How to Choose Rainwear

Packable, lightweight and breathable, the men's Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket provides durable weather protection you can count on, whether you're out in a downpour or a few afternoon showers.
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Imported.
View the Outdoor Research Helium Product LineView all Outdoor Research Men's Multi-Sport Rain JacketsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | bluesign-approved Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5-layer, 100% nylon, 30-denier ripstop |
Windproof | Yes |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5-layer |
Hood | Yes |
Packable | Yes |
Back Length | Hip-length |
Back Length (in.) | 29.5 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 7 ounces |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | |
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Chest | 33.5 - 36 | 36 - 38.5 | 38.5 - 41.5 | 41.5 - 44.5 | 44.5 - 48 | 48 - 52 | 52 - 56 | |||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 31.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 35.5 | 36 | 36.5 | |||||||||||
Waist | 26.5 - 29 | 29 - 31.5 | 31.5 - 34.5 | 34.5 - 37.5 | 37.5 - 41.5 | 41.5 - 45.5 | 45.5 - 50 | 29.5 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 43 |
Hip | 32.5 - 35 | 35 - 37.5 | 37.5 - 40.5 | 40.5 - 43.5 | 43.5 - 46 | 46 - 49.5 | 49.5 - 53 | 35.5 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44.5 | 46 | 47.5 |
Inseam | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
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Bought this in August of 2024 mostly for a packable cycling rain jacket...and I mean casual bike riding on gravel roads and bike trails. I've used it twice on the bike in light rain the first time and light drizzle the second and it has not been waterproof. The fabric quickly wets out and water seeps through. It wasn't sweat from inside at all as the areas that didn't soak through were dry inside. I can't trust this at all for any real rain...as others have mentioned it is more of a water resistant wind jacket. Seems breathable so it could be a good wind jacket but that's not what I bought it for. How can OR call this waterproof?
This is an expensive windbreaker not a rain coat. I heard amazing things about the weight and durability but it fails at what it should do. This was the first time I was wearing it in rain and I was soaked. What an embarrassing product that your company offers. I hope you read your company reviews and make this right.
I'm a backpacker and this is one of my favorite pieces of kit in my pack. Lightweight, stops the wind, great way to regulate core temp with zipper action and acts as a vapor barrier when I'm laying down in my f4rt sack. The only truly "waterproof" item I have is a cheap pvc poncho. If you're active, you sweat and get soaked from the inside anyways. If you're looking for something to keep the sprinkles off you between your Range Rover and Starbucks this item will suffice.
This is a good ultralight rain jacket for spring through early fall. I would not use it for anything technical or too cold in the winter as it does retain a lot of body moisture, however, it truly is waterproof and can fit into the back pocket of a pair of jeans quite easily. I used it a lot as a wind breaker for running, being sure to vent it from from the front zipper when able. Bottom line, this became my go to rain jacket/wind breaker for running, MTB, and anything else where I might want rain protection but am not willing to sacrifice room in my pack or weight for my larger bulkier shell jackets.
I’ve been carrying this jacket daily during a multi-week trip through Italy, and it’s earned its place in my pack. While I mostly use it as a lightweight windbreaker, it absolutely came through when our tour got caught in a surprise downpour walking to dinner in Padua. It kept me dry without overheating, and I appreciated how fast it dried afterward. The jacket packs down perfectly into my Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Waist Pack—a huge plus when traveling light. The fit is comfortable over a base layer or light fleece, and the minimalist design doesn’t draw attention (ideal for urban travel). Highly recommended for anyone needing a just-in-case shell that won’t weigh you down.
REI, please stop carrying this product. It is 100% NOT waterproof and maybe not even water resistant. I’m not even sure what this jacket does well. If you want something to stop or prevent the rain, stay away from this jacket and go with the Helium 2 that is much better.
I bought 3 helium jkts, use Nikwax to re-waterproof. These types of UL jkts loose proofing by washing or sweat oil. All jkts of this type need re-waterproofing. This is a great product
This jacket is not waterproof at all. The fabric still gets wet in even light rain and soaks through in a matter of only a few minutes. Heavy Rain you might as well be wearing a t-shirt. Not sure how OR can get away with calling this waterproof.
15 min in light rain and drops were soaking through. It’s like they forgot the dwr or something. Seems to be a common issue with these.
I was on the Camino de Santiago - Camino Primitivo in late September with high winds, rain , and sleet. This jacket did the job. It is light weight, insulates you well, and easy to pack.