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Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket
The main purpose of the article is to provide a broad presentation of the Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket. We have gathered all the relevant details on this lightweight jacket and ordered them nicely in a brief but complete description. The article also presents several pros and cons of the product, as well as some general opinions as highlighted in the user reviews.
Specifications
- Material: 30 Denier Nylon with Waterproof Pertex Shield+ Membrane
- Closure: Full Front Zipper
- Machine Washable: N/A
- Other Features: Adjustable hood, Chin guard, Drawcord system, Inner pocket with hook and loop system for self storage
About Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket
Outdoor Research is offering one of the most compact and lightweight jackets that are outstanding on any kind of extreme weather. We should start by mentioning the most important property of Helium II, namely the fact that it’s ultralight. However, it does not sacrifice its performance just to stay compact. The jacket has a top-notch waterproof coating that can resist even the toughest conditions.
Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket uses Pertex Shield+, a high quality membrane that is really common in most lightweight shell jackets. This material is responsible for the jacket’s weight, but also enhances breathability and, of course, the waterproof capabilities. While rain jackets are well-known for being a bit stiff, this coating manages to stay comfortable and feel gentle on the skin.
The hardshell jacket is neither bulky nor too tight. It makes for a standard fit that allows layering while providing a certain flexibility and freedom of movement. An ultralight jacket must feel as if you’re not wearing anything, and this product definitely gets a high mark in the sense. The style is also great, so the jacket is not out of place even if you’re wearing it on the street.
There’s one more important element that needs mentioning. Portability is also relevant for this kind of jackets. In this case, we get a product that performs incredibly well. The inner pocket actually allows self storage, as you can fold the jacket and stuff it into this pocket using a hook and loop system. If you don’t want to use this method, you can easily pack it and store it in any backpack.
This incredibly lightweight rain jacket is a customer favorite, as it has managed to gather many fans thanks to its waterproof coating and great storage options. As a result, the product features a high Amazon rating and dozens of positive reviews.
Drawcord System
In some cases, rain and wind might get so intense that you will need some more help to face them. The Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket has been specially designed for this and can offer you that extra protection you need. The drawcord system instantly makes the jacket tighter and can keep water from reaching your inner layers. This system is good for intense winds, too, as it prevents the jacket from flapping.
Adjustable Hood
A good hardshell jacket must be versatile, and this is exactly what you get with the Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket. The hood has an adjustable design that lets it fit over multiple layers or sit close to the head. Also, the brim is stiffened so that the hood won’t impair your vision. For some added comfort, it also features a chin guard that comes in handy anytime.
reat Portability
This is the main feature of a lightweight jacket. It shouldn’t only feel comfortable when you’re wearing it, it must also be easy to carry around. The clever storage system makes the jacket incredibly easy to store anywhere. On the inside, it features a pocket operated through a hook and loop system that can hold the entire jacket. Afterwards, it turns into a compact palm-sized pack that fits all backpacks.
Sensitive Zippers
The Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket definitely does not sacrifice performance for the sake of staying lightweight. However, it had to sacrifice something. Better quality zippers need a different build and, consequently, are heavier. These zippers are simpler and do not put any burden on the jacket but, at the same time, they are feebler and might not last that long. They may also tear more easily due to extreme rain.
Large Handcuffs
This jacket features some partially elastic handcuffs that should keep it comfortable and easy to handle. However, this is quite a big disadvantage. If these cuffs do not stay tight on the wrist, it’s easier for rain and cold to get in. You can avoid this if you’re wearing gloves but, otherwise, you might struggle with the larger cuffs.
Opinions about Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket
For this section, we have consulted several user reviews to find out what they liked and what they disliked about this jacket. This way, we found out they were really happy about the waterproofing capabilities of the product. They managed to stay 100 percent dry even when wearing it in extreme rain, while it could also protect them from wind.
In terms of things that could use some improvement, they mentioned the breathability of the jacket. For the sake of remaining extremely lightweight, Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket could not enhance these features to their maximum potential. The jacket is breathable enough, but users would not trust it on really warm weather. Also, users are not so happy about the material. Given its waterproof coating, it feels a bit crinkly, but it can still remain more comfortable than other jackets.
Conclusion
The Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket is an incredibly lightweight option with some impressive waterproofing capabilities. Apart from this great feature, the article has also presented other important details on the jacket, all gathered in a nice description. We have also mentioned several pros and cons that you should know, as well as the overall user opinions. What do you think about this jacket? Would you try it? Please let us know in the comments.