The Outdoor Research Helium Down Jacket is a versatile, packable, 800+ fill down jacket. Enjoy extra wind and water protection thanks to the Pertex Quantum shell and additional abrasion resistance with Diamond Fuse technology. Coming in at 12.6oz (357 g) the Helium is ready to tackle the tough terrain without weighing you down. Also available in a hoodie.
Product Overview
✅ Wind/Water Resistance
✅ Extra durability
✅ Comfortable
✅ Good warmth to weight
❌ Expensive
❌ Not breathable
❌ A little heavy compared to other jackets
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 12.6 oz / 357 g
- Insulation: 800+ fill responsibly sourced down
- Center Back Length: 72.4 cm / 28.5 in
- Fabric: 100% Nylon 20D Ripstop Lining
- Features: Pertex Quantum and Diamond Fuse Shell, Fleece Lined Pockets
In the world of packable down jackets, there is no shortage of options to choose from. The OR Helium Down Jacket brings a different approach compared to many other jackets you will find on the market. Some of the most popular jackets emphasize weight over (or I guess under in this case) everything else.
Arguably the most popular jacket in the thru-hiking scene has been the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisper Jacket. The Ghost Whisper is a very minimal design with little by way of features or durability. These compromises have been made in the name of weight savings, and at only 8.6 oz (243 g), they really have delivered a UL option. So, you may be asking, what does the Outdoor Research Helium Down Jacket do differently?
I would recommend the Helium for anyone who plans to be a little rough on their gear or whose hiking plans may take them on the road less traveled (or trail less maintained). With the Pertex and Diamond Fuse technology, you are going to pay a small weight penalty to have a jacket that will likely outlast most others on the market. I took a chance on this jacket because I liked the idea of a more durable package and the extra 4 oz over the Ghost Whisper seemed like a fair trade.
To see reviews on other ultralight sleeping pads, see our post on the best down jackets for thru-hiking.
Performance Test Results
What I Tested:
How I Tested:
I have had my OR Helium since 2020 and have taken it on several adventures, including a weeklong hiking trip in Colorado, a 100-mile section of the North Country Trail, and for my entire PCT thru hike in 2022. Throughout my adventures, my jacket was well-used and abused, like most hiking clothing. There were several occasions of bushwacking in the backcountry and it was not washed once during my hikes (thankfully, it has been washed since).
Advanced Shell Materials
Outdoor Research delivers advanced technology within the shell of the Helium. Pertex Quantum is a wind- and water-resistant shell material that provides added protection from the elements. During my thru-hike, this added protection was thoroughly tested, from whipping winds on the approach to Mt. San Jacinto to freezing rain in Yosemite. The Helium proved its worth by standing tall against the wind and beading up water on the surface.
Durability
Another area the OR Helium shines in compared to the competition is its durability. I have had the opportunity to use several down jackets in my hiking career, and a lot of the UL options feel like they are made of tissue paper. This is simply not the case with the Helium. Utilizing Diamond Fuse technology, the jacket shell is woven with a 30D and 15D material, which helps with abrasion resistance without adding weight.
I can attest to the durability; after countless miles of hiking on overgrown trails, I have yet to get a snag or tear. The only damage to the jacket is a small hole on the sleeve due to an ember from a campfire near the summit of Mt Sopris in Colorado. Obviously, I do not fault the jacket for this, as this would happen with any jacket. I slapped some tenacious tape on the burn, and it has been rock solid since.
Warmth
I think reviews on the warmth of a jacket have to be taken with a huge pinch of salt. On the trail, I was given the name Sweatsuit for how hot and sweaty I always was while hiking. Suffice it to say I didn’t do a ton of hiking with the jacket on for very long, but it was a staple at camp as well as those chilly mornings. I will say the jacket was always comfortable and gave me enough warmth for what I needed.
I am from Central Wisconsin, and cold is something I have a good bit of experience with. I wouldn’t classify this jacket as “warm” because, in my mind, warm is a winter parka that would easily weigh more than 10 of these. That being said, I was always comfortable in the jacket while hiking and usually had to peel it off within 5-10 minutes because I was getting too warm.
Features and Fit
The Helium is not what I would call a feature-rich design, but to be honest, that is what I am looking for in a UL jacket. It packs well into its own pocket, which is a must-have. There is some nice attention to detail, such as fleece-lined pockets. I don’t know if the fleece adds that much warmth, but it sure feels better than the cold shell material that is present on other jackets.
As for the fit, I am 6’ and 190 pounds with slightly wide shoulders. The large jacket fits well for me, and the size chart on Outdoor Research’s website seems to be spot on. I do recommend sizing up if you are anywhere close to the next size. Not because this jacket runs small, but in my experience, down jackets are horribly uncomfortable and cold if they are tight.
There is some adjustment to the jacket with pretty standard drawstrings present on the hem. This is a nice touch, as it seals in the heat well. The only other feature I could even think of adding would be pit zips, but given the added weight, I think it wouldn’t be worth the trouble.
The Verdict
If you have made it this far, I am sure you can tell that I recommend the Outdoor Research Helium Down Jacket to anyone who is looking for a durable, lightweight, packable jacket. The only major downside is the price. At the time of writing, the jacket is $249 from OR’s website. Yes, I am aware this is a hefty price tag, but most major brand’s flagship jackets tend to fall in the same price range.
I have seen this jacket go on some deep discounts in the past so you may get lucky there. The jacket isn’t the most popular so I don’t know how easy it would be to find a second hand but given the durability, I would be comfortable getting one used. Also, if you’re into hooded jackets, the Helium does come in a hooded offering. In hindsight, my only regret is not getting the hooded version.
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