Outdoor Research

Helium Rain Jacket - Women's

Wets through instantly, do not buy

Really disappointed in this jacket despite good reviews from external sites. From the moment I got it, it was not waterproof for even a slight drizzle. It wets through instantly. I tried washing it and re-treating it per OR's instructions, but it's still awful. Maybe ok as a windbreaker, but not worth that for the price. Really disappointing.

Don't waste your money

Not waterproof at all, small for size & do not recommend. Kind of worthless after a year of wearing it. Colors are good, and that's about it.

Failed in a storm

I remember when OR gear used to be absolutely bombproof -- I still have a pair of gators that I bought in the 90s! Sadly, those days are gone. Bought this jacket for a thru-hike on the Colorado Trail this past summer. It was brand new and completely failed in a torrential downpour; I got absolutely soaked, and if it had been much colder, it could have been a serious situation. I do a lot of thru-hiking and backcountry travel, and I need to be able to rely on my gear (especially when it's brand new.) I won't be buying technical gear from OR in the future. I guess this jacket is appropriate for... misty conditions? A short walk in light rain? A stroll down to the cafe? But don't trust if it you're really going to be out in the elements.

Nice But Narrow on Bottom

I’ve been looking for a very packable rain jacket to take on trips that are likely to have some rain but not much. I wanted a jacket with no Velcro which is hard to find. This jacket has none and is very lightweight so I decided to try it. I am 5’2” about 118 pounds and ordered the small thinking that would allow for some light layers underneath. The problem with this jacket and many others is they are cut so straight that there is little room in the hip area. With even a light layer it was very tight in the hips when zipped up. I wish outdoor clothing companies would realize that most women have hips!! I ended up getting a medium which fits really well except for the sleeves being too long. I can tuck them under. Have not worn in rain yet but since I will only use for light rain I think it will be fine.

Not waterproof nor water resistant.

This jacket is not waterproof at all nor is it water resistant.

Excellent lightweight jacket

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

This is an excellent lightweight jacket to bring along in case of showers or an unexpected drop in temperatures. Packs very small. It is not intended as a true rain shell. Knowing that, it is an excellent gear addition.

Perfect raincoat for intense rafting!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

Medium

I purchased this rain coat for a 16 day Grand Canyon rafting trip, going 226 miles through monsoon season and epic rapids. This coat is durable, compact and high quality rain jacket that is true to size. Highly recommended this rain coat, worth every penny

See below

This jacket looks and feels nice but is more of a windbreaker than a rain jacket. It wets through after being in a light rain for more than a few minutes. I bought this jacket three years ago but haven't worn it much and the seam taping on both of the armpits is coming apart.

Great quality!

Color & durability are so perfect!!!

Wet out after just 10 minutes in moderate rain

This jacket has nearly zero waterproofing, with the arms of the jacket absorbing the rain immediately. It is very lightweight, but useless for anything other than throwing on to get out of your tent for a few minutes during rain.