Outdoor Research Helium Insulated Hoodie Review

The OR Helium Insulated Hoodie is constructed with quite a few new technologies. It's filled with a blend of recycled and biomaterials that perform as well as conventional materials. The Pertex Diamond Fuse technology on the outer shell adds durability thanks to the proprietary diamond-shaped filaments used in the fabric. The special weave adds abrasion resistance and is meant to ensure the material is less likely to tear, as lightweight puffs tend to do.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

The Helium is one of the least warm options we tested. That being said, it is also one of the lightest-weight jackets in our lineup. Our testing indicated that it's not meant for sub-freezing temperatures; however, we found it to be comfortable down to the mid-50s if fairly sedentary and comfortable to wear down into the mid-40s if you're on the move.

The waist hem is adjustable via a drawcord which lets you cinch the waistline tight to keep warm air from escaping out the bottom. When paired with a fleece midlayer and a waterproof shell, this jacket makes a great insulating layer for skiing and other cold weather activities.

Weight and Compressibility

Our size medium weighed in at 10.8 ounces and stuffs down into a small and tidy package. Whether you need a jacket to throw into your backpack for your daily commute to work or to bring along on a light and fast backpacking mission, the Helium is a serious space saver.

It stuffs into its own zippered hand pouch but unfortunately doesn't come equipped with a clip-in loop, which can be handy if you want to clip the jacket to the outside of a backpack or to a harness. When stowed away, the whole package is about the size of a one-liter water bottle.

Comfort

The elastic and fleece-lined wrist cuffs are comfortable on the skin and slide over gloves without issue. This jacket has very little stretch built into it but the cut of the shoulders gives you plenty of mobility for most activities. While it isn't our first choice for rock climbing, it's plenty comfortable for hiking, backpacking, skiing, and most outdoor activities.

With no elastic built into the hemline of the hood, it's a tight and somewhat difficult squeeze to get the hood on and off if you have your jacket zipped all the way through the top of the collar. The hood isn't large enough to accommodate a ski or climbing helmet but does have an interesting method of adjustability that lets you decrease the overall volume of the hood.

Weather Resistance

Like most insulation layers, the Helium is primarily designed to keep you warm but not necessarily dry. The outer shell is water-resistant but not waterproof. It can slough off a light drizzle but you'll need to pair this with a rain shell if you're anticipating heavy or prolonged precipitation. Fortunately, even if this jacket gets a little soggy, it might be uncomfortable, but the synthetic insulation will keep working its magic and continue to trap your body heat and keep you warm.

Breathability

This jacket falls somewhere in the middle in terms of breathability. The nylon shell is fairly water and wind-resistant for an insulating shell. This unfortunately makes it a little less breathable. This jacket is not the thickest, which does let it breathe compared to more beefed up, warmer options.

Value

The OR Helium is a mid-priced option. It's missing some of the comforts and features that premium models offer, but if you prioritize weight and compressibility over warmth, you'll be pleased with your purchase.

Conclusion

Insulated with a blend of recycled and biomaterials, this synthetic puff keeps materials out of the landfill. While we appreciate seeing more sustainable options, it's a bonus when they perform as well as conventional materials. The OR Helium Insulated does just that. It's lightweight, warm for its weight, and highly compressible. This jacket is the perfect light accompaniment for everything from hiking to skiing.