it on a member sale. The first day I wore it the zipper got off track… while she is one of the prettiest rain jackets I’ve ever owned I don’t think she’s functional enough. There is zero ventilation so even tho she’s light, it hot as can be. I also didn’t like it didn’t have a stow pocket. If they added ventilation this jacket would be great. Awesome repellant and definitely waterproof. I also decided to return this and opt for the OR gortex jacket- just seems more practical of a buy, but specially with the increase in erratic weather. This jacket is great, will keep you dry but probably not in a downpour, which is all we get now anyways

Not a rain jacket

Not waterproof or resistant whatsoever

not waterproof!

This jacket was not cheap. I should have read the reviews! It’s not waterproof AT ALL. Failed 15 minutes into a 5 day bike trip where we hit lots of rain. Nice looking, but who cares when you are soaked. I will be returning to REI.

I've used older versions of this jacket for years (in rain on the PCT and AT) but the newer version is terrible. This jacket's zipper broke twice, completely failed in a snowstorm in the Sierra. The jacket is also less water proof than it used to be. It's not perfectly waterproof in moderate rain as it is so lightweight, so don't buy it for that factor. But, this version is much worse than the older 2019 version in that regard. Don't recommend.

nope

Did NOT pass the rain test. This specifically says waterproof. Everywhere my pack touched the coat it soaked through (sternum, back, shoulders, waist) and my sleeves were all damp. It wasn’t even a hard rain. Taking this back. Sad because it was so lightweight, too.

Not waterproof

I wore the jacket maybe 5 times. The first few times in a light drizzle it was fine. But when it was a heavy rain, I got completely drenched. (My Patagonia rain paints did fine in the heavy rain.)

Ineffective after 20 min

Took this on a hiking trip with light rain for a few hours. First 20 min was fine but am the material quit repelling and began absorbing the water after that. I watched my friends stay dry for the entire hike wishing I hadn’t based my purchase on appearance

Not waterproof

It should be obvious to OR that this jacket is NOT waterproof. First use soaked to the skin in moderate rain on a cold day. And no it was not my own sweat. Made for a miserable hike with concern for my safety let alone comfort.