Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid Hooded Jacket - Men's reviews and deals for sale

Small & light; not waterproof or durable

+ It is a great-looking jacket, which is also incredibly light and compact. - However, it is not really waterproof. It may withstand a drizzle, but under a real rain, the front upper part of the jacket leaks, not even along the seams, but just the material itself lets the water in. (Which is surprising, as I had feared the underarm panels would fail, yet they resist rain well,… read more or just do not get enough exposure to rain.) - Another major issue is durability: the seams have got undone in a few places, and the inner membrane started peeling off within a few months of wearing. Looking forward to seeing the next improved version of the same jacket from OR!

Just what I wanted

I've had this jacket regularly for close to a couple of months now. Haven't experienced it in rain yet, so can't speak to that, so only giving it 4 stars for the time being. What I like: the weight, the breathability, the nice deep pockets, the hood. I'm using it as a perfect shell over at lightweight down 'sweater.' The color (to me) is great (I got the 'Solaria/Pewter' color)… read more as it's bright, which is what I wanted for summer cycling. I can hardly believe how lightweight it is, and compressible. I do hope it will repel rain adequately. I know it's not 'waterproof' but/and I perspire heavily and this jacket promises to be just answer to my search for a perfect rain jacket. The only thing I 'don't like' about it is that at the bottom of the zipper the fabric lifts up a little, and could do with a small tab of velcro to hold it down. Small 'complaint.'

Great jacket

I cook in most rain jackets and feel way too muggy. This jacket strikes a great balance between breathability and weather protection. Looks great too.

Wish it fit

Bought this for my partner but his disproportionately long arms didn't work well with the jacket.

All hail the hybrid!

Fantastic shell. I've always loved the helium, but as I burn hot I'm always melting in my shell. The addition of the soft shell sides blow off heat and I still stay dry. It's nice having a shell like this that folds up to the size of a sandwhich. I use it for hiking, belaying, alpine climbing, and bumming around town. Oh, and the black one looks sweet.

An new an improved Helium!

I own the original Helium which is great in and of itself. However This hybrid updates really shine where the original lacked luster. I really like the stretchy side panels for rock climbing, and using my hands over my head. The articulation is fantastic. Additionally I enjoy the upgraded zippers on this piece. I feel like that addition will really make this piece last longer than… read more my original. Would recommend!

Best of both worlds

I own an OR Helium II waterproof jacket, and I own an OR Ferrosi Hoody. I often layer the two together. In Colorado we get a lot of passing showers in the summer, and for a few minutes of rain the Ferrosi is fine, and if it lasts longer or the winds are really strong I'll add the Helium on top. I don't like hiking in shells because I sweat and don't need added protection most… read more of the time. The new Helium Hybrid combines those to fabrics for a better range of use. The majority of the jacket is just like my Helium shell (Pertex Sheild+ is a laminate that is 100% waterproof and seam taped) but the underarms are Ferrosi (a highly wind resistant, water resistant, but more breathable softshell fabric). Having more breathability under the arms and around the core of my body helps the jacket breath better than just my shell, but the added water resistance means that I'm not going back and forth on layers as the weather changes through out the day. They can't call the jacket water proof because of the Ferrosi fabric, and sure, if you're out in a PNW day of rain you'll get wet, but for short day hikes on questionable days, or here in the Rockies where the weather changes on a dime, it's a great way to not have to fuss with layers all day. Throw it on above treeline and leave it until you're back at the car.

I am interested what is the packing size for delivery and estimate weight?