What Outdoor Research lists
Outdoor Research presents the men’s Helium UL as the lighter next generation of its Helium Rain Jacket. The shell uses Toray’s Dermizax 2.75-layer waterproof/breathable fabric with a 15-denier nylon ripstop face weighing 61 g/m², and every seam is taped. OR lists the weight as 162 g (5.7 oz).
The hood adjusts and has a wire in the brim to hold its shape. The center-front zip and the single chest pocket both use YKK AquaGuard water-resistant zippers, and that chest pocket also serves as the stuff sack. The cuffs are shaped and bonded with partial elastic, the hem has an elastic drawcord, and the logos are reflective. Center back length is 29 in (73.7 cm). OR lists no hand pockets and no pit zips.
What isn’t published
OR gives no hydrostatic head or breathability figure, no fit description, no DWR details and no size for the listed weight. The product page also states that the jacket contains PFAS and cannot ship to California, New York or Colorado. For context on the missing numbers, see our guides to waterproof ratings and breathability ratings.
Who it suits
On paper this is a shell for people who count grams: thru-hikers, fastpackers and anyone who wants a rain layer that disappears into a pack. The very thin face fabric and minimal storage are the trade-offs. Hikers who want hand pockets and pit zips can look at the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L or the Marmot PreCip Eco, and the jacket comparison lines up the published specs.
Sources
- Outdoor Research — Men's Helium UL Jacket product page (manufacturer, accessed Oct 7, 2026)