One Of the Lightest Jackets Ever Made! - 2020 Outdoor Research Helium Jacket

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Күн бұрын

Today Luke is reviewing one of the lightest rain jackets ever made;
this is the Agenda Free Review of the 2020 Outdoor Research Helium Jacket.
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Ultralight Rain Jacket - 2020 Outdoor Research Helium Jacket
Agenda Free Link : www.outdoorresearch.com/us/me...
Price : $159.00
Weight : 6.3oz
Colors : Black, Orange, Blue
Sizes : Small - XXL
Versions : Mens and Womens
Materials : Pertex® Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5L, 100% nylon, 30D ripstop - YKK AquaGuard Zippers
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From the Company :
Building on the legacy of our award-winning Helium Collection, the completely revamped Helium Rain Jacket and Pants take durable lightweight waterproof protection to an entirely new level. Diamond Fuse technology enables the Helium Rain to be 5x more tear-resistant than the Helium II, and an even lighter weight. Completely seam-taped, waterproof, yet still breathable and comfortable in rugged conditions, the new Helium Rain Jacket and Pants will be the first thing any hiker, peak bagger, or off-trail adventurer will pack for the most durable lightweight rain protection.
Review Pros :
Durable
Impressively Lightweight
Waterproof
Fully Seam-Taped
Very good Breathablity - if you push it hard enough you will sweat it in but it offers better performance in this regards than less expensive products.
Good hood adjustability
Windproof
Good fit; what I would call standard; it’s not too tight nor too loose
Sizing is right - it’s a medium and it fits like a medium should
Packs down very small - Chest Pocket Doubles as Stuff Sack
Adjustable Hood
YKK AquaGuard Zippers are smooth but do take some work which is a characteristic of a waterproof zipper.
Single Separating Center Front Zipper
Reflective Logo and Overlay at Forearm
Carabiner Loop and Key Clip
Elastic Drawcord Hem
Elastic Cuffs
surprisingly tough; on some rough hikes where this jacket has been pulled across rocks it has shown no damage.
Review Cons :
Two complaints -
This jacket would be perfect if it only had pit zips but unfortunately it doesn’t. Luckily the breatability isn’t all that bad to begin with thanks to the Pertex material.
No side pockets - they are missed...but it is a minimalist jacket
If you wear the jacket without a long sleeve shirt or other layer, the material will feel clammy and slightly sticky as soon as you put it on.
Summary :
Outdoor Research is a company that makes excellent products and what I really respect about them is that they back up every item they make with a lifetime warranty. I was a fan of the Helium Line when it was first introduced years ago and I’m still a fan today with the latest version.
The quality is excellent. The performance is excellent and in my opinion, it is worth the money 100%.
Something to keep in mind with this jacket is that it is minimalist in terms of design so it lacks some features which may be important to you. Depends on what you want and in the end, I have no problem with recommending it fully.
Helium Pants : My review of the pant counterpart will be coming up shortly so make sure to look out for that.
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Пікірлер: 103

@edwardgentle8256 3 жыл бұрын

Love the video, the outtakes where great. You seem to have so much fun during the middle of you slight issues.

@chestertillis1152 3 жыл бұрын

Love the bloopers! 😂Thanks for the honest info on the product as always.

@lukepatton7761 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review, I have been watching your use of this gear with interest. I just ordered the jacket and pants as I need a lightweight and pack able set for my hiking kit. Thanks again, love your videos, keep up the awesome work. Kind regards, Luke

@marchingon5401 3 жыл бұрын

Great review. I bought this jacket a couple months ago. For some, the "cons" of no pockets goes in the "pros" column. Saves on weight. Especially for a gear item that you might only wear a few times (or not at all) on an extended backpacking trip or through hike. Good options with pockets out there, no pockets has its place. :-)

@pnwadventuresandgearreview8749 3 жыл бұрын

Looks amazing I own the 2 Outdoor Research is one of my favorite brands got a ton of there stuff. Your reviews are some of the best on KZfaq Luke🤙🏻

@fireyourrocketts 3 жыл бұрын

Great review, thank you Luke! I own the helium version and it is awesome; kept me dry canoeing on the Colorado River under a downpour; I was wearing OR shorts and nothin on my feet while paddling but had the jacket and was not wet above my waist and was not cold at all even the water and the rain was pretty cold. They perform very well. I like mine because it has pockets and pits; it is maybe around 8 oz but still very light; the combo with the pants which I have never use is a little over 1 pound

@chrismatthiesen 2 жыл бұрын

Pulled the trigger and bought this after watching your review. It didn't hurt that I got it on sale for $119.

@mikeghost7788 3 жыл бұрын

I actually have the apollo jacket from OR. That's why I asked about yours recently. The hoods look the same. I like that the apollo is a little thicker like a "soft" hard shell and it doesn't weigh much either. Great review!

@Ray_Here 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another good review. Saw this jacket today at a Sierra Trading Post store on clearance for $59!!! I’m going back to buy it in the morning. Also, I do some videos myself and I loved the bloopers! I do a lot of retakes myself.

@tylercurtis265 3 жыл бұрын

I own the Helium 2 jacket and it's a great windbreaker. It is very breathable, but IT IS DEFINITELY NOT WATER PROOF! This guy must not have spent too much time in this jacket. I live in Hawai'i where it gets humid and wet. It is great for breathability for the humidity. It has soaked through multiple times in the rain while walking my dog. It's not worth wearing if I know it might rain. I now have an almost $200 breathable windbreaker and because of its failure, I purchased the Montbell Versalite. The Versalite is awesome! Its not as breathable, but has pit zips and the best hood. It also has many more features than the Helium 2. The MONTBELL VERSALITE IS 100% WATERPROOF!

@mat-ventures 3 жыл бұрын

Love the bloopers by the way!

@nedanother9382 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Luke - Im in the middle of figuring out the rain gear thing. The more I look the more I realize how woefully unprepared I've been for 7 years! I got flat out luckey only hiking in the rain once a year ago...in the sierras! I live in San Diego so practice is few and far between. That said we had a big ol rain/hail storm blow through on Monday so I took me gear out for a 2 hr hike in the river that used to be my trails. How sobering an experience. This was a real constant heavy rain with regular gusts. To say the least everything wet through. I had an umbrella that I didn't even think of breaking out. It was a real eye opener to hike in soaked through trail runners. I wore stretchy hiking pants that were completely soaked and pretty cold. Towards the end - maybe an hour in I felt the trusty frogg togg jacket starting to wet out. That was a surprize. Another surprize was that once I was soaked through, as long as you stayed warm, wet was not really a problem. I got into a grove just like on a tough hill. The take away for me was that everything is gonna get wet and soak through. The challenge is to be prepared to recover from that quickly when you're out of the rain. For my test I was wearing my base layer and my warm fleece layer - both were soaked from humidity and would have been useless the next morning leaving me nothing but a (dry)ghost whisperer to wear. And for you ultralight haters out there that doesn't mean take an extra shirt. It means don't have those layers on in the rain....keep them dry. I take a wind jacket - I will now wear it under my rain jacket because it will dry even in wet conditions. No fleece no base layer. The only other takeaway was that when my pack (albeit with a cover) started wetting out at the edges and on the pockets. That water went in and had no way to get out. I poured water out of my pack and pockets. So I'm installing little 1/8 inch grommet drain holes in all to let the water out. So after all this my question to you is how long does it take to wet out this jacket? As compared to the eco version of marmot Precip or the frogg togg which are both fine in lite/medium rains. Also I've never heard anyone mention this re: frogg toggs. in 2 hours my pack rubber the plastic off at the small of my back and under one of my hip belts. That was pretty quick. Thanks bro let me know what you think

@shawnmckenna5186 3 жыл бұрын

Another good review. It's is a sharp looking jacket. I like having pockets personally, but understand the minimalist reasons of this jacket. I liked the outtakes lol.

@dmtnw4480 3 жыл бұрын

I love the orange color, thank you for the information; God Bless you

@MakinEndsMeet69 3 жыл бұрын

One thing for sure the color is excellent especially during hunting season

@KeenKayak 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to see that they have improved from the Helium II jacket (Older version). Mine leaked where the zipper is which was a little disappointing. Great and informative video as always!

@aggyMI 3 жыл бұрын

Love the Bloopers Luke

@somerandomguy4149 2 жыл бұрын

i wish you would make a bloopers video. love you show by the way and the way your honest about everything!

@MaranaVisuals 3 жыл бұрын

This is SUCH a good jacket! My only negative is the elastic cuff. I recently had this jacket on the Colorado Trail and on my last day it rained for 5+ hours while hiking. Water started to leak in from the cuffs each time I swung my trekking poles forward. Having a way to really close those down would be very nice.

@livingsurvival 3 жыл бұрын

Outperforms my HH gear. Love this jacket.

@TheOutdoorGearReview 3 жыл бұрын

Hope you are well brother. - Luke

@Will-Parr 3 жыл бұрын

Well presented Luke.

@brianskipper5698 3 жыл бұрын

good one, we all have days like that

@chiefkirk 3 жыл бұрын

Nice jacket Luke. I'm a big fan of Orange. A bit pricey but with a lifetime warranty that adds value.

@glennfryer1539 3 жыл бұрын

Love this jacket... storm after storm coming into the U.K....

@redsorgum 3 жыл бұрын

I think it’s a good looking jacket. Love the bloopers

@ReasontoLiveAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice review Luke. I I’ll keep an eye out on EBay and the Facebook group that lists used gear. I’m sure one will pop up eventually. Come fall the Navy rain Coat will be my go to farm and overnighter choice. Looking forward to watching the Colorado overland trip video.🤙😎

@Natezoinks 3 жыл бұрын

Love the color👍🏻

@Joel_Unbound 3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate the review as a couple of times I have shied away from this jacket. Reviews I have watched elsewhere say it does not breath well and it is not durable as well as some leaking at the zipper on the Helium II. For the cost while I expect a light weight jacket not to be the toughest I've heard mixed reviews. I have also looked at the Arc'teryx Zeta SL while its 4 ounces heavier and costlier it seems a good mix of all options while still being light. Thanks for your longer term usage thoughts!

@jdcpac 3 жыл бұрын

sounds like it would be good also on a long multiple day bikepacking trip

@jameskirk5887 3 жыл бұрын

Nice jacket! It's a shame it doesnt come in bigger sizes than 2X. But it looks like a well made rain jacket and looks like it keep you plenty dry. Great video Luke! Thank you!

@cronousrev1560 3 жыл бұрын

like the out takes cant wait for next camping video or Bush craft video

@marshallartsncards4890 3 жыл бұрын

Good review man thanks ..hey i was wondering if you could test some 3ful gear ..I got a back pack from them an I love it ..thinking about getting a tent also ..

@southernsmokey 3 жыл бұрын

Sitting here in the car with some mins to kill thanks brother been looking for a new jacket gonna get a hard shell thoe ! Stay safe

@mat-ventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review. Do you think a model will come up with side pockets? Or pit zips?

@charlemillbaugh6924 3 жыл бұрын

I like the jacket looks over all, but I would like to see more color choices, like green, tan, brown or even cammo for hunting.

@pianomom1108 Жыл бұрын

Love your videos always! Do you have the review for Montbell Versa lite?

@jordihester6286 3 жыл бұрын

Outdoor research is high quality.

@zimmerman8675309 3 жыл бұрын

I've owned 2 of these jackets and had to return both of them due to a faulty zipper and the others stitching in the shoulder just plain opened up on me...the thing is....i still want another one.

@helidude3502 3 жыл бұрын

How well does it resist wind chill? I have used rain gear previously to combat cold in windy conditions. Is it a good choice for that also?

@Jc21112 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review! I was wondering if you tried it during winter? I live in Canada and I'm worried that it could wear down quickly in the cold. (I would wear it with other layers to keep me warm) Cheers!

@Yorkshiremadmick 3 жыл бұрын

Loving the Helium 2 and the Orange. Does this beat the Blueberry Gortex Military Jacket Great outtakes got it!!!! Strength and Honour

@titanpreparedness 3 жыл бұрын

Lightweight packs small actually works only problem is the price. A frog togg does fine enough at $25

@MYSTICFROG43 3 жыл бұрын

Love your review's so cool esp, the blooper's so funny love them. :) Be safe be well . :) Hug's toni g. and family. :)

@unseen1228 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Luke, Here in Denmark its 270 Dollars. But if you say its worth it, its worth considering. My current cost 32 Dollars though, . Good review young man :-)

@denakelley4363 3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha, the outtakes are funny. Luke has a potty mouth! Thanks for the review. I like the weight. Don't like the price but REI's sale is coming up, maybe then.

@ironkid8836 3 жыл бұрын

Nice jacket luke I'd love to see a review of the sarma poncho from savotta maybe a cheaper alternative to fjallraven poncho which is awesome

@kyleglasco6695 3 жыл бұрын

Wish I had one now because it's pouring here in georgia.

@marshallartsncards4890 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah it is here in Kentucky too

@bobjoncas2814 3 жыл бұрын

...GOOD ONE, STAY SAFE..

@marjiecleveland 3 жыл бұрын

This jacket is well worth the price.

@kj6jfx 3 жыл бұрын

The price alone is the deciding factor for me.

@draekko_ 3 жыл бұрын

lol @ the out-takes!

@terrym1065 3 жыл бұрын

Luke👍👍 Great review. OR list this jacket on their website under the Men's Hard Shell Jackets🤔 Is that a typo? Doesn't look hard shell to me.

@kevinbungles 3 жыл бұрын

Nice jacket I have been looking at this and the Rab Kinetic Apine jacket (13oz) what’s you view of the Rab Luke

@jorgeo1492 3 жыл бұрын

Just got one for $6 from goodwill

@mikeoconnell8377 3 жыл бұрын

The jacket is cool but I'm looking for a air mattress for camping on my Harley in Wisconsin...had a bad night sleeping just north of Milwaukee Sunday night...back is still sore 2 days later...help

@pawoutdoors9290 3 жыл бұрын

Cost over $200 Canadian. Ugh. I will stick with heavier gortex. Great review

@AccidentalHiker1 3 жыл бұрын

Did you ever make a video on re-waterproofing your gear? I bought arcteryx jacket on ebay and I had to waterproof it. I did a 50k trail race in Feb 2019 during a storm. Pockets on jacket is A MUST.🤣 I had arcteryx minimal gortex man pocket would have saved me.

@lebowskiunderachiever3591 3 жыл бұрын

Good call on re-waterproofing . i wonder if the stuff like Nik-wax etc really works

@linedwell 3 жыл бұрын

Love the video, jacket looks awesome, but... That price is painful. I'd likely not dare wear it in case it gets ruined. My £10 poncho tho?.. well.. if that get ruined, it's £10.. 😂😂

@christianb8228 3 жыл бұрын

You forgot to mention the Solaria - Pumpkin colour unless that’s just available in Canada?

@deadanimal888 3 жыл бұрын

I but one at a REI garage sale my only negative is the jacket not that breathable for me.

@badderthanyou 3 жыл бұрын

I like the Lightheart Gear silpoly jackets. Light, pit zips and won’t ever wet out.

@GetUpTheMountains 3 жыл бұрын

What would that orange look like next to your Baltoro75? Battle of the Coppers?

@ckgonzales6743 3 жыл бұрын

Has anyone tried the OR Helium Hybrid? It has the side pockets and some type of breathable material under the arms. I just ordered one from REI for $69. Figured I have a year to try it out.

@Camper_Van_Dross 3 жыл бұрын

Is there a way to tie up the hood? I want this for running but the good flapping would be an an iritation. I love the orange

@willek1335 3 жыл бұрын

There are no dedicated velcro straps on the collar of this ultra light jacket. I've toyed with the idea of making my own, but I'm sure that'll break the warranty. Technically, you can pull the head string so the hood becomes a "pony tail". You can then shove the tail into the string that you normally hang your jacket on. This is a makeshift solution that I've used when bikepacking, but not ideal. On the flip side, the hood is so lightweight, you'll hardly notice the flapping. I find the idea of a hood on a sports/out doors jacket weird. Instead of a fitting sydvest. When you're active, it's a 100% chance that you'll get warm. A hood traps that hot air, and turns into sweat and you get wet. A sydvest allow you to breath through your neck and upper back, while staying active and dry.

@Camper_Van_Dross 3 жыл бұрын

@@willek1335 thanks for the info

@louisvuittondom 3 жыл бұрын

Am I missing something? $160 seems like one of the cheapest fully waterproof jackets for a 6oz jacket I’ve heard of

@kirkw1740 3 жыл бұрын

Still seems like a really high price. I'd have to have it replaced at least 3 or 4 times to make it comparable to buying cheaper good quality rain jackets.

@Skeptic2006 2 жыл бұрын

and what would that comparable jacket be? I really can't find any lightweight with pit zips cheaper on Amazon. I would love to find one.

@DFox-ud3gx 3 жыл бұрын

They got these at military 1st

@limchoonteck1 3 жыл бұрын

Is a good investment if you go outdoors often. What would be a good budget waterproof jacket for the average joe hiker?

@TheOutdoorGearReview 3 жыл бұрын

I would check out the Marmot Precip; great quality and performance for around $70. S&H - Luke

@willek1335 3 жыл бұрын

For budget, probably frog toggs. 17$ for the lightweight set. Works as long as you don't drag it through a thorn bush, but be prepared to replace it after a couple of seasons due to low durability.

@IgorArkin 3 жыл бұрын

heavy one. no kidding.

@beastie2488 3 жыл бұрын

Anyone tried the Rab jacket yet?

@the_minimalistic_adventure 3 жыл бұрын

This lightweight stuff is nice, but man, it’s hard to justify the cost for such a short wear time.

@scottbecker3485 3 жыл бұрын

Ever tried the Zpacks Vertice (which has pitzips) against this?

@rodrev_hiking6757 3 жыл бұрын

Scott Becker my vertice wet out within 10 minutes and looking at the seams it looked like my 6 year old niece sewed this . 260usd for the Vertice never again . Best jacket for me is the Enlightenment Equipment Visp with pitzips. Next one for me would be this Helium 2

@scottbecker3485 3 жыл бұрын

@@rodrev_hiking6757 Yeah, I get your point on the seams. The thing is kinda dainty, isn‘t it? Have a Vertice that hasn‘t wetted out yet, but that‘s not saying much, since I‘ve so far only used it around town, and not yet on a backpacking trip. Cool to get your rec on the EE Visp, as well as the H 2.

@CaptainCandycorn 3 жыл бұрын

Kirkland Signature lightweight rain jacket: $14.99

@michaelbdoherty 3 жыл бұрын

Nice jacket but the price is to high for what you get.

@richbuilds_com 3 жыл бұрын

A good alternative in the UK is alpkit's Argonaight ( alpkit.com/products/argonaut-mens ). I've used it in some of the worst weather the UK can throw and been very happy with it. Packs down to a coke can size. It's a bit heavier at 330g (11oz), but Scotland and the Lake District demand a bit more toughness. (Not an alpkit afiliate, just a happy customer) @luke - you should check out alpkit's stuff!

@MakinEndsMeet69 3 жыл бұрын

Luke let me start off by saying thank you for the review it's always appreciated but I can tell you for people that are on a budget and stuff like that $160 for something that only has a chest pocket that won't even hold a phone I don't think so. I think that you are paying more for the name then the purposes that it's supposed to serve. And that is okay for people I guess who are able to afford it or only wear that brand yeah not me I want something a lot less expensive that's going to do the job the same way maybe even better hell an extra large garbage bag will keep me dry not to say that I'm going to wear that but in a pinch if I want to stay dry I'm not one of those people that are all about the brand as long as it does the job I'm fine so. As you were showing the inside you don't believe it or not it almost looks like that Tyvek house wrap is what it's made out of and he'll if you made a jacket out of that that would damn sure keep you warm and dry. Stay safe and stay well and is always God bless

@willek1335 3 жыл бұрын

I'm cheap. I usually make my own gear when possible, however. I bought the jacket and pants for a couple of important reasons. They're tiny, packable and weigh nothing. This means easily accessible. The pants, I can quickly pull them over my boots by opening the leg zip. During the summer, water isn't a huge concern here in Norway, but... when its raining during a chilly day, and freezing during the night, wet clothing lead you down the path of the ferry man. The second reason is reliability. Wet & freezing clothing kills, but as the saying goes: There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. If a company state life time guarantee, that means confidence. I want quality. It's the same reason why I bought a Gransforsbruks Axe, life time guarantee. If I'm putting my life on the line, way off grid, I want the most reliable gear. The OR jacket doesn't grant me magical powers nor is it lined with gold threads. If the aforementioned reasons didn't matter to me, I probably would be fine with either a simple frog toggs, or a make-shift poncho made out of drop cloth and a string around the neck. PS: My phone fit fine in both the zip pocket. On the pants, it fit in the back zip pocket.

@MakinEndsMeet69 3 жыл бұрын

@@willek1335 wow thank you for the reply and your review of the product. It is very true when it does say lifetime warranty you know you could probably trust it's going to be good but then again somebody could give you a lifetime warranty and be out of business the next day the way the world is today where I live you never know in the winter time how cold it's going to be and as far as rain as long as it's not cold I'm okay but like you said when it's cold you better have the proper gear. And as far as the phone I was just going by what Luke had said. Most of the time when you're out and about you don't have service anyway. Please stay safe stay well and as always God bless

@Xtragicfever 3 жыл бұрын

Is Outdoor Research gear made in the USA?

@thmsvrgs 3 жыл бұрын

That's what my uncle Ron wanted. It was up till Ron died in an avalanche. After his death the company was sold off to one of nordstroms sons. I believe he's tried to keep it the way Ron wanted it.

@Xtragicfever 3 жыл бұрын

@@thmsvrgs ?

@thmsvrgs 3 жыл бұрын

@@Xtragicfever www.snewsnet.com/news/ron-gregg-president-of-outdoor-research-killed