Women Outdoor Research Womens Helium Rain Jacket

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UOG TOP PICK – For Ultralight Backup Weather Protection: At just 183g with improved durability and packability, the updated Helium Rain Jacket is a minimalist shell that shines on fast-moving trips where every gram counts.

Outdoor Research says: 

The Helium Rain Jacket delivers lightweight, waterproof, and ultra-packable flash storm protection for peace of mind when traveling in unpredictable weather conditions.

Crafted with bluesign® approved Pertex® Shield fabric, the Helium Rain Jacket is waterproof, windproof, and breathable, ensuring comfort and dryness in soggy conditions. The adjustable hood, YKK® Aquaguard® zippers, and elastic cuffs combine to seal out the weather, while zip hand pockets and carabiner loop with key clip keep essentials secure. When the sun breaks through, the jacket easily stows in its left-hand pocket for quick stowage. The reflective logo and overlay at the forearm enhance visibility at dawn and dusk, and the elastic drawcord hem allows for a custom fit to keep the elements at bay.

With every detail fine-tuned for the moving light and fast, the lightweight, waterproof Helium Rain Jacket is ready for whatever the skies may bring.

Our Verdict

The updated Helium Rain Jacket is a solid balance of weight, packability, and just-enough protection. At 183g for the medium, it’s genuinely one of the lightest waterproof options out there. Thanks to the improved Diamond Fuse fabric, it now feels a touch more durable, noticeably better in high-friction spots like the shoulders. It wouldn’t be my go-to if the forecast were for constant rain throughout the day, but for brief, heavy showers or misty ridge walks, it’s my go-to just-in-case shell. 

The cut is trimmer than before—fine over a base layer, but it can feel tight if you’re wearing anything bulkier underneath. The hood’s a quiet improvement: deeper, better coverage, and the single rear adjuster holds in wind. I still miss pit zips on steep climbs, and the cuffs could use a rethink, but for an ultralight shell, those are trade-offs I expect.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Adjustable Hood With Bonded Wire Brim and Stand Collar
• Center Front Storm Flap
• Double-Separating Center Front Zipper
• Elastic Drawcord Waist Cinch
• Hook and Loop Adjustable Wrist Cuffs
• Key Clip
• YKK® Aquaguard® Zippers
• Zip Chest and Hand Pockets

Specifications

• XSmall (UK 08) weighs: 168g
• Small (UK 10) weighs: 173g
• Medium (UK 12) weighs: 183g
• Large (UK 14) weighs: 189g
• Hydrostatic Head: 20000mm
• Breathability: MVTR 20000g/m2/24 hrs

Material & Construction

• bluesign® approved Pertex® Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5L
• bluesign® approved 100% Nylon
• 30D Ripstop

Help & advice:

• Pertex Shield Technology Explained
• Recycled Content in Outdoor Gear
• The Bluesign System
• Choosing a Shell Jacket
• MVTR and Breathability Explained
• What is Hydrostatic Head?
• What is Fabric Denier?
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Waterproof Jacket