Outdoor Research / Men's
Helium UL Jacket
Minimal packed weight for running, hiking, cycling, commuting or emergency coverage.
0.0% rated 1–2 stars10 reviews
What owners are telling us.
A genuinely ultralight emergency and fast-moving rain shell that packs into minimal space and has handled anything from drizzle to hours of wind, hail and heavy rain. Hard running can still feel sweaty, and the stripped-down design omits hand pockets and mechanical vents. A returning owner found this 2026 jacket markedly more capable in sustained rain than the earlier Helium, but that comparison does not establish this generation's long-term durability.
Buy if
- You prioritize minimal packed weight for running, hiking, cycling, commuting or emergency coverage.
- You want credible rain and wind protection without carrying a full-featured shell.
- One chest pocket is enough and you accept that low weight takes priority over ventilation features.
Skip if
- You need hand pockets, pit zips or generous storage.
- You often run hard enough that moisture buildup inside a shell becomes uncomfortable.
- You need established long-term abrasion or wear performance rather than early-use construction impressions.
What keeps coming up.
- 01Very light shell provides credible rain protection 6 supporting reviews
- 02Hard efforts can overwhelm passive breathability 4 supporting reviews
- 03Compact fit and construction feel well executed 4 supporting reviews
- 04Minimal storage and venting divide opinions 6 supporting reviews
Rating distribution