Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket

Product Information

The Helium Bivy is certainly a distinctive product due to the high, clam-shaped opening at its head, which utilises a single arcing pole to create a high (for a bivvy bag) ceiling. This makes for easy entry and exit and gives the user plenty of head space – after all, no one wants a claustrophobic bivvying experience.

I’ve only managed to get out for one (cold) night in the Helium but I’m already a total convert to hooped bivvys. The hood on the Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 is of special note because it features an internal elastic band designed to ride directly on the forehead and turned out to be comfortable and effective, maintaining top-notch peripheral vision. I do want to note that Outdoor Research includes an Infinity Guarantee on all of its products, which is a lifetime warranty for parts. The company’s reputation for fixes is very high, and if a zipper did fail you could send it in.Constructed with a super stretchy material and offering superb mobility, this is the ideal rain shell for demanding activities Waterproof gloves are designed to keep your hands safe, keeping them warm and dry during wet and cold weather conditions. Helping to prevent frostbite and general discomfort during hiking, skiing, or mountaineering. We tested the women’s Outdoor Research Helium Pants. They are also offered in a men’s model, and are the exact same except for fit. These are about as comfortable as rain pants come. The Helium material has the tiniest bit of stretch to it that is helpful if you’re hiking uphill. For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable pair that’s so light. The elastic waistband is great when you need to pull them on in a hurry.

Assuming you want to keep your saddle-to-hood position consistent (the place you spend most of your time when riding a road bike), switching to this bar allowed me to lop off a not-insignificant 20mm off my stem length. The bag doesn’t come with pegs and thus they’re not included in the weight. Unlike some other hooped bivvies, the Helium doesn’t stand up without pegs so really does need to be pegged out so you should factor those into your calculations (N.B. it’s quite common for manufacturers to exclude pegs in their total weights so this isn’t too scandalous). This structure is resistant to continued use, making the Helium a bivvy that should last for countless nights under the stars – and a few when it clouds over undoubtedly too. I have a few favorite mountains. Each offers different opportunities for adventure, solitude, and mischief. In winter, Mount Piños in Los Padres National Forest offers good snow, great views, and wilderness all within a 90-minute drive from my house. I’ve been hiking and snowshoeing the same trail on Piños for the past three winters, so I knew I needed to expand my repertoire, risk going insane or, worse, lose interest.After taking the Outdoor Research Helium 2 over 200 miles on the PCT and beyond, it’s definitely time for a full review of how it coped with the unusually wet, cold and windy weather in the southern Californian desert. So, why the OR Helium 2? Compared to a regular bivvy, hooped bivvys have the advantage of providing additional – albeit extremely cramped – living room; more space for sleeping bags or quilts to loft; and the ability to close the bag around your head with either a mesh bug net or the breathable fabric without excess buildup of condensation.

The ankle-length zippers on the Helium Pants use watertight zippers to keep out rain, and help you slide them over shoes easily. Comfort – 4 Stars The fit of the mitts is true to size and they feel excellent when riding, but my early testing indicates they aren’t the most breathable. However, this may be a price I’m willing to pay given just how pleasingly supportive they are (I am also generally a sweaty young Scotsman, so don’t take my initial impressions as gospel). Stay tuned. Pretty hand in a field, obviously. But see the cuff? It’s elastic on the bottom half, and nothing on the top half. The hole size is generally too big for me (and for most), so water gets in there easily. A hook and loop closure here is more common, and works way better.The Infinite Guarantee: Outdoor Research gear is guaranteed to perform throughout the lifetime of the product A good rule of thumb with clothes: try them on! Performance-wise, the Helium Pants were outstanding. Final Word If you’re an outdoor enthusiast you’ll understand that having durable apparel from quality brands like Outdoor Research plays a pivotal role in ensuring a safe, enjoyable and comfortable outdoor experience. Fully taped seams and solid waterproof credentials are in place to stop a sudden shower ruining your night. Meanwhile, our testers found that the bag is also very breathable, even when the bivvy is completely sealed up. OK, you will still see some moisture build up on the inside, as is always going to be the case with a bivy bag – especially when used in the UK – but we’d say you’re not going to find many more breathable options than this. Features The Helium II is a performance hard shell distilled to elemental purity: functional, simple, ultralight, and it makes your voice sound funny (feature sold separately). Where to Buy Outdoor Research Helium II