Ultralight Waterproof Protection Weighing approximately 162g, the Helium UL Jacket is built for fast and light adventures where every gram counts. Its minimalist, high-performance construction makes it an excellent waterproof shell for trail running, fastpacking, hiking and lightweight travel, providing dependable weather protection without weighing down your pack. When the forecast looks uncertain, the Helium UL provides reassuring protection in an impressively compact and lightweight package.
Product Ratings
Waterproof
WaterproofReally Waterproof
Breathability
BreathableUltrabreathable
Features
Low Feature SetHigh Feature Set
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What is the Helium UL Jacket?
The Helium UL Jacket is an ultralight waterproof shell designed for those who prioritise minimal weight without compromising on performance.
Ideal for a variety of fast-moving pursuits, it delivers reliable weather protection and breathable performance while packing down small enough to carry in your pack whenever conditions are unpredictable.
Its streamlined construction makes it ideal for hiking, trail running, fastpacking and travelling, offering highly packable and dependable protection when the weather turns.
Materials & Technology
Toray Dermizax™ 2.75-Layer Fabric
For dependable weather protection, the jacket uses Toray Dermizax™ 2.75-layer waterproof technology for waterproof, windproof and breathable performance while maintaining an exceptionally low weight.
The jacket features a lightweight 15-denier nylon ripstop outer allowing it to withstand regular use in the outdoors, without compromising packability.
Toray Dermizax™ 2.75-layer technology is a lightweight technical waterproof fabric that offers a hydrostatic head rating of 20,000mm, for reliable, breathable weather protection, whatever the adventure. The jacket's lightweight and protective construction makes it well-suited to fast-paced mountain activities when the weather won't make up its mind.
Features and Functionality
Adjustable Hood
A fully adjustable hood with a wired brim provides dependable shelter from the elements without impacting visibility. The hood can be easily cinched in close in windy conditions, and the peak can be easily reshaped to direct rain and wind away from the face as you're moving fast in the mountains.
Packable Design
The Helium UL Jacket features a highly packable construction to keep weight and bulk to a minimum. The jacket's left-hand pocket doubles as a packaway pocket for convenient storage, allowing it to take up minimal space in your running vest or rucksack when the weather improves.
Waterproof Front Zip
The jacket is fastened with a lightweight, waterproof YKK® AquaGuard® centre front zip for maximum weather protection with minimal bulk.
Secure Pockets
For storage, you'll find two YKK® AquaGuard® zippered hand pockets and a zippered chest pocket that offer ample space for quick-access essentials such as trail snacks, a mobile phone, and energy gels. The pockets also use waterproof zips to help protect your belongings during downpours and prevent literal puddles in your pockets.
Low-Bulk Cuffs
Shaped cuffs with partial elastic binding around the edges provide a comfortable fit and feel around the wrists, whilst helping to reduce drafts in windy conditions. The partial elastic design makes it easier to access your sports watch on the go or quickly pop a sleeve if you start to get a bit too warm, effectively cooling you down, without needing to undo the main zip.
Reflective Detailing
Reflective logo detailing helps improve your visibility to others in low-light conditions, ideal for early morning and late night missions, especially those with some on-road sections of trail.
Adjustable Hem
The jacket is finished with an elastic drawcord hem to allow you to tailor the fit over various layers and further seal out the elements on windy, exposed routes.
Key Features
- Toray Dermizax™ 2.75-layer waterproof fabric
- Lightweight 15D nylon ripstop construction
- Waterproof, windproof and breathable performance
- Fully seam-taped construction
- Adjustable hood with wired brim
- YKK® AquaGuard® centre front zip
- Two YKK® AquaGuard® zipped hand pockets
- Exterior chest pocket
- Left hand pocket doubles as a stuff sack
- Elastic drawcord hem
- Shaped cuffs with partial elastic binding
- Reflective logos
- Ultralight construction
How does the Helium UL Jacket fit?
The Helium UL Jacket features Outdoor Research's regular fit, which is designed for versatile use. The fit is designed to accommodate lightweight layering, whilst still providing freedom of movement and a streamlined silhouette for active outdoor use.
What is the Helium UL Jacket best for?
- Hiking and trekking
- Trail running
- Fastpacking
- Travel
- Mountain adventures
- Emergency waterproof protection
20,000mm Toray Dermizax™ Waterproof Performance The Helium UL uses Toray Dermizax™ 2.75-layer waterproof technology to deliver waterproof, windproof and breathable protection. Its 20,000mm HH rating provides dependable protection when the heavens open, while the lightweight 15-denier nylon ripstop face fabric balances durability with packability. Together with fully taped seams, it creates a technical shell that's perfectly suited to fast-moving mountain adventures where you need reliable protection, with minimal weight and bulk.
Packs Away into Its Own Pocket Designed to disappear into your pack when you don't need it, the Helium UL features an integrated pack-away design that allows the jacket to stuff neatly into its own left-hand pocket. Its ultralight fabric and streamlined construction keep packed volume to a minimum, making it easy to stash inside a running vest, hiking pack, or pocket, and an ideal backup waterproof layer for changeable forecasts.
Fast-Moving Features for the Trail Every detail of the Helium UL has been considered for active use, from the adjustable hood to the shaped elasticated cuffs and reflective trims. Its streamlined design provides the practical features you need for moving quickly through unpredictable mountain conditions, without anything unnecessary weighing you down. From fastpacking to trail running, hiking to biking, it offers dependable weather protection in an ultralight, convenient package.
FAQ
Is the Outdoor Research Helium UL Jacket waterproof?
Yes. The Helium UL is constructed from Toray Dermizax™ 2.75-layer waterproof fabric with a 20,000mm HH rating and fully seam-taped construction for dependable waterproof protection.
How much does the Outdoor Research Helium UL Jacket weigh?
The Men's Helium UL weighs approximately 162g, making it an exceptionally lightweight waterproof shell for hiking, trail running, fastpacking and travel.
Is the Helium UL Jacket good for trail running?
Yes. Its ultralight, waterproof and breathable construction makes the Helium UL particularly well suited to trail running and other fast-paced mountain activities.
Does the Outdoor Research Helium UL pack into its own pocket?
Yes. The left-hand pocket doubles as a stuff sack, allowing the jacket to pack down small for easy storage in a running vest or rucksack.
Does the Helium UL Jacket have waterproof zips?
Yes. It features YKK® AquaGuard® zips throughout to keep you and your essentials dry in wet conditions.
Is the Helium UL Jacket good for travelling?
Yes. Its ultralight, self-packable design allows the Helium UL to take up minimal space in your backpack or luggage, making it an excellent backup layer when travelling in unpredictable weather.